LakeBrowser
Lakes-Waterways



 
Send To A Friend

 
Boating Links














 
Cecil Harden Lake

Cecil M. Harden Lake, also known as Raccoon Lake, formerly know as Mansfield Lake, is located in west central Indiana, surrounded by lush forests and fertile farmland in Parke and Putnam counties. The beautiful lake provides over 2,000 acres of calm, cool and refreshing waters in a beautiful place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to partake in leisure and sporting activities such as hiking, swimming, boating and fishing.

35 Covered bridges, which were built between 1865 and 1921, scattered throughout Parke County, justifies the county's reputation of being the "Covered Bridge Capital of America". Every October, Parke County hosts a nine-day Covered Bridge Festival.

Housed in the Raccoon State Recreation Area, the historic Mansfield Roller Mill founded in1890, offers seasonal tours and corn grinding demonstrations.

Fishing

Cecil M. Harden Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Holders of an Indiana state fishing license enjoy reeling in large and smallmouth bass, white bass, striped bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and walleye. Seasonal trout fishing is prosperous in the tail waters.

Cecil M. Harden Lake holds the state record for producing the largest Striped Bass caught in Indiana. In 2010, Jonathan VanHook's catch weighed in at 39 pounds 1.28 ounces.

       

  Search Cecil Harden Lake Resources
    Cecil Harden Lake Indiana Coordinates:
39.7167N --87.0708W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Reservoir
Surface Area:
2,060 acres
Maximum Depth:
58 ft
Elevation:
690 ft
Normal Water Clarity:
3 - 5 ft
Major City:
Indianapolis
Airport:
Indianapolis
Boating

The Raccoon State Recreation Area offers boat rentals, boat launch ramps, a swimming beach, horseshoe pits, an archery range, volleyball courts, picnic areas and group shelter areas.

       
Lodging

Cecil Harden Lake lodging options include primitive campsites as well as sites with electric hookups. Some lake-front properties are available for vacation rental.

The Lake Resource Guide offers additional information on lodging and other facilities in the area.



Communities

The closest major city to Cecil Harden Lake is Indianapolis. Other nearby cities: Rockville, Terre Haute, Brownsburg and Lafayette. Cecil Harden Lake flows through parts of Parke and Putnam counties.

Fun times at Cecil Harden Lake  Cecil Harden Lake

  Cecil Harden Lake   Cecil Harden Lake



 
Average Temperatures Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Avg. High   37 Avg. High   42 Avg. High   54 Avg. High   67 Avg. High   76 Avg. High   84 Avg. High   87 Avg. High   85 Avg. High   79 Avg. High   68 Avg. High   54 Avg. High   40
Avg. Low  19 Avg. Low  23 Avg. Low  32 Avg. Low  42 Avg. Low  51 Avg. Low  60 Avg. Low  64 Avg. Low  62 Avg. Low  54 Avg. Low  44 Avg. Low  35 Avg. Low  23