Lake Winnipesaukee

Islands of Lake Hotel Near Lake Boating on Lake Shores of Lake Weirs Beach Fishing Four Seasons of Fun!

Lake Winnipesaukee is located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire at the foothills of the White Mountains. The largest of New Hampshire’s 270 lakes and ponds that make up the beautiful region, and the 6th largest lake in the United States, Lake Winnipesaukee sits 504 feet above sea level, covers approximately 72 square miles, or about 44,586 acres, is approximately 15 miles at its widest point and is broken up by its many unique islands. The lakes numerous coves, bays, beaches and stretched out profile give it 182 miles of shoreline, some developed and some untouched. A scenic 65–mile drive around the lake winds you through many popular towns such as Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, and Wolfeboro.

Islands of Lake Winnipesaukee. Just how many islands does the lake have? Well, nobody can come up with a number until they can define at what point a large rock sticking out of the water becomes a small island. Some figures include 174, 244, and 365, but the most commonly accepted figure is 244. If you were to walk around the perimeter of every island and total it up, you would have walked about 101 miles. Some islands, such as Becky's Garden, are tiny, measuring about 10 feet across, while Long Island and Big Island are the size of nearby ponds. Each island brings a unique history and a character to the area. Stonedam Island has a wildlife preserve that can only be reached by boat. Rattlesnake Island boasts a 400–foot peak that offers views down the lake. Some interesting island names are Overnight, Spider, Rattlesnake, Scavenger, Upper Shoe, Winch, Little Barndoor, Sleepers, Gichigumi, Little Whortleberry, Huck, Little Ganzey, and Guay.  [Top]

Boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. Launch your boat at one of the many launch sites on the Lake, or rent one, charter one or take a cruise on one of the many excursion boats on the “Big Lake.” Whether you take a guided tour aboard the Mt. Washington, the Winni Water Taxi, or rent your own boat, getting out on the Lake is the only way to appreciate its grandeur and complexity. It's also the only way to truly experience 360 degrees of stunning views created by the lake, islands, and three surrounding mountain ranges. If you've never driven a boat before, taking a guided tour is probably the best way to go, as the lake can be very busy on weekends.   [Top]

Shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Visitors may explore the numerous villages on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee by boat or by car, with each offering something unique. Meredith is a restored mill village, where you can browse through antique, art and craft galleries. Wolfeboro is a picture perfect village, right down to its historic Main Street. Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Tuftonboro, Alton, Gilford and Laconia all have their own special flavor. All communities have public parks and docks, and feature varied activities such as fireworks displays and band concerts throughout the year.  [Top]

Weirs Beach at Lake Winnipesaukee. Weirs Beach is the closest, most conveniently located access point to Lake Winnipesaukee from the South and West. The wide, sandy beach offers breathtaking views. Its attached park is beautifully landscaped with picnic areas, a play area, the historical Endicott Rock monument, and a jetty from which to watch an endless parade of boats. There are a multitude of attractions and things to do in Weirs Beach, such as a public beach for arcades, boat cruises, railroad rides, Weirs Beach waterslide, Surf Coaster Water Park, miniature golf, go–carts, laser tag, rock climbing, a batting cage, and a drive–in movie theatre, all within walking distance of the boardwalk. Visitors can also enjoy shopping for gifts, candles, jewelry, and antiques.  [Top]

Lake Winnipesaukee Fishing. Aside from swimming and boating, fishing is the next most popular activity on Lake Winnipesaukee. Fish to catch include salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, hornpout, cusk, smelt, sunfish, and whitefish. Great fishing spots are plentiful, from the lakes shallow coves to maximum depths of 213 feet. The lake hosts a couple of popular fishing derbies. The Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby in February is the largest winter event held in the Lakes Region. Thousands of anglers flock to the area to brave the mid winter weather in hopes of landing the fish that might earn a new boat or cash winnings. In mid May, right before the mosquitoes and the black flies make their appearance, the Winni Derby gives those who are not comfortable being out in the cold a chance to take home boats and prizes. For more information, check out www.winniderby.com.   [Top]

Lake Winnipesaukee – Four Seasons of Fun! Lake Winnipesuakee offers visitors four seasons of vacation fun and year–round recreation. In the winter months when the temperatures dip, families can enjoy ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross country skiing or ice boating on the Lake’s frozen surface.  [Top]