Indian Lake State Park is located on the shores of Indian Lake, five miles west of Manistique in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This 567-acre park is composed of two units, which are 3 miles apart and separated by the lake. The south unit features a modern campground overlooking the lake and the west unit features semi-modern campsites in a wooded setting. Other amenities include two Civilian Conservation Corps-era picnic shelters, a designated swim beach, a quarter-mile, paved trail along the lake and boating access site.
Indian Lake, which is 6 miles long and 3 miles wide, is the fourth-largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. The lake was once called M'O'Nistique Lake, and surveyor records from 1850 indicate Native Americans lived in log cabins near the outlet of the lake.
There is a paved boat launch located in the day-use area on Indian Lake. Indian Lake has a maximum depth of 18 feet, with about 90 percent of the lake less than 15 feet deep; it is best suited for smaller boats.
Modern restrooms are located in the Beach Shelter.
There are two reservable picnic shelters located in the day-use area. The accessible Beach Shelter – located in the beach house – features a lake overlook, fireplace, water supply, electricity, picnic tables and a group charcoal grill. Restrooms and changing courts are also in the building. The Picnic Shelter features restrooms, water supply, electricity (available during reservations only), picnic tables and a group charcoal grill. Both shelters are close to the playground, horseshoe pits and volleyball court. The Beach Shelter is accessible, but the Picnic Shelter is not.
Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
The 8,400-acre Indian Lake is the fourth-largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. It offers fishing for a variety of species, including perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, rock bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, sturgeon and brown trout.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Kayaks are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park for more details.
There is a carry-in launch on Indian Lake, located in the west shore unit of the park within the semimodern campground day-use area.
The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
There are numerous play areas in the park’s day-use area, including a swing set in the day-use area near the beach, horseshoe pits and volleyball at each shelter, and a double wooden swing for small children near the Beach Shelter. There is also a swing set located in the west shore unit of the park within the semi-modern campground day-use area.
The park’s sanitation station is located near the contact station, before the modern campground entrance. There is potable water available and two lanes.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area near the Beach Shelter. The clean, sandy beach and shallow water make swimming a fun way to spend the day.
There is a small, 75-yard stretch of sandy beach on Indian Lake in front of shelter adjacent to the Beach Shelter.
The modern campground is located in the park's south unit on Indian Lake and features a variety of sites including accessible, pull-through and tent-only sites. Many sites feature waterfront views of the lake. The campground is generally open but surrounded by trees. The campground is located near the designated swimming beach, a boat ramp, a picnic area and shelters. There is 20/30-amp electrical service available on each site, along with some 50-amp sites. A sanitation station is available.
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The semi-modern campground is located on Indian Lake in the park's west shore unit, 4 miles northwest of the park on County Road 455, and offers a more rustic experience compared to a modern campground. The campground is typically open mid-June through Labor Day, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Self-registration is available at the west shore unit contact station when entering the campground or at the south shore unit's modern campground office. There is a small day-use area within the west shore unit that features a carry-in boat launch on Indian Lake and a swing set.
This campground is considered semi-modern, as 20-amp electrical service is available at each site, but restrooms are limited to vault toilets with drinking fountains and jug fillers available for water. Campers can use the modern campground facilities for a fee of $5 per shower.
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The modern campground features two accessible mini cabins. These one-bedroom cabins sleep four people and feature electricity, lighting, full-size bed with a single bunk above, cot, table and chairs, electric heater, microwave, portable fan and mini refrigerator. A charcoal grill, fire ring and picnic table are located outside the cabin.
You must provide your own linens. Pets are not allowed in the cabin.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
