Manhattan Lakes

Lakes Close to Manhattan

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake can be perfect for people who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some watersports, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Manhattan provide you with plentiful options for aquatic adventures. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out on your next vacation to find your own number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Manhattan

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost endless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Manhattan:

Fishing. For those that love to fish, 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 fishing from shore.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Manhattan offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. 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 Manhattan that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Manhattan you will likely need to bring along some of these items so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Dry shirt
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellant
  • Towels
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Sunscreen
  • Beach blanket
  • A cooler and drinks

Specialty lake stuff

Consider the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the items below might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before you make the trip.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Corkscrew
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Something to read
  • Swimming goggles

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Manhattan, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that should ensure that you and your family are always safe on the water.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Manhattan

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Manhattan, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary far more rewarding. As an example, every lake near Manhattan has unique qualities and surroundings so it’s important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches could be extremely busy. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.