Lakes beckon this summer.
Whether swimming or water skiing, boating or fishing, lolling on the shoreline or learning about their history, lakes are filled with stories.
Summer means lakes. Whether swimming or water skiing, boating or fishing, lolling on the shoreline or learning about their history, ponds, terns, meres – call them what you wish – beckon at this time of year.
The good news is that these inland bodies of water are scattered around the United States, and they provide variety enough to meet virtually any preference. Whether close to where you live or waiting exploration as you travel, lakes – and the communities located nearby – can provide a welcome respite, a wide range of activities and an introduction to inviting cities, towns and villages well worth a look-see.
Some lakes are home to mythical monsters
Among its claims to fame, Lake Champlain, which lies between New York, Vermont and Canada’s Quebec Province, is believed by some to be inhabited by a gigantic monster. Legends and alleged sightings of the creature trace back to Abenaki and Iroquois Native Americans who lived in the area. In 1819, a boat captain reported spotting a black being,187 feet long with a head resembling a sea horse.
Today, Champ – as the beast is known– is celebrated by the name of the Vermont Lake Monsters minor league baseball team, located in Burlington, and images of it which appear throughout the area. A granite block in town bears an inscription dedicated to Champ and “people in Vermont who have seen Champ,” along with a goofy rendering of the mythical monster. (lakechamplainregion.com)
Other lakes also are associated with non-human creatures. Sightings of one of them in Bear Lake, which straddles the Idaho-Utah border, were first reported in 1868 by a settler. He described it as a large brown serpent with small legs and a head resembling an alligator or walrus. Years later, the man admitted that he had fabricated the story. (visitidaho.org)
Another hoax occurred in 1921 when a newspaper reporter claimed to have seen a 20-foot-long mermaid-like creature hanging out in Walgren Lake, Nebraska that spat water into the air. As the story spread, so did descriptions which included a 100-foot alligator, horned serpent that emitted a strong stench, and green-eyed animal spitting fire and causing the earth to tremble as it walked. (visitnebraska.com)
Of course, lake settings have more – much more -- to offer in appeal than beasts, mythical or not. The little town of Chelan, Washington (population about 4,500) was settled by European immigrants in 1886. They were followed by ranchers who discovered that orchards could be planted without the need of irrigation.
Clear water and welcoming wineries
Today, Lake Chelan is the major draw for visitors. That narrow, clear body of water stretches about 50 miles and near its upper end is overshadowed by 6,600-foot-high mountain peaks. With a maximum depth of 1,486 feet, it’s the third deepest lake in the United States. The charming town for which the lake is named is surrounded by more than 30 wineries that welcome visitors for tastings and other treats. (cityofchelan.com)
Equally inviting is Grand Marais, Minnesota, perched on the north shore of Lake Superior. Once inhabited by Ojibwe indigenous people, the tiny town (population about 1,300) was a fur trading station in the 1700s populated largely by French Canadians from whom it got its name, which means “great marsh.” That recalls a wetland area which once occupied the head of a small bay and harbor near the village. (visitcookcounty.com)
Some small lakes have big attractions
Summersville Lake in West Virginia, which spans just 2,800 acres, is much smaller in size than Lake Superior but it still ranks as largest in the state. It was created by a dam to control flooding and has evolved into a popular recreation destination. Bass, walleye and trout are among catches that attract fishermen, boating is popular, and snorkelers and scuba divers come to search for a vessel that was sunk to give them something to view. The only working lighthouse in the state overlooks the scene from a cliff. (wvstateparks.com)
Much larger expanses of water make up the Chain of Lakes in central Florida. In contrast with the pristine atmosphere of many locations, this one has appeal for those seeking a variety of man-made attractions.
The Legoland Florida Resort includes a theme park, water park and amusement area based upon a children’s animated television series. Lake Eloise is the self-described water-skiing capital of the world. Numerous movies were shot at Cypress Gardens and the area claims to have more water ski schools per square mile than anywhere else in the country. (mywinterhaven.com)
A personal favorite
My personal favorite is the six bodies of water which comprise the Rangeley Lakes in western Maine, where I have spent pleasant summers for decades. Some of their names alone – Umbagog (Abenaki Native American meaning “shallow water”) and Mooselookmeguntic (“moose feeding place”) -- titillate the imagination.
The town (population about 1,200) perched along the lakeshore is named after James Rangeley, an Englishman who inherited a tract there in 1796 from his father and established an estate. Today it offers winter skiing and snowmobiling, spring and summer fishing, biking, bird watching and more. (rangeleymaine.com)
When you’re longing for a brief respite by a lake or a longer stay, the choices are varied and inviting.