Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Scenic woodlands teeming with wild flora and fauna surround the 109-acre Griffy Lake at this 1,220 acre, relatively undeveloped nature park. Swimming is prohibited.

Griffy Lake was the main source of drinking water for the growing population of Bloomington from 1924, when the dam was constructed, until 1953 when nearby Lake Lemon was constructed. Parks and Recreation took over management of Griffy Lake, both the reservoir and the surrounding land, from the Board of Public Works in 1971. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Nature Preserves in 1991 designated 240 acres of Griffy Lake's south shore as Griffy Woods Nature Preserve.

Quick Park Information

• Griffy Lake boathouse hours of operation, watercraft rental fees, and boat launch fees
• Things to do at Griffy Lake
• Nature & the Outdoors Programs
• Primitive restroom facilities are available only during boathouse hours.
• There are no drinking fountains or sources of potable water at Griffy Lake; please come prepared with your own drinking water.
• Waste and recycling receptacles are located by the boathouse. Thank you for helping keep Griffy Lake clean and safe for all to enjoy!
• Camping, ground fires, and overnight parking are not permitted at Griffy Lake.
• Mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles are strictly prohibited.

Griffy Lake Rules & Regulations

1. NO SWIMMING.
2. No persons may abandon any watercraft at any time. Electric trolling motors can be used on the Lake. Gas powered motors may not be used but may remain on boats as long as the motor is not started.
3. One (1) U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) must be accessible to each occupant of a watercraft. Minors, age 12 and under, must wear Coast Guard approved PFDs at all times.
4. While stand-up paddleboarding, each person must wear an ankle leash.
5. Minors, age 14 and under, wishing to use any vessel without adult supervision, must have written permission signed by a parent or legal guardian.
6. No watercraft shall be operated within 200 feet of the dam or east of the buoys located near the boat ramp.
7. Boat mooring is prohibited on any shoreline.
8. No persons shall operate any watercraft which is loaded with passengers or cargo beyond the manufacturer's recommended carrying capacity.
9. No watercraft shall be operated or used in such a manner so as to create a nuisance or disrupt the safety of others.
10. All watercraft must use the launch facilities near the Boathouse on North Headley Rd.
11. No litter shall be deposited in the lake or on the shoreline.
12. It is illegal to release any live fish (native or non-native) into any public waters without a stocking permit from the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources.
13. Adults (18+) are required to have a valid Indiana fishing license to fish at Griffy Lake.
14. Ice fishing and ice skating are not prohibited on Griffy Lake, however ice conditions vary and can be hazardous. The City of Bloomington assumes no responsibility for accidents resulting from individuals venturing onto the ice.
15. A minimum $20 late fee applies to all rented watercraft returned after closing. An additional $20 will be added for every 30 minutes the boat remains out past closing time.
16. A minimum $50 replacement fee is charged for lost, stolen, or damaged rental items.