Patoka Lake

At a glance

Visual character

“Indiana's second largest lake; Hoosier National Forest surroundings; rolling southern Indiana hardwoods; dramatic fall foliage; sandstone outcrops; intimate nature character”

About

Patoka Lake is Indiana's second-largest reservoir and one of its most visually rich — a 8,880-acre Corps lake nestled in the rolling hardwood hills of southern Indiana's Hoosier National Forest country near Dubois. The Louisville District manages commercial filming permits. The surrounding terrain is Indiana at its most scenic: limestone and sandstone outcrops, dense oak-hickory forest, and hollows that retain a quiet Appalachian character unusual in the Midwest. Fall foliage is exceptional — the southern Indiana hills turn vivid red, orange, and gold from mid-October through early November. Nearby French Lick offers historic Victorian resort hotel architecture and the famous West Baden Springs dome — one of the great early 20th-century architectural spectacles. Strong for productions needing authentic midwestern natural landscape with real topographic drama, family dramas set in rural Indiana, and atmospheric fall/winter settings. Easily accessible from Louisville, KY.

Where you'll be