Moorhead Lakes

Lakes Around Moorhead

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Moorhead. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Moorhead you have some options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Moorhead provide you with numerous beautiful locations for outdoor adventures. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with sunscreen and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation to find your own number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Moorhead

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Moorhead 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 the most of your time unwinding.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Moorhead:

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Moorhead with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Moorhead offer a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake and beach-related necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along several of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Swimsuits
  • Bug spray
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Portable phone charger
  • Backup clothes
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • A picnic basket
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)

Additional lake stuff

The gear in the list below might prove useful for excursions to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Books
  • Corkscrew
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Fishing poles
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Worms or other bait
  • Life jackets
  • Goggles or masks
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety Tips

While your getaway on the lake can be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always swim with a buddy

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Moorhead and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, each lake near Moorhead is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review while making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be packed with beachgoers. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!