Paddleboarding, Kayaking
& Water Adventures
Your complete guide to getting on the water in Lake County and Northwest Indiana — every lake, lagoon, and water trail worth exploring.
By Liz Rytel July 13, 2026 11 min read
Your complete guide to getting on the water in Lake County and Northwest Indiana — every lake, lagoon, and water trail worth exploring.
One of the biggest surprises about living in Lake County, Indiana, is how much water there is to play on. We've got an 800-acre natural lake in Cedar Lake, a peaceful urban lake in Hammond, a picturesque downtown lake in Hobart, a 16-mile river trail through the middle of the county, and Lake Michigan just 30 minutes north. Paddleboarding and kayaking have exploded in popularity here over the past few years — and once you see the sunrise from the middle of Cedar Lake, you'll understand why. Here's every spot, every rental option, and every route you need to get started.
Lake County has five distinct paddling spots, each with a different character. Cedar Lake is the biggest and most popular. Wolf Lake is the calmest and most accessible for beginners. Lake George is the most scenic. The Deep River Water Trail is the most adventurous. And Marquette Park Lagoon is the most family-friendly. Here's the full breakdown:
The largest natural lake in Northwest Indiana at roughly 800 acres, Cedar Lake is the undisputed king of lake life in the 219. The north end has a public launch with free parking for your own kayak or paddleboard, and Bugaboat Rentals at the south end makes it easy to get on the water without owning gear. Single kayaks run $15/hour, two-person kayaks $25/hour, and paddleboards $20/hour. Motorized boats share the lake, so early mornings are the best time for a peaceful paddle — the water is glassy, the birdlife is active, and you'll have the lake almost to yourself.
Why it's great: 800 acres of lake with rental options and public access — the ultimate 219 water destination.
Wolf Lake Memorial Park in Hammond is one of the best-kept paddling secrets in Lake County. The park offers affordable on-site rentals for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, making it incredibly accessible for beginners or anyone who wants to try the sport without investing in gear. The lake is calmer and less crowded than Cedar Lake, with excellent shoreline trails and birdwatching. It's also home to Festival of the Lakes in July — one of the biggest summer events in the region.
Why it's great: Easy rentals, calm water, and a peaceful atmosphere — perfect for first-timers.
Tucked in the heart of Hobart, Lake George is a picturesque 130-acre lake surrounded by Festival Park. The calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, and the walking trails around the shoreline offer beautiful views of paddlers on the water. Downtown Hobart's shops and restaurants are steps away, so you can combine a morning paddle with an afternoon exploring the town. The Deep River Water Trail begins here, making Lake George the starting point for a 16-mile paddling adventure through Lake County.
Why it's great: A small-town lake with calm water, downtown dining, and the starting point of the Deep River Water Trail.
This 16-mile paddling route is one of the most underrated outdoor experiences in all of Northwest Indiana. Starting at Lake George in Hobart, the trail follows the Deep River through Lake Station and into Gary, passing through scenic woodlands, grasslands, and marshes that feel a world away from the suburban landscape. Access points at Festival Park (Hobart), Riverview Park, and Liverpool Park make it easy to do short segments or the full journey. It's a genuinely surprising wilderness experience in the middle of Lake County.
Why it's great: 16 miles of wild river through the heart of Lake County — a true hidden gem.
J & M Excursions at Marquette Park Lagoon offers tandem and single kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals on a peaceful lagoon setting. It's a calmer alternative to the bigger lakes — great for families with kids or anyone who wants a relaxed paddle. The park itself has a beach, dunes, and trails, so you can make a full day of it.
Why it's great: Calm lagoon with pedal boats and rentals — a family-friendly option right on Lake Michigan's south shore.
You don't need to own a paddleboard or kayak to get on the water in the 219. Several local spots offer affordable hourly rentals — and the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association even has loaner boats for beginners. Here's every rental option in the region:
Single kayaks ($15/hr), 2–3 person kayaks ($25/hr), paddleboards ($20/hr). Right on the water at the south end of Cedar Lake.
Affordable on-site rentals for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The easiest way to get on the water without owning gear.
Tandem and single kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals on the Marquette Park Lagoon. Great for families and beginners.
