Best Vacation Destinations: Urban Lakes for City-Goers

Here are some of the top urban lakes in America that are perfect for city-goers: 

• Lake Washington – Seattle, WA
• Lake Austin – Austin, Texas
• Lake Pontchartrain – New Orleans, LA 
• Lake Erie – Cleveland, OH; Buffalo, NY; Detroit, MI
• Fort Loudoun Lake – Knoxville, TN

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Lakes offer the perfect place to escape life’s hustle and bustle. However, sometimes, people like to have the best of both worlds. That’s what urban lakes are for. An urban lake is an inland body of surface water surrounded by an urban environment and larger than a pond. Not only do they add to the aesthetic value of a region, but they also feature a lot of functionality by increasing biodiversity and providing local recreation.

Lake Washington – Seattle, Washington

Lake Washington is the second-largest natural lake in the state of Washington, covering almost 22,000 acres. This leaves plenty of room for boating and fishing. For those seeking a bit of exercise, visit the Burke-Gilman Trail. It stretches 20 miles from Shilshole Bay to the city of Bothell. 

Lake Washington is east of Seattle, where there is plenty to do and see when you need a break from the water. The most notable attraction is the Space Needle, a 605-foot-tall landmark with an observation deck boasting some of the city’s best views. If you’re scared of heights, try checking out the Seattle Center Monorail, the Museum of Pop Culture, or the Seattle Aquarium. Regardless of what you like to do in the city, Lake Washington is always there for a leisurely afternoon.

Lake Austin – Austin, Texas

Lake Austin comprises nearly 2,000 acres, and its banks are mostly privately owned. This limits bank fishing, but you can find access at four points and two public boat ramps. Since Lake Austin allows motorized boats, it has become a popular place to rent one for the day. Pontoons are the most popular, and you’ll often see boaters tubing or waterskiing behind.  

As you can tell by the name, the lake is northwest of Austin, Texas. Located in the state’s capital, it offers so much for residents to do. There are a lot of museums, parks, and tourist sites, but there are also many local places to visit. Try local coffee at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters or barbeque cuisine at The County Line. Tourist or not, Lake Austin welcomes you with all its nearby amenities.

Lake Pontchartrain – New Orleans, Louisiana

The legendary city of New Orleans is a never-ending party! All of the rumors are true. You can listen to some jazz at the House of Blues, grab a cocktail at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, or take a stroll down the famous Bourbon Street if you’re more adventurous. What the rumors don’t mention is that the infamous area also features family-friendly activities like eating a snack at the French Market, taking a trolley ride, or having a picnic in Audubon Park. Whether you party it up or take it slow, Lake Pontchartrain is close for a nice and easy boat ride.

Lake Pontchartrain has a misleading name, as it’s actually an estuary. Lake Pontchartrain spans 403,000 acres and is more than 40 miles wide. It is home to abundant wildlife and provides a significant source of the region’s economic development. Residents and visitors can boat, fish, swim, waterski, or relax near the shore and watch a beautiful Louisiana sunset. 

Lake Erie – Buffalo, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan

Lake Erie is the fourth largest Great Lake and the thirteenth largest lake in the world, covering more than six million acres. It touches four states and two countries, America and Canada. It is shallow, making it the warmest of the Great Lakes and perfect for swimming in the right season. 

Lake Erie is connected to three urban cities: Buffalo, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; and Detroit, Michigan. This means there are endless options for city-goers near the water and in the heart of the city. Buffalo is an excellent place for history lovers. Visit Theodore Roosevelt’s Inaugural Site, the Buffalo History Museum, or the Buffalo City Hall Observation Deck.

If you’re an on-the-go person, Cleveland might be the perfect city for you. It offers nights at the Cleveland Orchestra, days at the Cedar Point Amusement Park, and weekends at a Cleveland Browns game. Then there’s Detroit, which provides the best of both worlds! You can visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, see a game at Ford Field, or take the kids to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. No matter what city you reside in, the mighty Lake Erie is there for some much-needed getaway time.

Fort Loudoun Lake – Knoxville, Tennessee

Fort Loudoun Lake is swarming with activities. It is nestled right outside Knoxville, Tennessee, and features 14,600 acres of water for recreational fun. Fort Loudoun is part of the Upper Tennessee River and is best known by anglers as the perfect place to catch bass or catfish. 

Knoxville is likely most well-known for being the home of the University of Tennessee. As a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference, UT hosts fabulous game days. Tailgaters have a unique tradition of pregaming from their boats in the Tennessee River, connected to Fort Loudoun. Football fan or not, Knoxville has plenty to offer, and with Fort Loudoun Lake so close, it’s a superb blend of urban and lake life.

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Urban lakes are a utopia of combining the idyllic water with the rush of city life. City-goers will love having the option of relaxation without compromising the culture that comes with a big city. Regardless of what region of the nation you’re in, you can find an urban lake near you to have the best of both worlds.