Lake Boutin

Looking for a cost-efficient staycation or some last minute summer fun before school starts? Take a short drive to Lake Boutin at Trail of Tears State Park.

After being closed to swimmers for more than three years, the lake reopened recently and the renovated beach, according Trail of Tears naturalist Betty Vogelsang, is much improved.

In addition to the beach renovation, other facility additions, including new restrooms, have been made so the area is accessible to the disabled.

High water levels from excessive rainfall in 2008 resulted in the lake being closed to swimmers. More than nine feet of water from the lake was drained, and the beach's slope was deemed unsafe for swimmers.

The lake was open briefly earlier this month before being closed again due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. However, Denise Dowling, natural resource manager at Trail of Tears, said every Tuesday the lake is tested for bacteria, and the July 2 closing was related to the park's standard testing procedures.

So if you're looking for a local area to go swimming, fishing or boating, consider heading over to Lake Boutin for some summer fun.