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WATERSKI MagazineTo be honest, the Hoosier State doesn't rate high among the 50 stars for visual excitement. Shoreline scenery? Sure, the dunes around the southern end of Lake Michigan are nice. But skiers heading south of there have little reason to stop until crossing the Kentucky border. With one exception.
About an hour south of Indianapolis, just outside Bloomington, is a natural “stickout” spot. Inside Indiana's only nationally designated forest land – Hoosier National Forest – is rolling terrain and the state's biggest chunk of water, Lake Monroe. It's also where you'll find a lifestyle that caters to water skiers.
“This isn't typical of Indiana,” says Marlin Dodge of the Department of Natural Resources. “There's nice terrain, a party atmosphere in some places and good skiing.”
The skiing is only acceptable during the week, before the masses arrive Saturday morning. Highway 446 separates Lake Monroe into east and west. The east side is an idle zone, but that still leaves most of the lake's 10,000 acres fair game for impromptu skiing and boarding sets. The water is up to 40 feet deep at the far south end near the Monroe Dam. High banks keep the table still inside several cul-de-sac-like coves. North of the dam is a big sweeping bay protected on one side by Allen's Creek Peninsula. There's a slalom course in here where the Indiana University water ski club practices. After 5 p.m. the water barely moves. Another ski-friendly area is Chapel Hill Cove across from Fourwinds Marina. Up toward the 446 bridge is a bigger body where wakeboarders can catch some hefty ramps.
Skiers who decide to dry off before sunset usually wind up in Cruiser Cove on the south end. This is a gathering spot for grilling dinner and sharing stories about the day's final set on Indiana's water-sports beacon.
Other attractions:
* Backpacking through the Hoosier National Forest, where there are deer and thousands of acres of trees.
* PGA Championship golf course at Eagle Pointe (812-824-4040).
Where to unpack:
* Fourwinds Resort (800-538-1187) on the south end has everything you can imagine on the water; $118-$136.
* Eagle Pointe (800-860-8604) is a five-star resort on the southwest side of the lake; $100-$350 per night.
Where to eat:
* Little Zagreb's, about 15 minutes away in Bloomington, has a sirloin for two that will actually feed four.
* Fourwinds Resort has a patio restaurant.
Something you have to avoid:
* Weekends. True of most lakes, but heed the advice here – unless you enjoy skiing through the nautical version of an L.A. rush hour.
In case you forgot:
* Anchor Marine and Fourwinds both carry general gear.
Boat service:
* Fourwinds Marina (812-824-9904).
How to get here:
* Take I-65 to 46 west to 446 until you cross the lake.
For more information:
* Monroe County Visitors Bureau (800-800-0037).
