Hot fun in the summertime! The largest body of water in the state of Indiana, Lake Monroe, just south of Bloomington, attracts visitors with its scenic beauty all year long. But there’s no better time to be here than in the summer when the refreshing water invites guests to hop in and cool down.
Lake Monroe’s nearly 11,000 surface acres accommodate all sorts of water recreation, from boating, kayaking and canoeing to hiking, camping, or simply sunning on one of three public beaches. Feel free to use a BYO watercraft to put in at one of nearly a dozen launch ramps or borrow a pontoon, speedboat, jet ski, or standup paddleboard for the day from local rental facilities.
A handful of state recreation areas scattered around the lake are also day trips for boating, hiking, playground time and picnicking.
To make a weekend of it, check out the camping options at Hardin Ridge, Lake Monroe Village, Paynetown Campground, Yogi Bear’s Lake Monroe Jellystone Park and the Scenic View. Or, for something a little less rustic, the Fourwinds Lakeside Inn and Marina offer comfortable guest rooms as well as on-site dining, a pool and mini-golf.
Be aware, you’ll need to pay an Indiana State Park entrance fee at the Fairfax and Paynetown gates. And as always, practice good water safety.
For more information about things to do at Lake Monroe during the summer and year-round, visit in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/monroe-lake/.
