Well, nothing really says “vacation” like kicking back in a petite lake town, right? Whether you are in the midst of figuring out your summer vacation plans or you simply want to plan a trip to a quaint winter village for the upcoming year, these small towns with lakes definitely deserve a spot on your list.
These all-season lake destinations have many things to offer, especially to someone who is dreaming up a romantic getaway. Even so, no matter the type of escape you are looking for, we have found a wonderful place that’s definitely bound to capture your heart.
A proper way to start planning your vacation is to think about what you would like to spend your time doing. If you are into hiking, you should dust off those boots, since plenty of these lakeside towns provide some of the most spectacular hiking trails to give you a brand new point of view towards life. And if the kids beg you to go wakeboarding, you might as well take them to a town where they can get lessons from pros.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Art lovers will definitely find something to appreciate in this small lake town settled between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. You can sign up for interesting artisan-led classes at the North House Folk School, watch painters take inspiration from the landscape at Artist’s Point, or even head outdoors on one of the numerous hiking and biking trails nearby.
You can also enjoy a cold brew and some whitefish tacos at The Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Co. and find lakeside lodging at the Best Western Plus Superior Inn, or the East Bay Suites.
Lake Berryessa, California
After a particularly rainy season, you might be able to get a glimpse of the Lake Berryessa Glory Hole, which is a funnel built into the man-made lake’s dam that slowly opens up when water levels get way too high.
You can set up a camp at Pleasure Cove and rent boats, jet skis, and kayaks at the marina. You can also head to nearby St. Helena to indulge in a wine tasting at Frog’s Leap Winery and then stop by Gott’s Roadside to refuel with a burger.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck has no less than 12 miles of award-winning beaches, a thriving arts community, tons of hiking trails, unique shops, and many other things. You can start your day with coffee and lavender honey toast at Respite Cappuccino Court before you embark on a wonderful (and private) bus tour to the area’s greatest wineries and breweries.
You can also cruise around the Kalamazoo River, as well as Lake Michigan at sunset, with the one and only Sailing Saugatuck. Moreover, if you are wondering where to stay, reviewers are crazy about The Hotel Saugatuck, especially as far as luxurious getaways can go.
Lake City, Colorado
In Lake City’s warmer months, prepare to check out all the hiking trails that run through wildflowers, fishing, and mountain biking. If you visit during wintertime, there’s plenty of ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and many other things.
You can also book a spot for your tent or even your RV at the Wupperman Campground to wake up on the shores of Lake San Cristobal. And if you’d rather stay in the town center, we recommend you stay at the North Face Lodge. You’ll love it.
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Places right on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro bills itself as the “oldest summer resort in America.” History buffs need to check out Museum Loop, the most antique boat ride that will take you to Libby Museum of Natural History.
After that, you may opt to hop on “Molley on the Trolley,” and check out the New Hampshire Boat Museum, Wright Museum of WWII, as well as the Clark House Museum Complex. You should also relax on one of the town’s many beaches, or bike to explore all the parks and trails before calling it a day at Wolfeboro Inn.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Somewhere in between boating, fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking, and waterskiing, there are plenty of aquatic adventures everywhere you look around in Lake Havasu City. Besides, there’s hiking, golf, rock climbing, and desert stargazing.
You can also enjoy the yearly Havasu Balloon Festival or take your own hot air balloon ride. There are many other options for hotels, campsites, and resorts, but we definitely recommend the London Bridge Resort for its central location, fancy kitchenettes, and kid-friendly waterslide.
Bigfork, Montana
If you want something a bit more tranquil, we recommend you try Bigfork. It’s a small waterfront village with plenty of things to offer, all the way from mountain biking, and golfing, to paddle boarding. To enjoy all the breathtaking sunsets over the lake, pitch your tent and pull up an RV at Wayfarers Campground.
For an original Montana experience, we advise you to stay at the self-described “genuine Montana dude ranch” Flathead Lake Lodge. The best of all, however, is the fact that you will be less than an hour from Glacier National Park.
Lakeside, Ohio
This small community is only one hour drive away from Cleveland. During warmer months, you might have to pay for an admission and parking pass to have access to the area. However, as soon as you get there, you might as well enjoy all the adorable shops, sailing, fishing, pickleball, and live entertainment.
Also, if you’re there, you might as well explore the Marblehead Lighthouse and all the surrounding areas during the season, and also make sure you stop by Cleats for a proper plate of wings before you leave.
Leavenworth, Washington
This beautiful, Bavaria-inspired village is the ideal jumping-off point for a day hike to the breathtakingly blue Colchuck Lake. Waking up in the Posthotel Leavenworth and taking in the view of the Wenatchee River before having a rich and hearty breakfast at Louie’s Cafe is the perfect day to spend here.
You should also reward yourself post-hike with a huge pretzel and a beer at Rhein Haus, where you can casually sit overlooking the town’s main street.
Wimberley, Texas
The Texas town is well-known for its swimming holes, such as the Blue Hole Regional Park, Jacob’s Well, as well as Cypress Falls. Well, if you can’t get enough splashing around, you might as well head to the closest Canyon Lake to rent a boat for the day.
Whatever you do, just make sure you save energy to explore Texas’ best honky-tonks and dance halls at night. You have to make sure you rest easy after all the adventurous activities planned, but you will definitely get the chance if you stay at the Creekhaven Inn and Spa.
McCall, Idaho
Nestled somewhere on the south shore of Payette Lake, McCall is the home of less than 3,000 people. There are plenty of mountain biking trails to explore, as well as hiking, zip lining, and kayaking in the summer.
Luckily, no matter what time of the year you decide to visit McCall, you will definitely have the chance to explore the town’s theater, museums, and live music. Kick back at the Shore Lodge, where you will be able to enjoy the spa treatments and private hot springs.
If you found this article useful, we also recommend checking: 10 US National Park Road Trips With Breathtaking Stops
