Lakes in Indiana

• What is the Barbee chain of lakes?
  • The Barbee chain of lakes consists of seven interconnected natural lakes in northeastern Indiana's Kosciusko County.
• Which lakes make up the Barbee chain?
  • The chain includes Banning Lake, Big Barbee Lake, Little Barbee Lake, Irish Lake, Kuhn Lake, Sechrist Lake, and Sawmill Lake.
• How large is the Barbee chain of lakes?
  • The lakes cover a combined surface area of 855 acres.
• How were the Barbee lakes formed?
  • The lakes were formed by retreating glaciers during the Pleistocene period.
• What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at the Barbee lakes?
  • The lakes offer a variety of recreational activities and watersports, including boating, fishing, biking, hiking, geocaching, golf, and swimming.
• What types of fish can be found in the Barbee lakes?
  • Anglers can expect to catch bluegill, catfish, crappie, muskie, largemouth bass, and yellow perch.

• What is Bass Lake?
  • Set in Indiana's Northern Lake Country Region, Bass Lake is a beautiful 1,400-acre body of water that has been considered a "mystery lake" due to its lack of a visible water source.
• Where is Bass Lake located?
  • Bass Lake is located in Starke County, resting on top of a sand ridge left by an ancient retreating glacier.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Bass Lake?
  • Bass Lake is an all-sports lake, offering a variety of water-based activities, such as:
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Pontooning
    • Sailing
    • Tubing
    • Wakeboarding
    • Water-skiing
• What types of fish can be found in Bass Lake?
  • Fishing is a major attraction at the lake, with anglers able to catch a variety of species, including:
    • Bluegills
    • Crappies
    • Perch
    • Smallmouth bass
    • Largemouth bass
• Are there land-based activities around Bass Lake?
  • The roads surrounding the lake provide excellent opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and general exploring.
  • There is also an 18-hole public golf course on the north shore of the lake.

Romantic Lakes

• What is Brookville Lake?
  • Brookville Lake is a stunning body of water located in the Whitewater River Valley. It features 61 miles of shoreline and provides excellent summer and winter fishing, a variety of recreational activities, and spectacular natural scenery.
• Why is Brookville Lake significant?
  • The lake is known as one of the most picturesque and historically significant areas in the state of Indiana, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.
• What amenities and recreation areas are available at Brookville Lake?
  • The landscapes around the lake feature 18 recreation areas, including:
    • Two large campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts.
    • Four marinas providing access to the water.
    • Eight boat ramps for easy launching.
    • Two swimming beaches perfect for cooling off in the summer.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Brookville Lake?
  • Visitors flock to the lake to enjoy excellent fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, sailing, geocaching, and wildlife watching throughout the year.

• What is Cagles Mill Lake?
  • Cagles Mill Lake, also known as the Cagles Mill Reservoir and often referred to as Cataract Lake, is a 1,400-acre lake located just outside of Cataract.
• Where is Cagles Mill Lake located?
  • Half of the lake is set in the Lieber State Recreation Area, while the other half is in the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area.
• What makes Cagles Mill Lake special?
  • The lake is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and stunning natural scenery of dense woodland forests, making it a must-visit destination.
• What recreational activities are available at Cagles Mill Lake?
  • The lake is a popular recreation site, featuring a fishing pier and two boat launch ramps for visitors to enjoy.
• What are the Cataract Falls?
  • The headwaters of Cagles Mill Lake form the picturesque Upper and Lower Cataract Falls, located at the southern end of the lake.
  • The Upper Cataract Falls drop 30 feet, while the Lower Cataract Falls drop 15 feet, providing a majestic sightseeing experience.

Lakes for Families

• What is Cedar Lake?
  • Historic Cedar Lake is a 794-acre natural lake that was formed when a glacier receded thousands of years ago in Northern Indiana.
• Why was Cedar Lake originally called the Lake of The Red Cedars?
  • The lake was initially called the Lake of The Red Cedars due to the plethora of cedar trees lining its shores.
• Where is Cedar Lake located?
  • Cedar Lake is located a few miles east of the Indiana-Illinois state line and is popular with commuters from Chicago and Gary who enjoy lakeside living.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy at Cedar Lake?
  • The sizeable shallow lake is ideal for sailing, fishing, pontooning, powerboating, jet-skiing, and water-skiing.
• What land-based activities are available around Cedar Lake?
  • The surrounding shoreline offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

• What are the Chapman Lakes?
  • Made up of two natural lakes, namely Big Chapman and the connected Little Chapman, the Chapman Lakes is one of northern Indiana’s best-kept secrets.
• Where are the Chapman Lakes located?
  • The lakes are located three miles northeast of the city of Warsaw, Indiana.
• How do Big Chapman Lake and Little Chapman Lake differ?
  • Big Chapman Lake, located in the north, spans 413 surface acres and has a shoreline lined with rental cottages and year-round homes, making it ideal for recreational activities.
  • Little Chapman Lake, further south, is connected to Big Chapman by an enlarged natural channel. It features aquatic growth, weed beds, and wetlands, attracting a variety of birds and wildlife.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy at Big Chapman Lake?
  • The lake is perfect for boating, pontooning, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and water-skiing.
• How does Little Chapman Lake serve as a wildlife sanctuary?
  • The lake’s abundant aquatic vegetation and wetlands provide a rich habitat for birds and wildlife, making it a peaceful sanctuary for nature lovers.
• What river system do the Chapman Lakes belong to?
  • The two Chapman Lakes flow into and form part of the Wabash River drainage system.

