In addition to the 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, the United States is also known for its lake towns that have gained recognition nationwide and sometimes even globally.
Being designated as a “lake town” can carry more weight in defining a city’s character than its mere proximity to bodies of water. Throughout history, lakes have played important roles in the development of early American industries and served as vital hubs for transportation and trade. As these waterfront communities evolved into the 20th century, they embraced modernization by nurturing vibrant downtown areas, diverse shopping districts, thriving business sectors, flourishing arts scenes, and outstanding educational opportunities, including leading schools and research institutions.
“And these towns could soon see an influx of new residents—in a spring 2025 report, the CEO of Lake Homes Realty predicted that the amount of lakefront real estate transactions will increase by 15% in 2025 compared to 2024.” – MSN Money
To find the top U.S. lake towns to live in, Stacker examined 2021 data from WalletHub, focusing on 46 towns with beaches on TripAdvisor and populations of 10,000 to 150,000. The study considered affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life.
When people hear “Finger Lakes,” Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca Lake usually come to mind. However, there are a total of eleven lakes in the area. In fact, the entire Finger Lakes Region spans fourteen counties and covers over 9,000 miles. With such a vast area comes some fascinating history, most of which you probably didn’t know. Are you ready to travel back in time to uncover some of the area’s most interesting historical facts? Here are our top six:
While various gelatinous or “jelly” desserts have been around as early as the 15th century, Jell-O, as we know it today, was founded by Pearle Bixby Wait in LeRoy, New York, in 1897. Wait and his wife, May, created the product by adding various fruits and sugar to granulated gelatin. In 1899, the product was sold to Frank Woodward, owner of Genesee Pure Food Company. Several years later, in 1923, the company was renamed Jell-O Company. In 1925, Jell-O Company merged with Postum Cereal to become the General Foods Corporation, which is now known as Kraft/General Foods.
The First Female Private Detective: Kate Warne
Photo courtesy of the Chicago History Museum via NPS.gov
Born in 1833 in Erin, New York, a small town in Chemung County, little is known about Kate Warne‘s life before her espionage career. She was born into a low-income family and was widowed by the age of 23. In 1856, her fascinating career began when she joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency as their first female detective and perhaps the first-ever female detective in the country. She was involved in many cases, but the most notable is the assassination attempt on the then President-elect Abraham Lincoln. Her work continued during and after the Civil War. In addition to her espionage work, she also ran the agency’s Female Detective Bureau, leading and developing other female agents.
The Largest Pancake Griddle in the World
Photo courtesy of Birkett Mills via Exploring Upstate
Birkett Mills, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of buckwheat products, broke the world record in 1987 for constructing the largest pancake griddle, measuring 28 feet in diameter. After its completion, the company celebrated its unveiling by cooking the world’s largest buckwheat pancake at the 12th Annual Buckwheat Harvest Festival on September 27th, 1987. The pancake took 15 gallons of cooking oil, 2,000 gallons of water, and 2,000 lbs of buckwheat to make. The massive flapjack was then topped off with a 2′ by 3′ slab of butter and slathered in 15 gallons of maple syrup. Located in Penn Yan, New York, the griddle now hangs on the side of the Birkett Mills corporate building.
After over a century of memorial events honoring deceased service men and women, on May 30th, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) a holiday in Waterloo, New York. In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was enacted and came into effect in 1971. It designated Memorial Day a national holiday and moved it from May 30th to the last Monday in May. Most recently, in December 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed, which asks for all Americans to voluntarily pause for a minute of silence at 3 p.m. for those who’ve lost their lives in service.
In 1863, the first cold breakfast cereal was invented by James Caleb Jackson, a vegetarian who believed that a healthy diet was essential for overall good health. While experimenting with cereal as an illness cure at his health spa in Dansville, NY, he developed a new type of breakfast cereal, which he called Granula. The cereal was made from bran-rich graham flour, which was mixed into a dough, rolled into sheets, and then baked. The sheets were then broken into small pieces and baked again before finally broken into smaller pieces. Granula never became popular because it had to be soaked overnight before it could be consumed. However, Granula inspired the creation of ready-to-eat cereals such as John Harvey Kellogg’s Cornflakes and Charles W. Post’s Grape-Nuts.
