Forget Lake Michigan, Visit This Peaceful State Park In The Upper Peninsula For Swimming, Boating, And Camping

As the only Great Lake fully within the United States, Lake Michigan's shores can be enjoyed from four different states. While many state parks offer direct access to its ocean-like waters, some nature lovers prefer the tranquility and serenity of one of Michigan's smaller lakes. Just a stone's throw from Lake Michigan is Indian Lake State Park, a peaceful outdoor haven hidden in Michigan's Upper Peninsula that provides a variety of activities. Home to the Upper Peninsula's fourth-largest inland lake, the state park covers 567 acres of verdant woodlands, abundant marshes, and sandy areas. Indian Lake itself consists of over 8,600 acres of water surface, making enough room for everyone to splash around.

Indian Lake State Park has a wealth of recreation that spans from fishing and boating to hiking and paddling. Visitors can relax and swim at the designated beach area with its sandy shoreline, explore the park's environment on a nature program, and rent out a kayak to float on the water. Anglers like to bring their gear to fish for several species teeming in the lake. When you've changed out of your swimsuit, you can stroll along the 1.4-mile Dufour Creek Trail, which passes through lush cedars and hemlocks.

Indian Lake splits the park into two zones — one side offers modern camping, while the other allows you to spend the night in a more rustic setting. Cabin rentals are available, too, for those who'd like more comfortable lodging. Before you make the drive there, double-check that you put the right address in the GPS, as there's another state park with the same name in Ohio. Coming from Marquette takes 1.5 hours, while the drive from Sault Ste. Marie takes longer at two hours. You can make the trip from Escanaba in about one hour.

Manistique, a city with boardwalk bliss and charm, is your access point to Indian Lake State Park. While you can book a stay in the city and make a day trip out of it, camping gives you the opportunity to elevate your outdoor experience. There are two campgrounds at Indian Lake — one on the west side and another on the south. The modern campground is situated on the southern shore, featuring 145 sites. Nine of these are ADA-accessible, while seven are tent-only spots. Additionally, some provide 50-amp electricity, and numerous campsites boast waterfront views.

The modern campground is equipped with water, restrooms, pit toilets, a sanitation station, and a dumpster. There are stairs at the campground that take you straight to the beach area, where you'll find a waterfront picnic shelter. This campground is also where the two cabin rentals are located. Accommodating up to four guests, these are small, one-bedroom cabins with ADA accessibility. Inside, there's a loft bed with a lower full-size bed and a cot. Linens aren't included, but the cabins come with electricity and appliances like a mini fridge, heater, fan, and microwave. Outside, you can start a campfire in the ring, grill some meat, and have a picnic.

On the park's west side is the semi-modern campground, with 72 sites open from mid-June through Labor Day. Divided into six loops, these campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities here are reduced to drinking fountains and vault toilets, as well as a 20-amp electricity supply at each spot. Either way, you can use the facilities at the other campground for a nominal fee. With the right camping tips (that no one tells you about), you're all set for a fun time at the state park.

With your sleeping arrangements settled, make your way to the small expanse of sandy beach, measuring approximately 75 yards in length. With its clear and shallow waters, you can safely wade in the lake and soak up the sun. If you want to venture out into the deeper end, your best bet is to do so via boat. The day-use area has a paved ramp to easily get on the water. Keep in mind that the majority of the lake bed is shallow water (under 15 feet deep), so make sure to only cruise on small boats.

Another option is paddling on the lake. Head to the west side's day area to find the hand launch and set afloat. Don't worry if you don't have your own equipment — you can rent a kayak from the park office. While you're navigating the lake on your vessel of choice, why not set your rod to reel in some fish? Indian Lake is stocked with a number of species, such as perch, northern pike, brown trout, and bluegill. You can also target other varieties, like walleye, sturgeon, and muskellunge, along with rock and smallmouth bass. Feel free to fish from the shoreline, too.

Beyond swimming, boating, and fishing, you can have leisurely picnics at Indian Lake State Park. Reserve either of the two picnic shelters to enjoy snacking with lake views — both have water, tables, and grills. As the adults prepare the meals, kids can play horseshoes, run around the playground, and play volleyball. Although the shelters have electric outlets, one shelter requires a booked reservation to use them. More adventures await in the Upper Peninsula — drive for an hour and 20 minutes to reach Fiborn Karst Preserve, a once-thriving mining site home to Michigan's longest-known cave.