Sonia
Imagine the perfect getaway: a serene lake town where you can relax, breathe in fresh air, and experience stunning views. Across America, there are hidden gems, small lake towns that offer this and more. Each one has its unique charm making them perfect for getaways. Here are 15 charming small lake towns in America.
Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix is a great escape to Lake Michigan. It has attractions by the water and inland, but if you are all about the beach, you will love the six miles of coastline at Fisherman’s Island State Park and Beach. Charlevoix also has a Lavender Hill Farm, with its 30 lavender varieties, or Castle Farms, a real stone castle.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
This artistic town on the North Shore of Lake Superior is a gateway to outdoor adventures in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Grand Marais offers a picturesque harbor, a historic lighthouse, and a vibrant arts community with galleries, studios, and the North House Folk School, where visitors can learn traditional crafts.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, this town offers stunning natural beauty with its clear blue waters and surrounding mountains. In the winter, South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for snowboarding and skiing and in the summer, it is popular for hiking, boating, and mountain biking. The town also boasts a lively nightlife scene with casinos, bars, and live music.
Chelan, Washington
Nestled at the edge of Lake Chelan, this town is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, with several wineries and vineyards in the area. Visitors can also enjoy water sports on the lake, hiking in the surrounding hills, and exploring the charming downtown area with its shops and restaurants.
Skaneateles, New York
Located in the Finger Lakes region, Skaneateles is known for its crystal-clear waters and historic charm. The town’s downtown area is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour of the lake, relax in lakeside parks, or attend the annual Skaneateles Festival, which features classical and chamber music.
Grand Lake, Colorado
As the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake offers breathtaking mountain views and abundant wildlife. The town itself has a charming boardwalk with shops and restaurants, and visitors can enjoy boating on Colorado’s largest natural lake, hiking in the national park, and attending the Grand Lake Regatta and Sailing Festival.
Meredith, New Hampshire
Meredith is a charming town on Lake Winnipesaukee, buzzing with art and music. You can catch outdoor concerts at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, browse art galleries, or enjoy craft fairs. There is plenty to do outside, too, like boating, fishing, or hiking the trails.
Ely, Minnesota
Ely is a dream spot for nature lovers, surrounded by lakes and forests. It is the go-to place for canoe trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You can also fish, hike, and spot wildlife. The downtown area is cute, with shops, restaurants, and the International Wolf Center.
Bigfork, Montana
Bigfork sits on Flathead Lake and is big on culture, with art galleries and summer theater at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. You can enjoy outdoor fun activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. Do not miss the annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts, where local artists and craftsmen show off their work.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is a resort town with a history of attracting wealthy Chicagoans who built stunning mansions in the 19th century. You can see these grand homes from the Lake Shore Path. The town offers water sports, golf, and a lively downtown with shops, restaurants, and the Geneva Lake Museum.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Situated on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is known for its stunning scenery and arts scene, as well as the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. The town also hosts the annual Festival at Sandpoint, featuring outdoor concerts and cultural events.
Garden City, Utah
Bear Lake, right on the northern edge of Utah, is nicknamed “the Caribbean of the Rockies” because of its bright blue water. If you are planning to spend a few days boating, hiking, or just soaking up the sun around Bear Lake, Garden City is the perfect spot to set up camp.
Greenville, Maine
Located at the southern end of Moosehead Lake, Greenville is a gateway to the Maine wilderness, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching, including moose tours. The town has a quaint downtown area with shops and restaurants, and visitors can take a scenic cruise on the lake aboard the historic steamship Katahdin.
Guntersville, Alabama
Situated along the banks of Lake Guntersville, this town is a popular destination for fishing, especially for largemouth bass. Guntersville also offers bird watching at the nearby Guntersville State Park, which is a stopover for migrating bald eagles, and beautiful lake views from the town’s restaurants and parks.
McCall, Idaho
Located on the shores of Payette Lake, McCall is a year-round destination known for its Winter Carnival, which features elaborate snow sculptures, parades, and winter sports events. In the summer, visitors can enjoy water activities on the lake, hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding forests, and relaxing in the town’s parks and beaches.
Comments
Loading…