1. Barbee Lake Chain - 45 minutes northwest of Fort Wayne, IN
Location: Kosciusko County, IN
Recommended For: Anglers, boaters, lakefront vacationers, cyclists, and outdoor explorers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s seven lakes woven together—each with its own quiet charm. Whether casting a line or drifting under the sun, the mix of nature and nostalgia just sticks with you."
- Boat across the interconnected Barbee Lakes with access to calm waters perfect for pontoons, kayaks, and small crafts.
- Fish for bass, muskie, crappie, and bluegill in well-stocked, glacier-carved waters.
- Explore nearby trails, golf courses, and quiet roads ideal for biking or lakeside strolls.
Cost: Public access is free; boat rentals and lodging vary by provider.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for peak lake activities, fishing, and warm-weather recreation.
Local tips: Launch from Kuhn or Irish Lake for easier access to the full chain; early morning is best for muskie fishing.
Distance: About 45 minutes northwest of Fort Wayne, IN; 2.5 hours from Indianapolis.
How to Get to the Barbee Chain of Lakes: Take IN-13 or IN-15 to Barbee Road in the Warsaw area. Follow local signage to public access points around Kuhn or Big Barbee Lake.
Address: Barbee Lakes Area, Kosciusko County, IN
General Info: See local DNR or Kosciusko County tourism sites
2. Bass Lake - 1.5 hours south of South Bend, IN
Location: Starke County, IN
Recommended For: Water-sports lovers, anglers, paddlers, hikers, and weekend vacationers.
What I Love: ♥ "A lake with no visible inlet or outlet? It’s part science, part mystery—and fully beautiful. Whether wakeboarding or biking the rim, it’s got that perfect balance of energy and calm."
- Play on one of Indiana’s largest natural lakes—perfect for water-skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and sailing.
- Fish for bluegill, perch, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass in deep, clear waters.
- Explore the scenic loop around the lake by bike or foot, and don’t miss the 18-hole public golf course on the north shore.
Cost: Public lake access is free; boat rentals and recreational fees vary.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for water recreation and warm-weather adventures.
Local tips: Early mornings are ideal for calm paddling and fishing. Check out local outfitters for pontoon and kayak rentals.
Distance: About 1.5 hours south of South Bend, IN; 2.5 hours from Chicago, IL.
How to Get to Bass Lake: From US-35 or IN-10, head toward Bass Lake via County Road 210. Local signage guides you to access points, rentals, and the golf course.
Address: Bass Lake, Starke County, IN
General Info: Visit Starke County Tourism or Indiana DNR for lake-specific updates
Romantic Lakes
3. Brookville Lake - 1.5 hours east of Indianapolis
Location: Whitewater River Valley, IN
Recommended For: Anglers, boaters, campers, nature lovers, and families seeking scenic recreation.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s a place where blue water meets rolling hills—and every trail or shoreline view feels like a framed painting. Brookville Lake has this quiet grandeur that pulls you in and makes you stay just a little longer."
- Fish year-round for bass, catfish, crappie, and more in 5,200 acres of clear, deep water.
- Swim or launch your boat at one of two public beaches and eight boat ramps, all with easy lake access.
- Camp at two major campgrounds, or explore 18 distinct recreation areas featuring trails, marinas, and wildlife-viewing spots.
Cost: State park entry fees apply; camping, marina, and boat rental costs vary by provider.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for boating, camping, and hiking; winter for ice fishing and peaceful lake views.
Local tips: Arrive early on summer weekends for the best beach and marina access. Pack binoculars—eagles and osprey are regular sights here.
Distance: About 1.5 hours east of Indianapolis; 1.25 hours northwest of Cincinnati, OH.
How to Get to Brookville Lake: Take US-52 or IN-101 toward Brookville. Follow signage to Mounds or Quakertown SRA for major access points and campgrounds.
Address: Brookville Lake, Franklin County, IN
General Info: Visit Indiana DNR for park access and seasonal updates
4. Cagles Mill Lake - 2 hours from Louisville, KY
Location: Cataract, IN (within Lieber and Cataract Falls State Recreation Areas)
Recommended For: Waterfall chasers, paddlers, nature photographers, anglers, and weekend explorers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s where forest meets falls—where boats drift under canopies and you feel the cool spray of Indiana’s largest waterfalls. The kind of place where nature whispers and roars at once."
- Visit the stunning Cataract Falls—Indiana’s largest—fed by the headwaters of the lake, with two major drops at 30 and 15 feet.
- Boat from two public ramps, or fish from the accessible pier in the calm reservoir waters.
