Lake resort vacations have been an American pastime for generations. Childhood memories of family trips to swim in the calm lake waters, idyllic fishing off a small pontoon or taking in the summer lake aesthetic as you picnicked on the shore.
With many coastal resorts becoming overcrowded, Americans are now returning to this favored pastime to visiting vacation spots from their youth. So, whether you’re looking for a well-earned family break or a romantic lake getaway, we’ve picked out five of our favorite lakeside retreats to create some new lake resort memories.
Located in Becker County in Minnesota, this stunning lake resort has year-round activities for everyone, so you’ll never be short of things to do here. For those looking for family-friendly fun, head towards Detroit Lakes Public Beach, where the calm waters are ideal for lakeside picnics, and the playground area is perfect for the kids.
For those seeking more active things to do, try the Timberline Ranch to enjoy some horseback riding, or if you’re looking for something more relaxing, try K & K Tubing – a 2-hour tubing adventure down the Otter Tail River. The Detroit Mountain Recreation Area offers incredible hiking and biking trails during the summer, with excellent skiing and snowboarding during the winter months too.
Book your stay at Detroit Lakes at the Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit.
Lake Winnebago has everything you need for the perfect lakeside vacation. However, we’re focusing on Oshkosh as a freshwater lake resort that caters to anybody’s needs. Whether it’s the brilliant water sports, its outlet shopping boutiques, or for aviation enthusiasts the EAA Air Museum and AirVenture – the largest air show in the world, Oshkosh has it all.
Head over to Menominee Park on the tranquil shores of Lake Winnebago as there are plenty of things to do. Enjoy the biking and hiking trails or take the kids to the incredible free Menominee Park Zoo. A Menominee Park train also takes passengers around the park to truly appreciate the summer lake aesthetic too.
Book your stay at Lake Winnebago at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center.
Located in the northwest corner of Montana, Flathead Lake truly embraces its glorious wilderness surroundings. Kalispell certainly possesses an authentic summer lake aesthetic, with its idyllic, serene waters reflecting the surrounding mountain ranges.
This stunning lake resort provides activities on and off the water, from its picturesque beaches to its Flathead Lake boat rentals and great fishing spots. Trails around the Flathead Lake means visitors can horseback ride, bike, and hike to countless spectacular vistas.
For those traveling kid-free, why not try some of the excellent local whiskey tasting tours, or spend the day visiting Kalispell’s magnificent local breweries: Bias Brewing, Kalispell Brewing Company and SunRift Beer Company.
Book your stay at Flathead Lake at the Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites.
As you can imagine, Lake Michigan is huge, so we’ve chosen Traverse City on the eastern flank of the lake and home to tart cherry orchards and the region’s best vineyards and wineries. First, book yourself an e-bicycle guided tour of the surrounding Leelanau county. Then enjoy a Traverse City Wine Bus Tour – a 5-hour excursion to the four best wineries on Old Mission Peninsula aboard The Magic Shuttle Bus.
The summer lake aesthetic is genuinely enhanced with some unbelievable sunsets, too. We recommend booking specialist kayaking or Wind Sailing sunset sail tours as you watch the sun disappear over the Lake Michigan skyline every evening.
Book your stay at Lake Michigan at the Best Western Plus Traverse City.
Like Lake Michigan, Lake Superior has a great collection of lakeside vacation destinations, so we’ve chosen a more tranquil lake resort to help you get the most out of this amazing lake vacation. Grand Marais is located in Cook County, Minnesota, and is a favorite destination for arts and crafts lovers and those looking for a more serene vacation.
The North House Folk School is a northern craft school that teaches visitors a range of traditional crafts and techniques, from historic boatbuilding to wood carving and basketry. One of our favorite things to do is to take an authentic boat tour around Lake Superior onboard a locally built North House Hjørdis (a traditional Schooner).
Book your stay at Lake Superior at the Best Western Plus Superior Inn.
