Indiana's Deepest Natural Lake Is An Oasis For Fun On The Water

If you're in search of a fun spot to cool off in Indiana, check out Tippecanoe Lake. The pretty glacial lake is the deepest natural lake in the Hoosier State. There are also plenty of water sports to keep you entertained here.

Tippecanoe Lake was created when glaciers sculpted the land that is now Kosciusko County in Indiana. As those glaciers withdrew, they left bodies of water that became glacial lakes. At 122 feet deep, Tippecanoe Lake is the deepest of them, which makes it the deepest naturally-formed lake in the state. The lake was named by the Miami people, an Algonquin-speaking tribe, after their term for carp, which they called "buffalo fish," and surprisingly has nothing to do with a type of boat. By the early 20th century, the lake had become a vacation destination. A marina, a resort, a country club, and a dance hall were built around the lake.

Tippecanoe Lake is less than 50 miles southeast of South Bend, and the South Bend International Airport (SBN) receives nonstop flights from major cities across the country. While you are in the area, you should also visit two other towns, Shipshewana and La Porte. Shipshewana, a charming hybrid of Amish culture, cozy shops, and the arts, is less than 35 miles to the northeast, while La Porte is 70 miles in the opposite direction and is where you will find Serenity Springs, the top-rated Midwest vacation destination that is like heaven for nature-loving couples. Together, these four destinations create a perfect road-trip loop in Northern Indiana.

Lake Tippy, as Tippecanoe Lake is affectionally called, covers almost 800 acres, so there's plenty of room to spread out. The lake's two family-owned marinas are good places to start. On the lake's north shore, Tippecanoe Boat Company has been selling and renting boats since 1925, including pontoons, ski boats, and deck boats. On the lake's northwest corner is Patona Bay Marina & Resort, which also first opened in the 1920s. The business, now run by the family's third generation, sells and maintains boats. Visitors can rent pontoons and fishing boats by the half day, full day, weekend, or week, while their resort offers cottages, campsites, and a snack bar.

After setting up your boat rental, it's time to head out on the water. Tippecanoe Lake is a popular fishing spot since it's home to more than 25 species of fish. You can catch everything from largemouth and smallmouth bass to bluegill and walleye here. It's also a year-round fishing destination, so you can come back for ice fishing in the winter. If you're new to fishing, or just this lake, you may want to hire a guide for the day. Webster Lake Guide Service is based on nearby Webster Lake, but also offers trips on Lake Tippy.

You don't need a boat to enjoy the lake, though. You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or even just swimming, of course. The only thing Tippecanoe Lake doesn't have is a large public beach.

Though you came to Tippecanoe Lake for its water activities, you should spend some time around the lake, as well. The Nature Conservancy founded Oppenheim Woods Nature Preserve on the lake's northern corner in 2010. The 63-acre preserve contains a mature hardwood forest and colorful wildflowers. You can follow the Oppenheim Woods Trail, a 1.4-mile loop, through groves of pawpaw trees and up rolling hills. Be sure to listen for migrating songbirds during the spring.

There is a second preserve across the lake. The Edmund and Virginia Ball Wetlands Nature Preserve sits in between Tippecanoe Lake and neighboring James Lake. With 500 acres, it's the largest wetland preserve in the whole state. It's now run by Camp Crosley for outdoor educational programs.

After exploring the edge of the lake, you can also visit nearby Tippy Creek Winery. The Richcreek family opened the only farm winery in Kosciusko County in 2016. You can taste cabernet francs, Syrahs, and chardonnays while visiting the winery. A big fireplace roars inside during the winter, while the outdoor patio, with live music and cornhole boards, opens once the nicer weather arrives. They also offer regular comedy club and trivia nights. Or, if you feel like having more lakeside fun, you can drive a couple hours up to Indiana Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan, an underrated lakeside national park boasting great beaches and outdoor adventure. Indiana is in the running to become your new favorite lake destination.