The Underrated Indiana Lake That Just Might Be Your New Favorite Summer Destination

Fun fact: there are literally hundreds of lakes peppered all over Indiana. Of those lakes, just 19 are natural - the rest are all reservoirs and man-made bodies of water. But hey, don’t let that fool you - our man-made lakes and reservoirs are wonderful, and oh-so-perfect for a hot summer day. Sure, we can discuss the ones we always do - popular destinations like Lake Monroe, Patoka Lake, Lake James, Lake Michigan, and many others - but when it comes to all the awesome lakes in Indiana, I prefer those that are a little less traveled. Enter Lake Freeman in Indiana, a reservoir just outside of Monticello, that’s a perfect little hidden gem. Often overlooked in favor of other larger, more popular lakes, Lake Freeman is a special treat that you won’t soon forget:

Formed in 1925 by the finished Oakdale Dam, effectively damming the Tippecanoe River, Lake Freeman is one of two lakes making up the Twin Lakes region.

The other lake, for the record, is the much more popular Lake Shafer, which features the totally awesome Indiana Beach Campground and amusement park.

But Lake Freeman's no slouch, either - it's got its own delights just waiting to be discovered.

Lake Freeman is home to the totally fun Madam Carroll boat ride, a one-of-a-kind river adventure you'll literally ONLY find here.

At its longest, Lake Freeman is 12 miles long.

It has a surface area of just 1,500 acres, so it's not overly huge but nor is it a small-time pond, either. At its deepest, it's 45 feet down to the bottom.

Few things are as relaxing as a day spent on the water.

What once served as barracks for the men building the dam is now the Oak­dale Dam Inn, which is definitely where you should stay if you decide you don't want to go.

I don't blame you; it's an outrageously beautiful little slice of paradise, and nothing's as wonderful as floating off in a boat and watching the sun go down (or come up).

Do keep in mind that this lake, compared to Lake Shafer, is a lot quieter and less public, so should you come out, do be respectful of the space.

After all, it's not every day you end up somewhere this beautiful...

...but it could be.

Lake Freeman in Indiana is a quiet lake to enjoy all of your favorite summer activities. It also makes for a wonderful weekend getaway! Need somewhere to stay? Check out this cute cottage on the Tippecanoe River near Lake Freeman.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Monticello, Indiana? Share a few with us in the comments.

Lake Freeman is beautiful in the fall as well. Here are a few more of our favorite fall destinations in the US:

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