Water activities in Muncie include kayaking and canoeing on the White River and swimming, boating, and fishing at Prairie Creek Reservoir. You can also float the river with an outfitter in nearby Daleville or swim at Tuhey Pool and Ball State’s Lewellen Aquatic Center. Silvertree Communities, located off W Bethel Ave about 1.3 miles from Ball State, keeps residents within a short drive of all of it.
On hot days you don’t have to leave home to cool off. Silvertree has its own heated pool and a resort-style sundeck, plus a sand volleyball court and grilling stations for afternoons outside. An on-site MITS bus stop makes it easy to get to campus and around town. Silvertree offers newly renovated two- and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes.
Silvertree Communities Guide to Water Activities in Muncie
Muncie isn’t usually thought of as a water town, but it has more options than most students expect. The White River runs through the middle of the city and has several public canoe and kayak launches. Prairie Creek Reservoir, just south of town, is the largest body of water in Delaware County. Add a seasonal city pool, a campus natatorium, and a river outfitter about 20 minutes away, and there’s plenty to do between May and September. Silvertree’s central location keeps each of these within a short drive.
What Can You Do at Prairie Creek Reservoir?
Prairie Creek Reservoir is Muncie’s go-to spot for a full day on the water. The park is leased and managed by the City of Muncie and covers about 1,250 acres of water and 750 acres of land, roughly 8 miles south of town. It works equally well for a morning paddle or an afternoon at the beach with friends.
Here’s what you can do there:
- Swim at the beach. The swimming beach on the east side of the reservoir is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It has a beach house and a concession stand.
- Paddle the open water. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards have been available to rent at the marina in past seasons. Check with Muncie Parks and Recreation for current rental availability before you go.
- Go boating. Motorized boats are allowed with proper registration and permits.
- Cast a line. The reservoir is popular for fishing, and in winter it draws ice fishers too.
- Watch the sailboats. The Muncie Sailing Club is based at the reservoir and adds to the summer scene.
- Walk the shoreline. Lakeside walking trails start near the marina and near the beach and playground.
Between the beach, the open water, and the trails, Prairie Creek covers almost every kind of water day in one place.
Where Can You Kayak or Canoe on the White River?
The White River winds through the heart of Muncie and is the easiest place to paddle without leaving the city. You can launch your own boat or let an outfitter handle the logistics.
Public Launches Put the River Close to Campus
Destination Muncie lists three public canoe and kayak launches on the White River in Muncie:
- Barlow Landing
- Kitselman Trailhead
- McCulloch Park
These spots work well for a short paddle, fishing from the bank, or exploring the shoreline. The Ball Brothers Foundation’s Project Blueways has also funded new launches and river mile markers in recent years, so access keeps improving.
Canoe Country Handles Rentals and Shuttles in Daleville
Canoe Country, at 6660 S County Rd 900 W in Daleville, is a full-service outfitter on the White River on the edge of Muncie. It rents canoes, kayaks, and tubes. Routes range from an easy 3-mile float to longer trips, and paddlers finish their route back at their vehicle.
For a first float trip, a simple plan looks like this:
- Check the river level. Canoe Country posts water-level ranges based on the USGS gauge and closes the river at 5.5 feet and higher.
- Reserve ahead. Summer weekends fill up, so book your boats or tubes online before you go.
- Pick your route. Choose the shorter float if it’s your first time or you’re short on time.
- Pack smart. Bring water, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your phone and keys.
- Watch the calendar. Full daily hours run through summer. After Labor Day, weekdays are by appointment and weekend hours are shorter.
The White River Greenway Follows the Water on Foot or Bike
Not every water day has to be in the water. The White River Greenway runs about 5.5 paved miles from West Wysor near Minnetrista to Bunch Boulevard, with river views and public art along the way. Access points include Tuhey Park, Minnetrista, and the Bunch Boat Ramp. It also connects to the Cardinal Greenway, Indiana’s longest rail trail.
