Middlefork Resevoir
Rate this placeNearby: Glen Milller Park New Paris Twin Road
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Middlefork Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the city of Richmond, Indiana.
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Summary
The reservoir covers an area of 177 acres and has a maximum depth of 36 feet. There are several good reasons to visit Middlefork Reservoir, including fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking.
One of the main attractions of the reservoir is its fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish, bass, and bluegill. Fishing is allowed year-round, but the best time to catch fish is during the spring and fall.
Another popular activity at Middlefork Reservoir is boating. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent boats from the marina. The lake is also a great spot for kayaking and canoeing.
The reservoir has several points of interest to see, including the Middlefork Dam, which was built in 1970 to create the lake. The dam is 70 feet high and 750 feet long and provides a scenic view of the lake. There are also several hiking trails around the lake, including the Middlefork Trail, which offers panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside.
Interesting facts about Middlefork Reservoir include that it was created to provide a source of drinking water for the city of Richmond. The reservoir is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
The best time of year to visit Middlefork Reservoir is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the fishing is good. The lake can get crowded during the summer months, so visitors may want to plan their trip accordingly.
Overall, Middlefork Reservoir is a great place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities and points of interest to explore.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Glen Milller Park
New Paris Twin Road
Mabel Wilt Memorial Park