Plan a weekend getaway at these 6 perfect lake destinations

Even if the summer is over, it doesn’t mean you can’t take a quick weekend getaway to relax and recharge.

Some of the most popular destinations for weekend road trips are lakes. People are looking for a place to cool off, disconnect and spend time with friends or family surrounded by nature. Fortunately, there are hundreds of lakes around the United States that fit the bill.

But wading through hundreds of options can be overwhelming. Luckily, there are a handful of lake destinations that rank high on many people’s lists. Read on for some of the top lake destinations in the US for weekend getaways.

Big Hill Lake – Kansas

The first lake retreat can be found near the very center of the country. Near the southwest corner of Kansas is an area called Big Hill Lake. Big Hill Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Kansas and is in an area known as the “Little Ozarks.”

This area offers many of the lake activities one would expect, but it boasts something a little out of the ordinary as well – a sand-covered beach. Not only can you swim, boat, hike and camp here, but you can also experience the beach without finding a coastline.

One major consideration is travel in and around the area of Big Hill Lake. It sits some distance away from the larger, more metropolitan areas of Kansas. This can make it challenging to move around easily or take in the local sites Kansas is more well known for.

Staying near Big Hill Lake will require some travel. You and your family will more than likely find yourselves in the car moving between areas of the lake, camping area or the larger cities near Big Lake. That means you’ll need to know and understand what Kansas car insurance requirements and protections are.

Kansas approaches accidents and car insurance a little differently as Kansas is a no-fault state. This means even if you did not cause the accident, you are still required to file a claim with your insurance company.  So, make sure you are well-advised in these requirements ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about anything during your weekend getaway.

Lake Isabel – Colorado

The next lake destination is in Southern Colorado, near the city of Rye. Lake Isabel, part of the San Isabel National Forest, is a large reservoir that offers many outdoor activities and picturesque views.

Anyone can find fun, excitement and relaxation with a weekend getaway at Lake Isabel, but it’s definitely a more laid-back destination. You won’t find any speed boats or wakeboarders on this lake. Instead, it’s an area to camp, fish, hike and even horseback ride.

There are boating options, but they are limited to the nonmotorized types. Take a kayak, canoe or even stand-up paddleboard for a spin around the lake and enjoy the surrounding trees and fresh air.

Center Hill Lake – Tennessee

When most people think of Tennessee, they think of Nashville. It’s a city of good food, friendly faces and fantastic music, but Tennessee is more than just that.

West of Nashville and not far from the Tennessee-Kentucky border sits Center Hill Lake. It’s a beautiful area surrounded by three state parks. But what it’s most known for is its waterfalls,

If you’re looking for a nature-centered experience, then consider Center Hill Lake. This area offers just about every possible lake activity imaginable. It has everything from hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, camping and exploring state parks.

Center Hill Lake is the perfect weekend getaway that will have you coming back for more.

Jackson Lake – Wyoming

Wyoming is known for wide-open spaces and some of the best-known state parks. The state offers adventure and a deep connection with nature, making it a great place to explore over the weekend.

One of the most sought-after vacation spots is Jackson Lake. Located in the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the entire US. This beautiful lake offers many activities, both water and non-water based.

Enjoy everything from hiking and camping to water skiing and sailing. The Jackson Lake area has something to offer every vacationer. There is one significant rule to remember, however: no Jet Skis or similar personal watercrafts.

Don’t let this keep you away, though. Many people enjoy exciting activities like water skiing, wakeboarding and even sailing on the waters of Jackson Lake.

Lake Tahoe – California

Lake Tahoe has been a highly visited area of the US for many years. The natural beauty of the entire area captivates locals and visitors alike.

The lake itself is the second deepest lake in the country and the largest alpine lake in North America. These distinctions make it a must-see destination, especially for a weekend getaway.

In a single day in Lake Tahoe, you can hike a mountain, take a dip in the lake, bike challenging yet beautiful trails and even scale a rock face. The outdoor activities are plentiful and will keep you deeply connected to the natural world around you.

Lake Coeur d’Alene – Idaho

It may seem odd to search Idaho when considering lake destinations, but this state holds a hidden gem in Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Located in Northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene is known as “The Lake City.” The lake itself is a big draw for both land adventurers and water lovers. Those who want to enjoy the lake from outside the water can still experience its beauty and hike, ride or camp near its edges.

Those who want to get cool off in the waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene can take part in a number of activities like kayaking, swimming, fishing and boating or sailing. It’s a great place to disconnect and enjoy the last fleeting moments of summer fun before the kids go back to school.

Spending a vacation at the lake is a time-honored tradition for many families in the US. Sometimes the lake is just a short drive outside of town, a small lake that more locals than out-of-towners visit. Others seek the excitement and thrill of larger areas and lakes for a weekend getaway that feels like a much longer vacation.

Regardless of size or distance, days at the lake are never wasted.

This article was contributed by Laura Gunn, who researches and writes for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsurance.org. She and her family are avid travelers who enjoy a relaxing lake getaway.

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