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Many Americans spend their vacations at lake retreats all over the country. The United States has so many glorious lakes scattered throughout the landscape. Each lake site has something special to offer the visitor including spectacular scenery and wildlife, water sports, dining, lodging, and entertainment. These lake retreats have been major recreation and vacation venues for decades. This summer get back to nature and plan a trip to one of the best US lake retreats.
Sail on Lake Winnipesaukee
In New England, travel to the White Mountains of New Hampshire to have some fun at Lake Winnipesaukee. At 21 miles long, Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the United States. The lake and its surrounding area, Ellacoya State Park, has many recreational activities including sunbathing, sailing, fishing, biking and hiking. There are at least 258 natural islands on the lake, with six of these islands, (Black Cat, Governors, Long, Oak ,Christmas and Worcester) connected to the mainland by bridges. There are also campsites at the state park if guests wish to sleep on site.
Family Fun at Lake George
Lake George is located in upstate New York near Saratoga. There is a multitude of things to do in this area including fishing, rafting, hiking and swimming. Shoppers will love the amount of Factory Outlets in the area when they have the urge to shop. The area also hosts many events including children’s and couples’ activities. The Adirondack cabins are a great lodging choice for your retreat, as you can wake up every morning to the gorgeous mountain view. Guests that like to camp can do so here in tents, or at one of the RV parks.
Play in the Water at Lake Michigan
This massive lake touches the shores of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The lake area in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is the main recreational area for Lake Michigan. Guests can relax and take in some sun at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and see sand dunes that get as high as 450 feet. Lake Michigan is the ultimate water activity spot, as on any day you will see people yachting, diving, kayaking, fishing and lake surfing. Land activities occurring around the lake include birdwatching, horseback riding and trapeze flying. A great hiking spot is Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which has 50 miles of trails for visitors to explore.
Go Tubing and Ziplining at Hanging Lake
This lake in Colorado is considered one of the prettiest lakes in the United States. This lake is accessible with a 1.2 mile steep trail that becomes a boardwalk that leads to the lake. Visitors much obtain a permit to access the trail and lake as daily capacity is limited to protect the area ecosystem. Guests can hike the property and see the large waterfall Sprouting Rock just behind the lake. Activities available on the lake include rafting, tubing, fishing biking, and ziplining, plus many more. In nearby Glenwood Springs, guests can get a history lesson at the Doc Holiday Museum and the Glenwood Springs Historical Society and Frontier Museum.
Enjoy the Western Beauty at Lake Tahoe
Situated between California and Nevada and surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe has been a recreational area since 1844. The lake has been divided into two sections, the north lake and the south lake. The activities on the north lake include swimming, hiking and fitness trails, golf, live performances and shopping. The south lake is best for fishing, biking, boating spas and nightlife. Don’t miss the Lake Tahoe Most Beautiful Drive, a 72 mile journey around the lake where you can view nature, historic sites, visitor centers and museums.
See the London Bridge at Lake Havasu
At Arizona’s playground, play and relax in paradise surrounded by palm trees at Lake Havasu. On the border of Arizona and California, Lake Havasu’s warm, clear turquoise water is a popular vacation spot for college students. The original London Bridge, brought here from England, is an unusual landmark for the area. Visitors to Lake Havasu will love exploring the waterfalls, side canyons, Topock Gorge and sandstone cliffs. On the water, there are numerous activities available on the lake’s 60 miles of navigable waterways. These include boating, jet skiing, fishing and swimming. In Lake Havasu City, guests can enjoy waterfront shopping and dining.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Puloma Banerjee
Thursday 27th of May 2021
Great post on US lakes!Have been to Lake Tahoe and lake Michigan, but yet to visit Lake Havasu and Hanging Lake.
Bryan Carey
Thursday 27th of May 2021
I usually think of the Great Lakes when I think of lake recreation and travel, but some of these smaller lakes sound equally fun!
Daniella
Wednesday 26th of May 2021
Oh wow - the lakes in the US all look so inviting! I would love to visit almost all of these impressive lakes!