The First and Longest-Running Wine Trail in the U.S.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the country’s first and longest-running wine trail and is part of a broader network of wine trails (one of three) in the Finger Lakes Wine Country. Through the vision of Mary Plane of Cayuga Vineyards (now known as Cayuga Ridge Estates), five wineries around Cayuga Lake joined together and established the Cayuga Wine Lake Trail in 1983. With more wineries added over the years, CWLT now has 10 members, offering prestigious wines earning over 6,000 national and international medals. Situated along the west side of Cayuga Lake, the wine trail offers many attractions accompanied by breathtaking vistas and lake views. From scenic drives to exceptional dining to live music, the Cayuga Wine Lake Trail has something for everyone.
The Finger Lakes Region is known for its crystal clear lakes and majestic natural landscape. However, the area is rich in history. From wartime events to quirky discoveries, this area in Upstate New York has undoubtedly made an impact locally and nationwide.
With nearly 800 miles of shoreline, Table Rock Lake is one of the most popular recreation destinations in Arkansas and Missouri. From boating and fishing to parasailing, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities. It’s one of the most famous fishing destinations in the country, especially known for white and spotted bass, crappie, and bluegill. While you’re there, you can also hop on the Branson Belle Showboat for dinner and a show. While this lake is closest to the town of Branson, Missouri, it attracts visitors from all parts of the country. Today, we’re covering 5 facts about what makes Table Rock Lake so special.
First off, Table Rock Lake is one of the premier largemouth bass fishing lakes in the United States. In addition to black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), it’s also home to an abundance of white bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. In part, this large fish population is the result of a successful fish management program. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, fishing for paddlefish and black bass should be excellent this year. Naturally, the lake hosts several bass fishing tournaments, including the Big Bass Tour with a guaranteed prize of $53,000 for the largest bass caught.
Table Rock is a human-made lake originally intended to manage flood control on the White River. In 1941, the Table Rock Dam was authorized by the Army Corps of Engineers, but the Korean War and WWII delayed the dam’s construction until the mid-1950s. Table Rock Dam is the second dam (out of four) on the White River before it flows into the Mississippi. To this day, it continues to accomplish its mission of controlling potential floods. Specifically, when the reservoir rises above the maximum flood pool, excess water trains into the dam’s spillway. Its capacity includes more than 3 million acre-feet for both flood control and hydroelectric power combined.
In addition to Table Rock Lake’s plentiful attractions and natural wonders, the area is also home to Table Rock State Park. In addition to offering a full-service campground and marina, this park is also perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The park’s five trails wind through 365 acres of land, ranging from 124 to 1,194 feet in elevation gain. Before your adventure, you’ll get to choose between easy hikes for the whole family or more arduous trails for a good workout.
Branson, MO, was originally a small community with only a general store and post office. However, the attractive scenery soon caught the eye of early settlers in the area. Specifically, a writer and minister named Harold Bell Wright wrote the book “The Shepherd of the Hills” after being inspired by the beautiful surroundings, especially Marvel Cave. His 1907 book put Branson, and by extension, Table Rock Lake, on the map. Now, an outdoor venue at Table Rock performs a live reenactment of the novel, which depicts life in the Ozark Mountains in the late 1800s.
One of the first attractions of the budding town of Branson was the Silver Dollar City. The city was founded in 1960, in part due to its proximity to Marvel Cave. Over time, the town became a large entertainment site. As of the early 2000s, Table Rock has been home to more than 100 music venues including Presleys Country Jubilee, Grand Country Music Hall, and Nashville Roadhouse Theater. No matter what time of year you visit, you can always find new live theater and music to see in Branson.
Why wait to check out homes at Table Rock Lake? To immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery, ample fishing opportunities, and thriving music scene in this lake region, view our listings at Lakehomes.com.
