The 40 Best Small Lake Towns in America

Art lovers will find plenty to appreciate in this small lake town settled between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. Sign up for artisan-led classes at the North House Folk School, watch painters take inspiration from the landscape at Artist's Point, or head outdoors on one of the many hiking and biking trails nearby. Enjoy a cold brew and some whitefish tacos at The Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Co., and find lakeside lodging at the Best Western Plus Superior Inn or the East Bay Suites.

For more information, visit visitcookcounty.com.

After an especially rainy season, you might get a glimpse of the Lake Berryessa Glory Hole—a funnel built into the man-made lake's dam that opens up when water levels get too high. Set up camp at Pleasure Cove; you can also rent boats, jet skis, and kayaks at the marina. Head to nearby St. Helena to indulge in a wine tasting at Frog's Leap Winery, and stop by Gott's Roadside to refuel with a burger.

For more information, visit goberryessa.com and visitnapavalley.com.

Saugatuck has 12 miles of award-winning beaches, a thriving arts community, plenty of hiking trails, unique shops, and more. Start your day with coffee and lavender honey toast at Respite Cappuccino Court before hopping on your private bus tour to the area's can't-miss wineries and breweries. Cruise around the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan at sunset with Sailing Saugatuck, and if you're wondering where to stay, reviewers love The Hotel Saugatuck for a luxe getaway.

For more information, visit saugatuck.com.

In Lake City's warmer months, you can expect plenty of hiking through wildflowers, fishing, and mountain biking. And if you visit in the winter, there's ice climbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more. Book a spot for your tent or RV at the Wupperman Campground to wake up on the shores of Lake San Cristobal. Prefer to stay in the center of town? The North Face Lodge is the place for you.

For more information, visit lakecity.com.

Situated on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro bills itself as the "oldest summer resort in America." History buffs shouldn't miss Museum Loop, an antique boat ride that takes you to the nearby Libby Museum of Natural History—after which you'll hop on "Molley the Trolley" to check out the New Hampshire Boat Museum, Wright Museum of WWII, and the Clark House Museum Complex. Relax on one of the town's many beaches, or bike to explore the parks and trails before crashing at the Wolfeboro Inn.

For more information, visit Wolfeboronh.us.

Between boating, fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking, and waterskiing, there are aquatic adventures everywhere you look in Lake Havasu City, plus hiking, golf, rock climbing, and desert stargazing. Enjoy the yearly Havasu Balloon Festival, or take your own hot air balloon ride. There are tons of options for hotels, campsites, and resorts, but we'd recommend the London Bridge Resort for its central location, kitchenettes, and kid-friendly waterslide.

For more information, visit golakehavasu.com.

If you're looking for something more tranquil, consider Bigfork. This small waterfront village has plenty to offer, from mountain biking to golfing to paddle boarding. To enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the lake, pitch your tent or pull up an RV at Wayfarers Campground. For a true Montana experience, stay at self-described "genuine Montana dude ranch" Flathead Lake Lodge. Best of all, you'll be less than an hour from Glacier National Park.

For more information, visit bigfork.org.

This private community is about an hour drive from Cleveland. During summer, you'll need to pay for an admission and parking pass to access the area—but once you're there, enjoy adorable shops, sailing, fishing, pickleball, and live entertainment. Explore the Marblehead Lighthouse and surrounding area during the season, too, and make sure to stop by Cleats for a plate of wings before you leave!

For more information, visit lakesideohio.com.

This Bavaria-inspired village is the perfect jumping-off point for a day hike to the breathtakingly-blue Colchuck Lake (be warned—it's a fairly strenuous hike, but absolutely worth it!). Wake up in the Posthotel Leavenworth and take in the view of the Wenatchee River before grabbing a hearty breakfast at Louie's Cafe. Reward yourself post-hike with a giant pretzel and a beer at Rhein Haus, where you can sit overlooking the town's main street.

For more information, visit leavenworth.org.

The small Texas town is known for its swimming holes, including those at Blue Hole Regional Park, Jacob's Well, and Cypress Falls. If you can't get enough splashing around, head to nearby Canyon Lake to rent a boat for the day—but save energy to explore Texas' best honky-tonks and dance halls at night. You're sure to rest easy after all that, particularly if you're staying at the Creekhaven Inn and Spa.

