The Indiana Lake That's Almost Unbelievably Calming, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
By Tori Jane|Published August 15, 2022
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Tucked between Scott and Jefferson counties in far southern Indiana is a perfectly relaxing recreation area where it doesn’t matter what time of year you show up. Every season at this pristine lake in Indiana is pure perfection – we think you should visit at least four times (once every season) to experience it all! In the spring, there are wildflowers galore as life springs back to normal. In autumn, the area is set ablaze with brilliant colors. Summer and winter are wonderful experiences, too! Head out to Hardy Lake, a peaceful lake in Indiana whose crystal-clear waters and endless fun things to do is sure to charm you all year ’round.
Spend the day (and maybe even the night!) at Hardy Lake, which was originally called Quick Creek Reservoir when it was created in 1970.
It holds the title of being the smallest reservoir in the state of Indiana, but don't let its size fool you - it's jam-packed with delightful things to do, see, and experience all year 'round.
During the warmer months, the lake attracts throngs of visitors looking to lay a towel out on the beach and dip their toes in the water.
Fishing and boating are popular activities on the water, and the fish species are plentiful. Fish for redear sunfish, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and lots more. If you're interested in hunting, you can even indulge in some of that here, too.
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But, honestly, our favorite thing to do is set up an umbrella for a little shade and enjoy the sandy beach.
It's uncommon to find places that are magical during all four seasons, but Hardy Lake manages to be all that and then some. Should you fall in love with it as immediately as we did, you can even camp on the grounds!
There are a mixture of both primitive and modern campsites to choose from, and they surround the lake, so you're sure to wake up to some amazing views.
Hardy Lake is the perfect place to come to get away from the pressures of life for a while. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, showing up during the week and early in the day ought to make sure you get some peace and quiet before the others join you.
Of course, you might just want to stick around until dusk.
The lake is known for more than just its clean water and refreshing temperatures; it's also the perfect location to sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon just before you decide to make some s'mores at your beach campsite.