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For miles of gorgeous shoreline, plenty of fishing opportunities, and an interesting slice of history, look no further than Lake Anna. One of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Virginia, Lake Anna is a popular recreational spot with close proximity to major cities such as Richmond and Charlottesville. Between fishing, swimming, boating, and water sports (including several triathlon competitions), there’s something for everyone on this beautiful southeastern lake.
Close Proximity to Historic Landmarks
Image from National Park Service/Buddy Secor via Lake Anna Guide
A short day trip away from Lake Anna is Spotsylvania, also known as the “Crossroads of the Civil War.” Many major battles were fought at this location including the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, the site of 20 hours of brutal hand-to-hand combat. Other interesting attractions like the Historic Courthouse, the Old Jail, and the National Park Service Spotsylvania Battlefield will delight all history buff visitors. While you’re there, stop for some beer, wine, and spirit tasting at the Grapes and Grains Trail.
Lake Anna is the third-largest lake in the state of Virginia and is the second-largest lake located entirely in the state. Kerr Lake is ranked the largest lake but lies in both Virginia and North Carolina. Overall, the lake measures 17 miles long with about 200 miles of shoreline. This shoreline is divided into public and private sectors, with the latter being closed off to commercial operation and available only to private residents. With this division, boats on one side cannot cross over to the other. If you’re not a private resident, you’re still in luck. One of the most popular spots on the public shoreline is Lake Anna State Park, full of sandy beaches, swimming, and hiking trails.
When you think of Gold Mining, perhaps the famous California Gold Rush comes to mind. However, the west wasn’t the only place in the country where people discovered gold. In 1829, gold was discovered in Louisa County, Virginia during the peak of gold mining in the U.S. Between 1830 and 1849, the Goodman Gold mine, also known as “Gold Hill” was the third-largest gold mine in the country. The Goodman Gold mine flourished for about a century until the 1940s, replaced three decades later by the man-made Lake Anna.
Of course, most of our lakes are known for their abundance of fishing opportunities. But Lake Anna in particular is special in this regard. It’s lauded as one of the top spots to fish for largemouth bass on the East Coast. Besides largemouth bass, crappie and stripers are the most popular catches on this lake, and many anglers come to Lake Anna specifically to reel in a bass. About 99% of fishing on Lake Anna is catch and release, but if you want to take one home for the grill, you’ll need to meet the minimum size requirement. If you’re new to fishing on this lake, get in touch with a fishing guide from the Lake Anna Visitor’s Center.
If you’re searching for a lively, picturesque lake home near Virginia, you might find your dream home on Lake Anna. Check out our available listings in this area, and consult with one of our lake expert agents!
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Once every four years, people across the globe come together in shared excitement about the Winter Olympics. This major international event involves multiple snow and ice sports competing for the most prestigious sporting medals in the world. Inspired by the ancient Olympic games held in Olympia, Greece, the modern games began in the late 1800s and have been thriving ever since. But the Winter Olympics began slightly later. In Chamonix, France, the first ever Winter Olympics were held in 1924, featuring nine categories of sports including cross-country skiing, curling, and bobsleighing. Since its inception, 12 countries on three continents have hosted the Winter Olympics. This year, the world is gearing up for Beijing, China’s hosting in February 2022.
Of all the cities that have historically hosted the Winter Olympics, only three have hosted them twice. Besides St. Morris and Innsbruck, the third is Lake Placid. This village, nestled in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, is home to a gorgeous lake by the same name. Today, we’re delving into Lake Placid’s history with the Winter Olympics, and why this lake area deserved two spots in the games’ history.
Lake Placid: Winter Olympics 1932
4 Feb 1932: National Delegations parading in the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 1932 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York State, USA. \ Mandatory Credit: IOC Olympic Museum /Allsport via The Atlantic
For Lake Placid’s first hosting of the Winter Olympics, we have a man named Godfrey Dewy to thank. In 1929, this president of the Lake Placid Organizing committee gave a passionate speech pitching Lake Placid as the Winter Olympics destination. His speech, paired with the area’s reputation as a premier winter sports venue, landed this region the gig. Even in the middle of the Great Depression, this small town of 4,000 people was an excellent site for the games, and Mr. Godfrey donated his family’s plot of land for the bobsleigh track. Not only was the event a success for Lake Placid, but also for the U.S. as a whole. The 1932 Winter Olympic Games marked the first year that the U.S. won the medal tally.
