Lake Lemon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Lemon |
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 Lake Lemon
Location in Indiana
Lake Lemon
Location in the United States
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| Location | Monroe / Brown counties, Indiana, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°15′27″N 86°23′47″W / 39.2574°N 86.3963°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Bean Blossom Creek |
| Primary outflows | Bean Blossom Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,650 acres (670 ha) |
| Average depth | 9.7 ft (3.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
Lake Lemon is a large, man-made lake in southern Indiana, about 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bloomington. It's a special type of lake called a reservoir, which means it was built to store water. The lake stretches across parts of Monroe County and Brown County.
Lake Lemon is quite big! It covers about 1,650 acres (670 ha), making it the 11th largest lake in Indiana. Imagine a lake with 24 miles (39 km) of shoreline – that's how much there is to explore! The lake is usually about 9.7 feet (3.0 m) deep, but in some spots, it can be more than 20 feet (6.1 m) deep. These deeper areas follow the path of the old Beanblossom Creek, which was turned into the lake.
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How Lake Lemon Was Built
Lake Lemon was created by building a dam across Beanblossom Creek. Construction started in 1953. The main goal was to provide drinking water for the city of Bloomington. It was also designed to be a fun place for recreation and to help control floods along Bean Blossom Creek.
The Lake Lemon Dam is an earthen dam, meaning it's made of earth and rock. It stands 51 feet (16 m) tall and stretches 660 feet (200 m) across. The dam was finished by 1956. For many years, Lake Lemon was Bloomington's main water source. In the 1970s, a much larger lake, Lake Monroe, took over this role. However, Lake Lemon still serves as a backup water supply for Bloomington.
Who Manages Lake Lemon?
For a long time, the City of Bloomington Utilities department managed Lake Lemon. But by the 1990s, they needed help with the costs. So, a group of landowners living around the lake formed the Lake Lemon Conservancy District. This group took over running the lake in 1995. In 2002, they also started managing Riddle Point Park, a popular park on the lake.
Animals and Plants of Lake Lemon
Lake Lemon is a lively home for many different kinds of animals and plants.
Fish and Wildlife
You can find about two dozen types of fish in the lake. These include popular ones like largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Beyond fish, the lake is also home to animals like beavers and muskrats.
Birdwatchers will love Lake Lemon too! You might spot majestic bald eagles, tall herons, and elegant egrets. Since 1985, many bald eagle chicks have been released at nearby Lake Monroe. This has led to more and more sightings of these incredible birds at Lake Lemon.
Plants and Trees
The land around Lake Lemon is rich with many different plants and trees. Some of the most common plants you'll see in the water include the beautiful American lotus, tall cattails, and unique spatterdock. On the shores, you'll find lots of trees like silver maples and oaks.
As of 2005, a type of harmful shell creature called zebra mussels had not been found in Lake Lemon. These mussels are an invasive species that can cause problems for lakes.
Parks and Fun Activities
Lake Lemon offers several great spots for public access and fun activities.
Riddle Point Park
The biggest public park on the lake is Riddle Point Park. It's managed by the Lake Lemon Conservancy District. Here, you can find a boat ramp to launch your boat. There's also a 1 acre (0.40 ha) area with native prairie grass, a beach for swimming, a shelter house for picnics, and a nature trail for exploring.
Little Africa Wildlife Viewing Area
Another park is the Little Africa Wildlife Viewing Area. This park covers 24 acres (9.7 ha) on a piece of land that sticks out into the lake. It's a great place to see wildlife and walk along its nature trail.
Lake Lemon Marina
If you need boat fuel or other services, Lake Lemon Marina is the only marina on the lake. It's located on the north side. There's also a private club called the Bloomington Yacht Club on the south shore.
Indiana University Aquatic Center
On the south shore, you'll also find the Indiana University Aquatic Center. This center is a hub for water sports like sailing, rowing, and water skiing. It's home to the Indiana University Women's Rowing Team, the Indiana University Club Rowing Team, and the Indiana University Sailing Club.
