Lakes Near Great Falls
Sometimes you should spend some time near the water. A lake getaway can be wonderful for those that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
There are many brilliant arguments for making a trip to a lake in Great Falls this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Take a look at the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to have a look the options from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to visit.
Nearby Lakes for Great Falls
Things to Do at the Lake
On a day trip to a lake near Great Falls there are many things to do for groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Great Falls:
Picnic time. The lakes near Great Falls gives you the chance to visit many top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view is hard to beat.
Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.
Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with all kinds of choices.
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!
Lake basics
When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the list below is a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- Insect repellant
- Portable stereo
- Food and snacks
- UV protection
- Swimsuits
- Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Beach blanket
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- Towels
Additional lake items
The gear in the list below can make your life easier for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.
- Kindle
- Tackle box
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Fishing poles
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Worms or other bait
- Wine key
- Toys for the beach
- Goggles or masks
Lake Safety Checklist
Of course your getaway on your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- 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
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Great Falls
When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Great Falls, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan far more successful. Case in point, each lake has their own qualities and surroundings so it is important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.
- Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
- Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Great Falls can get extremely crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
- Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. 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 usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
