Page last updated on June 23, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Temporary Boathouse Closure Tuesday, June 23, 2025
Due to the forecasted high heat index, the Griffy Lake Boathouse will be temporarily closed from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. If you are interested in renting a watercraft, you must be on the water before 1 p.m. For the safety of the community and our staff, we will not send out boats after 1 p.m.
The restrooms will also be closed during this time. Please plan accordingly and stay safe when recreating outside during excessive heat!
The Griffy Lake Boathouse is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, including holidays, through August 31, 2025.
Watercraft rental reservations may be made by phone at 812-349-3732 during business hours. Reservation requests sent to griffy.boathouse@bloomington.in.gov must include the date and time of the rental, quantity and type of the watercraft you would like to rent, a phone number, how many children and how many adults will be using the watercraft, and if the rental is for 1 or 2 hours. Requests made through email may take 48 hours to confirm. Weekend rentals are limited to 2 hours.
Walk-up rentals are also accepted, provided there are fewer than 22 watercraft on the lake at the time.
Private Watercraft Launching and Permits
Please note that Griffy Lake is owned and managed by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. It is not a Department of Natural Resources facility, and a DNR non-motorized watercraft permit is not valid for the use of privately owned watercraft. To launch a canoe, kayak, jon boat, or other private watercraft at Griffy Lake (motors limited to electric trolling motors only), you need either a daily launch permit ($10) or an annual launch permit ($100). Launch permits may be purchased at the boathouse during business hours.
A valid Indiana fishing license is required to fish at Griffy Lake.
Please note shoreline launching is NOT permitted. All boats, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, must be launched from the ramp located at the boathouse.
Boathouse Hours
April and October, Saturday and Sunday only, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
May-August: Daily, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.
September: Daily, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
November-March: Closed