Whether you bring your own kayak, rent from Canoe Country, or bike the greenway, the White River offers plenty to do close to Ball State’s campus.
Where Can You Go Swimming in Muncie?
The reservoir isn’t the only place to swim in Muncie. The city has a public pool, a campus natatorium, and a shallow riverside park nearby.
Tuhey Pool Is Muncie’s Outdoor City Pool
Tuhey Pool sits at Wheeling Avenue and White River Boulevard, a short drive from Ball State. The City of Muncie took over operations in 2026 after the YMCA stepped away, and the pool opened for the season on May 23. Open swim ran Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with adult admission at $5. Hours and pricing can change each year, so check the city’s announcements before the 2027 season.
Lewellen Aquatic Center Is on Ball State’s Campus
Lewellen Aquatic Center is home to Ball State’s swimming and diving teams. It has a 25-yard, six-lane pool and a diving well. Along with athletics, the facility hosts classes and recreational swimming, which makes it a year-round option when it’s too cold to swim outside. Check with Ball State Recreation Services for current open swim times.
Morrow’s Meadow Offers Shallow River Access in Yorktown
Morrow’s Meadow in neighboring Yorktown is a riverside park with shallow water access to the White River. It’s a good place to wade, skip rocks, or relax on the bank. A trail loop along the river and wide-open green space make it easy to spend an afternoon there.
From an outdoor city pool to an indoor campus natatorium, Muncie has places to swim in almost any season.
What Should You Know Before Heading Out on the Water?
A little preparation makes any water day safer and more fun, especially if you’re new to paddling. Keep these tips in mind:
- Check conditions first. River levels rise quickly after heavy rain, so look at the USGS gauge before a White River trip.
- Watch for algae advisories. Prairie Creek’s owner has reported algae blooms in recent seasons, so check for posted advisories before swimming and avoid water that looks discolored or scummy.
- Wear a life jacket. Even calm stretches of river and reservoir water can be unpredictable.
- Know the season. The Prairie Creek beach and Tuhey Pool are summer-only, while Lewellen is your best indoor option.
- Register motorized boats. Have current registration and permits before launching at Prairie Creek.
- Bring a buddy. Paddling and swimming are safer and more fun with friends.
With these basics covered, you’re ready for nearly anything Muncie’s lakes, rivers, and pools have to offer.
Muncie Has More Water Fun Than You’d Expect
Prairie Creek Reservoir’s beach and open water, public launches along the White River, a full-service outfitter in Daleville, and pools both indoors and out give students near Ball State plenty of ways to get on the water. Most of it is a short drive from Silvertree.
When you get home, Silvertree has its own heated pool and resort-style sundeck. You’ll also find a 24-hour fitness center, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and an on-site MITS bus stop, all just minutes from Ball State’s campus. Choose from newly renovated two- and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes designed to fit however you and your roommates want to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you go kayaking near Ball State?
You can kayak the White River from public launches at Barlow Landing, Kitselman Trailhead, and McCulloch Park, or paddle the open water at Prairie Creek Reservoir.
Can you swim at Prairie Creek Reservoir?
Yes. Prairie Creek Reservoir has a swimming beach on its east side that’s open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with a beach house and concessions.
Where can you rent a canoe or kayak near Muncie?
Canoe Country in Daleville rents canoes, kayaks, and tubes for White River floats, with routes ranging from a 3-mile float to longer trips.
Is there a public pool in Muncie?
Yes. Tuhey Pool, at Wheeling Avenue and White River Boulevard, is Muncie’s outdoor public pool and is open seasonally during the summer.
Can you swim indoors near Ball State?
Yes. Ball State’s Lewellen Aquatic Center offers recreational swimming in addition to hosting the university’s swimming and diving teams.
How far is Prairie Creek Reservoir from Ball State?
Prairie Creek Reservoir is about 8 miles south of Muncie, making it a short drive from Ball State and Silvertree.
