Lake Lemon
4.5(168)google
4.3(6)yelp
LakeBoatingFishingKayakingFamilyOutdoor
Overview
Lake Lemon is a reservoir located in southern Indiana approximately 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bloomington, Indiana. It is bounded by private and public property in Monroe County and Brown County, with the eastern end of the lake in Brown County. The surface area of the lake is 1,650 acres (670 ha), making it the 11th largest lake in Indiana.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeSummer afternoons leading into dusk are phenomenal for water sports, kayaking, and sailing, followed by a relaxing lakeside barbecue at the Riddle Point Park beach area.
Travel Tips
- All private watercraft, including kayaks and SUPs, must display a localized Lake Lemon watercraft permit purchased at Riddle Point; state permits are invalid.
- Riddle Point beach experiences temporary water quality closures due to E. coli spikes post-storms; always check the daily safety board before wading.
- The shoreline is heavily flanked by private properties; mooring or fishing from unauthorized docks is strictly prosecuted as illegal private property trespass.
- The lake averages only 10 feet deep with extensive submersed vegetation and stumps; boating outside marked channels results in propeller destruction.
- Late summer toxic blue-green algal blooms frequently shut down Riddle Point beach; check official postings to avoid hazardous water contact for dogs and kids.
Reviews
Positive
- Compared to the bustling Monroe Lake, Lake Lemon is smaller, quieter, and more refined—a true hidden gem perfect for peaceful paddleboarding or fishing.
- The Riddle Point Park area is beautiful with neatly manicured lawns, a nice children's playground, and picnic tables, managed warmly like a private backyard.
- Transportation is quite convenient, with a quick drive from downtown Bloomington along flat roads, and the country scenery along the way is pleasing to the eye.
- The visitor density here is very low with no big commercial tour groups, retaining a great raw nature vibe; the sunset views at dusk are breathtaking.
Heads up
- Because most of the land surrounding the lake belongs to private lakefront villas and homes, the public shoreline access (like beaches) for regular visitors is highly limited.
- In mid-summer, due to relatively stagnant water, large algae blooms easily develop in some lake areas, causing murky water and an occasional faint odor.
- Public restrooms are too few and the indoor fixtures are quite dated, leading to frequent lines during peak hours and lacking modern accessibility upgrades.
- Entering Riddle Point Park requires an extra admission fee, but since the public facilities are limited, just going in to sit down might feel like average value.