One common misconception of the Midwest is that there aren’t many good options for boating or yachting. When people think of taking their boat out, they usually picture a coastline with water that goes out for miles and miles. But there’s plenty of coastline in the Midwest! The huge lakes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois make for prime yachting. Consider taking the boat out to one of these pristine locations next time you want to get some salt and sun.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Located in the heart of Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks is a prime vacation destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. The lake is actually a reservoir that was created by damming off the Osage River, creating 1,500 miles of sunny shoreline for visitors to explore. The lake itself twists and turns, looking more like a dragon than a body of water from an aerial view, which earned its nickname “The Magic Dragon.” Visitors congregate for boating, fishing, tubing, and swimming before taking a lunch break at the nearby smokehouse. Hiking trails and caves offer extra ways to explore this Missouri gem.
Elk River Chain of Lakes, Michigan
This 75-mile long waterway consists of 14 connecting rivers and connecting lakes of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, which empty into Lake Michigan. The watershed covers over 500 square miles, offering bounteous scenery to locals and visitors alike. During the summer when the sun is at its strongest, the strong light pierces the water, making it crystal-clear and blue, like Caribbean water. This one characteristic, coupled with the mild climate and gorgeous scenery, draws thousands of visitors to the Lower Peninsula each year. Torch Lake is the biggest and most beautiful body of water in this chain, but boaters won’t want to miss the sandy beaches and quaint Michigan towns that dot the way along the chain.
Lake Wawasee, Indiana
Indiana’s largest natural lake, Lake Wawasee, covers about 3,000 acres of surface area and boasts two islands. It is named after Miami chief Wawasee, who lived in what is today known as Kosciusko County, Indiana, in the mid-1800s. With three marinas and a yacht club, Lake Wawasee opens its arms to boat and yacht enthusiasts. The Wawasee Yacht Club was founded in 1935 and promotes the sport of sailboat racing; its members race 28-foot E-Scow, 19-foot Lightning, and 13-foot Sunfish class boats. With over 25 miles of shoreline, golfing, paddle boarding, shopping, and dining, Lake Wawasee is a vacationer’s paradise.
Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin
Lake Winnebago is one of Wisconsin’s finest lakes, being the largest lake contained within the state. Winnebago has shallow freshwater, making it perfect for boating, kayaking, swimming, and waterskiing. It has 88 miles of shoreline and covers an area roughly 30 miles by 10 miles across. Named after the Native tribe who inhabited the area before colonization, Lake Winnebago is a popular boating destination and even surpassed the Mississippi River in terms of boat traffic in 1989. Fishing is a popular pastime because of the high concentration of various desirable fish, such as white bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, perch, and northern pike. High Cliff State Park borders the northeastern edge of the lake, offering visitors the opportunity to hike, camp, and picnic.
Lake Okoboji, Iowa
Located in the northwest corner of Iowa, nearly on the border of Minnesota, is one of Iowa’s premier vacation destinations. “Okoboji” originates from the Dakota tribe’s name for the lake. Today, Okoboji offers a myriad of fun activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether you are interested in the arts, entertainment, nightlife, museums, golfing, swimming, or hiking, there’s something for you to do at Okoboji. One of the biggest draws of this vacation spot is its fishing. They even offer fishing expeditions led by top competitive anglers who can teach you where and how to catch the biggest fish in the lake. But if fishing isn’t your cup of tea, sailing around the 3,000-acre body of water is still a great way to spend the day.
Lake Michigan
This sprawling lake borders four states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. It is bitter cold in the winter, but come summertime, the lake turns into a vacationer’s dream. Michigan residents are never more than six miles away from a lake, river, or stream, so there’s always an opportunity to get out on the water. Boating is one of the most popular activities on Lake Michigan, making it easy to waterski, tube, fish, or sail around the 22,000 square miles of water. Lake Michigan also plays host to boat races throughout the year, such as the St. Clair powerboat races.
Contact a Chicago Yacht Chartering Service
For more than three decades, Anita Dee Yacht Charters has specialized in fully customizable events aboard our two private & exclusive luxury yachts. Come find out why we’re Chicago’s finest luxury yacht charter. Call us at (312) 379-3191 or reach out to us online to book your event with us today!