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Best Lake Vacation Destinations for Partygoers

Posted on July 28, 2023July 26, 2023 Noah Ryan

people in floats on the water — Courtesy of Eagle Mountain Lake

These four lakes in the United States are America’s favorite party places:

Lakes are enjoyed for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities, but lakes can also be a hotbed for festivity and revelry. From California to Alabama, every state has its own party lake with unique events, cultures, and atmospheres. Prepare to embark on a journey filled with music, dancing, laughter, and the exhilarating spirit of celebration that can only be found at the shores of these remarkable party lakes.

Lake of the Ozarks

people, boats, water, and floats — Courtesy of Boat Planet

Nestled in the corner of the Gravois Arm of the lake, Party Cove, officially named Anderson Hollow, is known for its wild boat parties and festive atmosphere — what the New York Times called a “permanent floating bacchanal.” People anchor their boats together, creating a floating party with music and dancing, and the area can see thousands of vessels on weekends in the summer. It’s a unique experience that has become an iconic part of the Lake of the Ozarks party scene.

The main party area off the water is at the Bagnell Dam Strip, a lively neighborhood packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs. This strip offers a variety of entertainment options, from live music and DJs to karaoke and dancing. It’s a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Lake Travis

two tiered boat with slide — Courtesy of Lake Travis

With several coves and islands, Lake Travis, outside Austin, Texas, is considered the original party lake by many Americans. To get to Devil’s Cove, visitors will have to pass through Marshall’s Point, but the echoes of a musical flotilla welcome partygoers deeper down the inlet. Here you’ll find a large tie-up with pontoon boats, slides, floats, and booming speakers. Starnes Island, also known as Monkey Island or Snake Island, is another popular spot on the lake where boaters drop anchor on the shore to enjoy activities in the water, on the boat, and the island.

Like a mirage, Sometimes Island is an islet that comes and goes. The Colorado River ran through a flood-prone basin that threatened the local population, so the Lower Colorado River Authority constructed Mansfield Dam to prevent flash floods and provide drinking water. When water levels are low enough, you can still spy the peak of this hill lost to time.

Contributing to its partying history, Aquapalooza was first hosted on Lake Travis in 2006. The inaugural Aquapalooza event at Lake Travis was a success, attracting a crowd of boaters and music lovers. Over the years, Aquapalooza has grown in scale, featuring larger stages, renowned musical acts, and a broad range of activities. It has become one of the premier on-water concert events in the United States, drawing thousands of attendees.

Lake Tahoe

Split between coastal California and the deserts of Nevada, Lake Tahoe is an oasis for locals and visitors. The foremost party lake of America’s West boasts endless opportunities and is only a short drive from Carson City, Reno, and Sacramento. While the mountains have breathtaking daytime hiking trails, the casinos and clubs at their base invite midnight escapades.

Casinos in Crystal Bay, like the Tahoe Biltmore, are a community staple. Visitors can try their luck at slot machines, video poker, and table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. Tahoe Biltmore hosts a range of entertainment and events throughout the year. From live music performances and comedy shows to themed parties and special events, something is always happening to keep guests entertained.

Tahoe City, on the northwest side of the lake, has several venues that provide live music and a lively atmosphere, while breweries such as Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company and Alibi Ale Works serve up delicious craft beers. Nightclubs and late-night venues may be less prominent in Tahoe City, but occasional DJ nights or live music events at places like Lakeside Pizza & Sports Bar or Hacienda Del Lago offer opportunities to dance and party.

Lake Martin

people and boats in front of a cliff — Courtesy of Opelika Auburn News

As Alabama’s third-largest lake, Lake Martin is the state’s premier party lake. Chimney Rock is a popular diving and party destination, often confused for Acapulco Rock and vice versa. During summer, boaters tie up and form a platform around “The Rock” to play music, dance, and watch divers. Sail around Lake Martin to see its storied islands for a reprieve from the party scene.

From concerts to casinos and clubs, America’s lakes provide a perfect place for your party escapes. But if your ideal afterparty is somewhere to relax, check out these seven peaceful lake locales.

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!

Top 5 Deepest Lakes in the U.S.

Posted on April 2, 2021April 11, 2021 Camille Smith

Previously on the Lake Homes Realty blog, we’ve written about the deepest lakes across the world. From Russia’s Lake Baikal to Antarctica’s Lake Vostok, these lakes are full of fascinating endemic species and mysterious waters that have yet to be explored. However, you don’t have to travel across the globe to discover deep lakes. Chances are, there could be one in your home state. Today, we’re taking a look at the deepest lakes in the U.S.

Crater Lake, Oregon (1,949 feet deep)

Not only is Crater Lake the deepest lake in the U.S., but it also ranks as the ninth deepest lake in the world. However, its size may be its least fascinating feature. This massive lake was caused by a volcano eruption from Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago. The volcanic blast created a six-mile crater that eventually became a lake. Due to the nature of its formation, Crater Lake does not have any streams or rivers flowing into it, and the amount of water remains stable. Its landlocked form also prevents fish from inhabiting its waters, so any fish you may see in Crater Lake have been artificially stocked.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada (1,645 feet deep)

Located in the Sierra mountain range in California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. It’s also the largest alpine lake in North America — the word “alpine” referring to its high altitude in the mountains. Because of its sheer beauty and great summer and wintertime activities, Lake Tahoe is a popular tourist destination. You can enjoy sports like skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, while summer brings boating, sunbathing, and fishing. It’s no wonder that several movies were filmed there, including The Godfather Part II and City of Angels.

Lake Chelan, Washington (1,486 feet deep)

Photo courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce via Seattle Magazine

The third deepest lake in the U.S. is located in the Pacific Northwest region. Specifically, Chelan County in Washington State is home to this large lake. Appropriately, its name comes from the Salish indigenous word for “deep water.” Before 1927, it was the largest natural lake in the state until the Lake Chelan dam construction. Besides its size, the glacier-fed Chelan Lake is also beautiful, surrounded by a range of cascading mountains. It’s perfect for enjoying a scenic view while you’re having a picnic, riding a jet ski, or simply relaxing. While you’re in the region, you can spend time at local wine vineyards at the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. If you’re an angler, you’ll want to invest in this lake’s fishing opportunities, predominantly bass, salmon, and rainbow trout.

Lake Superior, Michigan/Wisconsin/Minnesota (1,332 feet deep)

The fourth deepest lake in the country, Lake Superior, is the deepest lake with Lake Homes Realty listings. Bordering Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes. In fact, it also holds the title of the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. Lake Superior’s waters are a crucial resource, as this vast lake contains 10% of the earth’s surface freshwater. Along its shores, there’s plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Specifically, Lake Superior is known for its nearby national parks, including Isle Royale National Park, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and the Grand Island National Recreation Area.

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho (1,158 feet deep)

This lake’s impressive history dates back to the Ice Age. Formed by glaciers that flooded during this period, it’s a huge natural lake that has served an essential function in human life since pre-recorded history. Located near the Rocky Mountains, Lake Pend Oreille is known for its natural beauty. It’s also renowned for recreation, with several nearby parks, including Farragut State Park, Garfield Bay, and City Beach. While you’re out fishing for Kamloops (a large rainbow trout species, often exceeding 20 pounds), you can spot fascinating wildlife, such as ospreys and fish hawks.