When the weather’s warm, Lake Monroe is where Bloomington goes to cool off. It’s the largest lake in Indiana, winding through the hills and forest south-east of town, and the Paynetown State Recreation Area is the easiest way in, about 20 minutes from downtown.
Paynetown has a swimming beach, picnic areas, a marina with boat rentals and a boat ramp if you’re bringing your own. Rent a pontoon for the afternoon with the family, paddle a kayak into the quieter coves, or set up a blanket on the shore and watch the sailboats go by. There are hiking trails nearby too, plus the Monroe Interpretive Center if the kids want to learn about the local wildlife.
Summer is peak season and weekends fill up fast, so arrive in the morning for a good spot on the beach. Early autumn is lovely too, with fewer people and the trees starting to turn. There’s a per-vehicle entrance fee, and boat rentals are worth booking ahead on busy weekends.
Pack a cooler, sunscreen and towels and make a day of it. You’ll still be back at your Dwella home in time for dinner.
