When you’re looking to take a vacation in the United States to a lake town, most people tend not to think of the Northeast as the go-to travel spot. With massive lakes like Lake Michigan, Superior, and Heuron in the Midwest, why not travel there?
While these lakes have many great traits, if you are looking for a small-town tourist-friendly environment, lakes in the Northeast have the Great Lakes beat. The best of these vacation destinations, however, is Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire.
With beautiful scenery, a lovely atmosphere, and plenty of things to do, Lake Winnipesaukee is a great place for you and your family to enjoy. After one trip to the Lake, you’re certain to find your family’s annual vacation spot.
Lake Winnipesaukee has so much to do, however, that it can sometimes be hard to navigate. We’ve got you covered in this complete guide to Lake Winnipesaukee.
In order to truly appreciate your time visiting Lake Winnipesaukee, it’s helpful to have a little bit of background knowledge about the lake, its origins, and the area around the body of water. Perhaps the first thing you want to know: how do you pronounce the lake’s name?
Lake Winnipesaukee (pronounced WIN-i-pa-sauk-ee) is located in central New Hampshire and situated in Belknap and Carroll counties. The lake gets its name from the indigenous people of the region, the Abenaki.
The name loosely translates to either “beautiful water in a high place” or “smile of the great spirit”. These names reference both the natural beauty of the lake and its geographic location, which is situated at the base of the White Mountains.
The lake encompasses about 71 square miles and contains over 260 islands. it was formed by the last glaciation to cover most of New Hampshire (around 12,000 years ago) in which the glacier moved in one direction, reversed its flow, and eventually dissipated. The glacial nature of the lake makes it incredibly deep, with parts of the lake being 180 feet deep.
The lake’s natural beauty has led it to become an important part of New Hampshire’s economy, both historically and today. With 8 tourist-heavy towns situated around the lake, tourism and properties around Lake Winnipesaukee generate about $17 billion for New Hampshire annually.
The lake is also well-known in popular media. The movie On Golden Pond is based on nearby Squam Lake, but had multiple scenes shot on Lake Winnipesaukee. Further, many of Adam Sandler’s movies are loosely based around the lake.
Traveling To Lake Winnipesaukee
As a major tourist destination with visitors coming from Boston and New York City every year, Lake Winnipesaukee is fairly accessible to travel to. There are three major forms of transportation people take to get to Lake Winnipesaukee: car, bus, and plane. Since its location is slightly removed from the major population zones in New Hampshire, often a car, rental or owned, is necessary.
- FLIGHT
If you are hoping to fly to access Lake Winnipesaukee, there are two major airports worth considering flying into. These are Boston’s Logan Airport and Manchester’s Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Logan Airport is larger than Manchester with often cheaper prices and more frequent flights. However, Manchester-Boston Airport is much closer to Lake Winnipesaukee.
- BUS
Additionally, the Concord Coach bus service provides helpful options to get into New Hampshire and the Lakes region. The bus has a regular line running from both Logan Airport and Boston’s South Station into Concord, New Hampshire, and, once daily, into Center Harbor and Meredith, New Hampshire (towns located on Lake Winnipesaukee).
- CAR
The most common way to get to Lake Winnipesaukee, however, is by taking a car. Cars can be rented at any airport or in Concord, New Hampshire if you are taking mass transportation into the state. Once here, you can either take I-93 through central New Hampshire if you are coming from the south or north, Route 16 if you are coming from the east, and I-89 if you are coming from the west.
Additionally, having access to a car is often helpful when visiting the towns and attractions in and around Lake Winnipesaukee, so these options are often best. So even if you’re flying into New Hampshire, just book a rental car at the airport.
What To Do Around The Lake
Once you’re here at the lake, there are plenty of places to stay and things to do! Whether it be dining out, taking a boat trip, staying at a local hotel, or more, you’re certain to enjoy your time.
Places To Stay On Lake Winnipesaukee
While Lake Winnipesaukee abuts a number of towns, Center Harbor, Meredith, and Laconia tend to have the most lodging options. Here are three great hotels on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Church Landing
Church Landing, located in Meredith, is one of the best hotels in the Lakes Region. With high-quality facilities, exceptional staff, and a wonderful location, Church Landing is great if you really want a quality retreat.
With rooms coming with either one king or two queen-sized beds, there are a number of options to fit your needs. If you’re looking for a lakeside suit, they have it. Want a room with a balcony overlooking the water, Church Landing has got you covered. If you want a luxury stay, Church Landing is the premier choice.
Mill Falls
Mill Falls, owned and operated by the same people who run Church Landing, is Meredith’s more affordable lakeside stay. Located just across the street from Meredith Town Docks, Mill Falls offers exceptional lodging options at more pocket-friendly prices.
With options including a Standard King, Standard Queen, Standard Two Doubles, options for sofa beds, lakeside views, balconies, and the prized Bell Tower Room, Mill Falls is great for families, couples, or solo journeys to the lake. Mill Falls also is located just across from a wonderful marketplace and a number of great restaurants, giving you access to lots of amenities.
Center Harbor Inn
The Center Harbor Inn, located in the nearby town of Center Harbor, provides a variety of high-class lodging options for both small and large groups. The inn has a number of options including a Vista King, Lodge King, Double Queens, Beach Level rooms, Suits, and Cottages to choose from.
Additionally, the Center Harbor Inn includes a number of unique amenities for guests to enjoy. This includes a private beach, dock slips, a hot tub, kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, a sauna and fitness area, and a continental breakfast. You certainly can’t go wrong with a stay here.
Other charming stays around the lake include:
- Fireside Inn & Suites Gilford
- The Lakeview Inn & Cottages
- NASWA Resort
- Center Harbor Sutton House B & B
- The Margate Resort
Best Restaurants and Dining Options
With so many lakeside towns, there are many dining options available. If you’re looking for standard fares like Applebees, the 99 Restaurant, or pizza options, there are many available. However, here are some local favorites if you’re really trying to enjoy local options.
Ellacoya Barn and Grille
Ellacoya Barn and Grille, located in Gilford, New Hampshire offers a delicious variety of American fare and drinks in a fun atmosphere. The restaurant itself is actually located in an old barn that has been converted into the rustic location it is today. The menu includes a variety of seafood, sandwiches, and pizza for all to enjoy.
Another great aspect of the restaurant is that it is open daily starting at 11:30 am. Many of the restaurants in the area, particularly during the off-season, close or severely restrict hours. This isn’t the case here, making it great for all to enjoy.
Canoe Restaurant and Tavern
Located in Center Harbor, New Hampshire, the Canoe Restaurant and Tavern offer a yummy lunch and dinner menu with an at-home feel meant to imitate that of a boat house. The restaurant specializes in sandwiches, making it a great spot to grab take-out for a day on the water, but also offers pizza, American fare, and more options.
The Canoe also has an extensive wine and cocktail menu, making it great for a fun night out during the weekend. Due to its location, no Uber, Lyft, or rideshare are available for pickup, so if you are going for a night out, make sure to plan in advance how you are getting home.
Town Docks
Town Docks is located in Meredith right across from the Meredith Town Docks. This restaurant is only open seasonally, meaning that if you come during the late fall, winter, or early spring, you’re likely to miss out. However, if you’re looking to visit the lake during its height in summer, Town Docks should be open.
The restaurant is owned by the Common Man Restaurant Chain which runs throughout New Hampshire. It offers common American fare, but has some of the best seafood in the area. With much of it being fresh either from the coast or from out on the lake, it is a must-have on any trip.
Best Boating Options On Lake Winnipesaukee
While of course you need places to stay and eat on your vacation, you also want to make sure that you’re able to enjoy the entire reason why you came to the lake: to be on the water! Here are some of the best boating options on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Ride The MS Mount Washington
One of the most popular activities for locals and tourists alike on Lake Winnipesaukee is to take a ride on the MS Mount Washington. The boat, a steam-powered cruise ship operated by the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation provides the opportunity for people to embrace their time on the water.
With scenic tours, sunset cruises, bunch cruises, and summer cocktail cruises, there is plenty to do on the boat. While rides are available only during the summers, the historic significance to the region and the amount of fun make it a great activity!
Rent Kayaks From Wild Meadow Paddlesports
One thing locals love about the lakes region in New Hampshire is the ability to get in some exercise while enjoying the beauty of the lake. One great way to do this is by renting kayaks, cannons, or paddle boards from a local shop.
Located in Moultonborough, Wild Meadow Paddlesports allows visitors to rent paddle-powered boats for day use. With the option of receiving a guided tour of the lake or renting in groups, Wild Meadow is a great way to enjoy your time on the lake.
Goodhue Boat Rental
While taking a ride on a powered boat is exciting, sometimes it’s best to have the freedom and independence of using your own boat. With Goodhue Boat Rental, you can rent a boat for a day, multi-day, or even weekly stay.
To rent a boat, you are required to have an NH boating license and it is recommended to have insurance as the boats do not include insurance. Water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are options, however, so get out and enjoy your time!
Coming to Lake Winnipesaukee is certain to be a great time for you and the family. With plenty of things to do and see both on and off the lake, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life in this part of New Hampshire!