Organizes group paddling events from spring to fall, offers rental info, and has loaner boats for beginners. A great resource for anyone new to paddling in the 219.
Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced paddler, these curated routes cover every skill level and every part of the 219. Each one is a full experience — not just a paddle, but a day out in Lake County.
Launch from the north end public access point early in the morning before motorized boat traffic picks up. Paddle the shoreline, enjoy the birdlife, and be back on land in time for breakfast at the Lighthouse Restaurant on the waterfront. For a longer outing, paddle to Bugaboat Rentals at the south end and grab a coffee-to-go from a nearby shop.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Wolf Lake Memorial Park and explore the shoreline at your own pace. The lake is calm and forgiving — ideal for first-timers. After your paddle, walk the shoreline trails or pack a picnic for the park. It's a surprisingly peaceful escape in Hammond.
The most ambitious option. Launch at Festival Park on Lake George in Hobart and follow the Deep River through woodlands and marshes toward Gary. You can do a shorter out-and-back segment or commit to the full 16-mile trail. Bring water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure. This is one of those experiences that reminds you why the 219 is special.
For anyone willing to drive 30 minutes north to Porter County, the Indiana Dunes offer Lake Michigan paddling with a completely different feel. Launch from a beach access point and paddle along the shoreline with the towering dunes as your backdrop. Combine it with a hike and lunch in Michigan City for a full adventure day.
Paddleboarding looks intimidating from shore, but it's one of the most accessible water sports out there — especially on the calm inland lakes of the 219. Here are six tips to make your first time a great one:
Cedar Lake (north end), Wolf Lake, and Lake George are all beginner-friendly. Avoid Lake Michigan unless you have experience with open-water conditions.
Wind picks up in the afternoon on all the lakes. Early morning (before 10 AM) gives you the calmest water and the best light for photos.
Indiana law requires a life jacket for children under 13. Adults should wear one too — paddleboarding accidents happen even in shallow water.
There's no shade on the water. A water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat make the difference between a great morning and a miserable sunburn.
Bugaboat on Cedar Lake and Wolf Lake Memorial Park both rent paddleboards by the hour. Try before you buy — you might love it, or you might decide kayaking is more your thing.
The Northwest Indiana Paddling Association organizes group events from spring to fall. Paddling with others is safer, more social, and a great way to learn the local waterways.
Waterfront living is one of the 219's best-kept secrets. Imagine starting your Saturday morning with a paddle on Cedar Lake, grabbing brunch at the Lighthouse Restaurant, and being home by noon. That's everyday life in Lake County. Let's talk about finding you a home on the water.
Your questions about paddleboarding, kayaking, and water activities in Lake County and Northwest Indiana.
Yes — Cedar Lake is one of the most popular paddling spots in Lake County. Bugaboat Rentals at the south end rents single kayaks ($15/hr), 2–3 person kayaks ($25/hr), and stand-up paddleboards ($20/hr). There's also a public launch point on the north end with free parking for your own gear. The lake covers about 800 acres, so there's plenty of room to explore.
Bugaboat Rentals on Cedar Lake is the go-to spot in Lake County, offering kayaks and paddleboards by the hour. Wolf Lake Memorial Park in Hammond has affordable on-site rentals for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. J & M Excursions at Marquette Park Lagoon in Gary rents tandem and single kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats.
Absolutely. Wolf Lake Memorial Park in Hammond offers rentals and is a calm, scenic setting for kayaking and paddleboarding. The lake is also great for fishing and windsurfing. It's less crowded than Cedar Lake, making it a good option for beginners or anyone who wants a more peaceful paddle.
The Deep River Water Trail is a 16-mile paddling route running from Lake George in Hobart through Lake Station and Gary. Access points include Festival Park in Hobart, Riverview Park, and Liverpool Park. The trail passes through scenic woodlands, grasslands, and marshes — a surprisingly wild experience in the middle of Lake County.
Several rental operators offer basic instruction with their paddleboard rentals. The Northwest Indiana Paddling Association also organizes group paddling events from spring through fall and can connect beginners with instruction and loaner boats. Cedar Lake and Wolf Lake are both beginner-friendly for first-time paddlers.
Paddle out, grab brunch, and call it a day. That's Lake County living.