A community reception celebrating the 60th anniversary of Monroe Lake is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, in the tailwater, directly beneath the reservoir dam at 1620 E. Monroe Dam Court, Bloomington.

The public is invited, and te first 100 people in attendance will receive a 60th anniversary souvenir.

The event will include displays of historical items and photos from the reservoir’s history, a self-guided tour of the dam and information tables from organizations tied to the lake.

“Monroe Lake has been an important part of this community’s history since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially dedicated Monroe Reservoir on Oct. 24, 1964,” said Jill Vance, interpretive naturalist at Monroe Lake.

Dan Bortner, director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Michael Chaveas, Hoosier National Forest supervisor, and Tyler Blakenship, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers natural resource specialist, will speak on the history and significance of the reservoir at 2:30 p.m.

After the remarks, refreshments, sponsored by Visit Bloomington, will be available. All attendees may enter to win a 2025 Indiana State Parks annual entrance pass.

Anyone planning to attend is being asked to notify the property online at tinyurl.com/60monroe by noon on Oct. 23 to assist with planning; however, walk-up attendees also are welcome.

Questions should be directed to the Paynetown Activity Center at 812-837-9967 or email Jill Vance at [email protected].