Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Griffy Lake Loop Trail and Accessible Fishing Pier Project

Griffy Lake Boathouse

The Griffy Lake boathouse is open for the 2025 season. Private watercraft launching is permitted via the boat ramp ONLY. There is no charge to launch private watercraft when the boathouse is closed. 

Click here for more information about renting watercraft at the Griffy Lake boathouse.

• Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is open daily from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.
• Camping and campfires/open fires are NOT permitted at Griffy Lake.
• There is no entrance fee for Griffy Lake Nature Preserve.
• A valid, Indiana fishing license is required to fish at Griffy Lake.
• Dogs must remain on a leash while visiting Griffy Lake Nature Preserve.
• The Griffy Lake boat ramp is open for private watercraft launching; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only.
• There is accessible parking and a walkway that offers shoreline fishing located along Headley Road.

Scenic woodlands teeming with wild flora and fauna surround the 109-acre Griffy Lake at this 1,220 acre nature preserve. Swimming is prohibited. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has stocked the lake with bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. A valid Indiana fishing license is required for fishing at Griffy Lake.

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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 N. 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. Rented watercraft returned to the boathouse after closing are subject to a minimum $20 late fee.
16. A minimum $50 replacement fee is charged for lost, stolen, or damaged rental items.