Created as a joint effort between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the lake is one of eight such reservoirs built in the state to provide a secure water supply and as a method of flood control.

[2] The lake covers 8,800 surface acres (36 km²) of water in the summer.Maximum depth is 52 ft.

After the lake was created several parks and nature preserves were established around it totaling 16,920 acres (68.5 km2).

The lake has been heavily stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, redear, crappie, and walleye.

Other facilities include an archery range, boat ramps, a cross-country skiing course, fishing areas (including ice fishing), a disc golf course, trails for hiking and bicycling, hunting areas, interpretive and recreational programs, star parties, picnic shelters, swimming areas, and waterskiing zones.