The Top 10 Kayaking Destinations in Indiana

Where Should I Kayak In The Hoosier State? Best Places To Paddle On The Water.

Navigation

• Sugar Creek Camparound And Canoe Rentals
• Blue River
• Lake Michigan
• Cedar Lake
• Kankakee River
• Pigeon River
• Lake Monroe
• White River West Fork
• Big Pine Creek
• Downtown Canal

  Indiana is a beautiful state with lots of stunning scenery. For kayakers, there are plenty of creeks, rivers, lakes, and streams to visit. You can enjoy canoeing and kayaking in so many different places here—but which ones are the best of the best?

  While there’s no real objective answer to this question, we can at least make some recommendations. Here we’re listing down the top 10 kayaking destinations in Indiana, including lakes and rivers of all levels, so you have plenty to choose from. And if you’re the type who really loves the water and can’t get enough of Mother Nature, then why not use this as your guide and visit them all?

  Some may even say the best way to explore the great Indiana outdoors is from the water. Get ready for countless hours of fun. Let’s get started.

  1. Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rentals

  The Sugar Creek Campground is definitely one of the most popular water trails in Indiana. Located in Crawfordsville in western Indiana, this peaceful creek runs through the beautiful Turkey Run and Shades State Parks.

  Bring a packed lunch and stop-off at various sandbars where you can collect shells and rocks, or just relax and breathe in the relaxing atmosphere before continuing your journey.

  There are plenty of photo ops to enjoy, between the sandbars and the historic bridges, so make the most out of them! If you’re just starting out and you want to try kayaking, this is perhaps the best place to start. You won’t be spending most of your time in the water, so it’s perfect for beginners.

  2. Blue River

  This jewel in southern Indiana flows through one of the most scenic areas of the state. Blue River offers extensive forests, numerous caves, rural farmlands, and even historical sites! Its true appeal lies in its diversity. There’s plenty to take in as you take a trip down the river.

  Rent a kayak or canoe, or bring your own—this trip takes around five hours to complete.

  3. Lake Michigan

  Northern Indiana has its own contender when it comes to the top kayaking spots in the state. Part of Lake Michigan is found here, and it is known to be one of the best places to go if you’re planning to paddle in Indiana. Visit the Whihala Beach in Whiting, North Michigan, and relax on the river beach before launching your kayak.

  There are also plenty of beaches of Indiana Dunes to paddle in. See miles of beautiful dunes along its waterways. This is great for those who want a longer trip, because Lake Michigan is known for its affordable campsites.

  4. Cedar Lake

  If you can’t get enough of kayaking, perhaps nearly 800 acres of water should be enough. Cedar Lake is an enormous body of water, and it’s actually the largest natural lake in Northwest Indiana.

  Of course the water alone isn’t the only thing to enjoy here. There are parks, beaches, and picnic areas dotted around the lake for you to explore and enjoy. If you want a lazy day spent slowly kayaking, this is the Indiana lake for you.

  And after a tiring day of paddling, the wide range of restaurants scattered around the lake would offer a worthy selection for any person’s appetite.

  5. Kankakee River

  The Kankakee River was a popular trade route ten thousand years ago. This river isn’t just historic—it’s also stunningly beautiful. The lush lands surrounding the Kankakee River make it one of the best water adventures in Indiana. These views were beautiful way back then, and they remain as beautiful now.

  Families, friends, and couples would definitely find this place relaxing. Bring your fishing rods and prepare to spend all day admiring the gifts of nature!

  6. Pigeon River

  Pigeon River isn’t the most exciting name for a kayaking destination—but it’s still very special because it is one of the most fishing-friendly rivers on this list. The river is populated by trout, catfish, and bluegill. While the river itself is narrow and shallow, it is covered by greenery including sycamore, ferns, buttonbush, and sugar maple trees.

  Beginner kayakers rejoice! Pigeon River is a good pick if you just want to test out your skills.

  7. Lake Monroe

  What if your family isn’t really big on kayaking and you want to go anyway? Well, the vast Lake Monroe is a popular staycation spot for Indiana families. There are plenty of water activities to enjoy: if they don’t like to kayak, maybe they’ll enjoy a jet ski?

  You can also rent canoes, paddleboards, and of course, kayaks. This is a place where families can just relax and enjoy their time together.

  8. White River West Fork

  We have a Blue River, a Pigeon River, and now we also have a White River. But this amazing water destination is actually draped with all shades of green. In fact, Earth tones dominate this place because of all the sycamore, river birch, and oaks.

  We recommend the trip from Waverly to Henderson’s Ford Bridge. This river is also great for those who want to spot some Canadian geese, ducks, cranes, and herons. If you’re a bird watcher or just an animal lover in general, you’ll appreciate this one a lot.

  9. Big Pine Creek

  This is Indiana’s only section of real whitewater paddling, about 20 miles west of Lafayette. Spring rains in April and May can turn the Big Pine Creek into a series of whitewater rapids, so watch out for that. Summertime paddling isn’t so great here because the dry periods may bring insufficient water levels for good paddling.

  But with its beautiful cliffs, wildlife, and trees, this is a great pick especially if you time your visit right.

  10. Downtown Canal

  Now we are wrapping this up with a bit of a unique entry because not everyone wants to get in touch with nature. The Downtown Canal is a 3-mile loop that gives a place for the city-dwellers to canoe down the water right in the middle of the city. Rent a single or double-kayak and pay by the hour. You can also bring your own boat and enjoy it all you want.

  For an Easier Trip: Get The EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Kayak Loading System

  If you have your own kayak and want to invest in your own roof rack kayak carrier, then this product is the right one for you.

  With the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System for kayaks, you can load your kayak all by yourself—and in just a little over a minute! This roof-mounted carrier lets you strap your kayak on and easily slide it on top of your car.

  With the right attachments, you can load your paddle boards, surf boards, cargo boxes, etc!

  This multipurpose loading system gives kayakers the ability to just enjoy their trip and not sweat the small stuff. This way, you can focus more of your energy on having fun and doing what you love: kayaking!

  Get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Loading System today!

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