Fargo Lakes

Lakes Near Fargo

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Fargo. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Fargo there are lots of great spots for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Fargo offer you lots of options for outdoor fun. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then set out this weekend and discover your own favorite spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Fargo

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Fargo you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. 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.

Every getaway at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Fargo offer tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Have a picnic. The lakes near Fargo offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be a good place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Garbage bags
  • Beach blanket
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Portable stereo
  • Tennis shoes
  • A picnic basket
  • Bug spray
  • Portable phone charger
  • Swimsuits

Additional lake items

The gear in the list below might prove useful for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Wine key
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Worms or other bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Books
  • Games for the beach

Lake Safety

While spending a weekend to the lake can be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Fargo, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more rewarding. As an example, every lake is going to have their own features so it is important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Fargo may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches 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!
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you find a marina that has what you need.