- Hike through Lieber SRA’s shaded woodland trails and scenic picnic areas that surround the lake.
Cost: State park entry fees apply; boat launch access and parking included with admission.
Best time to visit: Spring for roaring falls and wildflowers; summer and fall for boating, hiking, and photography.
Local tips: After a heavy rain, the Cataract Falls are especially powerful—perfect for dramatic photos. Arrive early on weekends for best parking near the falls.
Distance: About 1 hour southwest of Indianapolis; 2 hours from Louisville, KY.
How to Get to Cagles Mill Lake: From I-70, take Exit 37 south on SR-243 to Lieber SRA or SR-42 west to access Cataract Falls SRA. Follow signs for lake and falls parking areas.
Address: Cagles Mill Lake, Owen County, IN
General Info: Managed by Indiana DNR – Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA
Lakes for Families
5. Cedar Lake - 1 hour south of Chicago
Location: Cedar Lake, IN (near the Indiana–Illinois state line)
Recommended For: Boaters, water-skiers, anglers, hikers, and weekenders from the Chicago area.
What I Love: ♥ "There’s something timeless about it—a glacier-carved lake ringed with old cedars, where jet-skis buzz by day and sunsets reflect off calm evening waters. Cedar Lake is equal parts nature and nostalgia."
- Boat or sail across the wide, shallow waters ideal for pontooning, jet-skiing, and water-skiing.
- Fish for bass, panfish, and northern pike in this 794-acre natural lake formed thousands of years ago by a receding glacier.
- Explore the cedar-lined shoreline on foot or by bike—perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Cost: Public access is free; boat rentals and activity fees vary by vendor or marina.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for water sports, boating, and warm-weather hiking.
Local tips: Visit during weekdays for a quieter lakeside experience. Early mornings are best for fishing and smooth skiing runs.
Distance: About 1 hour south of Chicago, IL; 45 minutes from Gary, IN.
How to Get to Cedar Lake: From US-41, head east on 133rd Avenue or 141st Street into the town of Cedar Lake. Follow signs to the public boat ramp or lakeside parks.
Address: Cedar Lake, Lake County, IN
General Info: Visit South Shore CVA or local parks for seasonal updates
6. Chapman Lakes - 1 hour west of Fort Wayne
Location: Near Warsaw, IN (Kosciusko County)
Recommended For: Boaters, birders, jet-skiers, nature photographers, and lakefront vacationers.
What I Love: ♥ "Two lakes, one serene escape. Big Chapman brings the action—wakeboards, jet-skis, and summer buzz. Little Chapman? It’s the quiet echo of wings over wetlands. A yin-yang lake retreat just minutes from Warsaw."
- Play on Big Chapman’s 413-acre surface—perfect for water-skiing, pontooning, and fast-paced lake fun.
- Escape to Little Chapman’s tranquil wetlands for birdwatching, peaceful paddling, and wildlife encounters.
- Stay in rental cottages or lakefront homes and enjoy sunrise-to-sunset access to this hidden northern Indiana gem.
Cost: Public access available; lodging, boat rentals, and services vary by provider.
Best time to visit: Summer for water recreation; late spring and fall for peaceful wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.
Local tips: Launch from the public access site on Big Chapman; bring binoculars for Little Chapman’s marsh birds and wetland life.
Distance: Just 10 minutes northeast of Warsaw, IN; 1 hour west of Fort Wayne.
How to Get to the Chapman Lakes: From Warsaw, take IN-15 N to CR-350N and follow signs to the lakeside community. Public access is located on the northeast side of Big Chapman Lake.
Address: Chapman Lakes, Kosciusko County, IN
More Info: Visit chapmanlake.com for updates and community news
Lakes For Photographers
7. Clear Lake
Location: Near Fremont, IN (Northeast corner, close to Michigan and Ohio borders)
Recommended For: Swimmers, boaters, anglers, sunseekers, and longtime lake cottage vacationers.
What I Love: ♥ "Clear Lake lives up to its name—crisp water, curved shorelines, and a vintage charm that dates back to the 1800s. It’s one of those rare Midwest lakes that feels like a true summer tradition."
- Swim in glacier-carved waters that are perfect for cooling off during Indiana’s warm summer days.
- Boat or fish across this 800-acre natural lake, known for both peaceful coves and open cruising lanes.
- Relax at a lakeside cottage or home and soak in six miles of shoreline views lined with historic and modern homes.
Cost: Public lake access is available; lodging and rentals vary by provider.
