Life is better at the lake! From the adrenaline rush of boating to the peaceful calm of a lazy afternoon in a hammock—lake life is where adventure meets relaxation. It is where the sun dances across the water and a cool breeze offers the perfect relief from the hot summer sun. Are you ready to make a splash? Keep reading as we cover our top destinations for living your best lake life.
Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland’s largest fresh water lake!
Both Mother Nature and human ingenuity/engineers built the lake. It is the perfect place to stay and play with 65 miles of shoreline and up to 75 feet of deep cool water.
Deep Creek Lake Celebrates 100 Years
This summer is a great time to experience all Deep Creek Lake has to offer. It is the 100th anniversary of Deep Creek Lake! Visitors are invited to celebrate the area’s rich heritage with special events throughout the summer. Some of the events include the following:
- June 21, 2025 – Free Admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park
- June 21, 2025 – Recreation Fair at Deep Creek Lake State Park
- June 21, 2025 – Boat parade on Deep Creek Lake
- June 27, 2025 –DCL100 parade float in Grantsville Days Parade
- July 4, 2025 – DCL100 parade float in Accident Homecoming Parade
- July 5, 2025 – DCL100 Sailboat Regatta on Deep Creek Lake
- July 8, 2025 – Deep Creek Lake 100th Par Tee Golf Classic
- July 12 – 13, 2025 – Victorian Chautauqua in Mountain Lake Park
- July 19, 2025 – DCL100 Birthday Bash
- July 21, 2025 – Free Admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park
- July 26, 2025 – DCL100 parade float in Kitzmiller Homecoming Parade
- August 14, 2025 – Free Admission to Deep Creek Lake State Park
- August 16, 2025 – DCL 100 parade float in Friendsville Days Parade
- August 23, 2025 – Deep Creek Lake Centennial Gala at Wisp Resort
- Sept 6, 2025 – Deep Creek Lake Art and Wine Festival
Deep Creek Lake Fun
There’s plenty more fun to be had when you visit Deep Creek Lake. If you want to get out on the lake, check out some of the many boating and recreation opportunities including fishing, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, and water sports. If you prefer a quiet getaway, the area is also home to a number of quaint and welcoming bed and breakfasts as well as accommodating vacation rentals. There are even pet-friendly accommodations for visitors who want to bring their furry friends.
2025 is a summer of celebration in Deep Creek Lake! Now is the time to plan your getaway with your free print and downloadable Official Visitors Guide of Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake.
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Where can you find over 700 lakes?
Glacier National Park in Western Montana’s Glacier Country!
Glacier National Park has more than 700 lakes, including 131 named lakes. Most of the low-elevation lakes are the remnants of long glacial valleys. The largest and deepest body of water in Glacier National Park is Lake McDonald at 10 miles long and 464 feet deep.
There are countless things to see and do when you visit Glacier National Park. This includes boating, hiking, fishing, camping, biking, and guided tours. Keep in mind that fishing is permitted in the park when consistent with preservation or restoration of natural aquatic environments. Most waters in the park can be fished from May through November, with certain exceptions. The quiet, high-alpine glacial fed lakes offer a peaceful respite during the summer months. Boating is another great way to enjoy and explore Glacier National Park.
Flathead Lake
There is still plenty more to see and do outside of Glacier National Park. A day on Flathead Lake is another fun way to enjoy all that Montana’s Glacier Country has to offer. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. This large and scenic lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities including sailing, boating, canoeing, paddleboarding, and water skiing.
Are you ready to beat the heat? Plan a trip to Western Montana’s Glacier Country today! Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable Glacier Country Official Travel Guide.
Chautauqua County, New York
Are you ready to explore Western New York’s majestic lakes?
Chautauqua County is a great vacation destination with five amazing lakes, windswept shores, walkable beaches, and dramatic cliffs. The entire area is dedicated to lake life. In fact, it is impossible to step foot in a part of the entire region that isn’t within 20 minutes of open water. The area’s lakes include the following:
- Lake Erie
- Chautauqua Lake
- FIndley Lake
- Bear Lake
- Cassadaga Lakes
Lake Erie
More than 50 miles of the Lake Erie shoreline can be found along Chautauqua County’s border. It is the fishiest of all of the Great Lakes, accounting for 50% of the total fish population in all of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie is the ideal spot for fishing if you are looking to catch walleye, perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, and rainbow trout.
There’s plenty more to do when you visit Lake Erie. The beaches are great for family days spent playing in the water and in the sand. Visitors can also sail, kayak, camp, or enjoy the many lakeside events.
If you prefer to relax with a glass of wine in your hand then Lake Erie is the place for you! Lake Erie Wine Country is 53 miles of everything a wine lover needs to enjoy a day along the shoreline of Lake Erie. This includes unique wineries, breathtaking vineyard vistas, and, of course, views of Lake Erie. Lake Erie is the perfect place to sip, swirl, smell, and savor.
Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake is a top destination for visitors looking for a little outdoor adventure. The lake provides 17 miles of fun for everyone. Visitors can bring their own watercrafts or rent what they need to enjoy sailing, boating, fishing, and kayaking.
The lake is also a great spot to dock and enjoy live music or venture into Long Point State Park. The 320 mile day-use park is home to countless species of birds including the Bufflehead Duck, Tundra Swan, Purple Martin, sparrows, warblers, and more. For an easy scenic hike visitors can check out the 1-mile loop trail to the Tip of Long Point. The trail provides a magnificent panoramic view of Chautauqua Lake.
Smaller Lakes
Findley Lake, Bear Lake, and Cassadaga Lakes are the other smaller lakes around Chautauqua County. These lakes are home to countless fish species and other wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for bald eagles, beavers, great horned owls, mute swans, osprey, and painted turtles. These smaller lakes are shared peacefully by the many animals as well as boaters, swimmers, and anglers.
Get ready to live your best lake life! Request your free print and downloadable Chautauqua County Travel Guide today!
Chicago Southland
Just 30 minutes outside the city limits of Chicago is the Chicago Southland. The area is home to hundreds of festivals, 40,000 acres of luscious forestry, iconic shopping districts, amazing restaurants, flavorful breweries, and the Lake Katherine Nature Center.
Lake Katherine Nature Center
The Lake Katherine Nature Center brings together people and nature with a focus on education, recreation, and restoration. The Lake Katherine Nature Center is an 85-acre restored natural refuge. Visitors can use the preserved nature area to hike, bike, and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Lake Katherine is also a great spot to participate in special programs and events. Lake Katherine offers educational programs for adults and kids, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn something new. Special events are held throughout the summer and include family fishing days, tours, walks, and more.
The Chicago Southland has something for everyone. Get your free print and downloadable Chicago Southland Visitors Guide today!
Live Your Best Lake Life
It is officially summer and that means it is time to escape to the lake! Every moment by the lake is another adventure and another memory in the making. What are you waiting for? Apply some sunscreen, grab your favorite swimsuit, and dive headfirst into summer at the lake! For even more ideas on where to find the best lakes in the U.S., check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides.