Imagine escaping to the serene beauty of a lakeside retreat, where tranquil waters meet luxurious accommodations and endless leisure activities. The United States boasts some of the most breathtaking lake destinations in the world, and nestled within these scenic landscapes are exceptional resorts offering all-inclusive experiences. For travelers seeking relaxation and adventure amidst stunning natural beauty, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best lake resorts in the USA that promise unforgettable getaways.
Fair Hills Resort, Minnesota
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Nestled on the shores of Minnesota’s picturesque Pelican Lake, Fair Hills Resort offers a nostalgic escape to a classic American summer camp experience. Established in 1906, this family-friendly resort has welcomed generations seeking unpretentious lakeside fun. Guests reside in charming, no-frills lake cabins, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment. The all-inclusive rates encompass a wide array of activities suitable for all ages, from fishing and invigorating swims in the lake to spirited scavenger hunts, tennis matches, and rounds of golf. This resort is perfect for families seeking a traditional lake vacation with a focus on outdoor recreation and quality time together amidst the natural beauty of Minnesota’s lake country.
Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania
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Perched high in Pennsylvania’s stunning Pocono Mountains, Skytop Lodge is a historic mountain resort that has been welcoming guests since 1928. While not directly on a lake, its sprawling 5,500-acre estate features breathtaking views and access to numerous nearby lakes and water activities in the region. Choose to stay in the grand stone lodge or the inn adjacent to the championship golf course. Skytop Lodge offers a Modified American Plan, an inclusive package that includes breakfast and dinner at the lodge’s distinguished dining venues. Beyond the culinary offerings, guests can explore the natural beauty of the Poconos, engage in outdoor adventures, and enjoy the tranquility of a mountain retreat with the allure of nearby lakes.
The Tyler Place Family Resort, Vermont
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Located on 165 acres of private shoreline at the northeast corner of Vermont’s magnificent Lake Champlain, The Tyler Place Family Resort has been a beloved summer destination for five generations. This all-inclusive resort specializes in creating exceptional family vacations with a wide array of amenities and activities catering to all ages. Accommodations range from charming cottages to spacious suites. The resort boasts a pool complex, field house, sports fields, art workshops, hiking trails, and bike rentals, ensuring there’s always something to do. Adults can savor intimate, bistro-style dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients while children enjoy dedicated programming. With its prime lakeside location and comprehensive family offerings, Tyler Place is an ideal choice for a memorable lake resort vacation.
Grand Hotel, Michigan
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The majestic Grand Hotel, a 19th-century colonnaded summer resort, graces Mackinac Island in Michigan, overlooking the expansive Lake Huron. Accessible only by ferry, this car-free island offers a unique and tranquil escape. The Grand Hotel, a National Historic Landmark since 1887, exudes timeless elegance with its iconic porch, lawn games, and after-dinner dancing. Each of the 388 rooms and suites is uniquely decorated, providing a personalized experience. Guests can select from various packages, including full or modified American plans that cover daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of a bygone era while enjoying the stunning lake views and charming atmosphere of Mackinac Island.
Mohonk Mountain House, New York
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Nestled in New Paltz, New York, Mohonk Mountain House is a breathtaking 251-room Victorian castle resort perched on the shores of pristine Lake Mohonk. This all-inclusive destination seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities. The nightly rate encompasses three farm-to-table meals daily, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking across 85 miles of wooded trails in the Shawangunk Ridge, rock climbing, and lake swimming from a sandy beach. In winter, enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating on the resort’s rink. With its stunning lakeside setting and diverse offerings, Mohonk Mountain House provides a captivating lake resort experience in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
C Lazy U Ranch, Colorado
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C Lazy U Ranch, located two hours from Denver in the Colorado Rockies, offers an all-inclusive dude ranch experience that caters to the entire family. While not exclusively a lake resort, its location amidst the mountains provides access to stunning alpine lakes and water-based activities like paddle boating on ranch ponds and fly fishing in nearby rivers. Open year-round since 1919, the ranch boasts a wide range of activities, from horseback riding and cattle pushing clinics to archery, hatchet throwing, and hiking. Guests can also enjoy a game room, tennis courts, a fitness center, a pool, and a hot tub. Accommodations are luxurious private cabins that sleep up to eight guests. C Lazy U Ranch provides a unique blend of ranch adventure and lakeside leisure within a breathtaking mountain setting.
Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Colorado
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Nestled in the secluded backwoods of Colorado, Vista Verde Guest Ranch delivers a luxurious ranch vacation with access to pristine mountain landscapes and nearby lakes and rivers. While primarily a ranch experience, activities such as guided fly-fishing and hiking around alpine lakes are readily available. The all-inclusive rates encompass meals, beverages, horseback riding, guided hiking, biking, fly-fishing, kids’ and teens’ programs, and more. Evenings are filled with barn dances and rodeos. Guests retreat to cozy log cabins with Italian linen sheets and spa robes after activity-filled days. Vista Verde offers a sophisticated ranch experience with opportunities to explore the beauty of Colorado’s lakes and rivers.
Blackberry Farm, Tennessee
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Set on 4,200 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm in Tennessee offers a picturesque and luxurious all-inclusive retreat. The estate features a pond stocked with fish, adding to the serene atmosphere. Accommodations are spread across the main house, cottages, and guesthouses. The all-inclusive package includes lodging, snacks, and three gourmet meals daily. While not directly on a large lake, the property’s pond and proximity to rivers and streams in the Smoky Mountains provide a tranquil water setting. Guests can indulge in a wide range of activities and savor the farm-to-table dining experience at its James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Blackberry Farm provides a refined and relaxing escape with a touch of lakeside charm.
Twin Farms, Vermont
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Just north of Woodstock in Vermont, Twin Farms is an adults-only all-inclusive resort nestled on a 300-acre estate surrounded by woodlands and wildflower meadows. This luxurious hideaway, once the estate of Sinclair Lewis and Dorothy Thompson, features a serene pond perfect for canoeing and fishing. The resort offers 10 suites and 10 private freestanding cottages, each uniquely decorated with fireplaces and luxurious amenities. Guests enjoy customized meals with wine pairings and a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and private downhill skiing trails in winter. Twin Farms provides an intimate and sophisticated lakeside escape focused on relaxation and personalized experiences.
Alila Ventana Big Sur, California
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While Alila Ventana Big Sur in California is not a traditional lake resort, its stunning location between redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean offers a unique “lakeside” experience in a broader sense. The resort provides a tranquil and secluded atmosphere reminiscent of a serene lake setting, with breathtaking natural beauty and calming water views. This adults-only destination offers plush guest rooms, suites with outdoor hot tubs, and private cottages. The inclusive rate covers meals, amenities, concierge services, and access to hiking supplies. Guests can enjoy wellness programming, Japanese baths for stargazing, and the stunning coastal scenery. Alila Ventana Big Sur provides a luxurious and restorative escape that captures the essence of lakeside tranquility amidst the dramatic California coastline.
These ten resorts represent some of the finest all-inclusive lake and lake-adjacent destinations in the United States. Whether you seek a classic family lake vacation, a luxurious romantic getaway, or an adventurous outdoor experience by the water, these resorts offer exceptional hospitality and unforgettable memories amidst America’s most beautiful lake regions.
