It’s lake season! And if you don’t know where to go on your next summer adventure – we’ve got it covered. We have rounded up the best places to swim during lake season. Most of these locations are a short drive away, and all of them are open to the public. We have included websites and costs to help you start your planning. Let’s make some memories together and check out the best lakes to swim in around Indianapolis during lake season!
Brookville Lake
Where: 2288 Old State Road 101, Liberty
Cost: $7 for park entrance fee
About: Brookville Lake has two beaches for locals to swim during the summer. One beach is in the Mounds State Recreation Area (not to be confused with Mounds State Park in Anderson) and the other is in the Quakertown SRA. Their beaches have mobility mats as well, for easy beach access.
Cagles Mill Lake
Where: 1317 West Lieber Road, Cloverdale
Cost: $7 for park entrance fee
About: Cagles Mill Lake is home to Cataract Falls, so you know it’s going to be beautiful! There is a beach within the Lieber State Recreation Area (check out the map in the link for reference) with swimming available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Cecil M. Harden (Racoon) Lake
Where: 1588 South Raccoon Parkway, Rockville
Cost: $7 for park entrance fee
About: Cecil M. Harden Lake, also known as Raccoon Lake, has a beach available for the public, and you can check it out on the map from the link above. There are also concessions available while you’re enjoying your day on the beach.
Eagle Creek Park
Where: 7840 West 56th Street, Indianapolis
Cost: $6 for Marion county residents, $7 for out-of-county residents
About: Eagle Creek Park’s beach is the only area where swimming is allowed in Eagle Creek Park. Not only does it allow swimming, but sailing lessons are also available. Canoes, kayaks, pontoon and row boats, paddle boats, and paddle boards are available to rent at the Marina.
Lake Lemon
Where: 7599 North Tunnel Road, Unionville
Cost: $11 per vehicle
About: Lake Lemon is located in Unionville, south of Martinsville, and they have a beach at Riddle Point Park as well as sand volleyball courts. And when you’d like a break from the beach, the recently renovated Tulip Trace Nature Trail could be a fun adventure!
Lake Maxinkuckee
Where: 819 East Lake Shore Drive, Culver
Cost: Children 3 and under and Military with ID are free, Children 4-12 costs $2.50, Ages 13 and up costs $3, Senior Citizens cost $1
About: Now, this one is a bit of a drive, but it will be worth it for a day of fun in the sun! Lake Maxinkuckee allows non-residents to enjoy the beach, for a fee of course. The Culver Park Department has a summer guide you can access from the Facebook page at the link. Check it out for more information and to plan your visit.
Lake Shafer at Indiana Beach
Where: 5224 East Indiana Beach Road, Monticello
Cost: $32-42 for general admission to Indiana Beach
About: If you want more of an amusement park vibe, Lake Shafer at Indiana Beach is perfect for you. Located in Monticello, you can swim in the Indiana Beach Pier Pool, a “vast pool is a crystalline oasis, filled with meticulously chlorinated and filtered lake water that mirrors the purest natural swimming environments.”
Lake Syracuse–Wawasee
Where: 801-901 N Long Drive, Syracuse
Cost: Free to the public
About: Connected to Lake Wawasee, Lakeside Park allows public access to Syracuse Beach. As the oldest and largest park in Syracuse, dating back into the 1930’s, the park features the Ken Harkless Gazebo, a picnic pavilion, playground, and a swimming beach. And according to their Facebook page, it looks like they’re making some great updates to the park!
Monroe Lake
Where: 4850 South State Road 446, Bloomington
Cost: $7 for park entrance fee
About: Monroe Lake in Bloomington is so large that it has three public beaches for families to enjoy – the Fairfax State Recreation Area, Paynetown State Recreation Area, and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. Each area has different amenities to offer, so make sure you check out each website to see which area is a right fit for you and your family. Mobility mats are available at Paynetown and Fairfax.
Morse Lake
Where: 19777 Morse Park Lane, Noblesville
Cost: $6 per person
About: Morse Beach opens Memorial Day weekend and their hours are 12:00-6:00 pm. Check out the website for more information, rules, and how you can apply for a membership.
Summit Lake State Park
Where: 5993 North Messick Road, New Castle
Cost: $7 for park entrance fee
About: Located in Newcastle, Summit Lake State Park has a swimming beach – open Memorial Day through Labor Day – with a modern bathhouse. Entry to Summit Lake State Park is $7 per vehicle.
Share with us! Where is your favorite lake to swim in during lake season?
