Indian Lake State Park

Due to planned park enhancements – construct new toilet & shower building – the entire south campground, including mini cabins, sanitation station and beach shelter will close Aug. 11. A reopening date will be announced later at a later date. These improvements are being made possible through a proposed $2M in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan.

Address

8970 W County Road 442
Manistique MI, 49854

Phone

906-341-2355
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

567 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

Indian Lake State Park is located on Indian Lake, the fourth-largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula, and features two campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities, a boat launch, a popular swimming beach, a picnic area and 2 miles of trails.

Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF). " target="blank">weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

A shoreline restoration project in the south campground is also taking place.

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.

Thanks to the Friends of Indian Lake and Palms Book State Parks for supporting the park.

Campgrounds

Indian Lake South-Modern Campground: 800-447-2757
(145)
Indian Lake West-Semi-Modern Campground: 906-341-2355
(72)
Indian Lake-Mini Cabin: 800-447-2757
(2)

Trails

Indian Lake-Trails: Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Palms Book State Park is just 7 miles northwest of the park. By means of a self-guided observation raft, visitors can view ancient tree trunks, lime-encrusted branches and lake trout through the emerald waters of the “Big Spring” far below.

The mouth of the Thompson Creek and the Manistique River are hot spots for salmon and steelhead fishing in season. Thompson State Fish Hatchery is 2 miles from the park.

The Hiawatha National Forest and Lake Superior State Forest offer plenty of opportunities for forest recreation. Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite with bird watchers and other wildlife lovers.

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental

Boat Rental: Kayaks are available for rent at $10 per hour, $20 per half day and $35 per full day. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park for more details.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

Fishing

Fishing: 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.

Hiking

Hiking

Hunting

Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.

Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.

Nature Programs

Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

Paddlesports

Paddlesports: 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.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Swimming

Swimming: A designated 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.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch

Boat Launch: 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.

Mini Cabin

Mini Cabin

Modern Restrooms

Modern Restrooms: Modern restrooms are located in the Beach Shelter.

Picnic Area

Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area and includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.

Picnic Shelter

Picnic 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.

Playground

Playground: 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.

Sanitation Station

Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located near the contact station, before the modern campground entrance. There is potable water available and two lanes.