St. Joseph's Lake Recently a really cool nice Yelper John…read moreS. of San Francisco Communicated with me regarding my posts on places on and around the University of Notre Dame Campus. He is amazing with so much information that has helped me. He's an Encyclopedia of Notre Dame! I'm going by my senior citizen memories and old photos. He geared me to the St. Joseph's Lake page for my incorrectly posted Lake photos. That being said I love being out in nature and around bodies of water. When my daughter and I spent time together at the university a walk to the lake was a great escape. I'm sure during my many visits in four years I visited other lakes near the campus. If you live in South Bend, go to the university, or you are visiting like me then by all means take in the lake activities and spend time hiking or walking around St. Joseph's Lake. Highly recommended.

I'm not sure why I didn't realize this was a separate lake the first time I visited Notre Dame when…read moreI was in high school in 1993. Or maybe I did realize it, but St. Mary's Lake just held a particular sway for me. In any case, St. Joseph's Lake is probably more beautiful than its westerly cousin--er, (unconsummated) spouse? I say "probably" because it depends on what you like. If you'd rather walk around a mostly flat path without trees obstructing your view, then St. Mary's Lake is your girl. But if you like changing elevations, paths that sometimes take strange turns, and the wonder of a mysterious island with a locked gate, then St. Joseph's Lake is your boy. Yes, I know, both lakes have islands; and technically, St. Mary's Lake has more of them, but one of St. Joseph's Lake's islands is connected to the shore by a footpath, and there's this weird gate that's usually locked, although if you don't mind getting wet, it's pretty easy to get around. (Believe me, I know.) If the weather's particularly nice, you can rent a boat and sail around the lake. I never did this, but when my brother was in town for my graduation, he really wanted to. The lake is strange during the winter because it doesn't freeze. Why not? Well, Notre Dame has its own power plant (coal-fired, unfortunately), which is cooled by St. Joseph's Lake. After the water is used, it is pumped back into the lake, which ensures that the water is always too warm to freeze. This causes quite a lot of confusion for the local waterfowl. Normally, ducks and geese fly south for the winter, and this is largely the case for Notre Dame's ducks and geese. But even in the middle of winter, you'll find some ducks swimming around St. Joseph's Lake, and I often wonder whether this ruins their natural instincts. I'm not very athletic, but if I were, I would be one of those people who run around this lake and then St. Mary's Lake in what seems like a decently challenging but also relaxing jog. If you're a woman and you choose to run around St. Joseph's Lake, you should probably bring some mace along. I've never felt unsafe walking around the lake, even in the middle of the night in really cold weather, but it is kind of spooky, and there are a lot of places to hide.

I really like this Beach. I visited on a random Friday and there was plenty of space to park. I…read moreappreciate it the cleanliness of the beach, love that there was a ramp going from the walkway to the sand but wish that they had the accessible aisles leading onto the sand like I've seen at other beaches. For a Midwest Beach, the water was very clean. Of course one season is over so there weren't any lifeguards and there was signage explaining that you are swimming at your own risk. I like that there are two restaurants very close by and although I hate porta potties I appreciate that they are an option when the bathroom closes. I'd definitely visit again!

I was here for the lighthouse and the beach, which turned out to be pretty darned awesome. Even on…read morea cool autumn morning, it was a great visit. They were not yet enforcing the parking which is always a bonus. There were a few other people - not many - and the lack of crowds was great too. [Review 20618 overall - 149 in Indiana - 1599 of 2023.]

God Bless Gobles- Tomo Rogic 2009…read more This about sums it up. We ended a weekend of bachelor/bachelorette festivities here with some grilling, beer pong, boating, tubing, swimming, laying out and doing everything that Michigan was made for. Five stars mainly because I'm pretty damn terrified of "dark water" and so far, 100% of the times that I've come here, I haven't been eaten by sea life. I'm tempted to deduct a star because spiders also live in Gobles but I have yet to be accosted so 5 stars it shall remain. Baseline lake is great for camping, hiking, various water sports, grilling... and best of all drinking a beer for breakfast is totally acceptable. PS- there's an old hotel/rental condo on the lake that John Dillinger use to vacation at. Fun fact also courtesy of Tomo Rogic.

Nice place to just relax....The lake was nice, clean showers/washrooms. You don't feel cramped.read more

Overall great campground! Wish the full hookups were easier to get. Definitely a campground for…read morefamilies or boaters.

We have been going y shamrock campground since 1997. We have met so many people there. I was taking…read moremy grandkids every fall break and the youth fair every year until my husband couldn't go because he has Alzheimer's. The kids love it. It's a very special place for me and my family.

We camped on the river. Beautiful primitive site for $30. Great location and great to book a spot…read moreone day out. Bathrooms are fine but not great.

I would give a few more stars but i am beyond ticked that the city of Valpo charges admission for a…read morecity park.

Decent facilities needs some updating. Could use a off leash dog area and walking path.read more

This is our favorite local lake to kayak in because it has so many little creeks that connect it to…read moreother local waterways. It's so peaceful to paddle slowly through the reedy sections and connect to the neighboring lake (Howard Lake). Between the lake itself and its adjacent creeks/rivers, you could be busy from dawn to dusk exploring every little cranny. The main lake gets pretty busy with speedboats, though, so be sure to stick to the edges in your kayak and don't bring a tippy one!

My family and I were on a golf cart ride around a stunning lake when we took a wrong turn. We were…read moremet by an unpleasant man walking his dog, who informed us that we were not allowed to be on a golf cart. We immediately turned around and left, realizing we were on the wrong road. We apologized, but the man's behavior was still very disrespectful. This is why I am writing this review. He clearly belonged to the campground, as he was walking up from said campground My daughter and wife definitely didn't need to see that level of disrespect over a wrong turn. This review is directed at the people they rent to not the amazing property. An amazing ride ruined by a very rude tennat

From the owner: We are a family owned and operated summer Resort and RV rental property. We have five 2-bedroom…read morelakefront cottages available that come with boats for use. Big Fish Lake and the connecting lakes are locally known among the best fishing lakes of over 30 in the area. Book your reservation today and bring your family to relax, enjoy the outdoors and evening campfires. Also nearby are great restaurants, wineries and Lake Michigan beaches.

I loved this lake growing up, so many amazing memories of my childhood here. Whether picnics,…read morebirthdays or family reunions. Great beach and lots of shade, perfect for young families.

More than 2,000 acres, one of the largest inland deep clear spring fed lake in west Michigan. In…read moreearly summer lake is very transparent Caribbean blue color. It is in Kalamazoo county!!. Love to go boating, sailing, 2 mile long from south to north end. OK, for swimming and we see sometime scuba divers!! You can see around the Island Park lake floor with google map satellite view!!!! Not only they have yacht club, country club but also ice sailing yacht club!! Since 1897!! http://www.gulllakeiyc.org/ This video is surreal, cool to believe some one ice sail in Kalamazoo County!? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYbLGYvqP8E