Top 20 Lakes around Bloomington

For swimming, Lake Monroe offers three public beaches at Fairfax State Recreation Area, Paynetown State Recreation Area, and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. Lake Lemon also has a public beach at Riddle Point Park, which is great for families.

Lake Monroe is the premier destination for motorized boating and water sports, including fast boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and tubing. You can bring your own watercraft or rent equipment from various facilities. Lake Lemon also permits motorized boating, but generally has lower boat traffic, making it suitable for both motorized and non-motorized activities.

Yes, all three major lakes offer excellent fishing. Lake Monroe is known for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Lake Lemon is considered one of Indiana's most productive fishing lakes, with largemouth and yellow bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Griffy Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and other species, and features an accessible fishing pier.

The Hoosier National Forest surrounds much of Lake Monroe, offering numerous hiking trails, particularly at Paynetown and Allen's Creek State Recreation Areas. Lake Lemon has three trails, including the 0.5-mile Tulip Trace Nature Trail and the more challenging Bob Klawitter Lake Lemon Woods trail. Griffy Lake Nature Preserve boasts many trails ranging from easy to moderate, with scenic views of the lake and woodlands.

Lake Monroe is very family-friendly, with playgrounds, picnic spots, and even Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort offering additional amenities like a splash pad. Lake Lemon's Riddle Point Park provides a public beach and playground. Griffy Lake, while smaller, offers a calm environment for family paddling and nature observation.

Yes, at Lake Monroe, you can rent pontoons, jet skis, paddleboards, and more. Griffy Lake offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats from the Griffy Lake Boathouse. You can also launch your own non-motorized boats at Griffy Lake.

Lake Monroe offers ample camping options, ranging from primitive sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals, particularly within the Hoosier National Forest and its surrounding recreation areas.

Griffy Lake is ideal for a tranquil experience, as only non-motorized boats and those with electric trolling motors are allowed. Lake Lemon also offers a more peaceful setting compared to Lake Monroe, making it excellent for paddling, kayaking, and canoeing with lower boat traffic.

Lake Lemon is home to diverse fauna, including beaver, muskrat, and various bird species, with increasing sightings of bald eagles. Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is rich in wild flora and fauna, making it an excellent location for birdwatching and nature observation.

At Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails but must be kept on a leash.

Beyond the lakes themselves, the Bloomington area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes, enjoy numerous running trails, or tackle mountain biking trails. These activities provide different ways to experience the region's natural beauty.

Yes, Griffy Lake provides an accessible fishing pier, making it easier for everyone to enjoy fishing.

Lake Lemon is known for its more tranquil atmosphere and lower boat traffic, making it excellent for both motorized and non-motorized activities. It's also home to Indiana University's Rowing Team and sailing club, and is considered one of Indiana's most productive fishing lakes. The increasing sightings of bald eagles add to its unique appeal for wildlife viewing.