The Underrated State Park In Indiana Where You Can Lounge By The Lake

Pokagon State Park is one of Indiana's lesser-known state parks; it's beautiful, it provides plenty of recreation opportunities, and the camping here is great. But located right beside this popular Indiana state park is a hidden gem - one all too many folks tend to overlook. Known as the Trine State Recreation Area, this underrated park in Indiana is a must-do for locals, visitors, and natives alike. Come explore Indiana's least-visited state park!

Located pretty literally next door to Pokagon State Park is the Trine State Recreation Area.

Nestled right up along Gentian Lake, this park is so little-known (or perhaps overlooked in favor of its neighbor) that sometimes, you can easily get it all to yourself.

Personally, I'm that hiker that shows up at the crack of dawn and enjoys everything there is to enjoy before anyone else arrives.

There are three trails on the property, all of which are of the "short and sweet" variety.

With beautiful, open meadows, gorgeous wooded hills, and even some intriguing wetlands, you'll never run out of things to check out while you're here.

Gentian Lake is 23 acres in size and is excellent for fishing and simply lounging and enjoying the great outdoors.

Boating is a popular pastime here - well, as popular as things get around these parts - and the crystal-clear water is soothing to the spirit and mind.

Should you decide you'd rather stay a while (I don't blame you), there are several cabins available for reservation.

They come in two, four, and six-person varieties, with basic kitchen appliances included. Bring your own linens and bedding - it's not provided, and you definitely do NOT want to be without.

Admission to Trine State Recreation Area is just $7 per car for Indiana residents and $9 per car for out-of-state guests.

However, admission is free with paid entry to Pokagon State Park, so this is a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, as they say.

So, come on out and hike, boat, fish, or simply relax your way through another day.

Trine State Recreation Area will always be here waiting for you.

For more information about this gorgeous Indiana state recreation area, visit the official Visit Steuben County website. Not sure what to pack for an awesome hiking adventure? No worries - we have the ultimate hiking trip packing list all laid out already! What are your favorite, lesser-known hidden gem parks in Indiana? Let me know!