In 1980, Lake Placid earned its spot as an Olympic destination for the second time. However, unlike the 1932 Olympics, global conflicts and the emergence of television made it more difficult for this small, upstate town to host such a major event. With even more attendees to the event and a wider audience through T.V., transportation was inadequate to meet these demands. In terms of global politics, it was also the height of the Cold War and the Soviet Union had just invaded Afghanistan. However, despite these constraints and setbacks, the Winter Olympics in 1980 were ultimately a success at Lake Placid. The U.S. ice hockey team won against the Soviet team which had previously dominated the olympic scene. Additionally, U.S. speed skater Eric Heiden won the gold for five consecutive races, setting an Olympic world record.
Lake Placid has already established its Winter Olympic legacy as the destination for the 1932 and 1980 games. However, its hosting history may not be over. Lake Placid is home to several original venues including the Olympic Sports Complex, Whiteface Mountain, and the Olympic Center. Although its small size might be a hindrance to the future Olympic games, those advocating for Lake Placid’s hosting in 2026 suggest partnering with other areas in the region to accommodate more guests and more resources for athletes. So, it’s safe to say that this may not be the end of Lake Placid’s Winter Olympics career!
At Lake Placid, its history in the Winter Olympics is only one interesting aspect of this beautiful upstate lake region. To learn more about what makes Lake Placid special, check out our listings in the area at Lakehomes.com!
Did you know that 71% of the earth’s surface is made up of water? Mostly referring to the oceanic waters of the world, this statistic reminds us how integral that water is to life on earth. However, not all water is surface-based. In fact, there are multiple bodies of water that exist beneath the surface of the earth. From subglacial lakes to cave lakes, hundreds of intriguing bodies of water lie tucked away in the most unexpected spots on Earth. Today, in honor of all the lakes we can’t see, we’re covering the smallest and largest underground lakes!
Given the expansiveness of Antarctic lakes, it’s no surprise that the largest underground lake in the world is subglacial. As opposed to typical underground lakes, a subglacial lake simply refers to one that is covered by a layer of ice. In the case of Lake Vostok, this layer happens to be 2.5 miles. Because of this lake’s hidden nature, its existence was unknown until the 1990s when a Russian pilot and geographer noticed a unique oblong shape from the air.
Today, the lake is part of Vostok Station, a Russian research hub in central Antarctica. Although scientists disagree about whether the lake existed before or after the East Antarctic Ice Sheet was formed, they do agree on one thing: the lake’s ecosystem is fascinating. With a temperature of -89 degrees Fahrenheit, the presence of life in Earth’s coldest temperatures has implications for the possibility of life on other planets.
The country of Namibia is famous for a lot of natural wonders — the treacherous skeleton coast, the world’s highest sand dunes, and most of the endangered black rhino population. Beyond these wonders, the country is also home to the largest non-subglacial underground lake. Located in the Otjozondjupa Region in Namibia, Dragon’s Breath Cave was discovered in 1986 and named for the moist air that can be seen from the cave’s entrance, resembling dragon’s breath. At least 16 invertebrate species live in these zero-sunlight conditions, as well as a few other species such as golden catfish, the most isolated fish in the world.
In a small island in the southwest Pacific, the Moqua Well sits on the island of Nauru. In this tropical location, a limestone plateau formed low cliffs, which later produced caves. Inside, Moqua Well is a 16 foot deep freshwater lake. During World War II, this lake was a primary source of freshwater for the people living on Nauru island. Its integral nature during the war earned its name “well” instead of “lake.” After the war, it was primarily a destination for partiers to drink. However, after an inebriated man fatally fell into the well, the lake is now closed access.
