*Editor’s Note: At the time of this posting, the cool lake destinations on our list were free of toxic algae. The CDC recommends always checking for harmful algal bloom advisories before visiting lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Planning your winter vacation? At BlueGreen Water Technologies, we spend our time ensuring the health of lakes because they are important to the health of people, wildlife, and ecosystems. Lakes and parks also provide numerous opportunities for recreational activities for the community. This year, we want to share a few of our favorite destinations!
Here are some awesome lakes in the U.S. that your family and friends will enjoy.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
Just a few hours from major cities like Albany, Boston, Montreal, and New York, Lake Champlain is a great winter road trip destination. Lake Champlain is a natural freshwater lake and is the sixth largest in the country! The Lake is part of two states, Vermont and New York, and one province, Quebec, Canada. The Vermont side of the Lake borders Burlington, Vermont, a quaint city with tons of attractions from restaurants, shops, museums, breweries, and vineyards!
Lake Champlain’s fun attractions don’t lose their charm even as we enter the colder months. From cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking to a mountain stream, ice fishing, and ice skating, there are endless options for a fun time.
Lake Michigan, Michigan
One of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan spans the entire west coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Starting in Detroit, you can drive across the state and visit its many beach towns, such as Traverse City.
Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World”, Traverse City has much to offer in the wintertime. You can ski or snowboard in nearby resorts, hike, or just enjoy the scenery. You should also stop by Sleeping Bear Dunes, a popular year-round destination. In the winter, you can snowshoe, cross country or downhill ski, snowboard, and explore the wilderness and wildlife.
Not into outdoor sports? No problem! Traverse is known for its vineyards and wineries, farm fresh food, shops, and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. There is truly something fun for everyone.
Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming
Whether it’s always been on your bucket list or recently inspired by hit-shows Yellowstone and 1883, Yellowstone National Park will not disappoint. Located in one of America’s most beloved national parks, Yellowstone Lake is a perfect place for nature lovers.
While riding your snowmobile along the Lake, make sure to watch out for bisons! The Yellowstone Bison, an American icon, have inhabited the land since prehistoric times and are the largest population to inhabit public land. The bison and the mountain scenery set up a miraculous, breathtaking view! It's on many of the BlueGreeners’ lists to visit.
Lake Tahoe, California
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains bordering California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe’s gorgeous sites and activities have their unique appeal in the winter. A must-visit place for skiers, Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best resorts worldwide.
During your trip, make sure to also visit Emerald Bay State Park, or the “Lake Tahoe Jewel”, where you visit unique attractions like Vikingsholm. The 38-room mansion is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the West. Emerald Bay also offers helicopter tours, hiking, and snowshoeing.
Lake Tahoe is full of surprises and who knows, you may even spot a Tahoe Bear!
Lake Kissimmee, Florida
Hate the cold? Don’t worry, we have a warm lake destination for you!
Lake Kissimmee State Park, located near Lake Wales, Florida, is open 365 days a year. The 34,948-acre lake is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts, with a population of bass, black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. You can also camp, ride horses, hike, mountain bike, bird watch, and paddle!
If you're flying into Orlando International Airport, make sure to check out Lake Minneola, where BlueGreen recently successfully cured a harmful algal bloom outbreak.
Our mission at BlueGreen is to preserve the beauty of the world's lakes and to keep them healthy. Whether you visit a lake destination to “heat” up your travel plans or stay at home, the BlueGreen team wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season! We hope that you stay warm and have a ton of fun this winter!
