Lake Michigan is a stunning natural treasure. Towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and urban centers line up along its shores. Visitors flock to breathtaking hiking trails, like the ones in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The lake's expanse touches several major cities, including Chicago, Milwaukee, and Traverse City, which explains the endless flow of tourists arriving each year.

Image: Adam Bouse

Flathead Lake is a peaceful haven nestled between Glacier National Park and the Mission Mountains. Its vast, crystal-clear waters are ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Surrounding small towns like Polson and Bigfork welcome visitors with their charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can also join boat excursions to Wild Horse Island, where bighorn sheep and wild horses roam.

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Lake Champlain is the choice for history fans. Its guided tours explore the region’s rich history, including Revolutionary War sites and stories of naval battles fought on the lake.

The lake spans the border between New York and Vermont, with nearby towns such as Burlington and Plattsburgh, which offer waterfront dining and quaint streets.

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This is the largest natural lake in Colorado. Right by Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake offers a serene escape into the state’s breathtaking wilderness.

The town of Grand Lake is also known for its historic boardwalk and artistic community. The area is particularly popular during winter when visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, ice fishing, and proximity to ski resorts.

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Known as Florida’s "Inland Sea," Lake Okeechobee is the state’s largest freshwater lake.

Herons, egrets, and ospreys can be spotted here. The lake also offers some of the best bass fishing in the country, which has turned it into a world-famous spot for fishing enthusiasts.

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Sparkling waters surrounded by the Adirondacks, Lake George was dubbed the "Queen of American Lakes." Visitors know it as a perfect spot for hiking, boating, and camping. The village of Lake George is a lively hub with restaurants, shops, and events like the annual Adirondack Balloon Festival.

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Famous for its deep blue color and clarity, Crater Lake is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park. The lake formed within a collapsed volcano and is the deepest in the United States. Visitors can take guided boat tours to Wizard Island or explore hiking trails around the caldera.

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Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir straddling the Arizona-Utah border. It attracts approximately two million visitors yearly. A unique sight, this beloved destination is lined with striking geological formations like Rainbow Bridge, one of the world’s largest natural arches.

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Of course, it’s on the list: Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. Its vast expanse is lined with forests, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches.

Visitors explore spots like Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with its sea caves and historic lighthouses, or the charming town of Duluth, Minnesota, known for its shipping heritage and beautiful harbor.

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Lake Havasu straddles the Arizona-California border and offers an array of activities, from jet skiing and paddleboarding to relaxing on its sandy beaches. The nearby Lake Havasu City hosts famous events, including a hot air balloon festival and classic car shows.

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In summer, visitors flock to Lake Tahoe's beaches for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while winter transforms the area into a skiing and snowboarding paradise. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant nightlife.

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Lake Mead is a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. It’s not just the largest reservoir in the country by volume, but also a popular recreational hotspot.

Its sprawling waters and rugged desert surroundings attract boaters, anglers, and hikers, and its proximity to Las Vegas has certainly helped attract tourists.

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As one of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie combines stunning coastal scenery with wineries and charming towns like Put-in-Bay, where visitors can tour historical sites and enjoy waterfront dining. The lake is also known for its diverse fish population, which has turned it into a top destination for anglers.

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Lake Washington, near Seattle, is surrounded by affluent neighborhoods and parks. The lake is also home to floating homes, famously featured in the movie Sleepless in Seattle.

Visitors can explore nearby attractions like the University of Washington Arboretum and take guided boat tours offering views of Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline.

Image: Henry Fraczek

Known for its distinctive serpentine shape, Lake of the Ozarks features over 1,100 miles of shoreline. Osage Beach serves as the main hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife.

Another popular attraction is its nearby caves, some with unique phenomena like the Angel Showers, a constant shower of water dripping from the solid rock ceiling.

Image: Davis Patton