There is just something special about our lakes here in Indiana that turn a hard day into a day of bliss. As soon as the paddle, fishing line, or tips of our toes hit the water, there is a transformation from stressed-out city life to care-free lake life. The thing is, with so many beautiful lakes in Indiana how in the world are we supposed to pick just one for that weekend getaway or cabin adventure?

Thanks to the faithful readers on our Only In Indiana Facebook page, we have some pretty great lakes, photos, and stories to share with you. Here are 12 of the best lakes in Indiana as shared by our readers.

1. Cedar Lake

Not to be confused with the large 800-acre lake in Northwest Indiana near Lake Michigan, this 144-acre Cedar Lake in Whitley County, Indiana is the perfect lake to throw in the boat, toss in a line, and spend a day chasing bass. Of course, a day at the beach with a family picnic is pretty nice, too.

2. Nyona Lake

Nyona is a beautiful, gentle lake near the charming town of Macy, Indiana. At 104 acres, this is one of those hidden gems the locals keep to themselves, but they are kind enough to share it with you here. Sit out on the dock as the golden sun bathes the treeline in warmth - it doesn't get any better than this.

3. Webster Lake

Lake Webster has some of the biggest muskies around; let's keep that a secret, why don't we? Not only muskie, but a wide variety of fish are hiding in this 640-acre lake in north central Indiana. It's also the home to Dixie, the longest-running sternwheel paddleboat in Indiana.

4. Jimmerson Lake

Beautiful lake homes and cabins along the shore of Jimmerson Lake make for an amazing relaxing weekend getaway. This tranquil lake is another hidden gem the locals keep secret, but if you want to enjoy a relaxing lake weekend, you will be welcomed with a friendly smile. Be sure to stop by Tom's Donuts for a pick-me-up treat.

5. Lake Maxinkuckee

If sailing is your game, Lake Maxinkuckee is your dame. This beautiful lake is the second-largest natural lake in the state with 1,864 acres for you to use as your free-roaming sailing playground. Of course, this is a great spot for all of your other favorite lake activities, too.

6. Lake Monroe

Also called the Monroe Reservoir, this massive lake is the largest land-bound body of water in Indiana at nearly 11,000 acres. Interesting to note is that it was completely designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1960 and 1965. They sure did build a beautiful lake, didn't they?

7. Front Lake

There are more than 120 lakes sprinkled throughout Indiana's Greene-Sullivan State Forest, and this is one of them. This magical lake is the perfect spot for a solo kayaking adventure to connect with the beautiful abundant wildlife around you in this serene state forest.

8. Sellers lake

This small lake is one of those lakes you sneak out on before anyone even dreams of waking up so you can surprise the big fish before they know what hit 'em. Then you spend the day floating as a gentle breeze rocks you to sleep until your bobber sinks below the water and you are off to the races.

9. Hovey Lake

The Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area is a 7,000-acre oasis of wildlife, forests, hiking, camping, fishing, and groves of cypress trees growing right out of the water. Hovey Lake itself is 1,400 acres of pure calm bliss when there is nothing but you, the call of birds, and the lap of the water against your kayak.

10. Wasatch Lake

Rent a cabin retreat on this beautiful lake and step back to your childhood and weekend cabin trips on the lake. Wasatch is that tranquil getaway you remember with fishing, hiking, swimming, and cool evenings by the fire pit. Even the "sticky-chin s'mores face" and a few mosquitos will add to the fond memories you'll create.

11. Bass Lake

Camping at the lake has never been better than at Bass Lake in Starke County, IN. One of Indiana's biggest natural lakes, it's the quintessential family picnic and swimming lake. Of course, throwing in a fishing line to catch any number of pan fish is a must, too.

12. Tippecanoe Lake

Perhaps the best lake in all of Indiana to attempt to say 10 times real fast, this wonderful lake is the deepest in Indiana at 123 feet deep. Don't drop your phone - it's a long way down. Let's wind down our list with a gentle sunset over the lake and say goodnight to our adventures for now.

When you picture the perfect lake in your mind which Indiana lake comes to mind? If you had to pick a favorite out of these 12, which one would you pick? Let us know with a comment and a story about your favorite lakeside memory.

The best way to keep the discussion going is to join our Indiana Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more epic photographs like this and share your own. Of, course if you are now inspired to take a weekend cabin getaway at one of these fine lakes, check out this article to find five of the best Indiana cabins with hot tubs.