Lake with glowing sunset

Lake Lemon Vacation Rentals

Breathe the cool lake air and swim with your family at Riddle Point Park near Bloomington, Indiana.

Ten Miles from Bloomington, Worlds Away from Ordinary

Newest

Luxury rentals

Pet-friendly

Why Rent On Lake Lemon

Lake Lemon sits just 10 miles northeast of Bloomington, Indiana, spreading across 1,650 acres with 24 miles of shoreline. Built in 1953, this lake was once Bloomington’s drinking water reservoir and has since become one of the region’s most enjoyable recreational lakes. A vacation rental here gives your family easy access to the water and the full cultural and dining offerings of Bloomington whenever you want them.

Cozy Rentals with Full Kitchen and Lake Access

Lakehouses and cabins near Lake Lemon offer the kind of comfort and space that hotels in the Bloomington area simply cannot match. Multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, relaxing outdoor areas, and beautiful lake views make a rental here well worth the booking. Pet-friendly options are available, and the wooded shoreline setting gives every property a genuine sense of privacy.

Pontoon Rides, Fishing, and a Family Beach

You can launch your own watercraft at the lake’s marina on the north shore or rent a pontoon for a full afternoon on the water. Riddle Point Park offers a small public swimming beach and picnic areas ideal for families with younger kids. Largemouth bass, yellow bass, and channel catfish are the main draws for anglers, and kayaking and paddleboarding are popular throughout the warm season.

Bloomington’s Best Just Down the Road

Indiana University and the city of Bloomington are just 10 miles away, putting the Eskenazi Museum of Art, the Monroe County History Center, and the beloved Bloomington Farmers’ Market within easy reach. The Tulip Trace Trail connects the lake area to the broader trail network for families who want to hike between lake days. Bloomington’s restaurant scene is one of the best in the state for a city its size.

The Right Lake for a Bloomington-Area Family Trip

Lake Lemon is the kind of destination that surprises families who were planning to stay in Bloomington and decided to try something different. A lakeside vacation rental here gives you the outdoors, the fishing, the beach, and the proximity to everything the city offers. It is a smarter, more memorable way to experience this corner of Indiana.

Best time to go
In early autumn, particularly late September to mid-October, Lake Lemon transforms into a serene spectacle. The crisp air carries whispers of vibrant foliage, while fewer tourists allow for tranquil canoeing, lazy fishing afternoons, and basking in golden sunsets over the shimmering water.
Water Quality
Lake Lemon's water exhibits a deep blue hue with a silty clarity due to sediment runoff from tributaries like Bean Blossom Creek.
Surface area (mi)
4.16
Max depth (ft)
20
Elevation (ft)
629.92
Shoreline length (mi)
24

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Jet Skiing
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Marinas on Lake Lemon

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake Lemon has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, you can swim in Lake Lemon. There is a designated swimming area at Riddle Point Park, which has a small public swimming beach marked with buoys to indicate the safe swimming area.

  • Lake Lemon is a popular destination because of its excellent boating, water sports, and fishing opportunities. It is home to Indiana University’s Rowing Team and known for its diverse fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. The lake also offers a public swimming beach and hiking trails at Riddle Point Park.

  • The size limit for largemouth bass in Lake Lemon, Indiana, is a minimum of 14 inches. The daily bag limit is 5 bass, with no more than two fish over 15 inches if there are size restrictions. This helps maintain a balanced fish community and reduces overfishing.

  • Yes, there is a public beach at Lake Lemon. Riddle Point Park offers a small public swimming beach with a family-friendly atmosphere, and an admission fee is charged.

  • The town closest to Lake Lemon, Indiana, is Bloomington. Lake Lemon is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Bloomington. It is also near the town of Unionville in Brown County.