Explore

Summit Lake State Park

New Castle, Indiana

Check in

Visiting today? Check in to get this park’s ranger alerts while you’re on the ground — and press its stamp into your passport.

Create an account to check in.

Create an account →
Illustration of the reservoir and wet meadow and old field at Summit Lake State Park

State park · Central · 50 mi away

An 800-acre lake that draws waterfowl and shorebirds on migration.

ReservoirWet meadowOld field
DirectionsLog a find
Map

Loading map…

40.0272, -85.2861

40.0272, -85.2861 · pinch or scroll to zoomDirections
Plan your visit
Hours7am to 11pm · open now
Fee$7 in-state vehicle
Best seasonsApril to October, with peak colour in mid-October
ParkingMain lot at the entrance or visitor contact station
EntrancesMain entrance at New Castle
RestroomsYes
PetsLeashed pets welcome
AccessibilityAccessible restrooms near main parking, Paved or firm-surface route available
AmenitiesBoat ramps, Campground, Beach, Picnic shelters
Official infoWebsite
Trails
EasyBeach Loop · 1 mi
EasyWetland Trail · 1.5 mi
Likely to see hereGuide
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane
Painted Turtle
Painted Turtle
Challenges here

Wetlands mini-lesson and five observations

Read the wetland lesson, then log five wetland species or habitat notes.

Spring migration: eight bird species

A time-limited challenge that follows the wave north through Indiana.

Offline pack

Map, trails and species list

25 MB · not downloaded

Safety and etiquette
Report a problem hereTrail damage, trash, broken signs, invasive species

Check seasonal closures and weather before you set out.

Ticks and poison ivy are common off-trail.

Stay on trail, keep your distance, and take only notes and photographs. If an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.

Source: Indiana DNR · Reviewed July 2026