Indiana may be landlocked, but it’s packed with surprising and diverse paddleboarding opportunities — from Great Lakes coastlines and urban rivers to forest-lined reservoirs and quiet state-park lakes. Whether you're craving a peaceful sunrise paddle, a long SUP adventure, or a family-friendly outing, the Hoosier State offers a spot for every paddler. This guide highlights the best places to paddle board in Indiana, including hidden gems, iconic waterways, and must-visit SUP destinations you’ll love exploring.

Indiana’s slice of Lake Michigan provides a dramatic, ocean-like SUP experience. Launch from Indiana Dunes National Park for sandy beaches, towering dunes, and expansive open water. Conditions can change quickly, so check wind, waves, and weather before paddling.

For a bucket-list journey, explore the Lake Michigan Water Trail. Indiana’s shoreline offers sparkling dunes and wide-open water, while continuing into Illinois lets you paddle beneath the legendary Chicago skyline. Ideal for experienced paddlers ready for long-distance exploration.

Surrounded by Hoosier National Forest, Patoka Lake is peaceful, scenic, and wildlife-rich — making it one of Indiana’s premier SUP spots. Calm water, forest views, and regular eagle sightings ensure a relaxing yet memorable paddle.

The White River flows through central Indiana, offering quiet, smooth water for beginners and nature lovers. Paddle the stretch through downtown Indianapolis for a unique urban-meets-nature SUP experience.

Indiana’s largest lake invites both casual paddlers and SUP adventurers. Calm bays are perfect for beginners, while its islands and inlets make for fun exploration or even overnight SUP-camping trips.

With eleven connected lakes, this park feels made for paddleboarding. Create your own route, hop from lake to lake, and enjoy calm waters that are great for touring, fitness paddling, or relaxing sessions.

Just outside Indianapolis, Geist Reservoir attracts SUP enthusiasts seeking calm water, easy access, and a growing community of paddlers. Look for SUP races, meet-ups, and scenic shoreline tours.

Inside Indy’s largest park, Eagle Creek offers peaceful water, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous sunsets. Its accessibility and calm conditions make it ideal for new paddleboarders and after-work paddles.

This winding river offers miles of peaceful paddling through forests, farmland, and small towns. Perfect for nature lovers wanting a longer scenic route.

Shallow swimming areas, SUP rentals, and a sandy beach make Summit Lake a great family-friendly destination. Calm waters give kids and beginners the confidence they need to learn.

Wide-open water gives experienced paddlers room to roam, while quiet tree-lined coves offer cozy spots to relax. Don’t miss a side trip to the famous Seven Pillars — a stunning cliff formation along the Mississinewa River.

Inside Brown County State Park, these two peaceful lakes deliver some of the most serene paddleboarding in Indiana.

A forest-ringed beauty with calm, sheltered waters ideal for beginners, fitness paddlers, and those seeking solitude. Wildlife sightings are frequent — expect turtles, deer along the shore, and calm reflections of the surrounding hills.

Smaller and quieter, Strahl Lake offers a tranquil, glassy surface perfect for slow paddles, SUP yoga, or photography. The peaceful atmosphere and wooded backdrop make it a must-visit hidden gem.

Together, these lakes showcase why Brown County is often called the “Little Smokies.”

Brookville Lake is ideal for paddlers who enjoy mixing SUP with boating, fishing, and other water sports. The broad, clear surface is fantastic for fitness paddling or longer routes.

Few places compare to the feeling of paddling along the towering dunes of Lake Michigan. Enjoy sandy beaches, offshore rock formations, and dramatic views that feel more like the ocean than the Midwest.

Located in Hobart, Lake George offers a peaceful break inside a city setting. Its small, calm surface is perfect for quick paddle sessions or beginner-friendly outings.

A gentle current and abundant wildlife make this river perfect for nature-observers. Expect herons, turtles, and wide-open scenic views.

These rivers reveal a unique blend of waterways and industrial history. Paddle beneath bridges, past preserved wetland areas, and through evolving urban landscapes.

Indiana may not be the first state people imagine for paddleboarding — but it absolutely should be. From Great Lakes shorelines and forest-surrounded reservoirs to peaceful rivers and urban waterways, the Hoosier State offers remarkable diversity for SUP enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking adventure, fitness, wildlife encounters, or pure serenity, there's a spot here waiting to be explored. Grab your board, pick your destination, and enjoy some of the Midwest’s most underrated paddling.