Many lakes in the United States never lose their charm, even during winter when the waves are absent. After all, the beauty of these bodies of water is ever-present, and when the cold months set in, they exude a unique essence that will entice winter travelers. Frozen, the lakes became one big playground, especially for ice skaters.The U.S. is home to many stunning lakes spearheaded by Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, also known as the Great Lakes. Whatever the season and the reason, these natural wonders are favorite recreational spots, offering adrenaline-packed or mellow moments. The cold will never bother tourists, anyway, so they might as well visit when the lakes are icy.
10 Lake Superior
Lake Superior, which straddles the border of Canada and the U.S., is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. It’s one massive natural beauty serving recreational lovers in winter, spring, summer, or fall. The lake begins freezing in late December until early January, peaking from late February to early March, though it does not completely freeze over. This Wisconsin and Michigan destination is always ready to welcome tourists who want to hike, snowmobile, snowshoe, conquer the frozen lake, or just have a mellow sightseeing. Superior beauty, indeed.
- Accommodation: The Water Tower Inn, BW Premier Collection
- Address: 360 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste Marie, ON P6B 4Z7
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Restaurant, Fitness Center
9 Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan has never completely frozen over, according to a meteorologist, but still an adept winter host for those who want to have a chill vacation – literally and figuratively. Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan are lucky to share one of these Great Lakes, making the states attractive options for recreation lovers. Visiting during the cold months, tourists can enjoy the views of lake steam, ice sheets, ice balls, pancake ice, ice volcanoes, ice shards, and ice heaves. What a winter wonderland, indeed. ABC Chicago said it best that when winter comes, “the lake transforms into a majestic frozen world.”
- Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Mccormick Place
- Address: 2233 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Restaurant, Fitness Center
8 Lake Morey
It’s more fun in Lake Morey, home to the longest skating trail in the U.S. Located in Fairlee, Vermont, this skating paradise will wow lovers of the cold because the area has over four miles of trail. Sure, skating on indoor rinks is fun, but nothing can match the exhilaration brought by skating on natural ice. Gliding and sliding in this Vermont charmer is a perfect winter activity, so those visiting the Green Mountain State in mid-January should not miss the breeze of Lake Morey.
- Accommodation: Lake Morey Resort
- Address: 1 Clubhouse Road, Fairlee, VT 05045
- Amenities: Private Beach, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center
7 Mount Douglas
When talking about winter adventures, Alaska comes to mind. Dubbed the Last Frontier of the U.S., it is home to undeveloped tracts of land where outdoor adventures are at their purest form. Mount Douglas, for instance, is a perfect spot to enjoy winter views because its crater lake looks stunning, especially when frozen. Climbing the mountain is taxing as it stands 2,140 meters above sea level, but once hikers reach the peak, they’ll be relaxed by the scenic view of the blue waters. Alaska never disappoints.
- Accommodation: Alaska's Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Address: 113 West 5th Street, Juneau, AK 99801
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Hot Tub, Game Room
6 Ellery Lake
California is not known for its winter scenery, but it does not want to be missed when the cold months announce its arrival. Mono County, for instance, has the Upper Lee Vining Canyon, where an alpine show awaits those who will successfully conquer its trails. One must-see attraction in the area is Ellery Lake, where the clear waters and the waterfalls work together to deliver an awesome winter wonderland. Since it’s near Yosemite National Park, visitors are assured of nothing but majestic views. The mirror-like surface of the lake is perfect for a selfie, maybe.
- Accommodation: Lake View Lodge
- Address: 51285 US-395, Lee Vining, CA 93541, United States
- Amenities: Kitchen, Outdoor Dining Area, Air-Conditioned
5 Lake McDonald
If there’s a destination where winter is always fun, it’s Glacier National Park. As the name suggests, it is home to glacial views and snow activities that will excite outdoorsmen. Alpine adventures abound in the park, like Lake McDonald, Glacier’s largest lake. When frozen, the sight is awe-inspiring, like a terrarium waiting to be discovered by curious visitors. Hikers should keep their eyes peeled for critters when reaching the lake, and anglers should prepare their gear as the area is perfect for ice fishing. Lake McDonald aims to be an outdoorsman’s second office.
- Accommodation: Log Home Near Glacier National Park
- Amenities: Kitchen, Grill, Air-Conditioned
4 Keystone Lake
American magazine Travel + Leisure recommends visiting Keystone Lake in Colorado because of its “picturesque” beauty, especially during the holiday season when it is frozen. It is most famous for its natural ice skating rink and Lakeside Village, which work together to deliver magical moments. Families with kids will enjoy gliding and sliding on the outdoor rink, one of the largest on the continent. Competitive souls, meanwhile, can try hockey or curling. The area is five acres, enough to satisfy those needing to fill their adrenaline cups.
- Accommodation: Aspen Ridge Condominiums by Keystone Resort
- Address: 21996 US Highway 6, Keystone, CO 80435
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center
3 Canyon Ferry Lake
The 28-mile-long Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana’s third largest, is another outdoor skating destination during winter. A reservoir of the Missouri River, the place seems like it is reserved for those who want to experience authentic moments with the chilling breeze. After all, nothing beats natural beauty. Recreational activities abound in the destination year-round, but those visiting during the cold months are in for a treat as they can enjoy the calming air while breaking a sweat. From skating and skiing to snowshoeing, the scenic Canyon Ferry Lake is a perfect playground.
- Accommodation: Townsend chicken house
- Amenities: Adults-Only, WiFi, Kitchen
2 Lake Ontario
One of the greats, Lake Ontario, is shared by Canada and the U.S., with New York being its home in the latter. Its name means “beautiful lake” or “sparkling water,” something easy to understand when tourists are in the presence of this calming body of water. As with Superior, Ontario does not entirely freeze over, but a portion of it can be covered in ice from late December to early March. During the said months, tourists can check out ice plates and how the pier and lakeside turn into an icy masterpiece. Ontario is simply awesome.
- Accommodation: One King West Hotel & Residence
- Address: 1 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 1A1
- Amenities: Fitness Center, Restaurant, Free WiFi
1 Lake Monona
Those exploring Madison, Wisconsin, during winter will have a fun time checking out the majestic Lake Monona. There are many things to do in this waterway by the state capital. For the adventurous, there’s ice boating, fat-biking, or skating, while those who want to have mellow moments can try ice fishing or strolling on a frozen lake, taking in the wonderful view of the winterscape. There’s always a win in Wisconsin, especially during winter when Lake Monona turns into an icy playground.
- Accommodation: Clarion Suites at the Alliant Energy Center
- Address: 2110 Rimrock Road, Madison, WI 53713
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Free WiFi