• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Lake Chelan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Lake Chelan
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2. Walden Pond ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walden Pond
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3. Horseshoe Lake

Category: Activities
Horseshoe Lake
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4. Crater Lake

Category: Activities
Crater Lake
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5. Deer Lake

Category: Activities
Deer Lake
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6. Echo Lake

Category: Activities
Echo Lake
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7. Fallen Leaf Lake

Category: Activities
Fallen Leaf Lake
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8. Flathead Lake

Category: Activities
Flathead Lake
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9. Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds
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10. Lake Carlos

Category: Activities
Lake Carlos
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11. Lake Crescent

Category: Activities
Lake Crescent
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12. Lake Erie

Category: Activities
Lake Erie
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13. Lake George

Category: Activities
Lake George
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14. Lake McConaughy

Category: Activities
Lake McConaughy
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15. Lake Michigan

Category: Activities
Lake Michigan
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16. Lake Ontario

Category: Activities
Lake Ontario
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17. Lake Powell

Category: Activities
Lake Powell
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18. Lake Red Rock

Category: Activities
Lake Red Rock
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19. Lake Winnipesaukee

Category: Activities
Lake Winnipesaukee
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20. Red Fish Lake

Category: Activities
Red Fish Lake
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21. Saint Mary Lake

Category: Activities
Saint Mary Lake
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22. Spring Lake

Category: Activities
Spring Lake
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23. Torch Lake

Category: Activities
Torch Lake
© Courtesy of Sean - Fotolia.com

24. Blue Hole

Blue Hole
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Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

There are few better ways to spend a summer day than playing in a lake with family and friends, picnicking and sunbathing on the shore, or boating around and soaking in nature. A favorite summertime pastime for many and a great way to cool off, swimming holes are the next best thing to a beach vacation. We’ve chosen some of the best swimming lakes from North America in this list. Ranging from quiet mountain lakes to the massive Great Lakes and popular city swimming areas, we’ve got something for everyone.

Map:


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