Best time to visit: Summer for swimming, boating, and seasonal community events; fall for foliage and peaceful lakeside stays.
Local tips: Arrive early for lakeside parking. For supplies or dining, head 10 miles south to Angola’s historic downtown.
Distance: About 1 hour north of Fort Wayne; 2.5 hours east of South Bend.
How to Get to Clear Lake: From I-69, take SR-120 east from Fremont. Turn north onto Clear Lake Road and follow signage to public access areas.
Address: Clear Lake, Steuben County, IN 46737
More Info: Visit Clear Lake Visitor Page for updates and seasonal events
8. Crooked Lake
Location: Steuben County, IN (5 miles north of Angola)
Recommended For: Boaters, anglers, campers, hikers, and water sports enthusiasts.
What I Love: ♥ "Crooked Lake bends and winds like a watery gourd, full of hidden coves and wide-open fun. With woods on one side and wakeboards on the other, it’s where scenic serenity meets lake-living energy."
- Boat or cruise across 802 acres of winding shoreline, perfect for powerboating, jet-skiing, and kayaking.
- Fish for bluegill, crappie, catfish, and trophy largemouth bass in well-stocked, clear waters.
- Camp along the south shore at Steuben County Park, offering overnight sites, hiking trails, and scenic picnic spots.
Cost: Public lake access is free; park entry and camping fees vary by season and amenities.
Best time to visit: Summer for peak boating and camping; spring and fall for peaceful paddling and prime bass fishing.
Local tips: Launch from the southern shore for quick access to facilities. Mornings are best for calm kayaking or casting lines near the wetlands.
Distance: About 1 hour north of Fort Wayne; 2.5 hours from Indianapolis.
How to Get to Crooked Lake: From Angola, take SR-127 north and follow signs to Steuben County Park or Crooked Lake Public Access.
Address: Crooked Lake, Steuben County, IN 46703
Lakes for Hikers
9. Dallas Lake - 1 hour north of Fort Wayne
Location: Near Wolcottville, IN (Northern Indiana, part of the Indian Lakes Chain)
Recommended For: Boaters, swimmers, anglers, nature lovers, and families seeking lakefront recreation.
What I Love: ♥ "Dallas Lake blends 150 years of summer tradition with modern fun—jet-skis and quiet paddles, nature trails and all-sports thrills. It’s the kind of lake that feels both lively and laid-back, all at once."
- Boat or jet-ski across 283 acres of open water in one of northern Indiana’s best all-sports lakes.
- Swim in protected areas at the 96-acre public park or enjoy the lake from a kayak or paddleboard.
- Explore the scenic wetland trail and stream-filled landscapes that border this historic summer retreat.
Cost: Public access is available; park entry and boat rental fees vary by season and provider.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for peak boating, nature walks, and warm-weather activities.
Local tips: Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed lake experience. Paddle early to spot wetland wildlife along the southern shoreline trail.
Distance: About 1 hour north of Fort Wayne; 2.5 hours from Indianapolis.
How to Get to Dallas Lake: From US-20, head south on S 1150 W through Wolcottville. Turn west on E 700 S and follow signage to Dallas Lake Park.
Address: Dallas Lake, LaGrange County, IN
10. Dewart Lake - 1 hour west of Fort Wayne
Location: Kosciusko County, IN (northeast of Syracuse, Indiana)
Recommended For: Anglers, kayakers, nature lovers, boaters, and outdoor adventurers.
What I Love: ♥ "Dewart Lake has that tucked-away charm—crystal-clear water, wooded shores, and a quiet dedication to preservation. You come here to slow down, cast a line, or paddle with turtles gliding beneath you."
- Paddle across 551 glacier-carved acres perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and scenic boating.
- Fish deep, clean waters reaching 82 feet for bass, bluegill, and other popular species.
- Explore nearby trails like the Winona Lake Trail System, ideal for hiking, biking, and geocaching.
Cost: Public lake access is free; fees may apply for guided activities or trail systems.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for fishing, paddling, and trail activities; summer for prime boating and wildlife viewing.
Local tips: Look for turtle nesting areas in summer. For hiking, pack bug spray and sturdy shoes—some trails connect to rugged terrain.
Distance: About 15 minutes east of Warsaw, IN; 1 hour west of Fort Wayne.
How to Get to Dewart Lake: From IN-13, head east on E 1000 N, then south on N 300 E to reach public access points near the lake's western shore.
Address: Dewart Lake, Kosciusko County, IN
More Info: Visit Grace College Lakes Project or the Dewart Lake Protective Association
Plan Your Trip