Lakes For Photographers

• What is Clear Lake?
  • Clear Lake is an 800-acre natural lake that was formed in a depression gouged by the last glacier to cover the region.
• Where is Clear Lake located?
  • The lake is situated near the borders of Michigan and Ohio in the northeast corner of Indiana, about 5 miles east of the town of Fremont.
• What is unique about Clear Lake’s shape and shoreline?
  • The lake is irregularly shaped with a 6-mile shoreline that has been attracting seasonal vacationers since the 1800s.
• What recreational activities are available at Clear Lake?
  • Visitors flock to the lake to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, boating, and fishing, all while savoring the spectacular natural beauty.
• What kind of development surrounds Clear Lake?
  • The lakefront is densely ringed by cottages and larger residential homes, making it a popular destination for both seasonal and year-round residents.
• What nearby town provides services to Clear Lake residents?
  • The lake is located about 10 miles north of historic Angola, which provides a variety of essential services to people living on the lake.

• What is Crooked Lake?
  • Crooked Lake is one of the 101 lakes in Indiana's Northern Lakes Natural Area and is renowned as a boating and fishing haven.
• Where is Crooked Lake located?
  • The lake is located 5 miles north of Angola in Steuben County, Indiana.
• Why is Crooked Lake named that way?
  • The lake gets its name from its gourd-like shape, giving it a unique and scenic shoreline.
• How large is Crooked Lake?
  • Crooked Lake spans 802 acres and is one of the largest lakes in the region, surrounded by forests, woodlands, wetlands, and springs.
• What recreational facilities are available at Crooked Lake?
  • The southern shore of the lake is home to Steuben County Park, which offers:
    • Overnight and seasonal camping
    • Picnicking areas
    • Hiking trails
    • Other outdoor recreation
• What types of fish can be found in Crooked Lake?
  • The lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish, including bluegill, crappie, catfish, and trophy-size largemouth bass.
• What watersports are popular on Crooked Lake?
  • Crooked Lake is ideal for pleasure and powerboating, canoeing and kayaking, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and water-skiing.

Lakes for Hikers

• What is Dallas Lake?
  • Dallas Lake is a beautiful Midwestern lake and one of two all-sports lakes in a chain of five lakes, sometimes called the Indian Lakes Chain, in Indiana’s Northern Region.
• How long has Dallas Lake been a popular destination?
  • The lake has been a favored summer fishing and boating spot for more than 150 years.
• What natural features surround Dallas Lake?
  • Dallas Lake is surrounded by pristine natural landscapes, including extensive wetlands, small lakes, and streams.
• Where is the Indian Lakes Chain located?
  • The five-lake chain begins just a mile west of the town of Wolcottville and is connected by the Little Elkhart River.
• How large is Dallas Lake?
  • The lake spans 283 acres and offers excellent opportunities for outdoor and recreational activities.
• What water-based activities can visitors enjoy at Dallas Lake?
  • Visitors can engage in a variety of water-based sports, including:
    • Pleasure boating
    • Fishing
    • Kayaking
    • Powerboating
    • Jet-skiing
    • Water-skiing
    • Wakeboarding
• What facilities are available at Dallas Lake?
  • A 96-acre public park on the south shore of the lake features:
    • Protected swimming areas
    • An interesting wetland nature trail

• What is Dewart Lake?
  • Dewart Lake is a 551-acre natural lake in Kosciusko County, created during the last ice age. It provides visitors with beautiful natural scenery and a variety of outdoor recreation.
• Who maintains Dewart Lake?
  • The lake is well maintained by the Dewart Lake Protective Association, ensuring its natural beauty and recreational appeal.
• What are the key features of Dewart Lake?
  • The lake rests at an elevation of 868 feet above sea level, has a maximum depth of 82 feet, and offers excellent water-based activities.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy at Dewart Lake?
  • The main recreational activities on the lake include:
    • Boating
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water-skiing
• What wildlife can be found in Dewart Lake?
  • Dewart Lake is home to at least seven species of turtles and hosts several long and short-term turtle studies.
  • The lake also contains a large variety of fish species, attracting anglers from far and wide.
• What land-based activities are available around Dewart Lake?
  • The area offers plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Winona Lake Trail System.
  • Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, geocaching, and golf.