Olin Lake

Why You Should Visit 
The largest Indiana lake with an entirely undisturbed shoreline, pristine waters, stands of huge trees and a lush forest floor of various flora species.

Location
Lagrange County

Ecoregion
North Central Tillplain

Size
341 Acres

Dedicated
State Nature Preserve, 1975-6 and 1989

Owned & Managed By
Division of Nature Preserves

Partners 
ACRES Land Trust, Indiana Heritage Trust and Olin Lake Home Owners Association

How to Prepare for Your Visit
The lake is best seen by boat but there are trails available for hiking in the woodland. Boats may NOT be launched at the lake but public access is provided on nearby Oliver Lake. Olin Lake can then be accessed through a connecting channel.

Directions
From North U.S. 41, turn right (east) on Main Street toward Griffith. The parking lot is on the right side of the road after crossing Kennedy Avenue.   

What to See: Plants and Animals
Tamarack and yellow birch border the lake with other uncommon plants such as winterberry, poison sumac, buttonbush and skunk cabbage. Specimens of sugar maple, beech, hackberry, oak and walnut trees are also present. The lack of aquatic plants is due to marl - a white calcerous substance precipitated from the water that covers the lake bottom. However, there is an abundance of wildflowers to be seen and smelled - trout lilies, celadine poppies and jack-in-the-pulpit to name a few.

Conservation Concerns 
The state-threatened early ladies' tresses and the rare alder buckthorn can be found around Olin Lake. Small, native population of the rare cisco - or lake herring - inhabits the cool, deep waters. Please be careful of these sensitive while walking around or boating in Olin Lake.

For More Information  
IDNR's Division of Nature Preserves