Indiana River Map

Indiana's waterways include the Wabash River, the state's longest river at 503 miles, and the Ohio River, which forms its southern border. In the northwest, Lake Michigan provides access to a Great Lake, supporting commerce and recreation, while Lake Monroe, the largest inland lake at 10,750 acres, is a hub for fishing and boating. These rivers and lakes are essential for Indiana's agriculture, transportation, and tourism industries.

About Indiana River Map

Explore the map of Indiana with rivers, lakes, and geographical / physical features which is clearly marked on the map.

List of Rivers in Indiana

River Name	Length (miles)	Major Tributaries	Key Cities Along the River	Significance
Wabash River	503	White River, Tippecanoe River	Terre Haute, Lafayette, Vincennes	Longest river in Indiana; critical for agriculture, recreation, and transportation.
Ohio River	981 (Indiana Border: ~400)	Blue River, Indian Creek	Evansville, Jeffersonville	Forms Indiana’s southern border; essential for commerce and navigation.
White River	362	East Fork White River, West Fork White River	Indianapolis, Muncie	Flows through central Indiana; important for drinking water and recreation.
Tippecanoe River	182	Mississinewa River	Warsaw, Lafayette	Known for its biodiversity and recreational opportunities.
St. Joseph River	210 (Indiana Section: ~86)	Elkhart River	South Bend, Elkhart	Supports agriculture and local industries; key historical trade route.
Kankakee River	133	Yellow River	South Bend	Supports wetlands and wildlife habitats; historically significant.
Blue River	57	Indian Creek	Corydon	Popular for canoeing and ecological diversity.
Eel River	110	Wabash River	Logansport	Provides habitat for aquatic life and supports small communities.
Patoka River	167	None (tributary of Wabash River)	Jasper	Contributes to Patoka Lake; supports agriculture and recreation.
Mississinewa River	120	Wabash River	Marion	Important for local water supply and recreational activities.

List of Lakes in Indiana

Lake Name	Size (acres)	Type	Location	Key Features	Uses
Lake Michigan	22,400 (Indiana shoreline)	Natural (Great Lake)	Northwest Indiana	Part of the Great Lakes; access to major ports and beaches.	Commercial shipping, recreation, drinking water.
Lake Monroe	10,750	Reservoir	Monroe County	Indiana’s largest inland lake; surrounded by forested areas.	Boating, fishing, camping, drinking water.
Patoka Lake	8,800	Reservoir	Dubois, Crawford, Orange Counties	Known for wildlife habitats; scenic beauty.	Recreation, flood control, water supply.
Brookville Lake	5,260	Reservoir	Franklin and Union Counties	Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.	Fishing, boating, flood control.
Mississinewa Lake	3,180	Reservoir	Miami County	Located in Mississinewa River Valley.	Flood control, fishing, camping.
Salamonie Lake	2,665	Reservoir	Wabash and Huntington Counties	Surrounded by Salamonie River State Forest.	Flood control, boating, wildlife observation.
Lake James	1,229	Natural	Steuben County	Part of the Chain O'Lakes region.	Recreation, fishing, vacation homes.
J. Edward Roush Lake	870	Reservoir	Huntington County	Part of the Upper Wabash Reservoir system.	Flood control, fishing, hunting.
Lake Wawasee	3,410	Natural	Kosciusko County	Indiana’s largest natural lake.	Boating, fishing, tourism.
Indiana Dunes Lakes	Various	Natural	Indiana Dunes National Park	Includes small dune lakes near Lake Michigan.	Ecological preservation, hiking, wildlife habitat.

Indiana Rivers and Lakes

Indiana is home to a diverse network of rivers and lakes that contribute significantly to the state’s natural beauty, economy, and ecological health. These water bodies serve vital roles in transportation, agriculture, recreation, and wildlife preservation. Indiana's rivers and lakes are essential to the lives of its residents and the health of its ecosystems.

Major Rivers of Indiana

The Wabash River

The Wabash River is the longest river in Indiana, flowing for 503 miles entirely within the state. It originates in western Ohio, passes through Indiana, and merges with the Ohio River. Historically, the Wabash served as a critical transportation route, and today it is significant for agriculture, supporting irrigation and nutrient-rich floodplains. Key cities along the river include Lafayette, Terre Haute, and Vincennes.

The Ohio River

The Ohio River forms Indiana's southern border, stretching approximately 400 miles along the state. It is a major commercial waterway, enabling the transport of goods and supporting industrial activities in cities like Evansville and Jeffersonville. The Ohio River is also vital for recreational activities and serves as a water source for communities.

Other Significant Rivers

The White River, flowing 362 miles, is divided into east and west forks and passes through Indianapolis. It is crucial for drinking water and supports recreational fishing and boating. The Tippecanoe River, stretching 182 miles, is known for its biodiversity and scenic value. Other notable rivers include the St. Joseph River in northern Indiana, the Kankakee River, and the Eel River.

Key Lakes in Indiana

Lake Michigan

Indiana has access to Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, with a shoreline of 22 miles. It supports commercial shipping, fishing, and recreation, including beaches and water sports. The lake is also a vital source of drinking water for many communities in northwest Indiana.

Lake Monroe

As Indiana's largest inland lake, Lake Monroe covers 10,750 acres in Monroe County. It was created as a reservoir to manage flooding and is now a popular site for boating, fishing, and camping. The lake is surrounded by forested areas, enhancing its ecological significance.

Patoka Lake

Covering 8,800 acres, Patoka Lake spans multiple counties in southern Indiana. It is a critical habitat for wildlife and supports activities like fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The lake also provides flood control and drinking water for nearby communities.

Other Lakes

Indiana boasts several other significant lakes, including Brookville Lake, Mississinewa Lake, and Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in the state at 3,410 acres. These lakes contribute to the state's recreational appeal and ecological health, offering spaces for outdoor activities and wildlife conservation.

Environmental Importance

Indiana’s rivers and lakes support a variety of ecosystems, providing habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. They play a key role in maintaining water quality and managing flood risks. The state actively monitors and protects these resources to balance ecological preservation with economic development.

Economic and Recreational Role

Indiana’s water bodies significantly contribute to the state’s economy through agriculture, industry, and tourism. Rivers like the Wabash and Ohio are vital for transporting goods, while lakes such as Lake Monroe and Patoka Lake attract visitors for fishing, boating, and camping. These activities generate revenue and create jobs, supporting local communities.