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Lake Okoboji
ADOBE STOCK
6 Top Summer Lake Escapes
Summer evokes a need to dip into cool waters, warm up on sunny strands and generally enjoy life on a lake.
By Zachary Laks
Angling to get outside with the family this summer? Chase the sun to a lake destination, packed with fun things to do in, on and around some of the most scenic spots in the country. Days spent enjoying refreshing, salt-free waters transition to nights exploring local towns, alive with a playful, family-friendly buzz. These six best lake escapes offer relaxation and rejuvenation.
Traverse Bay at sunrise
1. Western Arm of Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan
Come for the gorgeous lake; stay for the plethora of cherries. Traverse City, situated on the southern banks of the Western Arm of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, is a top summer destination in Northern Michigan, renowned for its robust cherry harvest and the National Cherry Festival’s 150 events and activities for visitors of all ages. Savor the sweet, sometimes tangy delicacies in just about every form—cherry pastries, cherry wines and beers, and even a locally made cherry sausage. (The Butcher’s Block by Maxbauer is the go-to.) Fresh cherry season runs from late June through early August, with the National Cherry Festival set to take place June 28–July 5, 2025. Beyond the cherry craze, Traverse City is a hub of lake fun. The freshwater bay has many well-kept beaches—including the local favorite, West End Beach—great stand-up paddleboard conditions (with rentals nearby), and a popular kayak brew tour that explores the city’s hopping beer scene while staying active.
Geneva Bay, Lake Geneva
2. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Summers are bustling in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin’s charming resort destination, located about two hours northwest of Chicago and an hour southwest of Milwaukee. This lakeside escape is great for a scenic getaway and a dose of nature. A longtime favorite of Chicago and Milwaukee’s elite, Lake Geneva has been a resort haven since the late 19th century—when lakefront mansions began popping up like champagne corks. Today, the tourism-driven town thrives with quaint restaurants, boutiques, artisan shops and local wineries. Take in the lake’s views from the Lake Geneva Shore Path, a 21.9-mile path that loops around the entire lake, showing off Gilded Age mansions, boathouses and gardens. For the best view of all, take flight on an early morning hot air balloon ride with Lake Geneva Balloon Co. Want to play in the sand? Riviera Beach is the best family-friendly strand, easily accessible in the heart of the town and great for a refreshing, mid-summer swim.
Aerial view of Lake Oconee
3. Lake Oconee, Georgia
Part relaxation, part adventure, Lake Oconee is Georgia’s much-loved lake retreat. A quick one-and-a-half-hour drive east from Atlanta, Lake Oconee boasts a remarkable 370 miles of shoreline, characterized by its tree branch layout. The calm, freshwater lake is ideal for boating, kayaking and swimming during the summer months. The region has gained clout in recent decades as developers have built resorts, new residential areas and high-end golf courses along the lakefront. In fact, the lake boasts seven championship courses, including the Great Waters Course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Rentals for all kinds of water fun are available, from stand-up paddle boards to deluxe, double-decker pontoon boats with water slides off the roofs! Dry off with a hike or bike through the scenic trails of Rock Hawk, a park centered around what appears to be a Native American effigy—a collection of quartz arranged in the shape of a hawk.
Lake Norris, also known as Norris Reservoir, was created by the Norris Dam.
4. Norris Lake, Tennessee
Set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Norris Lake holds clear waters that draw crowds all summer long from the region, including Knoxville (about one-and-a-half hours) and Nashville, Tennessee (four-and-three-quarter hours). During warm months, lush, green hardwood forests and evergreens line the 800 miles of coastline, beautifully mirrored by the clear, turquoise waters. The lake attracts anglers on the hunt for prized striped bass and walleye. It also lures boaters seeking a relaxing day on the water, making such leisure easy with nearby rentals that include pontoon boats, powerboats and personal watercraft. For motorless options, head to Cedar Grove Marina to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, with which you can explore the lake’s quiet coves.
Scenic view of Grand Lake
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
5. Grand Lake, Colorado
Grand Lake is the name for both the kind of idyllic mountain town and stunning, glacier-carved lake you see in postcards. Set at the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, the lake makes for great summer boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and swimming. Keep your eyes peeled as moose, elk and foxes frequent the alpine area. Grand Lake’s charming downtown buzzes with local boutiques, old-school ice cream shops and locally owned restaurants that fill up nightly during the summer. Plus, it’s found at one end of Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, often referred to as the Highway to the Sky. The winding road passes through the national park and is open only late May through mid-October, which makes Grand Lake a prime summer drop-in. Plus, the lake’s waters are said to be warmest in July.
Lake Okoboji is known for clear water.
6. Lake Okoboji, Iowa
Retreat to the fun-packed shores of Lake Okoboji, Iowa’s summer playground. Located about three-and-a-half hours northwest of Des Moines and three-and-a-half hours southwest of Minneapolis, Lake Okoboji is a pristine blue water lake that’s been attracting families for more than 100 years of warm-weather getaways. The draw here is the deep, clear lake waters, excellent for boating, tubing, water skiing and swimming. While the day away on a pontoon boat or zooming into the horizon on a personal watercraft. For more excitement, Arnolds Park Amusement Park is a nostalgic lakeside theme park, featuring The Legend, a classic wooden roller coaster that has been thrilling vacationers since 1930.
Dive into your next unforgettable family lake adventure at AAA.com/Travel today.
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