Indiana Monroe Lake Travel Postcard

Monroe Lake, often called Lake Monroe, is Indiana’s largest reservoir entirely within state borders, spanning approximately 10,750 surface acres in Monroe and Brown counties near Bloomington. Constructed between 1960 and 1965 by damming Salt Creek, the lake was originally built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, but now serves as a primary drinking water source for the city of Bloomington as well as a major recreational destination. The surrounding property includes more than 13,000 acres of protected forest and the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area—a designated wilderness area within Hoosier National Forest. Today, Monroe Lake supports a wide range of activities drawing over a million visitors each year. With nine boat ramps scattered around its shoreline—including at Paynetown, Fairfax, Cutright, Allen’s Creek, Moores Creek, Salt Creek, Pine Grove, and Crooked Creek—boaters have excellent access to motorboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats. Visitors can also rent equipment through operators like LT Paddle Sports. From late spring through early fall, the public beaches at Paynetown, Fairfax, and Hardin Ridge are open for swimming, picnicking, and beach games Anglers flock to the lake for year-round fishing—catching species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and yellow bass—at spots like Crooked Creek Ramp and Pine Grove. When ice conditions permit in winter, limited ice fishing is also available . On land, hikers and trail runners enjoy a network of easy to moderate trails, including the Tree Trek Trail (0.5 mi), Whitetail (1 mi), Bluebird (1.25 mi) at Paynetown SRA, as well as Fairfax’s Big Oak, Evergreen Loop, and Homestead Loop trails. Campers have plenty of options—from tent and RV sites at Paynetown and Hardin Ridge SRAs to family‑focused glamping at jellystone parks or cabins at Monroe Lake Village. For more comfort and lakeside lodging, consider Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina or Scenic View Lodge, both offering stunning views and marina access. Whether you’re boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing amid the woodland shores, Monroe Lake blends natural beauty, recreational variety, and historic infrastructure into one of Indiana’s premier outdoor destinations.