Mississinewa Lake

About Mississinewa Lake

Visitors to northern Indiana will find countless recreational activities in the midst of unspoiled nature at Mississinewa Lake. The 3,180-acre lake is a popular destination for fishermen and hikers, and a reservoir on the Mississippi River provides flood protection. Also known as Mississinsewa Lake, this 59-mile stretch of coastline is surrounded by several National Recreation Areas (SRAs).

Besides fishing, hiking and swimming, visitors can swim on the beach, in kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling or raft along the coast.

The name Mississinewa, pronounced Miss - SIN - Wah, is an Indian word meaning "water on a hillside." Native American folklore and history that reaches deep into the region, such as the history of the Mississippi River and its connection to the Mississippi.

Visitors soon notice that Frances Slocum's name is everywhere: on the water, in the park, on signs and even on a sign at the entrance to the lake itself.

Frances was a young Quaker child when she was kidnapped by the Indians of Delaware, but her brother found her nearly 60 years later. She took the name Maconaquah, which means "young bear," grew up with the tribe and later married the chief. Indian family, including her four children, she decided to stay with them and fully integrate until her death at the age of 74.

Frances Slocum State Recreation Area is located on the northwest shore of the lake and offers a range of hiking trails, picnic areas and other amenities. Lake Mississinewa is surrounded by other state recreational areas, including Lake Michigan State Park and the Mississippi River State Forest.

Red Bridge SRA offers picnic facilities, boat ramps and a marina, and Pearson Mill S RA offers a boat ramp and picnic area. Miami Sra includes picnic areas, hiking trails and other amenities, as well as a lake park.

Although wild animals and birds are popular on Lake Mississinewa, it is threatened by commercial and residential development. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including flathead catfish, bluetongue catfish, yellowfin tuna and many other species.

Fishermen can fish in a number of places, including the main entrance of the lake, the shore and the southern end of the park.

The marina and fish cleaning stations provide the anglers with everything they need for a great day of fishing. Boats are not regulated and size, speed and horsepower are unlimited, and fishing pier and boat ramps are located on the lake.

A trip to Lake Mississinewa would not be complete without visiting the famous Frances Slocum Trail, one of the oldest and most popular hiking trails in the world. The columns of Frances slocums Trail are shaped like sandstone walls eroded by high tides and wind to create cliffs and inner chambers.

The chambers were used by the Miami Indians in the late 19th and early 20th century as hunting and fishing grounds for the Indians. Although Mississinewa Lake is an Indiana DNR area, there are no vacation or resort properties on the lake itself. For those interested in a vacation rental or moving to the Peruvian city area, Indiana is located seven miles northwest of the lake.

Peru claims to be the circus capital of the world, and the city's circus heritage is celebrated with grand annual parades and festivals.

Mississinewa Lake is 85 miles from Indianapolis and it is an easy and rewarding ride. With its beauty and rich history, it is a valuable natural resource and home to the largest lake in the United States and one of the largest lakes in the world.