 © Gene Shirk
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
Facilities and Activities:
| General | Land, acres | 800 | | | Water, acres | 5800 | | Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hunting | yes | | | Hiking Trail, miles | 7 | | | Picnicking | yes | | | Picnic Shelters, # | 5 | | | Swimming Beach, feet | 1400 | | | Nature Center | yes | | | Nature Programs | yes | | Boating | Boating Limits | -2 | | | Seasonal Dock Rental | 530 | | | Launch Ramps, # | 5 | | Camping | Electric Sites, # | 440 | | | Water/Electric Sites # | 13 | | | Full Hookup Sites, # | 12 | | | Pets Permitted | yes | | | Flush Toilets | yes | | | Dumpstation | yes | | | Showers | yes | | | Camp Commissary | yes | | | Camper Cabins, # | 3 | | | Group Camp, capacity | 60 | | | Campground Beach | yes | | Winter | Cross-Country Skiing | yes | | | Snowmobiling | yes | | | Ice Boating | yes | | | Ice Skating | yes | | | Ice Fishing | yes |
State Park Location Maps:
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 © Gene Shirk
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State Park Link:
Indian Lake State Park
Nearby Parks:
Fox Island State Park
Indian Lake State Wildlife Area
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Indian Lake State Park
12774 State Route 235 N,
Lakeview, Ohio 43331
Phone: 937-843-2717
Reservations: 866-644-6727
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Area Accommodations
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| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Reservations: |
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Reservations: 
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| State Park Overview: |
| Indian Lake offers a diversity of water-related recreational opportunities. Boating, fishing, skiing and camping are highlights of this multi-use park. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| The region of Indian Lake was originally a cluster of natural lakes situated on the Miami River. As the continental glaciers left Ohio, chunks of ice broke free, melted, and formed water-filled depressions called kettle lakes. The resultant shallow, marshy, natural lakes in this region covered an area of 640 acres. Among these were Old Indian Lake, Otter Lake, Blake Lake, Sheep Pen Lake and the Buck Wheat Patch.
The present and much larger lake lies along one of the country's major avian migration routes. Indian Lake is an important resting stop for birds such as Canada geese, ducks, grebes, swans, egrets and herons. Many stay over the summer to nest. Bald eagles once nested in the area but are no longer found here. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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my favorite park
this was my first visit to the campground i would like to say the v.i.p.s there are awsome they keep the campground bathrooms very nice as well as the lawns i would say a + to them all job well done you all should be proud
(name not given)
31-Jul-2008
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Our favorite Park
Good Fishing,nice channels to explore,and only lake I have ever seen in Ohio with Cypress trees in one of the channels.
Written by Mike Grove
23-May-2009
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The Best Spot On Earth
If you would like great fishing and camping make sure you saty at Indian Lake.......
Written by eddie
23-Jul-2009
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Eagles are back
Bald Eagles have returned to Indian Lake for the first time since 1908. They have nested on Pony Island and can be seen by boat.
Written by Gilroydad
9-Dec-2009
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| Camping: |
| There are 443 family campsites suitable for tents or trailers on the northwest section of the lakeshore. The scenic campground offers electric hookups for most sites, heated shower houses, flush toilets, laundry facility and camp commissary. A beach, boat ramp and boat docks are provided for exclusive camper use. A limited number of pet camping sites are available. The park's group camp area may be reserved by advanced registration. Twenty boat camping spaces are also available.
Two camper cabin units are available to rent. One unit sleeps six, and one sleeps four. Equipment provided includes a microwave oven, gas grill with propane tank, refrigerator, window air conditioner, ceiling fan with light, table and two chairs, and two futons. The units can be reserved by calling the park office at (937) 843-2717. A non-refundable deposit equaling the first night's fee is required at the time of reservation. |
| Trails: |
| The Cherokee Trail, a 3-mile easy walk through brushy habitat, is located west of the camp. The Pew Island Trail, a 1-mile path, encircles Pew Island. Access is available to Pew Island from a causeway. This trail affords a spectacular view of Indian Lake.
