BLOOMINGTON — As summer heat hits South-Central Indiana, Bloomington Parks and Recreation officials are reminding outdoor enthusiasts that the Griffy Lake Boathouse is officially open for the peak summer season.
Whether you want to paddle across the scenic 109-acre reservoir or reel in a freshwater catch, the boathouse serves as the central hub for all water activities just minutes north of downtown Bloomington. From May through August, the facility is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.
At a Glance: Boathouse Seasonal Hours
- April: Saturday and Sunday only, 9:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.
- May–August: Daily, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- September: Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- October: Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- November–March: Closed for the season
On-Site Watercraft Rentals
Don’t own a boat? The Griffy Lake Boathouse features a full fleet of rental kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
Rentals cost $12 per hour, and life vests are included at no additional charge. For frequent visitors, a 10-rental pass can be purchased for $100, saving paddlers $20.
Rental Rules to Know Before You Go:
- Identification: All renters must present a valid state- or university-issued photo ID. Contact information is securely stored for 30 days for safety purposes before being permanently deleted.
- Time Limits: To ensure everyone gets a turn, watercraft rentals are strictly capped at two hours on weekends and holidays. Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations can be locked in by calling (812) 349-3732 or emailing griffy.boathouse@bloomington.in.gov.
- Late and Damage Fees: Ensure you keep track of time. A minimum $20 late fee applies to any boat returned after closing, with an extra $20 tacked on for every 30 minutes past hours. Lost or damaged equipment carries a minimum $50 replacement fee.
Bringing Your Own Boat? Permits Required
Because Griffy Lake is owned and managed directly by the City of Bloomington rather than the state, standard Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) non-motorized lake permits are not valid here.
All private watercraft—including canoes, rowboats, fishing kayaks, jon boats, and inflatables—must display a city-issued launch permit. Furthermore, shoreline launching of any kind is strictly prohibited to prevent erosion; all watercraft must launch directly from the boathouse ramp.
Launch Fee Breakdown:
- Non-Motorized Craft: $10 per day or $100 annually
- Motorized Craft (Electric Trolling Motors Only): $10 per day or $125 annually (Note: Gas-powered outboards are strictly banned from operating on the water)
- Household Discount: Additional annual permits for the same household can be purchased for $30 each. If annual stock remains after Labor Day, permits drop to a flat discount of $40.
Fishing Regulations
Anglers looking to target Griffy Lake’s heavily stocked populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish must carry a valid Indiana fishing license.
Be advised that the boathouse does not sell fishing licenses on-site, so anglers must purchase them in advance via the DNR online portal or a local bait shop. All standard state regulations regarding size and daily bag limits are strictly enforced by conservation officers.
🌤️ Weather Warning: Boathouse operations change quickly when severe or extreme weather rolls into Monroe County. Before packing up your gear, you can verify real-time operational status by calling the boathouse directly at (812) 349-3732.
