It’s a medical fact that spending time outside can improve your mood and your overall health. Add water to the mix, stress levels come down even more, and relaxation and tranquility take over. The feel of the sunshine, the sounds of nature, and the breeze feel soothing and calm.
There’s no need to drive hours to reach a major coastline, though. There are some great recreational lakes in Indiana, Kentucky & Illinois, all within a 2.5-hour drive from Evansville. And while you might not see any palm trees, you can be sure to find a beach nearby.
If you’re ready to bait a hook and cast a line, be sure to get your fishing license. And as always, when participating in any water-related activities, please wear a life jacket.
Indiana Fishing License
Kentucky Fishing License
Illinois Fishing License
Indiana
Patoka Lake (approx. 1.5 hrs.)
Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in Indiana, covering 8,800 acres. After adding the parks and nature preserves, the entire area encompasses nearly 26,000 acres. Fishing enthusiasts love Patoka Lake with its stock of bass, bluegill, catfish, redear sunfish, crappie, and walleye. Photographers love Patoka Lake for its non-commercialized scenery that inhabits migrating birds and wildlife. The lake has been a habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. River otters and osprey were reintroduced by the Department of Natural Resources. Recreationally, you’ll find plenty of other activities including archery, disc golf, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and waterskiing. The campground includes over 500 camping sites and several shelter houses and you’ll find plenty of cabins (including floating cabins), so plan to spend a weekend…or longer. For those 21 years and older, be sure to check out the Patoka Lake Winery and the Old Homestead Distilling Co. Brewery & Hotel coming soon!
Monroe Lake (approx. 2 hrs.)
Monroe Lake is Indiana’s largest land-bound body of water. With nearly 11,000 surface acres of water and three beaches, the accommodations are perfect for any type of boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and more! Check out the Fairfax State Recreation Area, Paynetown SRA, and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. Anglers will find the lake stocked with bluegill, largemouth and yellow bass, walleye, black and white crappie, channel and flathead catfish, and bullhead and hybrid stripers. Hikers & bikers will find 7 trails ranging from .5 miles to 6.7 miles. And whether you’re staying for a day or longer, you’ll find plenty of shelter houses, picnic areas, cabins, and campgrounds.
Kentucky
Kentucky Lake (approx. 2.5 hrs.)
Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley form the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. Kentucky Lake alone is the 25th largest lake in the country and the 7th largest man-made. It was created by damming the Tennessee River in 1944, and the Kentucky Dam, constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, is the longest dam in the TVA system. For you anglers, you will love this lake for its largemouth bass population. You will also find plenty of crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and yellow bass. The eastern side of the lake is great for fishing because this shoreline is part of the Land Between The Lakes and is much quieter. The enormous size of the lake allows for great boating and skiing. Marinas that offer boat rentals and launching ramps are available mostly on the western edge of the lake. If lake swimming is your thing, you’ll find plenty of public beaches as well as private beaches that are provided by individual resorts.
Lake Barkley (approx. 2 hrs.)
On the other side of the Land Between The Lakes, you’ll find the smaller Lake Barkley, which was formed by damming the Cumberland River. The fishing is rich here, too, as the largest ever yellow bass was caught in this lake. In addition to rich fishing, though, the area is also rich in historic relics and wildlife refuges. The many species of wildlife here include golden and bald eagles, making bird watching and nature photography exciting pastimes. Looking to stay at Lake Barkley? Your options include cabins and cottages, resorts, campgrounds, condos, and bed & breakfasts.
Rough River Lake (approx. 1.5 hrs.)
If a smaller lake is more your style, then check out the unspoiled beauty and gentle waves of Rough River Lake. While not as large as Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley, this lake found 95 miles southwest of Louisville, still offers some of the finest fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and more. The lake is stocked with white crappie, black crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. For the land lovers, you can take in a round of disc golf or enjoy the many hiking trails in the area. Rough River Dam State Resort Park offers lodge rooms and 2-bedroom cottages.
Nolin Lake (approx 2 hrs.)
Two million people visit Nolin Lake every year to enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, hunting, and relaxing. Known for its unique blue/green water, this lake is one of the top 5 in Kentucky for catfish, bass, crappie, and walleye fishing. Located within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park, the scenery is breathtaking. The Nolan Lake State Park is an excellent place to camp, swim, and fish with 59 total campsites and a beach. Enjoy the scenery here without the crowds.
Barren River Lake (approx. 2.25 hrs.)
This 10,000-acre lake is picturesque and stocked with catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie. Enjoy gorgeous lakeside scenery while dining and sipping Kentucky wine and spirits in the restaurant or in Highland Pub. Explore one of the nature trails with wildflowers and wildlife. Reserve a lodge at the Barren River Lake State Resort Park. This park is a water lover’s paradise surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and the lake. The park offers a lodge with 51 rooms, 22 cottages, a dining facility, an 18-hole golf course, and 99 campsites.
Illinois
Rend Lake (approx. 1.75 hrs.)
This lake is located in the heart of scenic Southern Illinois with 19,000 acres of fun and recreation. To say there is plenty to do here is an understatement. Whether you love kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, biking, or golfing, you’re sure to find it at Rend Lake. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish and white bass. Don’t forget to put your toes in the sand at beautiful South Sandusky Beach. Staying for more than a day? Check out the campsites if you’re into “roughing it” or maybe a cabin or hotel room is more your style.
Carlyle Lake (approx. 2.25 hrs.)
Carlyle Lake, found 50 miles east of St. Louis, is a 25,000 acre reservoir that is used for boating, fishing, and swimming. The area is also a popular destination for campers, hunters, and bird watchers. Sailors also find the lake one of the best and most challenging. Stocked with white bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill, Carlyle Lake is definitely a great fishing destination. Swimming spots can be found at McNair Beach, Keyesport Beach, Coles Creek Beach, and Dam West Beach.
Kinkaid Lake (approx. 2.5 hrs.)
The 2,750 acres of Kinkaid Lake wind around the northwestern hills of Shawnee National Forest. This reservoir, located about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, offers camping, fishing, hunting, and boating. You’ll find campsites at the Johnson Creek Recreation Area and Kinkaid Village Marina. Anglers will love the lake that is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and walleye. The best swimming hole in Illinois is a little tricky, but it can be found at The Spillway at Kinkaid Lake.
Lake of Egypt (approx. 2 hrs.)
Lake of Egypt, south of Marion, Illinois, covers 2,300 acres with 90 miles of shoreline. And although this hidden gem is privately owned, you are still allowed to boat, waterski, fish, and swim. The Egyptian Hills Resort includes cabin and chalet rentals that offer stunning views.
For all of the latest information on our local real estate market in Southwestern Indiana, you can always trust the professionals at F.C. Tucker Emge. Our agents have superior training and resources at their disposal so they can better educate you about the road to homeownership. Even if you are 6-12 months (or more!) out from making a change, there is a lot to learn about the home buying and selling process, and our agents can help you learn what you need to know so that you can be confident in your decision and have a smooth experience when the time comes. Let’s Talk!
