Guide to Can't-Miss U.S. Lakes Perfect for Your Next Summer Adventure

No conversation about the USA’s lakes would be complete without mention of the Great Lakes. With nearly 18,000 kilometers of shoreline between them, these awe-inspiring bodies of water are not to be missed.

Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes, is bordered by Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In Michigan, Isle Royale National Park is a haven for hiking, bird-watching and paddling. The rugged island can only be accessed by ferry or seaplane. Get an overnight camping permit or stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge. Another Michigan standout is the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where sandstone cliffs meet sparkling waters. Off the western shore of Lake Superior is Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and its 21 islands, sandy beaches and dramatic sea caves.

Lake Michigan is surrounded by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Fly into Chicago, Illinois, and head southeast to Indiana Dunes National Park. This Indiana gem features sweeping dunes, epic shorelines and diverse hiking trails. If you’re flying into Milwaukee, head north to Door County, Wisconsin, home to five state parks and broad stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Lake Erie is bordered by Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. If you only have time for one Lake Erie stop, make it Pennsylvania’s iconic Presque Isle State Park. Situated across Presque Isle Bay from the city of Erie, the park has several sandy beaches and is another ideal destination for outdoor adventures.

The diverse landscapes of the western USA are bursting with opportunities to get outside and on the water. Lake Tahoe is an international household name for good reason. Bordered by California and Nevada, its clear waters form the largest alpine lake in North America. After a day spent lounging on the beach and hiking or biking the Tahoe Rim Trail, enjoy South Lake Tahoe’s renowned dining and nightlife scene before heading back to one of the area’s luxurious lakefront resorts.

Just outside Las Vegas and about a three-hour drive from Grand Canyon National Park is the Lake Mead National Recreation Area of Arizona and Nevada. Boating, waterskiing, fishing, camping, horseback riding and swimming are just the beginning of the outdoor adventures calling your name in the USA’s first national recreation area.

In Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is a true wonder of nature. Formed after a volcanic eruption nearly 8,000 years ago, the lake is fed entirely by rain and snow. Marvel at its blue water and surrounding mountains from a boat tour or one of 30 overlooks along the Scenic Rim Drive.

The southeastern USA is rich in history, diversity, culture and spectacular lakes. Fly into New Orleans, Louisiana, and see the city sights before beginning your adventure on and around the vast Lake Pontchartrain. Catch an airboat tour through a nearby swamp, then explore the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge or St. Tammany Wildlife Refuge on the lake’s northern shore. These biodiverse refuges teem with fish, crabs, alligators and hundreds of bird species.

Just east of Knoxville, Tennessee, is Douglas Lake. Dive into the fresh waters of this giant manmade reservoir and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. Nearby Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are also destinations in and among themselves.

Farther north, Summersville Lake State Park is West Virginia’s newest state park. With nearly 72 hectares of waterfalls, deep forests, giant cliffs and hiking and biking trails, you don’t want to miss this natural attraction. To keep the adventure going, explore the nearby city of Charleston, West Virginia, or the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

Central New York’s Finger Lakes region comprises 11 long and narrow lakes surrounded by charming small towns, wineries, farms, museums and quaint lakefront hotels. From the blue-green waters of Skaneateles Lake to the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the Finger Lakes region is a must-visit.

Bordered by New York State and Vermont, Lake Champlain’s magnificent shores are unlike any in the Northeast. Discover the USA’s military heritage at Fort Ticonderoga, a sprawling museum and historic site between New York’s Adirondacks and Vermont’s Green Mountains. The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown, New York, is another fascinating place to stroll through exhibits that bring life to this vibrant and historical region.

If you’re looking for a secluded getaway far from the hustle and bustle of a city, Moosehead Lake in Maine is about as ruggedly beautiful as it gets. The second-largest lake in New England, it’s known for wildlife tours and exceptional fishing. The region is also home to a portion of the Appalachian Trail’s 100-Mile Wilderness.