lake champlain Archives

Top 5 Most-Searched Lakes

Posted on August 5, 2022September 1, 2022 Camille Smith

Sometimes, vacationing in a lake area can be a good indicator of whether or not you want to invest in property. When you’re looking to buy a lake home, it can be tough to determine what features are most important to you. How do you know where to begin? According to Yahoo, when booking a vacation, these are the five lakes most frequently searched lakes.

Lake Tahoe

Location: This freshwater lake stretches across Nevada and California. It’s the largest alpine (highly elevated) lake in North America and the second deepest in the country, after Crater Lake, Oregon.

What makes it popular: The lake’s large size, high altitude, and beautiful scenery make it a perfect destination for outdoor recreation. In the winter, the neighboring ski resorts thrive. On the Nevada side, casino resorts are popular as well. Lake Tahoe is known for summertime water sports, beach activities, and motorcycling. The crystal clear waters and surrounding mountain ranges make it so picturesque. Its beauty has captured the attention of movie producers for several films like The Godfather Part II and A Place in the Sun.

Lake Champlain

Location: This natural freshwater lake stretches as far as Quebec, Canada. In the U.S., Lake Champlain borders both Vermont and New York. The Vermont side has several natural features, such as the Green Mountains, while the New York side is almost entirely situated in the Adirondack mountains.

What makes it popular: Lake Champlain originally became a popular vacation destination after World War II with the expansion of railroad transportation. Today, its history is still alive in charming neighboring towns such as Essex, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point. On the lake itself, fishing is a huge selling point. Lake Champlain is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the U.S. You can also hike one of the famous Champlain Area Trails (CAT) and check out natural wonders like the Ausable Chasm. While you’re there, look for Champ, the famous monster that supposedly lurks in its waters.

Big Bear Lake

Location: Big Bear Lake is a California San Bernardino Mountains reservoir. Due to the surrounding mountains, the lake is entirely snow-fed, and its waters are not replenished in any other way.

What makes it popular: Although swimming is discouraged in this lake due to the cold water and submerged obstacles near the shore, the lake is popular for other reasons. Most prominently, it’s known for fishing. In Big Bear Lake’s chilly waters, anglers can catch trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. The area is also known for recreational mountain activities such as snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. The lake is also near the town of Big Bear. Big Bear Village has more than 120 local vendors in its cozy town.

Lake Havasu

Photo courtesy of The American Southwest

Location: This large Colorado River reservoir has a California side and an Arizona side, the former in San Bernardino County and the latter in La Paz County. Before the construction of the Parker Dam, the land belonged to the Mojave Native American tribe. The lake’s name, “Havasu,” means “blue” in their language.

What makes it popular: Lake Havasu has plenty of fishing opportunities, and the surrounding community frequently hosts fishing tournaments. Like Lake Champlain, Lake Havasu is one of the best bass fishing lakes. Due to the freshwater that streams from the rocky mountains, Havasu has ideal fishing conditions all year round. One fun fact about this lake is that the London Bridge, which once spanned across the Thames River in England, was transported to the Lake Havasu area in the 1960s.

Lake of the Ozarks

Location: Lake of the Ozarks is a reservoir in central Missouri with 1,150 miles of shoreline – longer than the coastline of California. Its winding shape resembles a serpent, earning its nickname “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

What makes it popular: In general, Lake of the Ozarks is known as a hotspot for fun activities in a centrally located region of the state. There’s no shortage of things to do, from golf to wineries to ziplining. However, a huge draw of Lake of the Ozarks is the proximity of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest state park in Missouri. This park is home to Anderson Hollow Cove, also known as “Party Cove,” which the New York Times called “the oldest established permanent floating bacchanal in the country.” As a bonus, if you like crime dramas, you can also check out Netflix’s show Ozark, which takes place in the area.

We hope these provide a helpful starting place for your search. And who knows – one of these most visited lakes could be the perfect setting for your dream lake home!

Something in the Water: Mythical Lake Monsters in the U.S.

Posted on October 24, 2020March 15, 2022 Camille Smith

That’s right. Nessie, the infamous “Loch Ness Monster” of Scotland, isn’t the only lake-lurking sea serpent. In several lakes across the U.S., boaters, and pedestrians alike have reported mythical lake monsters’ sightings. Several of our Lake Homes Realty listings are available on lakes with these alleged monsters.

If you’re looking for a lake home where you can add “monster hunting” to your list of lake activities, we’ve got the details. Who knows — you may be lucky enough to see one!

Raystown Lake, PA – “Ray”

You may think lake monsters only exist in ancient waters, but these legends persist in man-made lakes as well. The first sighting of Ray, the Raystown Lake monster, was reported in 1962 when the lake was created. Those who organized the Raystown Ski Club Water Show almost canceled the event when they allegedly spotted Ray hiding out by the jump ramps.

