Lakes Near Cedar Falls
It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next big getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Cedar Falls. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Cedar Falls you have lots of great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.
Whether you’re seeking to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Cedar Falls provide you with numerous opportunities for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then hit the road on your next vacation to find your own number one location on a lake!
Lakes Close to Cedar Falls
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
On a day trip to a lake near Cedar Falls there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Cedar Falls:
Go fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with a number of choices.
Picnic time. Cedar Falls’s lakes offer a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.
General items
If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the vacation, the list below is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.
- Garbage bags
- A cooler with water
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Insect repellant
- UV protection
- Radio or speaker
- Towels and dry clothes
- USB charger
- Dry shirt
- Bathing suits
More lake stuff
Consider your planned activities for the day and who will be in your entourage, the following items will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to leaving.
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Games for the beach
- Goggles or masks
- Corkscrew
- Something to read
- Fishing gear
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Your tackle box
- Rafts for the kids
Lake Safety Checklist
Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. The following safety measures will ensure that your whole group remains safe on the water.
- Always swim with a buddy
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Cedar Falls
If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Cedar Falls, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary much more successful. For example, every lake near Cedar Falls has their own features so it’s important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable getaway as you plan yours.
- Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Maximize unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!