Foodapalooza was a big festive, gut stuffing hit!
Foodapalooza ’24 was enjoyed by hundreds. What a beautiful day, the weather was amazing. Over 30 grills were fired up, and some very creative drinks, desserts and finger food. Top honors went to Tree lancers and their Pork Swords. But everyone did such a great job! We enjoyed, bacon-wrapped Oreo’s, French Macaroons, A charcuterie board in a cup, Pineapple kabobs, Jello shots in syringes. So much creativity. And thank you everyone for sharing. Yes we had some great prizes, but Foodapalooza is all about Lake friends having a great time together. A big shout out to all our Lake supporters: Sportsman Inn, Oakdale Bar & Grill, Tall Timbers, Susan’s Freeman Bay, The Madam Carroll and The Summer Beach House. THANK YOU! A $100 donation will also be made to Food Finders to help those in need. Enjoy the photos.
Here’s an interesting concept, Mussels hibernate.
Well they don’t actually hibernate. They go into a state of dormancy. Like most water creatures, mussels are not active in the winter. They burrow deeper into the sandy bottom of lake and stream beds. They also do not eat. So that means they don’t need a large amount of water. (500cfs) This is fact and based on science. Winter would be a good time for USFWS, FERC, NIPSCO and SFLECC to come to the table and agree to back off the water effluence from the Oakdale Dam. It would give Lake Freeman time to heal and not harm any endangered mussels. A win win. Everyone is looking for a better solution and this one makes sense and is biologically driven.
Stay Clear During Sailing Regattas
When boating on the South portion of Lake Freeman on a Sunday afternoon and you see orange boy’s in the middle of the lake, be aware that the Lake Freeman Yacht Club is probably holding a regatta. It’s fun to watch the sail boats, but be respectful and keep your distance.
Watching Jaws floating at your dock is crazy fun
On a whim, I decided to have a party. Not just any party, a party with some teeth. I invited thirty or so friends over, had them bring their floats and beverages, got a projector and some speakers and watched the classic “Jaws”. I thought it would be fun, but it was really fun. Hey, the Lakeshore Drive-In is still pretty cool, but if you’re looking for something different on a hot summer night… it was a blast!
The Superman of Lake Freeman
Carmel Harrison is one of the neatest guys I’ve met in the area around Lake Freeman. He’s 80, that’s right 80, and still cuts wood like a lumberjack! Carmel has the best firewood you can find around Twin Lakes. He seasons it, sorts it, and loads it. He’s got fast and hot burning Pine, slow burning Oak and wood smoking Hickory. He’s located down road 1100 & 421, at The Landings. Swing by and pick up a load. He’ll be glad to see you.
The Eagle has landed
By Susie Karberg
During the twenty-five years that we have lived full time on the lake, until this year, we have seen Bald Eagles in the sky only a few times.
Last week, Lindy, my husband, and I were beginning to think about the errands we had to do in the afternoon, moving unhurriedly in late morning when suddenly, Lindy said quietly, “Suzy, your eagle has finally landed.” For years, I have wished and wished to be one of the lucky ones able to catch more than a fleeting glimpse as eagles fly by with a tease of their magnitude. Lindy took a deep breath, headed off to grab his good camera. A full minute later, with fingers crossed, he began to photograph. Transfixed, I watched. We wanted so badly to get a few good pictures. Magnificent in bearing, it’s all about the stance, the broad shoulders, the head held high. Proud, assured, yet comfy on the branch 30 feet from our large picture window and 50 feet above the lake.
Lindy was not only able capture a moment before our guest moved on, for the next TWO HOURS , he continued to shoot photo after photo as our new friend sat, for the most part, quietly on his narrow branch. Still, the Bald Eagle is elusive. The pictures don’t quite tell his story. He is larger than life in person. And, by the way, what was he doing on the branch? So serene. Resting? Watching for fish in the freshly thawed lake? Or, as I would like to believe, maybe practicing his morning ritual as only Bald Eagles can.
Enjoy a fire and a laugh with friends
Whats better than staring at a fire? Another special Lake Freeman experience. The song is an old Hank Williams tune. Happy summer people, enjoy and be safe!
