Make a Splash! | Lakes to Visit This Summer

Sophie Duvall

As temperatures start to rise during this time of year, it’s no surprise that we are drawn to the water. It’s a place to cool off, relax, and make a splash with friends and family.

While a seaside resort is enjoyable, there’s nothing more quintessentially summer than a house by the lake where you can go kayaking or take the boat out for a spin. So this summer, take Friday off and escape to one of these lake destinations for the weekend.

Lake George, New York

Thomas Jefferson once said Lake George was, “… without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw.” While the area has kept up with the times, Jefferson’s sentiment remains true to this day. Visitors can partake in a plethora of outdoor activities, from parasailing to horseback riding, while also enjoying upscale eateries and exploring boutiques along the pristine waters.

Door County, Wisconsin

Nestled along a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, there’s something for everyone in Door County. Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” the county is made up of 300 miles of shoreline to explore, around 50 beaches to visit, and 19 communities to stop at along the way. Sister Bay is a foodie’s paradise while Baileys Harbor is the gateway to natural beauty with thousands of acres of preserved wilderness.

Grand Lake, Colorado

You can see the reflection of the peaks from Rocky Mountain National Park that surround the crystal blue waters of Grand Lake. Established in 1881 as an outfitter to nearby mining settlements, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time with the town’s Western-style restaurants and local hospitality.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Take a dive into the deepest (and one of the prettiest) lakes in the United States. Crater Lake is a caldera, a sort of volcanic sinkhole, which formed after the partial collapse of Mount Mazama. But don’t worry, it’s had thousands of years to cool off. What’s left? Deep blue waters where you can swim with the wildlife like salmon and trout while exploring lava formations.