Although it is larger than Moqua Well, Melissani Lake is another one of the world’s smallest underground lakes. It also happens to be a fascinating tourist attraction. Close to the mainland of Greece, it’s located in Melissani Cave on the Greek island of Kefalonia. According to Greek mythology, Melissani was the cave of the nymphs, female deities who are usually personifications of nature. Tourists have remarked on the clarity of the water, which can make boats look as though they’re floating on air. While its length is only 3 miles long, it’s beauty is breathtaking and certainly worth a visit for any travelers to Eastern Europe.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of these underground lakes across the world!
If you’ve been to the Pacific Northwest and skipped Puget Sound, you’re missing out. It’s simply magnificent. Stretching along Washington state’s northwest coast, this expansive inlet borders large cities like Seattle and natural attractions like Mount Rainier.
Although Puget Sound is one of our lake markets, it’s not technically a lake. Instead, it is a 100-mile system of islands, channels, inlets, and estuaries fed by freshwater from the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Its 2,500-mile shoreline extends from the northern Deception Path to the southernmost Olympia, making it the second-largest estuary in the U.S. just after the Chesapeake Bay.
It’s also a considerably deep body of water. The deepest point, between Whidbey Island and Tacoma, is 600 feet. That’s deep enough to submerge the entire Washington Monument!
Marine life is abundant in Puget Sound. On the small (animal) end of the scale, it’s home to more than 3,000 types of invertebrates, including clams, oysters, sea urchins, and octopus. On the larger end, 13 types of sea mammals live in the sound. Every year, visitors flock to Puget Sound for whale watching and excitedly wait to see orca whales, sea otters, and seals. For anglers, the sound’s various species of salmon are attractive.
Overall, Puget Sound has a thriving ecosystem. In part, this is due to the abundance of underwater nutrients from plants like seagrass and kelp—fun fact — the latter is a superfood for humans and fish.
In the late 1700s, British explorer George Vancouver completed an expedition to the Pacific Northwest. Along his journey, he named 75 islands and water bodies, one of them being Puget Sound. He named this particular waterway in honor of Peter Puget, a Royal Navy lieutenant who accompanied him on the expedition.
However, this is not the only name for Puget Sound. Native Americans indigenous to the area referred to the sound as Whulge or Whulj, long before Peter Puget’s arrival. The name comes from the Lushootseed word meaning “sea, saltwater, or ocean.” A third name for the sound is the “Salish Sea.” By definition, the Salish Sea encompasses the San Juan Islands and a few Vancouver waterways and Puget Sound.
The term “Puget Sound” refers to this body of water and the surrounding region. It’s no small town. Puget Sound borders four major Washington cities — Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett. Due to its popularity in the state, two-thirds of Washington’s population lives in the Puget Sound area.
Although Olympia has several notable attractions, it’s often overshadowed by Seattle, the state’s largest city. Seattle is a favorite among Puget Sound residents and visitors alike. Notably, it’s known for its culinary scene, world-class museums like the Seattle Art Museum and Glass Museum, and the iconic Space Needle.
If you relocate to the area, you’ll have access to quality education, as the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound are the top schools in the region. The former even has a nationally-ranked medical center.
Seattle residents love the urban beach lifestyle. Although boating and kayaking are most popular, Washingtonians also enjoy swimming in some regions of Puget Sound. One popular destination is Deception Pass State Park on the waterway’s northern tip. Of course, keep in mind that Puget Sound’s salty water and currents make it more akin to ocean swimming. Plus, you’ll need to keep a watch out for predators like jellyfish and sharks. Not sure of the safest places to swim? Check out Swim Guide, an app that integrates public data to determine Northwest residents’ best swimming spots.
Puget Sound is worth considering if you’re seeking the best in city life combined with stunning natural features. From its unique wildlife to incredible mountain views, there’s simply nothing else like it. Check out our Puget Sound listings today!
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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For some, a dream lake house means countless boats on the water, a thriving city nearby, and a sense that there’s always something going on. But others prefer a secluded, quiet slice of paradise. If you’d choose the latter, a home on one of the Maine lakes might be perfect. As the least populated state in the country, you’re likely to have more outdoor space to yourself. Bordered by the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the state is surrounded by majestic nature, and its lakes are no exception. Check out these fun facts about four Maine lakes!
