The weather is warming and if you're itching to spend some time in the great outdoors, now is the time to start planning a trip to Patoka Lake in Birdseye, Ind.

The destination fits well for fishermen, water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and families looking for a relaxing getaway.

The 8,800-acre lake in Southern Indiana offers activities for all ages, from fishing to hiking to camping to boating. It's also a short drive to several other area attractions.

"It makes a great center point for visitors and they can branch out and go to other locations, like Holiday World or Marengo Cave," said Harvey Edwards of Patoka Lake Marina.

The lake also is just a few miles away from French Lick, which boats a new casino on the grounds of the French Lick Springs Resort, a luxury hotel that has existed for more than 100 years and has hosted many famous guests and was a spring training site for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox during World War II.

For a weekend or weeklong excursion, there are plenty of lodging options, for couples up to large groups. You'll find houseboat rentals, land-based cabins, rooms and suites. Cabins sit off the lake but are next to a pond and have up to three bedrooms with a loft. "They're close to the water, but not on the water," Edwards said.

Patoka Lake also is one of the few places to offer floating cabins, which are cabins attached to the pier.

"This is the third year we've had them and they've turned out to be a boater's dream to step out of their door and they're on the water with all the amenities there," Edwards said.

At the marina you can rent fishing and pontoon boats and also the party barge, a two-level boat with water slide, grill and toilet. New this year will be a tour boat with a two-hour narrated trip around the lake.

A state reservoir of the Department of Natural Resources, the site has 455 campsites and a beach. While the lake is quiet and secluded, a marina store, gas station, convenience store and casual dining can be found around the lake.

Nearby attractions and activities include golfing, horseback riding and historical sites.

"If you come and stay with us, you'll come back again," Edwards said.

"It's a good, clear lake, a clean, quiet lake. For people coming south in Indiana, it's a great place to visit and get in a lot of activity. It's kind of laid back and slow and when you're there you can lay back and relax a little bit."

How to get there ...

For more information ... (888) 819-6916, www.patokalakemarina.com. Also, www.patokalakeindiana.com with links to other area attractions.

What to bring ...

Fishing poles. You'll find a variety of different fish on the lake and can fish from a pier or boat. Some of the fish you're likely to catch are bass, which average 4 pounds and 16 to 18 inches, and striper, which average 6 to 8 pounds and 26 to 29 inches, according to Harvey Edwards of Patoka Lake Marina.

You'll like ...

The relaxing atmosphere and scenery and the historic tours at the French Lick Springs Resort and West Baden Springs National Landmark (which will reopen as a hotel later this year.)

Kids will like ...

Taking a getaway where they can spend time near the water or on the water boating and fishing.

The Indiana National Railway Museum in French Lick has a historic depot and also runs train rides through the Hoosier National Forest.

A little farther, but great for a day trip are the Holiday World Theme Park & Surfin' Safari Water Park in Santa Claus, the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City and cave tours and canoeing at Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark in Marengo.

And don't miss ...

During your stay take a little time to venture out to one of the other exciting attractions in the area, like the Indiana Railway Museum, the French Lick Springs Resort, Holiday World or Marengo Caves.