Indian Lake State Park is located 4 miles west of Manistique Michigan on County Road 442. It is also reached from Thompson by traveling 3 miles north on M-149 and 1/2 mile east on County Road 442. Indian Lake is the fourth largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula with an area of 8,400 acres. It is 5 miles long and 3 miles wide. The lake was once called M'O'Nistique Lake. According to surveyor records, dated 1850, Indians lived in log cabins near the outlet of the Lake. These Indians, presumably, are what gave Indian Lake its name. Indian Lake has a maximum depth of 18 feet with about 90 percent of the lake less than 15 feet deep. Game fish include perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, rock bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, sturgeon and brown trout. Clean sandy beaches around the entire lake make it a favorite for swimmers arid sunbathers.
The area around Indian Lake State Park is a playground for the sportsman and outdoor recreationist. The Hiawatha National Forest and Lake Superior State Forest offer unlimited opportunities for hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and berry picking. The Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite with bird watchers and other wildlife lovers. The mouth of the Thompson Creek and the Manistique River are hot spots for salmon and steelhead fishing in season. Historic Fayette, Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks are all within a couple hours drive or you might like to visit Seul Choix Lighthouse just south of Gulliver. Thompson State Fish Hatchery is only 2 miles from the park and is open weekdays for viewing between 8.00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The park is composed of two units which are 3 miles apart and separated by the waters of Indian Lake. The South Shore Unit is a modern campground near the lakeshore with electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and offers the camper a wide choice of 145 campsites. There is a sanitation station for self-contained camping vehicles. Two rental "Mini Cabins" are also available. The West Shore campground offers 72 more secluded and sheltered campsites, but they are 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the lake. The West Shore camp ground has electricity, vault toilets and drinking water (no showers or flush toilets).
Indian Lake State Park has a swimming beach with a beach house and a boat ramp. Enjoy the interpretive programs, horse shoe pits, and volleyball court while you are camping at Indian Lake. Reservations are available for the South Shore Campground and are recommended especially during July and August. The west shore normally has vacancies so reservations there are usually not necessary. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-44 PARKS or you can reserve online. For the camper with little of no equipment. we have two barrier free "Mini Cabins" available at our South Shore Campground. Cabins have bunk beds with mattresses and sleep 4. Bring your own bedding. There is an outdoor cooking grill, fire circle, and a picnic table.
Big Springs at Palms Book State Park Recreation & Attractions in the Manistique Area
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