Lakes Travel Guide

Excitement and relaxation meet in the Lakes Region. The name alone evokes images of the blissful and lazy days of summer.

There are 273 lakes and ponds in the Lakes Region, Winnisquam, Newfound and Squam are quite popular. Though the largest lake in the state is Lake Winnipesaukee - 72 square mile, 28 miles long and 13 miles wide. Lake Winnipesaukee has numerous island.The largest of these islands are Long Island (1,186 acres), Bear Island (780 acres), Cow Island (522 acres) and Governor’s Island (504 acres).

Lake Winnipesaukee is also the sixth largest natural lake inside U.S. borders.

Eight towns border the lake: Alton, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro.

Wolfeboro was the nation’s first summer resort and still remains a very popular vacation area. Other communities as Meredith, Laconia and Weirs Beach, and Gilford are as popular.

Water is a big part of the fun here, from swimming and fishing, to waterparks, cruise ships, boat tours and nature centers. In winter there’s ice fishing, ice sailing, cross country and downhill skiing and snowmobiling, too.

To really get to know the Lakes Region, the tourist should also explore communities like Sandwich, where the state’s crafts organization was born. Wakefield, which has an impressive historic district. Melvin Village can be a favorite stop for antique lovers. Plymouth is the home of The Silver Cultural Arts Center.