The Best Boating Grill For Lake Freeman
If you’re looking for a grill to bring on the boat, look no further than the Weber Q.
This grill has been battle tested on the Lake Freeman Sand Bar. And passed with flying colors. If your boat has an extended swim platform, the Weber Q fits perfectly. Just put an old towel underneath it to catch any grease. You can also buy a nifty, lightweight stand that can go right in the water.
The Weber Q heats up hot and evenly with disposable camping propane tanks.
There are two models the 1000 and 2000, basically small and large. This year they are also available in a number of colors. It’s not the cheapest grill, about $199, but after the first time you use it you’ll think it’s worth every penny.
So come on, become a sandbar chef. Ok, end of commercial!
100 fun things to do around Lake Freeman
- Go for a cruise on the boat
- Work on your tan (But put on some sunscreen)
- Enjoy friends and family
- Enjoy a bonfire
- Don’t forget the S’mores
- Hit Indiana Beach Amusement Park
- Catch a flick at the Twin Lakes Drive-In
- Come on, at least try waterskiing
- Fish for Bass, Crappie and Walleye
- Check out a Fest in downtown Monticello
- Go for a tasting at Whyte Horse Winery
- Go to a sports event at Purdue. Boiler Up!
- Golf at Tippecanoe or Battle Ground C.C.
- Maybe miniature golf is your style
- Ride Bikes
- Ride Horses at Crooked Creek
- Ride a four-wheeler through the woods
- Ride a Jet Ski around Ski Island
- Jump off your dock!
- Wear wild swim shorts
- Wear a wild bikini
- Eat at the Historic Sportsman’s Inn
- Jog around the Lake. (Or at least try!)
- Sleep out in a tent
- Ahh!, a frosty Margarita at The Boat House.
- Read a book by the Lake
- Fireworks. Fireworks. Fireworks!
- Watch an awesome sunset
- Go fly a kite
- Go for walk and enjoy the fresh air
- Go to Crasian Brewery
- Get up early and watch the sunrise
- Stay up late and gaze at the brilliant stars
- Catch a band on the Madam Carroll
- Get an Ice Cream Bar at Susan’s Freeman Bay
- Tube with your best friend!
- Bird watch. Woodpeckers to Eagles.
- Relish a big, deep breathe of fresh air
- Play volleyball at the sandbar
- Explore the countryside
- Catch a local band
- Buy vegetables at local stand
- Make silly faces
- Master paddle boarding
- Get married lakeside
- Duck under Tioga Bridge
- Jump off the Tioga Bridge (Only kidding)
- Enjoy some Indiana Lobster
- Go duck hunting
- Hunt for clams and mussels
- Take a ride in a golf cart
- Play “Beersbee” at the Sandbar
- When was the last time you did a cannonball?
- When was the last time you skinny-dipped?!
- Join the yacht club
- Look at the Dam from Oak Dale Dam Bar & Grill
- Go the whole weekend without shaving
- Break out your guitar
- Visit a local business
- Grab a beer and a game at Anglers
- Play a game of cards
- Get a paddle and Kayak
- Swing in a hammock
- Take a nap
- Why does beer taste so good at the Lake?
- Keep an eye out for deer
- Catch fire flies
- Turn OFF the TV
- Turn up the music
- Have a water balloon fight with the kids
- Open the windows
- Play “Bags” with your buddies
- Go Antiquing
- Climb a tree
- Plant a tree
- Enjoy the Fall colors
- Jump in a pile of leaves
- Catch a frog
- Smile more
- Sing some Karaōke
- Play hide and go seek
- Play ghost in the graveyard
- Play Marco Polo (Wait don’t)
- Skip Stones
- Throw some shrimp on the BBQ
- Eat outside
- Tell ghost stories
- Let your dog walk you
- Check out downtown Delphi
- Check out downtown Brookston
- Eat a watermelon
- Buy the kids bubbles
- Do a flip on a wakeboard
- It’s five o’clock somewhere
- Let the kids stay up late
- Visit the Monticello Historical Society
- Wave at someone on a boat
- Check out all the cool lake houses
- Buy a cool lake house
- DO ABSOLUTLY NOTHING!
Some Good Tips When Launching Your Boat.

Length: 11.99 miles.