10 Lakes In the United States That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

In most parts of the U.S., winter brings a change in the weather – snow, ice, and freezing cold temperatures. If the temperature outside stays below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) for long enough, water starts to freeze. You may see iced-over sidewalks, dripping icicles, or even ponds and lakes with a thick layer of ice covering the top. If a lake completely freezes over, the layer of ice on top can become thick enough for people to walk on. You can ice skate. In fact, the ice can become strong enough to even drive vehicles across. Some people like to drill holes in the ice to go ice fishing, set up hockey nets for a quick game, or even camp on the iced-over water.

Most lakes do not freeze solid. In fact, the ice and snow at the surface insulate the deepest water from the coldest temperatures. This is helpful since it allows fish and plants in the lake to survive. However, many lakes in the U.S. do get a thick layer of ice on the top that freezes from several inches to a few feet deep. There are too many to count, but this article shows a few examples as we round up 10 beautiful lakes that freeze over completely with a top layer of ice in the winter.

Kenai Lake in Alaska

Did you know that Kenai Lake in Alaska’s Cooper Landing is the largest lake on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula? This glacier-fed lake sparkles in shades of blue and green across 21 square miles. This “zig-zagging” lake is a popular destination for fishermen and photographers alike. Each winter, this part of Alaska attracts adventure seekers looking to take in the picturesque surroundings and participate in activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Campbell Lake in Alaska

Campbell Lake is a gorgeous lake in Anchorage, Alaska. This 123-acre, man-made, once-private lake has become a top destination for backcountry ice skating. It is the largest lake in the area and is stocked with various fish species, including salmon and blackfish, although fishing is not permitted. Instead, it is one of the most popular destinations for ice skating in the wild.

Emerald Lake in Colorado

Each winter, the surface of Emerald Lake freezes into a glistening frozen body of water corralled by the jagged mountain ranges of Rocky Mountain National Park. This Colorado gem is accessible via hiking the Bear Lake Trailhead, which allows hikers willing to brave the cold winter weather to revel in the unique wonderland of winter in the Rocky Mountains.

Whitefish Lake in Montana

Montana’s Whitefish Lake brings travelers and locals together for RV camping, fishing, and other outdoor adventures during the summer. However, come winter, the lake transforms into a snow-covered icy landscape surrounded by mountains and snowy trees. In the cold winter months, snowshoers and cross-country skiers cross Whitefish Lake on their expeditions across the snowy land.

Lake George in New York

Have you been to the famous Adirondack Mountains of New York? Famous for attracting resort visitors and children going to summer camp, the Adirondack Mountains are also home to Lake George. Lake George freezes deep, making it a prime location for ice fishing, ice skating, and other outdoor sports. Winter may even be one of the best times of year to visit Lake George, since the area comes alive with ice bars, skiing, snow tubing, and many other outdoor activities. The broader Lake George area has 120 acres of hiking and mountain biking trails, opportunities for snowshoeing and iceskating, and snowmobile and winter gear rentals.

Crater Lake in Oregon

The beautiful Crater Lake, situated inside Crater Lake National Park, is a shining jewel of Oregon. This incredible crown of the Cascade Mountain Range, formed over 7,000 years ago by transformative volcanic activity. Now, Crater Lake is a gorgeous spectacle all year long. Most winter days are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities near Crater Lake – and it’s a great time to appreciate the unique sight and scenic drive in the Cascade Mountain Range. Though the Crate Lake National Park Rim Drive closes in the winter, the lake itself stays open. The area receives dozens of feet of snow each year, making the landscape perfect for cross-country skiing around the lake’s rim.

Lake Morey in Vermont

Though Lake Morey in Fairlee, Vermont, is significantly less famous than some of the other bodies of water on this list, it is not one you want to miss. The famous Lake Morey Skate Trail allows visitors to ice skate across 4.3 miles of “ice trails” that loop the shores of the gorgeous New England lake. As you skate, you get the chance to take in panoramic views of the surrounding area and watch for wildlife – like bald eagles! This unique opportunity is only about an hour outside of Concord, New Hampshire. Additionally, visitors can enjoy activities like pond hockey, golf course snowshoeing, or even sledding. There is also a Holiday Market and a relaxing indoor pool.

Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee is a key destination for gorgeous lake views and winter fun. Each February, the Lake Winnipesaukee region hosts its annual Winter Carnival. The Carnival includes ice sculpting, sleigh rides, ice skating, and all kinds of other winter events designed to get people outside and enjoying all that the colder weather months have to offer. Part of the carnival even includes an air competition. Pilots and planes get to show off in an event made possible thanks to the only plowed ice runway in the continental U.S., and one that is open only from January through March when the frozen surface of the lake has ice that is at least 12 inches thick! The whole Lake Winnipesaukee region is truly a winter wonderland.

Dream Lake in Colorado

Dream Lake may just be the most picturesque of all of Colorado’s beautiful alpine lakes. This body of water sits in Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors get to take in astonishing views of the 12,713-foot Hallett Peak and 12,324-foot Flattop Mountain from the eastern shore of this beautiful Colorado lake. Whether in winter or summer, the sight would be hard to forget.

Canyon Ferry Lake in Montana

This Montana reservoir is Montana’s third-largest body of water. In the summer, boating, camping, swimming, and other activities attract visitors to Canyon Ferry Lake’s shores. In the winter, many outdoor activities are not possible any longer – but the frozen surface of the lake invites people to join in ice fishing and other winter sports.

Warning

While activities such as ice skating and ice fishing can be fun and rewarding winter activities, it is always important to follow local guidelines and expert advice. Because of the danger of falling through thin ice and becoming injured or even drowning, always check with the local authorities for advice before venturing out onto any frozen lake. Even when the ice may look thick in one spot, it may be significantly thinner in others. Because of this, emergency responders and other experts suggest using caution before walking on a frozen lake and always abiding by local laws. In general, ice is only safe to walk on when there are at least 4 inches of clear ice. However, when in doubt, choose to stay safe and do not be the one to test out the thickness of ice on a lake or pond.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © gjohnstonphoto/iStock via Getty Images