Patoka Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Patoka Lake |
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 Patoka Lake
Location in Indiana
Patoka Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Crawford / Dubois / Orange counties, Indiana, US |
| Coordinates | 38°26′05″N 086°42′25″W / 38.43472°N 86.70694°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 8,800 acres (3,600 ha) |
| Surface elevation | 535 feet (163 m) |
Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in the U.S. state of Indiana. It is located in southern Indiana. The lake spreads across Dubois, Crawford, and Orange counties.
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About Patoka Lake
Patoka Lake was created by two groups working together. These were the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. It is one of eight such reservoirs in Indiana. These lakes help provide a steady water supply for people. They also help control floods. The lake covers about 8,800 acres (36 square kilometers) of water in the summer.
How Patoka Lake Was Made
The lake was formed by building a dam across the Patoka River. This dam is called the Patoka Lake Dam. It is a 145-foot-high earthen dam. Several smaller streams also feed into the lake. These include Allen Creek, Painter Creek, and Ritter Creek. After the lake was made, parks and nature areas were set up around it. These areas cover about 16,920 acres. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources still manage the lake and dam together.
Fun Things to Do at Patoka Lake
Patoka Lake is a wonderful place to visit. It is home to many migrating birds and different kinds of fish. The lake shores are also very beautiful. You can take amazing photos here.
The lake has been filled with many types of fish. These include bass, bluegill, catfish, redear, crappie, and walleye. Fishermen love to visit Patoka Lake. Once a year, the Lake Association holds an event called GarDaze. This event brings fishermen from all over the world.
There are many other activities you can enjoy at the lake. You can try archery or go cross-country skiing. There are also places for fishing, including ice fishing in winter. You can play disc golf or explore trails for hiking and bicycling. Hunting areas are also available. The lake offers special programs about nature and fun activities. You can even go stargazing! There are picnic spots, swimming areas, and zones for waterskiing. Patoka Lake also has a large campground with over 500 camping sites.
How Patoka Lake Helps the Community
Patoka Lake has been very helpful to the areas around it and to the state of Indiana. In 2005, the lake brought in over $19.4 million from visitors. It has also prevented over $88 million in flood damage. In 2006, nearly 650,000 people visited the lake. These visitors helped create jobs for 197 local people.
