Construction of Indiana’s new year-round nature-focused theme park, SkyLake, is accelerating as the development reaches a significant milestone. The project team announced that foundational earthworks for the attraction’s first phase are now complete, paving the way for vertical construction and the creation of its centerpiece — a sprawling six-acre lake.
The park, set to open in summer 2026, aims to establish a unique destination that blends outdoor recreation, family fun, and wellness-driven experiences. Future guests will enjoy beach areas, waterslides, aquatic obstacle courses, and private cabanas — all built to immerse visitors in the outdoors while offering resort-style comfort.
According to the developers, progress has exceeded expectations thanks to highly favorable weather patterns. The region’s dry summer enabled uninterrupted heavy machinery operations and accelerated excavation timelines.
“Since our groundbreaking in July, we’ve had perfect weather conditions, and we capitalized on them,” said Phil Sack, CEO of SkyLake. “Deploying a fleet of 13 earthmovers on-site at once is a massive operation that speaks to the sheer scale and coordinated management of this project. Completing this foundational work so quickly de-risks the entire project and puts us in an incredible position as we head into winter.”
More than 570,000 cubic yards of soil have already been displaced, enabling the development team to move swiftly into the next phase: laying the liner and beginning water infrastructure for the lake. The park’s landscape transformation will continue throughout the colder months as workers prepare shoreline elements and guest areas.
The project also calls for massive material deliveries, including 28,000 tonnes of white sand, which will create soft, walkable beaches designed for families and multi-generational enjoyment.
Per the press announcement, SkyLake is being developed to “promote wellbeing and multi-generational engagement through a blend of thrilling adventure and serene relaxation.” The developers are positioning the attraction as a new tourism anchor capable of drawing visitors from across the Midwest.
“The pace on-site is electric,” said Sean Howard, co-founder of SkyLake. “We’re not just building a park; we’re building a landmark for the region. Every day, the vision becomes more tangible, and we’re excited to continue to share our progress as we move closer to our opening season in summer 2026.”
Local officials and project stakeholders expect SkyLake to generate economic activity in both construction and hospitality sectors, with new permanent jobs to follow as the resort expands. Additional phases — including lodging and adventure attractions — are planned as part of a multi-year development pipeline.
As the countdown to opening continues, SkyLake’s rapid progress highlights strong momentum for tourism-led development in Indiana and reflects growing demand for outdoor entertainment destinations nationwide.
Originally reported by
Bea Mitchell in Sky Lake.
