Don’t be fooled by Indiana being a landlocked state—we love our watersports! Indiana is home to over 80 beautiful lakes, so there is plenty of open water just waiting to be explored. So get ready for some thrilling fun on the water with these five awesome jet skiing spots in the state.
Up in northern Indiana, close to the Pokagon State Park and Fort Wayne, is Lake James. A naturally formed glacial lake, Lake James has over 1,200 acres of recreational waters that are used for boating, fishing, water skiing and other water sports, such as jet skiing. Between the hours of sun up to sun down, visitors to Lake James can enjoy the beautiful waters and feel the wind in their hair as they roar down the lake on a jet ski.
Another great area in Indiana for watersports is Patoka Lake, near historic French Lick and West Baden in southern Indiana. With over 20,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake is a must-see this summer. The lake itself is a little over 8,000 acres and is home to freshwater jelly fish and bald eagle nesting sites. It also the second largest reservoir in Indiana. It has a mild beach feel to it and you almost forget that you are in the Midwest. Before you take off, be sure to check out Bobber the Water Dog for water safety instructions, tips, and tricks! Check out Hoosier Hills Marina, which now rents Yamaha WaveRunners.
Located about 10 miles southeast of southern Bloomington, Indiana, is the beautiful and picturesque Monroe Lake (also known to some as Lake Monroe or Monroe Reservoir). The lake itself is over 10,000 acres but the whole area is over 23,000 acres. Monroe Lake is Indiana’s largest inland lake and was built in 1965. Here you can camp, water ski, jet ski, and enjoy so many other water-based activities! The area itself is breathtaking, and in many areas, it can feel as though you’ve landed on your own private island surrounded by beautiful trees, water, and nature. If you don’t have your own jet ski, be sure to visit Lake Monroe Boat Rental just off State Road 446!
Located in northern Peru, Indiana, is Mississinewa Lake or Lake Mississinewa. A little over 14,000 acres total with 3,200 of that being lake acreage, Lake Mississinewa is a favorite of the locals in northern Indiana, including Kokomo. It’s a flood-controlled reservoir, and is perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to drive far but want the beach. It’s also perfect for camping with over 400 campsites and family cabins. Enjoy the feeling as you cruise through the open waters and take in some of the wildlife. When you arrive, you will have to pay an entrance fee, so keep that in mind. And before you leave, be sure to check out Southside Scoops Ice Cream Parlor!
Located in northern Monticello, Indiana, is Lake Shafer. Most Hoosiers know Lake Shafer to be the home of Indiana Amusement Park and Beach (Indiana Beach to the locals). Lake Shafer is also known for its many water park activities, including jet skiing. It is one of two reservoirs in Monticello, and shares its location with Lake Freeman. It’s a great place for a weekend getaway or a short vacation, as there are numerous cottages and cabins available for rent. Be sure to visit Indiana Beach while you are there. Visit Lake Shafer Boat Rentals to rent a WaveRunner at a reasonable rate!
