Patoka Lake State Park

With nearly 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake is a fine example of lake ecology. An 8,800-acre lake provides a habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. River otters and osprey were reintroduced at Patoka by the DNR. Patoka Lake is one of a few DNR properties that house non-releasable ambassador raptors. The property had a bald eagle named C52 between 1989 and 2009. He helped educate hundreds of people throughout his lifespan. The property’s Interpretive Services staff presents programs and special events featuring a non-releasable red-tailed hawk, an albino common snapping turtle, and other natural and cultural features of the area. Programs on kayaking, cooking with a Dutch oven, and other outdoor skills are also offered.