Lake Profile

It’s always fun on Tippy. Photo provided by The Watershed Foundation.

Hello, Tippy

Tippecanoe Lake

by Haiden Hibbert

Home to summer getaways, historical properties and family cottages, Tippecanoe Lake is a glacial lake that’s quaint and tranquil, as well as a prime spot for recreation and warm-weather activity. Tippecanoe Lake is fueled by its rich history, and has maintained its reputation over the years. In fact, “Tippy” was named the No. 1 Best Lake in Indiana by CrazyTourist.com.

Located in Leesburg, Kosciusko County, Tippecanoe Lake is recognized as Indiana’s deepest natural lake, running at least 122 feet deep according to sonar research done by the Department of Natural Resources; however, other resources believe its depth could be even greater.

According to Patona Bay Marina & Resort, “Several locations [on Tippecanoe Lake] still have the natural glacial sand bottom deposited by the glaciers of years ago. With the high wooded shores surrounding most of the lake, it is considered one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the middle west.”

In fact, the way the lake was formed has a lot to do with the clear, clean water residents enjoy today. Tippy Lake is just a short drive from Warsaw, South Bend, and Fort Wayne. And though the 851-acre lake is large on its own, there are several nearby lakes that connect to Tippy. Tippecanoe River joins the lake and the Barbee Chain, a group of lakes including Barbee, Little Barbee, Kuhn, Irish, Sawmill, Sechrist and Banning.

Many people associate Tippecanoe Lake with the historic Tippy Dance Hall. The dance hall was open for more than six decades and several prominent artists like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong performed at the venue. In more recent years, the former dance hall served as a music venue and teen dance club.

A lake full of history has evolved into a peaceful getaway with plenty of activity, from fishing to boating and socializing at the sandbar. During time off the water, residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of dining establishments and bars, as well as the prominent country club, golf course and public beaches. Tippecanoe’s marinas include Patona Bay Marina and Resort and Tippecanoe Boat Co., Inc, both offering public access to the lake.

Fishing is also an important part of life on Tippecanoe Lake. Residents often spend time fishing on their properties, but there are plenty of public places to catch largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, northern pike, and yellow perch—some of the lake’s largest populations of fish.

If fishing isn’t your cup of tea, Tippy’s open, spacious waters allow for all kinds of boating, skiing, kayaking, jet skiing and swimming.

In addition to the main resort on the lake, Patona Bay Resort, Airbnb.com and Vrbo.com give visitors the chance to live a day in the life of a Tippecanoe resident, showcasing some of the lake’s oldest and most beautiful properties, as well as many newly renovated, stylish homes.