A paved bikeway is located on the West Bank between Old Field Beach and Lakeview Harbor. The bikeway is 3 miles long. Walkers and joggers are welcome to use the bikeway. |
| Picnicking: |
| Picnickers may choose from a number of shaded areas equipped with tables and grills. Five shelters may be reserved by calling the park office. |
| Boating: |
| The 5,800-acre lake offers unlimited horsepower boating and features four boat ramps and boat docks for rental. Skiing is popular in the open zone area. Indian Lake is the only inland lake in Ohio with lighted buoys for night navigation. |
| Swimming: |
| Two public beaches, Old Field Beach and Fox Island Beach, invite swimmers to relax in the cool waters of Indian Lake. A beach for camper use is located near the campground. There are also four designated boat/swim areas. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Largemouth bass, saugeye, white bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, yellow perch and catfish are plentiful here. Hunting is permitted in designated areas only. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required. |
| History of the Area: |
| Early American history tells of the Indian tribes who lived and hunted in this region. Because of its close proximity to the Miami River, Indian Lake became part of the Indian trade route linking the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Generations of native Americans followed this route and occupied villages in the vicinity. By the early 1800s, white settlers made their way here and the history books record many accounts of skirmishes and battles resulting from the conflict between the Indians and new settlers. The famous frontiersmen Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton were known to have traveled here.
Despite Indian Lake's popularity as a year-round recreational area, the lake was not originally constructed with that purpose in mind. In the early 1800s, the primary means of commercial transportation was the canal system. Old Indian Lake was built in 1851 as a feeder lake for the Miami and Erie Canal to maintain the required four-foot water depth.
Following the passage of a resolution by the Ohio General Assembly in 1850 to use Indian Lake as a water supply for the canal, a bulkhead was built in Washington Township where the Great Miami River began and covered 1,000 acres. The work began in 1851 and was not completed until 1860. The total cost up to that time was $340,000. Irish laborers performed the work with picks, shovels and carts. Ironically, use of the canal system was declining as work on Indian Lake was completed. In 1893, Indian Lake or Lewistown Reservoir as it was then called, spanned 6,334 acres with 29 miles of shoreline. On April 9, 1898, the Ohio General Assembly dedicated the lake as a recreation area by the name of Indian Lake.
Indian Lake became a popular resort area at the turn of the century due to its central location on the old Toledo and Ohio Central Steamline and the Ohio Electric Railway. At one time, Indian Lake was known as the "Midwest's Million Dollar Playground." In 1949, the old Department of Conservation was abolished and Indian Lake became part of the newly-created Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Business Meetings | |  | Quality Inn Suites - Columbia City, IN
We provide easy access to area attractions and businesses. Only minutes from the Fort Wayne International Airport, Chain O' Lakes State Park and the Wagon Wheel Theatre. Children of all ages will enjoy having fun at nearby Paige's Crossing family entertainment park. Free wireless high-speed Internet.
Web Site: http://www.choicehotels.com/hotel/in294 |
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| | Hotels/Motels | | | Quality Inn Suites - Columbia City, IN
We provide easy access to area attractions and businesses. Only minutes from the Fort Wayne International Airport, Chain O' Lakes State Park and the Wagon Wheel Theatre. Children of all ages will enjoy having fun at nearby Paige's Crossing family entertainment park. Free wireless high-speed Internet.