Since then, sightings have been sparse, with the most recent report in 2015. The good news is, visitors shouldn’t fear for their lives. Jeff Krause, Raystown Lake resident and wildlife biologist, commented in a press release that Ray is most certainly a herbivore. Real or not, Ray is part of the lake’s charm, and you can buy patches, t-shirts, and postcards featuring him.

Lake Mendota, WI – “Bozho”

Photo courtesy of The Pine Barren’s Institute.

Sightings of this Lake Mendota serpent began in the 1860s when canoers reportedly ran into Bozho with their oar, mistaking him for a log before he dipped underwater. “This was a monster of some sort, we have no doubt,” the canoers later wrote, according to The Bozho, a local news and culture website named for the monster. But this lake creature is allegedly more playful than vindictive. Residents say that Bozho is a prankster.

According to pamphlets published by the Wisconsin Historical Society, a sunbathing college student noticed the serpent licking her feet. She described Bozho’s face as having “a friendly, humorous look in its big eyes.” What else would you expect from a creature with the same name as a famous clown?

Lake Ontario, NY – “Kingstie”

This Great Lake’s legend of Kingstie begins long before European colonizers landed in Canada. The Native American Seneca tribe passed down tales of an angry, fire-breathing dragon called Gaasyendietha in Lake Ontario’s waters. But sightings didn’t end there.

In the early 19th century, ship crews reported seeing a monster in the waters, though descriptions are inconsistent. The name “Kingstie” comes from a 1932 sighting near Kingston, Ontario (although this particular sighting turned out to be a hoax).

Unfortunately, no one has spotted Kingstie since 1968. That sighting was from a resident near former Scarborough, Ontario, who described a 20-foot long eel-like creature in the water.

Lake Champlain, NY & VT – “Champ”

Described as a serpent between 20-40 feet with a long neck, Champ is one of the most famous lake monsters. Its renown even captured P.T. Barnum’s interest, who offered a reward if anyone could capture the beast.

The first documented sightings in Lake Champlain began in the early 1800s when a sea captain and sheriff claimed to witness Champ. These reports led to several more sightings across the centuries.

In 2003, the nonprofit Fauna Communications Research Institute reported sounds similar to beluga whales, suggesting that Champ may be capable of echolocation.

Champ’s legend attracts many visitors each year. Port Henry has a giant model of Champ and holds an annual “Champ Day” on the first Saturday of every August. Vermont’s minor league baseball team is even called the Lake Monsters.

Lake Manitou, IN – Meshekenabek

This human-made lake arose from a treaty between the U.S. government and the Potawatomi Native American tribe. The government agreed to build a mill that the tribe could use for corn and constructed a dam for water power.

Lake Manitou’s name means both “good spirit” and “evil spirit.” Rumors of the monster began shortly after the lake’s emergence, and its name, Meshekenabek, means “great serpent” in the tribe’s language.

In 1827, both tribe members and mill construction workers claimed to see the creature, describing it as 30 feet long, a dark color, with a long neck. Sightings have been rare since then, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try!

What do you think — lake monsters or myths?

The Function of Lakes in Urban Environments

Posted on June 4, 2020March 15, 2022 Maggie Keith Gerakos

Lake Union, Seattle, photo courtesy of cntraveler.com.

The role that urban lakes play in cities big and small goes beyond adding aesthetic value and a healthy dose of flora to the otherwise sparse urban landscape. From increasing biodiversity to aiding with flood control to providing a space for recreation and community businesses to thrive, lakes can be a vital – and beautiful – part of the urban fabric.

Biodiversity and Flood Control

Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX, courtesy of austintexas.gov .

In addition to offering a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, lakes bring biodiversity to the urban ecosystem. The fish and algae that thrive in lakes attract birds and other wildlife to the city area. Waterbirds flock to urban lakes during both breeding and non-breeding seasons, seeking year-round refuge around their waters. Lake wildlife extends out to the benefit of the greater community. The same birds who feed and thrive among the lake waters help to increase the greenery throughout the city by spreading and dropping seeds, out of which new trees and vegetation grow – and we all reap the benefits of their oxygen production and air purification.

Urban lakes and their surrounding wetlands provide not only aesthetic and recreational value but also aid urban infrastructure by helping to control flooding and run-off. Lakes provide a basin to collect heavy rainfall so that flooding in their surrounding areas is mitigated. Alternatively, urban lakes also act as vital water reserves during times of drought. Access to lake water, especially in land-locked areas, has proven very beneficial in metropolitan areas across the country.

Recreation and Business

Prospect Park Lake, New York, courtesy of spinlister.com.