Henry David Thoreau, the famous American poet, philosopher, and essayist in the 1800s, was famous for his pastoral lifestyle. His book, Walden, describes the simple joys of existing in nature. On one of his many outdoor journeys, he visited Moosehead Lake, where he climbed the state’s highest peak, Mt. Katahdin. In his book, The Maine Woods, he fondly refers to Moosehead Lake’s nature as “uninterrupted” and a “gleaming silver platter at the end of a table.”
Although he wrote these words over 100 years ago, he isn’t wrong today. According to the New York Times, an average of 4 people per square mile live in Piscataquis County, where you will find Moosehead Lake. The landscape is scattered with tall spruces, firs, and pines. Wildlife like moose and bald eagles inhabit these spaces. If you’re looking to live on a peaceful, rustic lake, endorsed by Henry David Thoreau himself, Moosehead Lake is the one to check out.
Of the Maine lakes, this one is slightly lesser-known, and you may see fewer boats on the water. But despite its isolation, Damariscotta Lake is not one to skip. The lake’s remarkably clear waters allow you to see 10 feet below the surface. This clarity is an especially useful feature for witnessing the famous annual Alewives Run.
Alewives, members of the herring family, are seawater fish that travel to freshwater to spawn each year. Although the alewife population has thrived in the past, they have significantly decreased in Maine over the last 200 years. Most recently, the Damariscotta Mills fish ladder has revived this population. This year alone, the ladder has helped 1,069,488 alewives into Damariscotta Lake. You can witness their migration annually over Memorial Day weekend. As part of the annual Alewife Festival, the Damariscotta Mills community hosts a 5K run, a cookout, and a chance to watch the fish.
Of the Maine lakes, this one is slightly lesser-known, and you may see fewer boats on the water. But despite its isolation, Damariscotta Lake is not one to skip. The lake’s remarkably clear waters allow you to see 10 feet below the surface. This clarity is an especially useful feature for witnessing the famous annual Alewives Run.
Alewives, members of the herring family, are seawater fish that travel to freshwater to spawn each year. Although the alewife population has thrived in the past, they have significantly decreased in Maine over the last 200 years. The Damariscotta Mills fish ladder has revived this population. This year alone, the ladder has helped 1,069,488 alewives into Damariscotta Lake. You can witness their migration annually over Memorial Day weekend. As part of the annual Alewife Festival, the Damariscotta Mills community hosts a 5K run, a cookout, and a chance to watch the fish.
Just northwest of Portland is Sebago Lake, which is the deepest lake in New England. Its depth of 316 feet is enough to hold the Statue of Liberty, plus the base. It contains almost a trillion gallons of clear water that provides the Greater Portland Area’s water supply. As well, it’s the second largest lake in Maine at 28,771 acres. The lake’s depths make it very popular for fishing lake trout. Sebago Lake’s underwater islands and coves also make it home to multiple other fish breeds like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie. If you’re choosing one of the Maine lakes for fishing, look no further.
The First Registered Maine Guide is from Rangeley Lake
If you’re seeking outdoor sports on the Maine lakes, you may have heard of the Rangeley Lake Resort. It’s a prime destination for travelers who ski and snowboard in winter and fish and kayak in summer. Today, it’s a revered travel destination. But at one point in time, Rangeley Lake wasn’t on the map.
In the 1850s, the presence of 12-pound brook trout in the lake brought a slough of anglers to Rangeley Lake. Over the following decades, the region brought on local guides. One of them was Cornelia Crosby, also known as “Fly Rod Crosby.” She gave up a steady job in baking to fish Lake Rangeley, caught hundreds of fish per day, and wrote popular journal articles about her sport. She later became the first registered Maine guide — a prestigious feat, especially for a woman in the 1800s. You can find her namesake trail by the lake, the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.
Learn more about lake living on Maine lakes at Lakehomes.com!
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