Web Site: http://www.choicehotels.com/hotel/in294 |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Indian Lake State Park, Michigan fishing Boating - An interactive tour of Indian Lake Michigan, Photos, fishing tips, maps and more! | | Indian Lake State Park, Boat Launch, Michigan fishing - An interactive tour of Indian Lake Michigan, Photos, fishing tips, maps and more! | | Indian Lake State Park Manager - ... Bicycle Rental Putt Putt Welcome Neal Brady Indian Lake State Park Acting Manager. Neal Brady is well ... Management Program. As Acting Manager of Indian Lake State Park, Mr. Brady intends to focus on ... | | Indian Lake State Park, Manistique, Upper Peninsula of Michigan - fourth largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula, camping, fishing and swimming. 12 miles west of Manistique | | State Parks of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - Michigan State Parks in the Upper Peninsula. Camping ,rental tents and cabins, fishing, ... US-41 east of Copper Harbor. $17 per night. Indian Lake State Park Rt. 2, Box 2500, Manistique, MI 49854; (906) ... | | Indian Lake State Park in Ohio - ... LAKE STATE PARK Wild Life......Map Key .....Trails.....Campgrounds.....Beaches.....Activities....Contact us Indian Lake State Park 12774 S.R. 235 North Lakeview, Ohio 43331 937-843-2717 Contact us ... | | October 1993 issue of the Movin' On newsletter. - The October 1993 edition of Movin' On (the newsletter) by Ron Barb Hofmeister full-time RVers. The main story is Moving West-we finally visit Wisconsin and Minnesota. | | Archives of the old Movin' On newsletter by full-time RVers, Ron and Barb Hofmeister. Octo - Full-time RVers, Ron and Barb Hofmeister's newsletter Movin' On for October 1990. Articles included: More of Michigan's Jewels Ron's Potpourri; Barb's This N That ; Fun Facts!!; | | Michigan on Hiker Central - Backpacking, hiking and camping tips and links for Michigan |
| Area Attractions: |
| Located six miles east of Bellefontaine on S.R. 540, Zane Caverns feature illuminated two-level caves. The caves are known for the formation of "cave pearls." Ohio Caverns, three miles east of West Liberty on S.R. 245, is the largest of all Ohio caves. Exquisite crystal-white stalactite/stalagmite formations are found in great profusion and artistic settings. Both Zane Caverns and Ohio Caverns charge a small admission.
Mad River Mountain ski area is located five miles east of Bellefontaine on U.S. 33. Horse rentals are available at Marmon Valley Farms on U.S. 33.
The Piatt Castles, Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee, are located near West Liberty on S.R. 245. Built by the Piatt family after the Civil War, the houses are noted for their architecture, furnishings and collection of Indian relics.
West of Indian Lake are Lake Loramie and Grand Lake St. Marys state parks. Both feature camping and water related recreation. Northeast of the park are Killdeer Plains and Big Island wildlife areas operated by the Division of Wildlife. Both areas offer hunting and bird watching opportunities. Gross Woods, a state nature preserve operated by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, is one of the least disturbed woods in west-central Ohio. |
| Area Campgrounds | | | | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Lakeside Pro Bass Shop
11042 State St
Lakeview, OH
(937) 843-2488
| Levan's Bait & Tackle
13679 State Route 235
Lakeview, OH
(937) 843-3358
| Brands Lake Fishing Club
909 County Road 25A
Wapakoneta, OH
(419) 738-6612
| Mike's Bait & Tackle
13708 State Route 235
Lakeview, OH
(937) 843-2261
| Milt's Quick Stop
518 Mansfield Lucas Rd
Mansfield, OH
(419) 522-1040
| Robin's Nest
7471 State Route 97
Mansfield, OH
(419) 884-3650
| Hardin Co Coonhunters Club
21623 County Road 144
Kenton, OH
(419) 673-0323
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Acheson's Resort and Realty
9050 Acheson Resort
Russells Point, OH
(937) 842-4530
| Mad River Mountain Ski Resort
1000 Snow Valley Rd
Bellefontaine, OH
(937) 599-1015
| Mad River Mountain Ski Resort
1000 Snow Valley Rd
Zanesfield, OH
(937) 599-1015
| Snow Trails: Ski Resort
Mansfield, OH
(419) 774-9818
| Eagles Lodge
10750 Us Highway 68
Kenton, OH
(419) 673-2163
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| Directions: |
| From Cleveland, Ohio: Take I-71 South to State Route 36, Exit West towards Delaware. Take State Route 36 to U.S. 33. Take U.S. 33 to the park.
From Columbus, Ohio:Take U.S. 33 from Columbus towards Marysville.The park is about 1hour and 15 minutes Northwest on U.S. 33.
From Cincinnati, Ohio: Take I-75 North to State Route 274. Take 274 East through Jackson Center to State Route 235. Turn left and take State Route 235 to the park.
From Toledo, Ohio:Take I-75 South to U.S. 33. Go East on U.S. 33 20 minutes to the lake area.
From Dayton, Ohio:Take I-75 North to State Route 274.Take 274 East to State Route 235. Turn left and take State Route 235 to the park. |
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