father and son fishing on a beautiful lake with their poles in the water

Exploring Indian Lake, MI: Your Guide to Summer Fun

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Indian Lake near Manistique is one of the biggest attractions in our corner of Michigan, and it’s not hard to see why. With plenty of serene views and easy access, Indian Lake is a fantastic place to spend a vacation with the family.


We’ll go over some of the things you need to know about the lake as well as Indian Lake State Park.


Indian Lake

Located about 4 miles west of Manistique, Indian Lake in Michigan is the fourth largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. The body of water is six miles long and three miles wide, covering ~ 8,400 acres.


While there is a wide variety of activities available at the lake, two of the most popular are boating and fishing.



Boating

Getting out onto the lake can be a peaceful experience. You won’t feel cramped, even when sharing the lake with others as there is plenty of room for everyone. With clear water beneath you and great weather, boating at Indian Lake makes for a great pastime.The lake is fairly shallow, with 90% of the area being less than 15 ft deep. The deepest point is 18 ft. Owners of larger boats should keep this in mind when traversing the lake.


Indian Lake RV Resort is near the official Indian Lake boat ramp, located on the western shore.

If you are looking for water access for paddle sports such as kayaking, there is a carry-on access located at Indian Lake State Park at the Western Shore Unit.

Fishing

Indian Lake in Michigan features large swaths of underwater vegetation, making this area a great place for fishing. This is especially true if you are looking for panfish, as you can expect to see plenty of species like bluegill, crappie, and the like.

However, there are plenty of other kinds of fish available, including:

  • Walleye
  • Perch
  • Brown trout
  • Rock bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Northern pike


You’ll find plenty of opportunities to cast your hook, whether on the shore or out on the water.

There is a dock in the middle of a lake surrounded by trees.

Indian Lake State Park

One of the main state parks in the area, Indian Lake State Park in Michigan offers two sources of outdoor activities: swimming and hiking.


Swimming

Perhaps the biggest feature of the entire park is the designated swimming beach. The beach remains very popular with guests, due in part to the clean, sandy shoreline as well as the vast, cordoned-off swimming area filled with shallower waters.
There are restrooms and showers on site, which also have a reputation for being clean and well-kept.


Hiking

For those looking for an easy stroll, the Dufour Creek Trail is a perfect place to go. There is little to no elevation gain on the trail. The path is on the shorter side, measuring in at 1.4 miles.


The Dufour Creek Trail is generally well-kept, though there can be a few muddy sections when it rains. The path leads through a forest of hemlocks and cedars, fully wooded yet easy to follow. You may also get a glimpse of the native wildlife along the way.

Indian Lake RV Resort

If you are looking for a perfect home base for your next outdoor getaway, look no further than Indian Lake RV Resort. We offer plenty of accommodations, including RV spots, cozy cabins, and more. In addition, we are close to not only Indian Lake but also two Great Lakes: Michigan and Superior. 


Browse our accommodations and pick the perfect spot today!

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