Lakes around Bellefontaine, Ohio, offer a variety of recreational opportunities. The area is characterized by its natural landscape, including prominent bodies of water like Indian Lake. This region provides extensive options for outdoor activities, from boating and fishing to hiking and camping. The lakes contribute to the area's appeal as a destination for nature enthusiasts.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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A place to recharge your batteries
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Very beautiful abbey. I recommend the tour and the restaurant which is incredible.
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Quite a nice natural space for walking. A few ducks, gray herons and other animals live in the middle of this slightly muddy pond.
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The Anglo-Chinese park of Chantilly is a garden designed in 1773 by the architect Jean-François Leroy for Prince Louis-Joseph de Bourbon-Condé. It is home to the Hameau, a group of five thatched cottages which inspired Marie-Antoinette for her own Hameau at Versailles. You can run along the winding paths, admire the Chinese pagoda and the artificial lake, and taste delicious treats made from the famous Chantilly cream in the restaurant. The Anglo-Chinese park is a charming and romantic place to discover the art of living in the 18th century.
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The English-Chinese Park of Chantilly is a garden designed in 1773 by the architect Jean-François Leroy for Prince Louis-Joseph de Bourbon-Condé. It is home to the Hameau, a group of five thatched cottages which inspired Marie-Antoinette for her own Hameau at Versailles. You can stroll through the winding alleys, admire the Chinese pagoda and the artificial lake, and enjoy delicious treats made with the famous Chantilly cream in the restaurant. The English-Chinese Park is a charming and romantic place to discover the art of living in the 18th century.
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There are places to park bicycles in the car park.
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Here we have a very beautiful landscape of lakes with the castle in the distance. A natural setting for the greatest pleasure of cyclists. You can therefore land and take a break to recover your strength. The creperie in front of the lake is great!
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entrance fee unfortunately. Wikipedia summary: Royaumont Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery located in the hamlet of Baillon in Asnières-sur-Oise in the Val-d'Oise, about thirty kilometers north of Paris. It was built between 1228 and 1235 under the aegis of Saint Louis, and was then one of the most important abbeys in France. It remains a Cistercian abbey until the French Revolution, it is sold as national property and becomes a textile industrial site. It regained its religious vocation in 1864, until the Combes laws in 1905. The abbey was then bought by Jules Goüin, and his grandson Henry, an industrialist and music lover, opened its doors to artists, organized concerts there and makes a place of musical and cultural creation. He gave it to the Royaumont Foundation, which he created in 1964, the first private foundation for cultural purposes, which has since managed the site. The building has been listed as a historical monument since 1927 for its remains, and 1948 for the buildings of the abbey and the park.
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The most prominent lake near Bellefontaine is Indian Lake, a large public recreational area. Canal Lake is another noteworthy, though private, lake in the vicinity.
Indian Lake offers a wide range of activities including unlimited horsepower boating, fishing (known for saugeye, crappie, bass), swimming at two public beaches (Fox Island and Old Field Beach), camping, hiking, and biking. In winter, it's popular for snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Yes, Indian Lake is recognized as one of the best lakes in the nation for fishing. Anglers can find saugeye, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and yellow perch. Fishing tournaments are also held here.
Yes, Indian Lake features two public beaches: Fox Island Beach and Old Field Beach. They provide 1,400 feet of water access with amenities like parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and shaded areas.
Indian Lake offers trails such as the Pew Island Trail, a mile-long path with panoramic lake views, and the 3-mile easy Cherokee Trail. There's also a paved bikeway running for 3 miles on the West Bank between Old Field Beach and Lakeview Harbor.
Indian Lake State Park provides a large campground with numerous electric and full hook-up sites, including some waterfront options. Unique 'boat camping' sites are also available directly on the lake.
Indian Lake is the only inland lake in Ohio with lighted buoys for night navigation, making it a favorite for various boating activities, including skiing in its open zone area. There are four boat ramps and rental docks available.
Canal Lake is a private, secluded lake associated with GreatStone Castle Resorts. It's primarily used as a venue for weddings, meetings, special events, and private getaways, offering a serene environment with amenities like fishing, row boats, and hiking trails for its guests.
Indian Lake is a popular year-round destination. Summer is ideal for boating, swimming, and camping. Winter offers snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and cross-country skiing. Spring and fall provide excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Indian Lake State Park, with its over 5,100 acres of woodlands, marshes, and fields, is a great spot for nature lovers. You can observe various bird species, including waterfowl, songbirds, wading birds, and raptors.
The area around Indian Lake provides boat and jet ski rentals, restaurants, shops, and a flea market. Nearby attractions also include Ohio Caverns and Zane Caverns.


Still not found your perfect lake around Bellefontaine? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.