Few things are quite as breathtaking as the pristine, clear lakes in Indiana that beckon everyone with adventure in their hearts. They’re beautiful, cool, and perfect for cooling down on a hot day. These are just a few of our favorites; there are more than 80 lakes in this beautiful state, so it’s truly tough to narrow it down to just a handful! Check out some of the clearest lakes in Indiana – our favorites!

1. Lake James
Lake James, Indiana, USA
Just Will/Flickr
Lake James, located in the northeast corner of Indiana, is a stunning and large natural lake boasting more than 1,200 acres of water surface. In fact, it's the fourth-largest natural lake in the whole state, and it's perfect for fishing and boating as well as swimming. It's one of the best lakes in Indiana!

Take a look at this video by @the.mike.randall:
2. Patoka Lake
Patoka Lake, Indiana, USA
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in Indiana and spans three counties. It's home to some very interesting wildlife - where else will you find thriving and happy freshwater jellyfish? This is one of the most beautiful clear lakes in Indiana you won't want to miss.
3. Monroe Lake
Monroe Lake, Clear Creek Township, IN 47401, USA
Elizabeth Nicodemus/Flickr
Monroe Lake is the largest reservoir in Indiana. Located southeast of Bloomington, it's quite impressive. With an incredible 10,750 acres of water surface to admire, what's not to love? Monroe Lake also happens to be an amazing place for kayaking in Indiana.

Take a look at this video by @tylerlake7821":
4. Deam Lake
Deam Lake, Carr Township, IN 47106, USA
Jonathan Parrish/Flickr
Deam Lake in Indiana might be small, but it packs a mighty punch. At just 194 acres of water surface, it makes up for the lack of acreage in the immense variety of things to do. You can go boating, fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and swimming, and that's just the beginning of the list.

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5. Lake Shafer
Lake Shafer, Indiana 47960, USA
Roger Gerbig/Flickr
Lake Shafer is one of two man-made reservoirs in the Monticello area. Lake Shafer was crafted by human hands in the 1920s and is 1,300 acres of sparkly, clear water. Best of all, located on Lake Shafer has one of the best amusement parks in Indiana there is.
6. Lake Lemon
Lake Lemon, Indiana 47468, USA
Adam Julian/Flickr
Lake Lemon is the 11th-largest of the Indiana lakes. This one is great for everyone, especially families, as it isn't super deep. Its average depth is just 9.7 feet, and the lake spans 1,650 acres.
7. Griffy Lake
Griffy Lake, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA
Amanda Smith/Flickr
Griffy Lake is more than just a cute name. This tiny, 109-acre man-made reservoir is surrounded by lush, scenic woodlands, and is definitely one of those places you'll want to take a million pictures of. It's one of the most beautiful clear lakes in Indiana.

Take a look at this video by @regularjoe2766:
8. Lake Maxinkuckee
Lake Maxinkuckee, Union Township, IN 46511, USA
Stephen A. Wolfe/Flickr
Last on this list, but certainly not least, is the beautiful Lake Maxinkuckee. It's the second-largest of the all-natural Indiana lakes, and spanning 1,864 acres, it's decently large. This one is popular with divers, as it reaches a maximum depth of 88 feet.

So, what do you think? Which clear lakes in Indiana would you add to this list? Which is your favorite? Share your pictures and favorite stories in the comments!

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More to Explore

Clearest Lakes In Indiana

Tori Jane | May 22, 2022

What are the cleanest lakes in Indiana?  

Some of the cleanest lakes in Indiana include:

  • Patoka Lake in Birdseye
  • Lake James at Pokagon State Park
  • Lake Monroe in Bloomington

 

What are the best lakes in Indiana for a summer day?  

The best lakes on a summer day include the following: 

  • Lake Michigan has some of the cleanest water in the country. It’s so vast that it looks and feels like the ocean, and it’s just as clear as the sea as well.
  • Deam Lake is located within the Deam Lake State Recreation Area and is perfect for a hot day, as you can dip your toes in and feel refreshed.  

 

What are the clearest lakes in Indiana?  

The clearest lakes in Indiana include:

  • Clear Lake is a beautiful place with stunningly clear water – so much so that it’s named after this clarity.
  • The Barbee Lakes
  • Lake Maxinkuckee
  • Lake Lemon  

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