Top 7 Worth Visiting Lakes While Being in Cincinnati

Laura Williams

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Photo by Federico Di Dio photography on Unsplash

Even while Cincinnati is jam-packed with cool breweries, cool restaurants, and plenty of things to do, it also has an astounding range of spots to get your fill of nature.

In particular, the Queen City is conveniently near several beautiful lakes, many of which provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and other enjoyable water-based pursuits.

Within a two-hour drive of downtown Cincinnati, this article will cover the top seven lakes worth visiting.


Map of Lakes

The locations of all of the lakes discussed in this post are marked on the following map:



Miami Whitewater Forest Lake

Miami Whitewater Forest Lake - <a href="https://www.discovercincinnati.co/listing/miami-whitewater-forest/">Photo Source</a>
Miami Whitewater Forest Lake – Photo Source

In Harrison, the Miami Whitewater Forest Lake offers plenty of fishing areas and provides boat rentals for several different size boats. This lake is located approximately 30 minutes to the northwest of the downtown area of Cincinnati.

In addition, there are some wonderful spots along the lake where you can have a picnic, which is why this location is ideal for families during the warm summer months.

Driving distance: 30 minutes


East Fork Lake

East Fork Lake - <a href="https://bataviatownship.org/eastfork.html">Photo Source</a>
East Fork Lake – Photo Source

A state park known as East Fork Lake encompasses more than 4,800 acres and can be reached by driving approximately 40 minutes east of Downtown Cincinnati. The lake that can be found in the middle of the park is an excellent location for canoeing and swimming.

It also offers a few distinct beaches where you may enjoy some sand and water without trekking to the coast.

Driving distance: 40 minutes


Williamstown Lake

Williamstown Lake - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamstown_Lake">Photo Source</a>
Williamstown Lake – Photo Source

Williamstown Lake is a 333-acre lake found in the northern part of Kentucky. It is a lake that provides chances for paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming.

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There are also several locations all around the lake that provide some decent fishing chances, and the lake is well-known for having a wide variety of bass that have been stocked into it.

Driving distance: 45 minutes


Caesar Creek Lake

Caesar Creek Lake - Photo Source
Caesar Creek Lake – Photo Source

Caesar Creek Lake, which is located a little under an hour’s drive north of Cincinnati, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful bodies of water not only in Southwest Ohio but in all of Ohio.

The lake has an abundance of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating, and it is the ideal location for enjoying a day on the water with the entire family.

Driving distance: 55 minutes


Brookville Lake

Brookville Lake - <a href="https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/brookville-lake/">Photo Source</a>
Brookville Lake – Photo Source

Brookville Lake is a vast lake that spans more than 5,000 acres and is located approximately an hour’s drive to the north of the city of Cincinnati. It is known for having some of the best boating opportunities available in the Cincinnati metropolitan area.

Because the lake contains both a sizable beach area and one accessible to the general public, it is a well-liked destination during the warmer months.

Driving distance: 55 minutes


Acton Lake

Acton Lake - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hueston_Woods_State_Park">Photo Source</a>
Acton Lake – Photo Source

Acton Lake is a lake that spans 625 acres and can be found within an hour’s drive north-northwest of Cincinnati. This lake offers a wide variety of recreational options, including swimming, boating, and fishing.

Driving distance: 60 minutes


Falling Rock Park

Falling Rock Park - <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g39571-d10500870-Reviews-Falling_Rock_Park-La_Grange_Kentucky.html">Photo Source</a>
Falling Rock Park – Photo Source

One of the most popular places to go swimming outside in Kentucky is Falling Rock Park, located near LaGrange. This park is often considered among the greatest in the entire state.

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The lake is exclusively open to people who are at least 18 years old and features some of the cleanest water in the world in which it is possible to go swimming.

Driving distance: 90 minutes

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