Urban lakes grant city-dwellers and visitors a place to fish, exercise, and enjoy time outdoors. Often surrounded by parks or lively restaurants and bars, these lakes can make you feel far from city life in the best way possible. Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, is a perfect example of an urban lake that has much to offer to the community. From hiking, biking, kayaking, walking along the boardwalk and even bat watching, Lady Bird Lake is an urban lake that offers myriad activities that one might typically have to drive for miles outside of the city limits to access. Fishing is another activity to take advantage of when visiting an urban lake. Even in some of the most densely populated cities in America, fishing is allowed. Take Prospect Park Lake in New York City, for example – though only catch-and-release is allowed, the lake is home to an array of species, including the popular largemouth bass.

Bodies of water are spaces that people naturally flock to, for the beauty and respite they provide from daily life. This popularity makes urban lakes ideal places for small local businesses to thrive. From lakeside eateries to boat tours and waterski rentals, lakes bring jobs to cities that help the economy and community. Lake Champlain in Vermont, for instance, boasts many lakeside restaurants and bars in the Burlington area that draws visitors from across the region.

An Oasis from City Life

Lakes in densely populated areas provide a welcome retreat from the regular hustle and bustle of city living. Though city-dwellers tend to be exposed to more day-to-day stressors, having access to a body of water is proven to affect mental health positively. Urban lakes serve as a place of respite for city communities, bringing nature, wildlife, and surrounding greenery into what may otherwise be a concrete jungle – they are truly diamonds in the rough!

The Many Wonders of Lake Champlain, VT

Posted on December 19, 2019December 30, 2019 Staff

Just missing out on the title of the eighth wonder of the world, the breathtaking 271,000-acre Lake Champlain does achieve the distinction of the eighth largest naturally occurring body of water in the United States.

But Lake Champlain’s size isn’t the only thing about the lake that’s amazing. With beauty that is far too astonishing for just one state, the lake extends into both New York and Vermont for a total of 600 miles of awe-inspiring shoreline.

And while we are sure the “New York side” of Lake Champlain is lovely, we think the Vermont side deserves a special spotlight.

Where History Was Made

Named after French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the lake has played a significant role in American history.

It was the site of many Revolutionary battles, including the seizure of forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1775, shortly after the war for independence began.

Lake Champlain was also the home of America’s first naval fleet, which under the direction of General Benedict Arnold, helped prevent British troops from advancing into the southern colonies.

However, in 1777 the British regained control of the lake and maintained that control until the war’s end.

After independence was won, the “Vermont side” of Lake Champlain operated as an independent republic, relying heavily on Canadian trade until 1791, when it became the fourteenth American state.

By 1810, the Champlain Valley was home to more than 140,000 people.

The War of 1812 saw more fighting on Lake Champlain’s shores, and in 1814 it was the site of the Battle of Plattsburgh, which helped pave the way to peace negotiations and the war’s end not long thereafter.

Today, Lake Champlain’s war-time significance has been honored by three naval ships that bear its name: USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) and USS Lake Champlain (y. 1918-19).

Around and About Lake Champlain

Today, throughout the Lake Champlain region and into the nearby Green Mountains, residents can enjoy hands-on excursions, in-depth tours of historic sites and visits to the area’s many galleries and museums.

Filled with more than 90 species of fish, Lake Champlain is a thriving fishing destination, one that consistently ranks among the top bass fishing lakes in the country with largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass species all present in the lake.

Apart from fishing, visitors and residents alike enjoy boating, kayaking, yachting and sailing along the lake’s full length of 125 miles.

Private sailing cruises, boat tours, and ferry rides are also popular activities, inviting participants to take in as much of Lake Champlain’s breathtaking scenery as possible.

Off the water, there is plenty more to do, like taking a trip to the Vermont National Guard museum, where patrons can admire artillery and War-era artifacts from the area’s many battles.

Or for Lake Champlain-area foodies, take the Burlington Edible History tour!

The unhurried two-mile walk features five restaurants specializing in farm-to-table fare, much like the foods enjoyed during the early days of the city.

Your Home on Lake Champlain

222 McNeil Cove — 2 22 McNeil Cove on Lake Champlain, VT.

Regardless of whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or more of an indoor observer, Lake Champlain has something for everyone, including prime lake real estate.

With properties in both New York and the Queen State, the lake is an approximately $178 million real estate market, offering between 300 and 400 listings at any given time.

This market is broken down by geographic area with inventory located in the Grand Isle area, the Swanton area, the Addison area and in the Burlington area.

As a whole, Lake Champlain reported an average home price of $628,402 in Summer 2019, but owning a piece of Lake Champlain is attainable for every budget.

In fact, 60% of the lake’s Addison area home listings are priced below the market average. Similarly, 29% of home inventory on Lake Champlain-Burlington is below market average, and the lake’s Grand Isle area features 70% of its lake home inventory priced below this average.

In the Swanton area of Lake Champlain, 90% of homes for sale are priced below $628,000.

Become a full-time resident or enjoy this lake’s natural and historical wonders as a part-time weekend warrior. Click HERE to learn more about Lake Champlain, VT.