Both Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman are man-made reservoirs created by dams on the Tippecanoe River. Specifically, Oakdale Dam creates Lake Shafer to the south and Norway Dam creates Lake Freeman to the north. Both dams — and therefore both lakes — are operated by Indiana American Water.

Furthermore, because Indiana American Water created and maintains the impoundments, the company controls a shoreline easement that surrounds both lakes. This easement is the legal basis for Indiana American Water’s authority to regulate dock permits. Specifically, dock structures on either lake are placed on or adjacent to Indiana American Water’s easement — not simply on the adjacent landowner’s property.

Therefore, buyers cannot rely solely on property deeds and plat maps to understand what dock rights come with a lakefront property. Indiana American Water’s permit records are a separate and essential part of due diligence on any Lake Shafer or Lake Freeman purchase.

Indiana American Water issues dock permits for structures placed on its shoreline easement on Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman. Specifically, permits govern the type of structure, its dimensions, placement position, and any additional elements such as boat lifts, wave runner ramps, and covered boathouse components. Furthermore, permits are issued to individual property owners — not to properties themselves.

This distinction matters significantly for buyers. Specifically, when a property transfers to a new owner, the dock permit does not automatically transfer. Additionally, some permits require affirmative action to transfer — including application to Indiana American Water, payment of transfer fees, and in some cases, re-inspection of the structure. Moreover, if a seller removes the dock before closing and surrenders the permit, the new owner may not be able to obtain a new permit for the same position.

Therefore, buyers should require the seller to provide documentation of the current permit — including its status, expiration date, covered structures, and transferability terms — as a condition of the purchase contract. Furthermore, buyers should contact Indiana American Water directly during due diligence to verify the permit details independently.

Riparian rights are the property rights associated with owning land adjacent to a body of water. Specifically, in Indiana, riparian landowners have the right to make reasonable use of the water adjacent to their property — including swimming, fishing, and boat access — as long as that use does not unreasonably interfere with other riparian owners’ rights.

Furthermore, riparian rights in Indiana are tied to ownership of the shoreline land. A buyer who purchases a waterfront lot on Lake Shafer or Lake Freeman holds riparian rights as part of the property. Additionally, the specific extent of those rights — including whether they include the right to construct and maintain a dock — depends on both Indiana law and the regulatory overlay of Indiana American Water’s permit system.

Moreover, riparian rights do not automatically override Indiana American Water’s permit requirements. In other words, a buyer has riparian rights as a waterfront owner AND must separately obtain and maintain an Indiana American Water dock permit to legally place a dock on the shoreline. Both elements are required. For official guidance on Indiana’s public trust doctrine and riparian rights, the Indiana DNR provides regulatory context for lake use across the state.

Not every property marketed with “lake access” or “near the lake” provides direct private waterfront. Specifically, some properties access Lake Shafer or Lake Freeman through a shared access easement — a common parcel or right-of-way that a group of property owners use collectively. Furthermore, shared access arrangements vary significantly in terms of what is permitted, who maintains the access point, and what structures — if any — are allowed at the shared access location.

Additionally, some neighborhoods were developed with a community boat ramp or dock area shared among all lot owners in the plat. In those cases, individual lot owners do not have private waterfront frontage. Moreover, shared access limitations can significantly affect both property value and usability compared to properties with direct private frontage and individual dock permits.

Therefore, buyers should specifically ask whether access is direct private frontage or through a shared easement — and request documentation of the easement terms, maintenance responsibilities, and permitted uses at the shared access point. Specifically, this distinction should appear in the title commitment and the legal property description. For broader due diligence context on lake purchases, see our lakefront home buying guide and our lake property inspection checklist.

Before closing on any Lake Shafer or Lake Freeman property, buyers should complete the following dock and access verifications. First, confirm with Indiana American Water that an active dock permit exists for the property and that it is transferable to the new owner. Second, obtain the permit documentation showing what structures are covered, their dimensions, and any conditions.

Third, confirm whether the dock and all ancillary structures — lifts, ramps, boathouse components — are included in the sale or excluded. Fourth, review the title commitment for easements and encumbrances affecting the shoreline or access. Fifth, verify with the seller whether any access is shared or private and request easement documentation for shared arrangements.

Furthermore, buyers whose purchase includes investment use — rental income, subletting of dock access — should verify whether the Indiana American Water permit allows any commercial use of the dock facilities. Additionally, structural condition of the dock itself should be evaluated as part of the property inspection. Specifically, dock condition directly affects both usability and the cost of deferred maintenance the buyer inherits at closing.

Frequently Asked Questions — Dock Rights and Lake Access Indiana

Buying on Lake Shafer or Lake Freeman? Let Redlow Group Guide You.

Dock rights and lake access issues are where uninformed buyers lose money after closing. Redlow Group knows the permit system, the title issues, and the questions to ask before every lake offer goes in.