The Best Swimming Spots in Indiana: Lakes, Rivers, and More

Are you looking for a place to cool down during Indiana‘s hot and humid summers? The Hoosier State won’t disappoint with its many inviting watering holes. The state provides something for everyone, from thrill-seeking adventurers to tranquil beaches providing a relaxing escape. The best swimming spots in Indiana include swimming holes, lakes, rivers, pools, and water parks. So, get that bathing suit out because it’s time to go swimming!

Swimming holes

Indiana is home to several swimming holes, usually nestled in a tranquil setting, so visitors have their pick of where they want to cool off.

1. France Park

France Park is located in the heart of Cass County, Indiana. It is a gorgeous destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park boasts a wide range of recreational activities, especially for its popular and unique swimming hole. Guests can enjoy a well-deserved dip in the clear waters of France Park’s breathtaking quarry lake.

This lake offers a picturesque setting for visitors looking to escape the summer heat. It is surrounded by towering rock formations and lush greenery. But the most stunning thing about the quarry lake is its serene turquoise waters. Lastly, visitors can also enjoy the sun on the lake’s sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing or picnicking.

2. Scales Lake

Scales Lake is nestled in southwest Indiana, just outside Boonville. Situated in a stunning natural setting, Scales Lake Park has a 66-acre lake and provides a wide range of outdoor activities. The park also offers amenities perfect for boating, camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and more. Furthermore, the park offers a selection of camping options, like utility-served campsites, primitive camping, or cabins.

3. Prairie Creek Reservoir

Prairie Creek Reservoir is hidden away in Perry Township, Indiana. This is by far one of the best swimming spots in Indiana and a breathtaking escape from reality. But, besides the immense beauty of the lake’s surroundings and its cool waters, Prairie Creek Reservoir also offers fishing, boating, biking/hiking trails, horseback riding, and camping. In addition, the reservoir hosts numerous events, like festivals, concerts, triathlons, and family reunions. And, if you don’t feel like camping at the family reunion, there are several overnight cabins and shelters for rent.

4. Fox Island Park

Fox Island Park is located in southwest Allen County and covers 605 acres. This park has various habitats like wooded sand dunes, marsh, wetland forest, seasonal ponds, restored prairie, and old fields. Therefore, it is home to many plant and wildlife species as it has a 270-acre State Nature Preserve within its borders. The Reserve protects areas with significant animal and plant populations or geographical features. Visitors can cool off in Bowman Lake, which has a swimming beach. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim responsibly.

Lakes

Indiana has so many swimming lakes that choosing the best ones is hard. However, five lakes stand out specifically for swimming and recreational activities, and they include:

1. Lake Michigan

On Lake Michigan’s southern shore, there are 15 miles of sandy beach, which offers various recreational activities. You can choose from several beaches along the Indiana Dunes National Park, all offering safe swimming water and restrooms. Many beaches are open from 6 am to 11 pm with a few exceptions. These beaches include:

• Porter Beach
• West Beach
• Kemil Beach
• Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Beach
• Dunbar Beach
• Central Avenue Beach
• Dunbar Beach
• Mount Baldy Beach
• Lake View Beach 

2. Dream Lake at Hidden Paradise Campground

If you are looking for a family-friendly escape to nature, Hidden Paradise Campground is only an hour away from downtown Indianapolis. The campground’s main attraction is the spring-fed Dream Lake. The lake is plenty of fun on a hot summer’s day. It offers inflatable fun elements, like a jumping platform, slide, floating trampoline, and obstacle course. Furthermore, paddleboats are available for rental.

3. White Rock Park

White Rock Park is located in Saint Paul, Indiana. Cliffs surround the quarry, and as a result, it is the ideal setting for rope swinging, cliff jumping, ziplining, and more thrill-seeking activities. The main lake is perfect for lazying around on a raft or jumping off the cliff to get your adrenaline pumping. The lake has four jumping platforms, the highest being almost 33 feet tall. However, guests must wear lifejackets when jumping, rope swinging, and ziplining.

4. Patoka Lake

This Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the Midwest, providing guests with ball fields, concession stands, and picnic areas, so there is something for the whole family. Spend the day swimming, relaxing under the trees, or playing on the playground.

5. Monroe Lake

The largest land-bound body of water is Monroe Lake in Indiana. This lake covers nearly 11,000 acres and offers huge space for all types of recreation. Monroe Lake is one of the best swimming spots in Indiana, with nine launch ramps for boating. You can bring your own or rent one from the three boat rental facilities, each offering speed boats, pontoons, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, paddleboards, wakeboards, tubes, and skis. Furthermore, they also offer stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing lessons.

Rivers for Swimming

If you are looking for something more relaxing, why not laze around one of Indiana’s rivers? Here are three of the best swimming rivers in Indiana:

1. Sugarcreek River

Sugarcreek River is located in Marshall, Indiana, and it’s a notorious tubing destination. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely floating trip down its calm waters, and the view isn’t bad either.

2. Whitewater River 

Whitewater River in Brookville and Cedar Grove is one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the state. Scenic canoe trips are one of the best activities to do on this river. However, its fast current and beautiful scenery make it perfect for lazy river tubing, which is a must-do when in Indiana.

3. Tippecanoe River

Tippecanoe River is another great spot for tubing in Indiana. It’s the ideal spot for a tubing retreat due to its relaxed current and breathtaking beauty. However, there are varying difficulty levels, and the river allows visitors to explore different water sports. However, the activity visitors enjoy the most is tubing.

Extra Large Pools or Water Parks in the Area

Besides the natural bodies of water in Indiana, the state also has several water parks and extra-large pools, including:

1. Pine Lake Waterpark & Beach

Pine Lake Waterpark and Beach is located about two hours from Indianapolis. This family-run business offers a unique blend of waterpark and beach. The park boasts various attractions, like classic log walks, waterslides, and rides like the drop slide and black hole.

2. Markle Park Swimming Pool

Markle Park Swimming Pool in Markle, Indiana, offers an ideal spot for friends and family to enjoy a hot summer’s day. This is one of the best swimming spots in Indiana, providing a clean and safe environment for all visitors.

Beaches

While Indiana is a double landlocked state, as Virginian and Kentucky block off direct access from the Atlantic Ocean to the southern tip of the state, there are plenty of beaches on the lakes for people to enjoy. They include:

• Ogden Dunes Beach
• Michigan City Beach
• Whihala Beach
• Northshore Beach
• Mt. Baldy
• Lake Street Beach
• Jeorse Park Beach
• West Beach
• Kemil Beach
• Brown Bay

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kyle Hartshorn / Flickr – License / Original