The 9 Best Lakes in the United States to Vacation in Winter

Lake Superior

Starting our list is Lake Superior. Lake Superior is iconic and has a lot to offer. This massive Great Lake touches multiple states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Lake Superior is also in the Canadian province of Ontario. It’s the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.

The surface area of this lake is 31,700 square miles. This 350-mile-long lake offers many opportunities to fish, view wildlife, hike, swim, and boat. Although many people visit this lake during summer, it’s an excellent place to enjoy a winter getaway. Since it’s so large, you aren’t limited to where.

Duluth, a port city in Minnesota, is a lovely place to stay and enjoy the late. While staying in this city, you can also hike, ski, and ice skate. 

Possibly one of the most famous spots on this lake is the Mainland Ice Caves. These ice caves are gorgeous and can leave you breathless. Getting to them, though, isn’t easy, nor is it possible. Visitors must hike on frozen parts of Lake Superior. There is no telling when or how long the lake is frozen enough to hike to the ice caves. This is dangerous, and there is always a risk.

Geneva Lake

Geneva Lake in Walworth County, Wisconsin, is next on our list of the nine best lakes in the United States to vacation in winter. It’s an excellent place to visit in winter and provides jaw-dropping scenic views. 

Geneva Lake has a surface area of 5,401 acres. It’s about 7.7 miles long with an average depth of 61 feet. The maximum depth of this lake is 135 feet. On the shore of this lake is Lake Geneva, a city of around 8,200 people. Also on the coast is the Big Foot Beach State Park.

Geneva Lake isn’t just beautiful during winter and is a great place to stay and enjoy local events. Lake Geneva, on the shore of the lake, offers plenty of events and activities like the Ice Castles and WinterFest.

Crater Lake

While you can’t say directly next to Crater Lake, it’s an excellent lake to visit during winter. You can always stay nearby and explore the surrounding area. Crater Lake is in Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. This stunning volcanic crater lake is breathtakingly beautiful but does take time to reach. 

Crater Lake has a surface area of 20.6 square miles. Although not as large as the previous two lakes on our list, it’s just as impressive. The lake is 6 miles long and 5 miles wide, with an average depth of 1,148 feet. The maximum depth of this lake is nearly 2,000 feet.

Seeing this lake, covered in snow and surrounded by mountains, is incredible. Not only can you hike to this iconic lake, but you can also enjoy winter activities in the national park. Within the national park, visitors can also winter back-country camp, snowshoe walk, ski, snowboard, and sled.

Lake Morey

Lake Morey is an excellent lake to vacation on during winter if you’re looking for a snowy winter wonderland. The Lake Morey Resort is on the lake. This Vermont lake is beautiful and one of Vermont’s jewels. The surface area of this lake is 550 acres.

Lake Morey Resort attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s great to visit all year round. You can ice skate, hike, and golf at the resort and attend fun holiday events like the Holiday Market, a free community event. The 2023 Holiday Market is on December 2 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Lake Michigan

Fifth on our list is Lake Michigan, another incredible Great Lake in North America. Lake Michigan is big! It has a surface area of 22,404 square miles and is about 307 miles long, with a maximum width of 118 miles. In some parts of this lake, the depth reaches over 900 feet!

So, what is so special about Lake Michigan during winter? Lake Michigan during the winter is special. If you live near a Lake Michigan beach, you should visit for the stunning icy sight. The shoreline of the beach freezes and looks like something out of a movie. One of the best places to visit alone Lake Michigan is South Haven. Winter activities at South Haven include hiking, shopping, ice skating, and more! 

Lake Okeechobee

Not all lakes freeze during winter. If you want to enjoy a sunny and calm winter getaway, don’t forget about Lake Okeechobee in Florida. This incredible lake is also the largest freshwater lake in the state and there is so much to do! It has a surface area of 734 square miles and is 36 miles long and 29 miles wide.

Although long, its maximum depth is only 12 feet. Several islands sit in Lake Okeechobee, including Kreamer, Torry, and Ritta Island. This lake is perfect for spending time on the water and skipping out on snow. You can spend your vacation days kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Swimming is not recommended. Visitors can also spend time exploring around and near the lake. Not too far from the lake, for instance, is Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. This gorgeous state park is perfect for stargazing.

Lake Norman

Also on our list of the nine best lakes in the United States to vacation in winter is Lake Norman in North Carolina. This winter gem is a great lake to visit for fishing. It’s the largest man-made lake in the state. Not only can you stay along the water, but you can also stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast in a town or city on the water. This gives you plenty of time to explore the lake and its surrounding area!

Lake Norman has a surface area of 32,510 acres. The lake is 33.6 miles long and 9 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 112 feet. This lake isn’t too far from Charlotte and offers many fun activities. While here, you can boat on the lake, enjoy festive holiday events, and eat and drink delicious foods.

Lake Dora

Another Florida lake on our list to make our list is Lake Dora. This lake is in Mount Dora, a popular city in Lake County known for its gorgeous lake, lighthouse, and adorable historic district. You can get lost in the city, walking down streets and shopping. If you want to spend more time by the water, you can also hike the boardwalk trail at Palm Island Park. The boardwalk goes over the lake and gives visitors the chance to see wildlife like alligators, birds, and fish.

Lake Tahoe

Last but not least is Lake Tahoe, an excellent lake to vacation near or on during winter. Lake Tahoe is a perfect place to go skiing and snowboarding. There are several ski resorts along the lake. A popular way to enjoy this winter wonderland is by staying in a cabin near the lake. The views alone are worth the visit. This stunning freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is in Nevada and California. Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles. This ancient lake is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide.