cruises on lake champlain

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Daily lake champlain cruise schedule, book your 2024 cruise now.

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Prices include taxes and fees. Appetizers, beverages and gratuity are additional. Our buffets are designed as a Single Trip Buffet, and not all you can eat.

Prices include taxes and fees. appetizers, beverages and gratuity are additional. our buffets are designed as a single trip buffet , and not all you can eat..

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Join us aboard buttercup for a tour of lake champlain

Enjoy an outing on the water while hearing stories about lake champlain and its history.

You can hop aboard one of our regular cruises or reserve a private charter! We depart from the Burlington Community Boathouse.

To read about the types of cruises we offer, check out the Your Experience page.

Home / Things To Do / EScape Cruises

Narrated EScape Cruises on Lake Champlain

A cruise aboard the EScape, Basin Harbor’s own tour boat, is a wonderful way to experience a Lake Champlain tour. During these 1-2 hour cruises (depending on weather and what there is to explore), our captain and crew will bring you out to explore the New York and Vermont shores. See a bald eagle nest, spot an osprey on Otter Creek, and hear all about the rich history of the area, including the many naval battles that occurred nearby.

Contact the concierge at [email protected] or call (802) 475-2311

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Basin Harbor Club Review: Family Fun on Lake Champlain in VT

H ugging the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont, you will find a family resort that feels unchanged for generations, except for its modern amenities. It is a place where families gather, year-after-year. It is also a place where friendships are made and romance blossoms. That very special place is the Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club in Vergennes, Vermont.

I had a chance to visit for a mother-daughter getaway in June to write a Basin Harbor Club review. Although our little family unit of two felt small compared to the many family reunions and multi-generational trips at the Resort during our stay, it was immediately clear how well the Basin Harbor caters to families.

I’d already heard amazing things about their kid’s club, but we also saw packs of teens strolling the property and the lawns are dotted with games from horseshoes to a giant Connect 4 and chessboard. There were even plenty of dogs about, noting Basin Harbor’s pet-friendly policy.

If you are looking for a family vacation by the lake with plenty of activities for all ages, great food, and a classic, laid back vibe, it is time to check out Basin Harbor.

Basin Harbor Review

Note: We were guests of the Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club for purposes of this review, all opinions are my own.

The Basin Harbor is a full-service resort, with lakeside cottages for families and guest rooms in four lodges throughout the property. You will find multiple restaurants, a full-range of activities, and a fabulous Kids Camp that will keep the whole family busy and happy. Before you decide whether or not the Basin Harbor is right for you, let’s dig into the accommodations, location, amenities, and dining at the Basin Harbor.

Lake Champlain Cottages

Although the Basin Harbor is one of the Historic Hotels of America , its 45 guest rooms and 74 cottages have been updated to reflect a clean, nautical feel. The decor utilizes earth tones and artifacts from the resort’s 131-year history.

No two cottages at Basin Harbor are alike, as they were each built according to the wishes of original guests. Some cottages overlook the lake, while others are tucked into the woods or near the golf course or gardens. There are a range of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom cottages to choose from that are ideal for groups or families of all sizes.

We stayed in the lakefront Greenledge, two-bedroom cottage, which offers amazing lake views from the living room and master bedroom. Because of its perch on the edge of the cliff, there wasn’t any outdoor space with much of a view, but each cottage is different. Although keep in mind that the cottages are not the sort where you can just walk out and jump in the lake, but no worries, you have the harbor front for that!

I loved the decor of the cottage, with a blend of comfortable brown leather couches, comfy beds and nautical elements like oars and old-fashioned water skis adorning the walls. There was also a mini kitchen with a sink and small fridge, but no cooktop.

Each bedroom had its own bathroom with two sinks, making it easy to negotiate the family bathroom time. The master bedroom offered a king bed, large closet, and dresser. The second bedroom featured twin beds and its own en-suite bathroom.

Lakefront Activities

Sadly, we didn’t spy Champ, the mysterious lake creature that is said to resemble the Loch Ness monster and live in Lake Champlain. I guess that is no surprise because, outside of whether or not you believe in mythical creatures, Lake Champlain is the sixth largest lake in the United States so she has plenty of room to hide.

The lake is 12 miles wide at its widest and can get up to 400 feet deep. However, where the Basin Harbor is located, you can plainly see the Palisade cliffs of New York and the distant Adirondack Mountains across the lake.

Basin Harbor offers many ways to get out on the lake, from the complimentary pedal boats, paddleboards, kiddie boats, fishing poles, and water toys you can borrow to the kayaks, canoes, and pontoon boats that you can rent. If you plan ahead, you can also hire a motorboat for some water skiing or tubing.

The harbor front also offers a swimming area, with chairs that line the dock and rocks on shore, and two large water trampolines. When we visited in late June, the water was still a little too chilly for us to brave but there were many who didn’t let the cold stop them.

Basin Harbor also offers narrated lake cruises on the EScape tour boat, which is a wonderful way to explore the lake and learn more about the ecology and history. We went out on one of these 1-2 hour cruises during our stay, which taught us about the history of the lake and its natural surroundings. We even spied a couple of bald eagles!

The captain and crew will also tell you all about the rich history of the area, including the many naval battles that occurred nearby.

Pool and Activities

In addition to the lake, Basin Harbor has a heated (yay!) swimming pool, with towels and bar service, and hot tubs. It isn’t that large but when we visited the resort wasn’t very crowded and we were able to get lounge chairs without a problem. We even returned one evening for the “Dive in movie night” to watch Moana from a lounge chair.

Every night the resort offers some form of family-friendly entertainment from outdoor movies to bingo nights and bonfires. They always post a weekly calendar of activities so you can plan your time. Just make a note that not all activities are included and choose accordingly.

Other activities at the Basin Harbor include pickle ball, golf, rental bikes, volleyball, basketball, soccer, croquet, badminton, a gaga pit, giant chess, hiking, a 24/7 fitness center, and history talks. You definitely won’t get bored at Basin Harbor!

Kids Camp is also a favorite among the youngsters, and has been a place where lifelong friendships are formed. The focus is on wholesome summer fun with activities are are customized for age-specific groups, ranging from swimming to crafts to games.

Dining at Basin Harbor

There are many dining options at the Basin Harbor, from fine dining at Ardelia’s to sushi on the Lodge Lawn and pizza from Hattie’s Pie near the pool. Kids will love picking up lobster rolls at the Full Belly Food Truck at the waterfront. The Basin Harbor also offers a range of meal plans to relieve the stress over who orders what when.

Breakfast at Ardelia’s in the main dining room is quite the affair with everything from homemade jams to omelet stations and everything in between. In the evenings, Ardelia’s transforms to fine dining where, even though jackets aren’t still required, the tendency would still be to dress for dinner.

It is almost hard to believe you could possibly be hungry for the rest of the day, but when lunch rolls around, it is time to head to the Red Mill Restaurant.

The Red Mill, which operates out of a renovated saw mill and backs up on a small airstrip, serves both lunch and dinner with a mix of burgers/sandwiches and full entrees. If kids get too antsy waiting for their food, there is always the playground out back and the horseshoe pit beside.

None of the food disappointed but one of the most enjoyable meals was the Thursday night Shore Dinner out on the North Dock. Featuring live music right on the banks of Lake Champlain, this is a perfect way to kick off or capstone your summer. The feast includes chowder, mussels, salad, cheddar bay biscuits (so good), beef, fish, and one big ole pre-cracked lobster! Just make sure you make reservations in advance and take an earlier seating so you don’t miss out on the dessert buffet.

Even though Basin Harbor is so great for large family groups, it was also a special place for a mother-daughter getaway. I find that when traveling with kids, the best connections are made in the simplest of places. Even though there was so much to do, it doesn’t distract from the beauty of nature and the old-fashioned fun. We look forward to returning again when we have even more people to share it with.

The post Basin Harbor Club Review: Family Fun on Lake Champlain in VT appeared first on We3Travel .

Efforts to raise a Revolutionary War gunboat from Lake Champlain discussed

Lake Champlain was the site of several naval battles during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The general consensus had been that it was best to keep shipwrecks in the lake because the cold clean water helped to preserve them. But invasive species and climate change are increasing the risk of deterioration and some are calling for the vessels to be removed from the lake. The current focus is on the Spitfire, which sank after a Revolutionary War battle. But raising it could take decades and millions of dollars.

The Spitfire is a gunboat that sank when the Americans retreated after the Battle of Valcour Bay on October 11, 1776. In 1997, a survey team from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum found the gunboat on the lake bottom in pristine condition.

The Clinton County Historical Association hosted a recent talk by Lake Champlin Maritime Museum Director Emeritus Art Cohn on efforts to raise the Spitfire from the lakebed.

“I was in this room seven years ago to announce our first level of concepts, of thoughts, about how we best preserve this boat,” recalled Cohn. “I was part of the team that discovered the Spitfire 27 years ago. And unlike probably your imagination that oh on the day he discovered the boat they were jumping all over the place and opening the champagne, I can tell you it was the opposite of that. It was a sobering reality that had to be taken care of, managed in the best possible way we knew how to do that. The Spitfire is really right in the middle of an evolving societal issue. Who gets to manage these shipwrecks and how do we best preserve them for this and future generations?”

One attendee felt if the Spitfire is raised it should remain in the community to help increase tourism and historical awareness. Cohn said while that is not the primary reason to remove it from the lake water, it is a substantial secondary purpose.

“That’s not why we would do it, but I think that’s important to look at that,” Cohn said. “This boat fought at the Battle of Valcour Island under the command of Benedict Arnold with a cast of characters that are important to understand. So I think there’s some really high values to be served there.”

The project to raise the Spitfire began in 2017. Outside the venue before he began his presentation, Cohn explained that a 22-year timetable and estimated $44 million cost have not changed.

“Some of the logistics have changed to make it easier,” noted Cohn. “New York has expressed an interest in possibly taking a leadership role. And so it’s actually consolidated some of the issues for us. And so I think that’s part of the new examination that we’re having at this time.”

Cohn says he has been doing nautical archaeology for over 40 years and until now has never recommended that a boat be recovered from the lake’s waters.

“For most of my career I’ve been very vocal about leave them where they are unless there’s a compelling reason to talk about disturbing them. Leave them in situ. That’s the best option. We built replicas so that we didn’t have to raise originals,” said Cohn. “By the same token based on the environmental changes and it’s driven by now that we have invasive mussels in Lake Champlain. We’ve done a study. We can predict that those mussels will encrust this boat and they will degrade it. So we’ve got a little bit of a window to plan.”

Cohn adds they are reviewing other shipwreck projects and the engineering required to successfully raise the Spitfire.

“It’s a Champlain Valley project,” asserts Cohn. “New York, Vermont and Quebec sort of working together. We have a network of historic sites from Chambly to Saratoga and every place in between. We think that it will empower the region. But at the end of the day the most important consideration from my point of view is what can we determine is best for the resource. How do we best preserve this object for future generations and make sure that it is doing the best job it can at sharing its stories with us.”

The Spitfire is protected by the Sunken Military Craft Act. It is in water deep enough and its specific location has not been divulged to protect it from recreational divers.

Another gunboat, the Philadelphia, was raised from the bottom of Lake Champlain in 1935 and is on display at the Smithsonian Museum.

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Lake Champlain Transportation Company has provided reliable, safe and friendly transportation to the surrounding lake community and to area visitors since 1826. With Lake Champlain Ferries you can count on crossing the lake throughout the year.

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Make a splash: Exploring the best water activities across the Northeast

Rocky coastlines, pristine ocean waters, and serene lakes can be found throughout the Northeast United States, creating an aquatic paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you love the calmness of a kayaking expedition or the thrills of rafting and jet skiing, you’ll find something to fulfill your desire to be on the water in this region. Here are some of the best places to go for water activities in the northeastern states.

Acadia National Park, Maine: Nestled along the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a stunning backdrop for water activities. Visitors can explore rocky shores and pristine beaches, go kayaking among granite cliffs and offshore islands, or take a boat to see whales, seals, and seabirds. Additionally, the park's lakes and ponds provide opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and swimming amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Saco River, New Hampshire: Flowing through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Saco River offers thrilling whitewater rafting adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. Guided rafting trips provide opportunities to navigate Class II and III rapids, with scenic views of forested hillsides and rocky gorges along the way. Tubing and kayaking are also popular activities on the river, providing a refreshing escape on hot summer days.

Lake Champlain, Vermont: Spanning the border between Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain is a recreational paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Boaters can explore more than 100 miles of navigable waters, while anglers cast their lines for bass, salmon, and walleye. Kayakers and paddleboarders can enjoy scenic paddling along the lake's tranquil bays and islands, while beachgoers can relax on sandy shores and marvel at the Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts: With its miles of sandy beaches, picturesque harbors, and calm bays, Cape Cod is a classic spot for water activities. Catch some waves on a surfboard, go on a whale-watching excursion, or go sailing or kayaking for a smoother ride in these coastal waters.

Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island: Serving as Rhode Island's largest estuary, Narragansett Bay offers a diverse range of water activities amidst its scenic coastline and historic landmarks. Sailors, kayakers, paddleboarders, and anglers all have a place here, while beachgoers can sunbathe and swim at Scarborough State Beach.

Thimble Islands, Connecticut: Located off the coast of Branford in Long Island Sound, the Thimble Islands offer a unique setting for water-based adventures. Kayakers can paddle among the archipelago's rocky islets and secluded coves, exploring hidden beaches and wildlife habitats along the way.

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut: This expansive beach is perfect for boating enthusiasts as well as sunbathers and sand walkers. Enjoy paddling, swimming, and much more during a day in the sun here.

Finger Lakes, New York: With their pristine waters and scenic surroundings, the Finger Lakes offer abundant opportunities for water activities. Visitors can sail, kayak, paddleboard, wakeboard, or swim, and although this is a popular destination for water lovers, there are five lakes to enjoy so you can pick your favorite based on your preferences.

The Jersey shore, New Jersey: Stretching along the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, the Jersey shore is a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Surfing and boogie boarding are popular on the ocean beaches, while kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are easily enjoyed in the calmer waters of bays and estuaries. Beachfront parks provide amenities for picnicking, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania: While Pennsylvania may not have a coastline, the Allegheny National Forest surrounds the massive Allegheny Reservoir, which provides excellent conditions for water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.

From the rugged coastline of Maine to the serene lakes of Vermont and the bustling beaches of New Jersey, the northeastern United States offers a diverse array of destinations for water-based adventures. Whether you're seeking relaxation on a sandy shore or excitement on the open water, these places provide unforgettable experiences amidst the natural beauty of the region's waterways and landscapes. Grab your gear, swimsuit, and a towel and you’re all set for an epic beach vacation.

Practicing safety on the water is just as important as practicing safety in a vehicle. Just like you would wear a life jacket when on a boat or swimming in deep water, make sure you wear a seat belt when driving to all of these aquatic destinations. Buckling up saves lives!

Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

Our goals are to improve the health of our lakes and rivers, and to increase the distribution and abundance of ecologically and economically important fish and wildlife.

• We restore the health of our rivers, wetlands, and upland areas for fish and wildlife.
• We help local farmers improve their lands for wildlife, water quality, and sustainable agriculture.
• We help restore aquatic connectivity to our rivers and their tributaries. And we help build roads that are resilient to flooding.
• We assess parasitic sea lamprey populations and strategically control the spread of the invasive species invasive species An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Learn more about invasive species to prevent its devastating effect on native fish.
• We assess fish populations, conduct research, and work with hatcheries to evaluate the effectiveness of stocking and other conservation actions to restore land-locked Atlantic salmon and other priority fish species.

Sea Lamprey Control in Lake Champlain Basin

Fisheries Restoration in Lake Champlain Basin

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Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative

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Across the landscape, undersized, aging and improperly placed road-stream crossings create barriers in our rivers, streams, and tidal wetlands. These structures fragment aquatic habitat and prevent or greatly reduce the ability of aquatic species to move freely to migrate, feed, and reproduce. These poorly designed structures are also more prone to clogging, causing flooding, and washing out...

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Things to Do in Noginsk, Russia - Noginsk Attractions

Things to do in noginsk.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Summery House A.I. Morozova

2. Moscow State Drama and Comedy Theater

3. Epiphany Cathedral

4. Tikhvin Temple

5. Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center

6. Patriarch Pimen Monument

7. Fly Factory

8. Volkhonka Park

9. Dam at River Klyazma

10. Temple of St. Martyr Konstantin Bogorodskiy

11. Monument to Yuriy Stoskov

12. The World's First Monument to V.I. Lenin

13. Water Tower

14. Monument to Catherine the Great

15. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

17. Palace of Sports Znamya

18. Gusi-Lebedi Bathing Resort

19. Mozgoboynya in Noginsk

20. Bezvykhodnost

21. Quest Museum Einstein

22. Trampoline Center "Arena"

23. Club ADRENALIN

24. Hookah Time Noginsk

25. charuni.

26. Bogorodskiy Cold Store Facility

27. Diving-Club Odyssey

What travelers are saying.

• Epiphany Cathedral
• Tikhvin Temple
• Moscow State Drama and Comedy Theater
• Dam at River Klyazma
• Summery House A.I. Morozova
• Volkhonka Park
• Fly Factory
• Gusi-Lebedi Bathing Resort

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Vote for your favorite lake in the U.S.!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Lakes across the United States have plenty to offer for those who enjoy the great outdoors. From fishing and boating to swimming and camping, you can enjoy scenic views, wildlife, water sports, and fresh air and sunshine. Plus, when some lakes are frozen over in winter, there's still lots to do, like ice skating and ice fishing! An expert panel has nominated their top 20 picks for the best lakes in the country, and now it's your turn to vote for your favorite. Which lake do you think is the best? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, June 3 at noon ET. The 10 winning lakes will be announced on Wednesday, June 12. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

Lakes across the United States have plenty to offer for those who enjoy the great outdoors. From fishing and boating to swimming and camping, you can enjoy scenic views, wildlife, water sports, and fresh air and...   Read More

Best Lake Nominees

Photo courtesy of Visit Big Bear

Big Bear Lake

Whether you visit during peak summer or the most frigid depths of winter, there's a massive array of activities to enjoy across Big Bear Lake, the largest recreational body of water in Southern California. During the snowy season, the region is particularly popular for skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings top-tier fishing opportunities, with anglers gathering to search for rainbow trout.

Photo courtesy of JeffGoulden // Getty Images

Crater Lake

Developed thousands of years ago due to volcanic activity, the stunning Crater Lake served as the inspiration for Oregon's sole national park, officially established back in 1902. While it's particularly visually appealing thanks to its bright blue water, the lake area also doubles as a top-tier hiking destination, with no shortage of scenic trails equipped with volcanic landscapes and native flowers.

Photo courtesy of Alisha Bube / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Devil's Lake

A prominent figure in the history and folklore of Wisconsin's Indigenous Ho-Chunk People, Devil's Lake (also known as Tee WakÄ...cÄ...k) has been renowned for its idyllic beauty for thousands of years. In the modern era, visitors can take to its shores in search of native wildlife or head off along the water atop a rental kayak or canoe to soak in the scenery.

Photo courtesy of VISIT Lake Geneva

Geneva Lake

A natural water feature found between Chicago and Milwaukee, Geneva Lake serves as one of Wisconsin's most popular summer vacation destinations. During a visit, outdoor recreation options range from bird-watching to zip lining to sunbathing on the lake's sandy shoreline, while the city of Lake Geneva is perfect for sampling local beer and cheese.

Photo courtesy of dszc / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Lake Austin

No visit to the Texas state capital is complete without making the journey to Lake Austin, a massive reservoir that was carved into the western edge of the city in the late 1930s. While fishing and swimming are both popular activities around the lake, it's best known for the high concentration of boaters that congregate on sunny days.

Photo courtesy of Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST)

Lake Champlain

New York and Vermont

Vermont is renowned for its sprawling mountain ranges, and the state is no stranger to gorgeous water features either. Case in point: Lake Champlain, a massive body of water that runs 107 miles along the New York-Vermont border. In terms of urban exploration, Burlington is a particularly popular drinking and dining destination on the Champlain shore, while there's a wealth of parks and islands for nature lovers to explore as well.

Photo courtesy of step2626 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Lake Coeur d'Alene

The idyllic beauty of northern Idaho is on full display across Lake Coeur d'Alene, a stunning natural feature that was formed during the last ice age. In addition to playing a prominent role in Indigenous Schitsu'umsh history, the lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and bird-watching during the warmer months.

Photo courtesy of Lake Cumberland Tourism

Lake Cumberland

The southern reaches of Kentucky play host to Lake Cumberland, a 102-square-mile reservoir that's split between five counties. Though originally created as a source of hydroelectric power, the body of water has become a top spot for outdoor recreation over the years, providing ample opportunity for both boating and fishing.

Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio

New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

It may be the shallowest of North America's Great Lakes, but Lake Erie has a massive amount of potential when it comes to both tourism and outdoor adventure. Buffalo, Cleveland, and Toledo are just a few of the storied cities that can be explored along the Erie shore, while recreation opportunities range from fishing to bird-watching to shipwreck diving.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Byrd / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Lake Hamilton

Created in the early 1930s, Lake Hamilton provides plenty of surf and sun for both residents and visitors to southwest Arkansas. Garvan Woodland Gardens is a particularly popular lakeside attraction thanks to their high diversity of plant life, while boaters and kayakers can be found in abundance across the lake when the weather turns warm.

Photo courtesy of Richard Hay

Lake Havasu

Arizona and California

Arizona is home to massive spans of bone-dry desert, but that doesn't mean it's totally devoid of water features. A prime example: the sprawling Lake Havasu, a massive reservoir located on the California border. Developed in the 1930s, the lake is a popular destination for bass fishing, and even played host to a large population of introduced white sturgeon in the 1960s.

Photo courtesy of csterken // Getty Images

Along the Canada-United States border, Lake Huron showcases the abundant natural beauty found in both Michigan and Ontario. Natural sites abound across the region, with top-tier outdoor adventure destinations like Port Crescent State Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park open for exploration, while towering lighthouses and sunken shipwrecks are all waiting to be discovered along the Huron shore.

Photo courtesy of Ron and Patty Thomas / iStock / Getty Images Plus

While California's Mono County serves as a top skiing destination during winter, the region's Lake Mary provides ample recreation opportunities all throughout the year. The largest of all the Mammoth Lakes, this sprawling water feature is particularly popular for kayaking and fishing.

Photo courtesy of Pure Michigan

Lake Michigan

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin

Perched along the borders of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the aptly named Lake Michigan serves as the largest lake on Earth to reside solely in one country. In addition to gorgeous natural sites like Indiana Dunes National Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Lake Michigan coast is lined with dazzling cities like Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Chicago, offering visitors an opportunity to blend outdoor adventure with urban exploration during their trips.

Photo courtesy of Michigannut // Getty Images

Lake Superior

Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Measuring in at a staggering 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior has the largest surface area of any freshwater lake on planet Earth. This colossal body of water plays host to a massive array of native marine life including lake sturgeon, yellow perch, and walleye, while human settlements around the region span from Canada's Thunder Bay to the scenic Michigan Upper Peninsula city of Marquette.

Photo courtesy of Rachid Dahnoun / Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

California and Nevada

Renowned worldwide for its incredible beauty, Lake Tahoe serves as one of the most stunning natural features to grace both Californian and Nevadan soil. While it's certainly a wonder to behold, Lake Tahoe is home to far more than just abundant natural beauty, with amenities ranging from nice casinos to waterfront dining spots to ultra-idyllic shoreside bike paths.

Photo courtesy of Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (Lake Placid)

Mirror Lake

Surrounded by resorts and lodges, Mirror Lake serves as a top recreation destination within New York's Adirondack Mountains. During the warmer months, guests are welcome to take a dip in the water or explore via kayak, while those who prefer to stay dry can set off on a lengthy hike along the lakeside Cobble Hill Trail.

Photo courtesy of theartist312 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Renowned for its fascinating appearance, California's Mono Lake serves as a can't-miss attraction after a lengthy tour of Yosemite National Park. Large limestone spires called tufas can be seen dotting its shores, while the lake itself is particularly popular with bird-watchers thanks to its status as a prominent stopover point for many migratory species.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Croft

Percy Priest Lake

There are more than 14,000 acres of gorgeous Tennessee wilderness to explore along Percy Priest Lake, a sprawling water feature found just east of Nashville. Camping and hiking are both popular activities along its tranquil coast, while those who prefer to explore beyond the shoreline can set off on a kayaking, canoeing, or boating excursion.

Photo courtesy of photosbyjim / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Sylvan Lake

South Dakota

Towering rocky outcrops abound across South Dakota's Sylvan Lake, a beloved water feature that serves as one of Custer State Park's top attractions. After marveling at the surrounding scenery, visitors can head onto the water with a rental boat or try their hand at rock climbing along the nearby slopes.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Alen Baker is the Founder of the Fly Fishing...   Read More

Alen Baker is the Founder of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City, North Carolina, served on the NC Wildlife Federation Board for 10 years and as a volunteer leader in Trout Unlimited for over 30 years. He is the author of  Rocky River TU: The First Twenty-Five Years ,  Our Fly Fishing Heritage: The Making of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians , and  My Flyfishing Playbook.  Baker is a member of the Southern Trout Magazine – Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame, Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame and Rocky River Trout Unlimited Hall of Fame.    He has fished for trout in over a dozen states and as far away as Tasmania and traveled to Nova Scotia for Atlantic salmon but overall prefers Southern Appalachian fly fishing for trout.   

Angelica Talan

Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two...   Read More

Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two popular Washington, D.C. based blogs,  Angelica In The City  and  Clarendon Moms . She has written articles for Arlington Magazine, DUN magazine and has been featured on several Washington, D.C. based television news channels to share family travel tips. A passionate fly fishing enthusiast, Angelica is one of the current brand ambassadors for  TakeMeFishing.org  and a brand ambassador for the Trout Routes an app dedicated to making fly fishing more accessible and a brand ambassador for Fishewear, a women’s line of fly fishing clothing and accessories based out of Alaska. Angelica has served over three years as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Liason for United Women On The Fly and is excited to continue to connect with others in the great outdoors and to be a source of positive inspiration for those interested in learning to fly fish. You can connect with her on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X . 

Dan Rice has been a fly angler for more than...   Read More

Dan Rice has been a fly angler for more than thirty years, and has held such occupations as a Hydrologic Technician for the USGS in Wyoming, and Manager of Fly Fishing Trip Sales for Montana Angler in Bozeman. He is the author of The Unpeopled Season: A Journal of Solitude and Wilderness , and editor of the book Familiar Waters: A Lifetime of Fly Fishing Montana . He is the founder of Riverfeet Press Books , and lead guide at Riverfeet Fly Fishing in Abingdon, VA. Learn more here: www.riverfeetflyfishing.com

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer...   Read More

Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand , which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe. 

Jacky Runice

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Kristen Lummis

Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in...   Read More

Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website  braveskimom.com  in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook. 

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Molly O'Brien

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance...   Read More

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home.  Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations.  She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling.  Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!).  You can connect with Molly here:  Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

Wendy O'Dea

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea ...   Read More

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels . 

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.