Monroe Lake: Paynetown, Fairfax State Recreation Areas, and More are a Home for Every Hoosier

Every Indiana University Hoosier knows Monroe Lake, or they think they do! However, this lake is so big, I guarantee there are parts of it you haven't discovered. If you’re a Boilermaker, Bulldog, or Screaming Eagle, I suspect you’ll still enjoy a visit to Monroe Lake, even if you have to enter “enemy” territory! There are thousands of acres of land and water to explore, so whether you enjoy quiet hikes and scenic kayaking or like the social camping scene and fun on the water, you’ll find something to enjoy. 

IN the Podcast Episode

I traveled all around Monroe Lake and learned about the nine state recreation areas that circle Indiana’s largest lake. Each one has unique features and is better suited for different activities, so you’ll discover which recreation areas are best for you! I also visited the dam and learned about the property’s pre-lake history. When Monroe Lake was created, many small towns were flooded, and family homes, churches, and even cemeteries were moved. I learned about some of the past hurts from the lake’s creation, but also the powerful impact the park now has on the local community. I heard all about the bald eagle reintroduction program and how they’re supporting ospreys as well.

Park Features

With so many recreation areas around the lake, I definitely needed a tour guide! Thankfully, I had Jill Vance, the lake's interpretive naturalist, to help me out. Monroe Lake is massive with 10,000 acres of water, plus the land! We checked out quite a few of the recreation areas, but even with a full day driving, we didn’t get to all of them. Here are some of the highlights of Monroe Lake.

Paynetown SRA

Paynetown is one of the two largest recreation areas on Monroe Lake. There are a couple easy trails on-site, as well as quick access to the Hoosier National Forest through the Pate Hollow Trail. For camping, you'll find over 90 non-electric and 226 electric sites. Jill described the campground as very social, with groups often reserving multiple spots together. There was definitely fun energy when I drove through it. Families grilled out and lounged at their sites while dozens of kids were riding their bikes, laughing and enjoying the beautiful day.

Crooked Creek SRA

Crooked Creek SRA is another great spot, especially for those canoeing or kayaking. On my visit, Jill and I kayaked here for a couple hours as the sun set. It was absolutely incredible! Last May, the water levels were at a near-record high after weeks of heavy rain. That meant when we started out, the water was so high we were kayaking through the trees! 

Later, we spotted a bald eagle soaring through the air. As the evening progressed, the water reflected the changing sky. When the sun set, a golden horizon turned the clouds purple against the blue sky. Then the clouds morphed into pastel oranges before the final pinks as the sun slipped down. As a beaver slowly cut through the water, twilight fell. We heard the whip-poor-wills welcoming the darkness as we finally packed up. It was magical!

If you'd like to try out kayaking, there are lots of beginner events at Monroe Lake. They're truly for people with no experience, and everything is provided. If you do have experience kayaking, but would love an in-depth guided tour like I got, look for the Explore Monroe Paddling Trips. You can bring your own kayak or rent one, and these trips launch from various SRAs. If you're lucky, Jill will be your guide too.

Cutright SRA

While I loved my slow-paced kayaking experience, if you prefer a faster-paced boat, you’ll want to head to Cutright SRA. It's one of the most popular water launches on Monroe Lake and home to Two Herons Marina, the second biggest marina at the lake. They rent pontoon ramps and  inflatables for adults. Cutright SRA also has high and low water ramps, so whether Monroe Lake is at a record high water level or at normal pool, your boat will still have access. 

Allen’s Creek SRA

If water activities aren't your thing, or maybe you're visiting Monroe during a cooler-weather season, Jill also recommended a stop at Allen’s Creek SRA. She said, “You'll find really fascinating geology here. There's a really amazing fossil exposure at the end of the peninsula. There have been 85 different species of crinoid that have been discovered there. There are species of crinoid fossils that have been found there and only one at another location in the world.” For hikers, Jill specifically recommended the Turkey Trot Trail which follows the ridge line of the peninsula. 

Stillwater Marsh

A lesser known spot on Monroe Lake is Stillwater Marsh. It’s a favorite for birdwatchers and waterfowl hunting. The marsh is almost in Brown County and a smidge south of Yellowwood State Forest. At Stillwater Marsh, there are 800 to 900 acres of land specifically farmed to attract waterfowl. Emmett Holzappel, a wildlife specialist and assistant manager at the lake, manages Stillwater Marsh and uses it to support birds year round. The marsh also helps with sediment control for Monroe Lake. The more logs they can catch at Stillwater Marsh, the less it will get caught in someone's boat. While the marsh isn't open year-round, when it is, it's a fantastic place to observe birds.

Fairfax SRA

Fairfax SRA is another important recreation area not only because it’s home to Fourwinds Lakeside Inn and Marina, but it’s also an ideal place for spotting ospreys and bald eagles. The Fourwinds Marina is where you can keep your yacht year-round since it obviously won’t fit in your driveway. Jill told me, “This is the only marina at the lake that's a year-round marina, so they actually have bubblers around all their docks to keep the water from freezing. People can keep their boats stored out here year-round.” In addition to the massive marina, the Fourwinds Lakeside Inn is just as charming. There's a beautiful stone patio that looks over the water and is where the staff hosts live music and weddings. It has an oversized chessboard, Adirondack chairs, and a private beach with tiki huts. Jill said since the marina is open year-round, the patio or restaurant are great places to see bald eagles in the winter.

Monroe Lake was part of reintroducing bald eagles to the state and now plays an integral part in keeping the state’s osprey population thriving. At Fairfax SRA, be sure to walk to the Osprey Overlook Trail where you can clearly see a tall telephone pole with an osprey nest on top of a platform. You don’t have to use binoculars to see the osprey, but they definitely help. 

Jill and two volunteers who track the ospreys taught me a lot about them. I learned ospreys are very athletic, diving into the water about a meter deep to catch fish. They’re excellent parents, have distinct wing markings, and unique eye colors. The birds typically mate for life, and like Indiana University students, they return to their nests yearly. There's a sense of home in Bloomington for humans and birds!

Planning Your Visit

With state recreation areas surrounding it, Monroe Lake has activities and events year-round for hunters, hikers, campers, boaters, and birdwatchers. It’s one of Indiana’s best-loved lakes because it feels like home. It’s a special place for generations of families who lived here before the dam, IU students who formed great memories at the lake, and even the ospreys. Monroe Lake is a park where you can always find a place to belong. Go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!