For more information, visit visitwimberley.com.

Nestled on the south shore of Payette Lake, McCall is home to less than 3,000 people. Enjoy mountain biking trails, hiking, zip lining, kayaking in summer, and snow tubing, skiing, snowshoeing in winter visits. Thankfully, no matter what time of year you visit, you'll be able to explore the town's theater, museums, and live music. Kick back at the Shore Lodge, where you'll also get to enjoy spa treatments and private hot springs.

For more information, visit visitmccall.org.

The Apostle Island Sea Caves are truly awe-inspiring, and Apostle Islands Cruises take passengers from Bayfield to a variety of adventures around the locale. Dine at The Copper Trout, a family-run restaurant, before heading back to your room at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, a Victorian bed and breakfast close to everything the town has to offer.

For more information, visit bayfield.org.

This small scenic town has much to offer, from lakeside activities to towering cliffs like Chimney Rock, pictured here. Get a round of golf in at one of the many courses in the area, or take on one of the local trails on foot or bike. For a romantic stroll or a kid-friendly activity, check out the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a gorgeous community garden with year-round offerings.

For more information, visit visitncsmalltowns.org.

Bear Lake, located on the northern Utah border, has been called "the Caribbean of the Rockies" for its turquoise blue water. For several days of boating, hiking, and relaxing in the sun around Bear Lake, you'll want to base yourself in Garden City. Wake up in your glamping tent or wagon at Conestoga Ranch, and prepare for a day of adventure with a meal at the Bear Trapper.

For more information, visit visitutah.com.

Just 25 miles west of Orlando, Clermont is the perfect place to extend a Disney World trip. You can rent paddle boards to move around Lake Minneola, find your next great read at Sunshine Book Co., or cool off with a beer at Clermont Brewing Company. If you're there on a Sunday, the farmer's market is a can't-miss attraction.

For more information, visit clermontdowntown.com.

The number one reason we're heading straight to Lake Pend Oreille? Besides the spectacular views of Montana's Cabinet Mountains and the Selkirk Mountain Range, the huckleberry lemonade is a major draw. Beloved local festivals include the Festival at Sandpoint and the Long Bridge Swim, where hundreds of swimmers compete annually. If you're trying to figure out where to stay, the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch won't disappoint.

For more information, visit visitsandpoint.com.

First, crank up the sweat on mountain biking trails of all levels. Then, get drenched on the new Tarzan Boat, a one-of-a-kind party craft with a Tarzan swing, 12-foot high trampoline, and14-foot high "Gorilla Jump" dive. The Noon Lodge's rustic cabins will conjure summer camp memories (test your luck at bocce ball and corn hole on site). Head to Tropicali for funky California-Hawaiian fare, or beloved staple The Old German Deli.

For more information, visit bigbear.com.

Days have a way of feeling long—in a good way—in this town on serene Lake Travis. The Lakeway Resort and Spa is a slice of Hill Country paradise, with three freshwater swimming pools (if you need a break from Lake Travis' many water sports or sailing charters). Hungry? Vincent's on the Lake is the spot for lakefront dining, drinks and live music. Or, pack a picnic and hit up one of Lake Travis' lush parks.

For more information, visit laketravis.com.

Laconia's inviting Lake Opechee Inn and Spa shifts the emphasis from "doing" to "being," whether that means petting the property's gorgeous dogs, indulging in a pedicure, or enjoying views of the tranquil lake from the heated indoor pool. If adventure calls, try a chair lift ride at Gunstock Mountain or hop aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Make a pit stop at Kellerhaus, a legendary chocolatier that's been around since 1906 (there's a weekend waffle breakfast too!).

For more information, visit laconia.gov.

If you're visiting this idyllic lake in North Carolina's Eastern region, stay at The Madison House in nearby Whiteville, North Carolina. You're going to want to kayak in the largest freshwater lake in the state, and scope out Lake Waccamaw State Park (park rangers regularly hold educational programs for visitors). Slurp some swoon-worthy oysters at Dale's Seafood on the shores of this glimmering natural wonder.

For more information, visit lakewaccamaw.gov.