A Drive Away
Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, Carlyle Lake is the largest human-made lake in Illinois. The lake has beaches for swimming and several camping areas, but it’s especially known for sailboating. Its proximity to St. Louis makes it a great day trip. Carlyle, Illinois.
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With 1,150 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks has quiet alcoves and beaches known for partying. As the Midwest’s premier lake resort destination, there are plenty of luxury accommodations to choose from, or if you prefer something more rustic, there are cabins and camping sites. The best way to explore the lake, though, is by boat, and there are plenty of rental companies that will get you out on the water. When you’re not out on the water, you can relax with spa treatment or hike one of the trails in the state park.
Located near Branson, Table Rock Lake has 800 miles of shoreline with plenty of opportunities for sailing, fishing, waterskiing, and swimming. After a day at the lake, visitors can dine and see a show in Branson.
Lake Taneycomo is stocked with 750,000 brown trout each year, making it one of the best places in Missouri for fishing. The northern part of the lake is reserved for artificial lures, and the headwaters are great for fishing. Like Table Rock, the lake’s location at Branson means there’s no shortage of activities after a day on the water.
As the largest natural lake in Arkansas, Lake Chicot’s 20 miles are shaped like the letter “C.” The lake is located in a large flyway, making it perfect for bird watching and great for fishing. Guests staying in the cabins have free access to the swimming pool. Lake Village, Arkansas.
A Flight Away
Apostle Islands in Lake Superior
Located off the northern coast of Wisconsin, 22 islands make up the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The islands, with their red sandstone cliffs and green forests, are stunning. Grab a kayak to explore the more remote islands and sea caves. There are lighthouses on six of the 21 islands, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bayfield, Wisconsin.
The depths of Lake Tahoe reach 1,645 feet, making it the third deepest lake in the United States and 10th in the world. The area might be best known for snow skiing on the mountains that surround the lake, but there’s no shortage of water activities. The lake’s calm blue waters and picturesque landscape make it a favorite destination for standup paddle boarding and kayaking. If you want a more adrenaline-fueled activity, then try parasailing. Nevada and California.
Crater Lake formed 7,700 years ago, when a volcano erupted and created a caldera that filled with rain and snowmelt over time. With its clear bright-blue waters, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. While you can swim in the lake, it might be a little chilly: The average water temperature is 38 degrees. Klamath County, Oregon
Caddo Lake is part lake and part bayou, located between east Texas and Louisiana. The lake is home to more than 7,000 species of fish, and because Caddo Lake is located in a state park, you don’t need a license to fish. You can rent a canoe and paddle under the Spanish moss that hangs from the bald cypress trees. (Note: There are alligators in the park, so the necessary precautions should be taken.) Karnak, Texas.
In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, 2,000 square miles of the state’s most scenic and undisturbed land, you’ll find Lake Willoughby between two fjord-like mountains. The lake is a glacial gash that was created around 11,500 years ago. Although the water is cold, you can swim, boat, and fish in its waters. Visit in September and October to see the fall colors. Westmore, Vermont.
