While most of the state is known for its dry climate, Central Texas has many wonderful man-made bodies of water. These places offer great opportunities to reconnect with nature allowing you hours of summer fun and time to de-stress. While each has its own character, they all offer great family fun. If you are looking for a family getaway this summer, then make sure to consider these five great lakes.
Lying in the heart of downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake is a beautiful man-made lake created by the damming of the Colorado River. Consider starting your day with a 10.1 bike ride on the path completely encircling this lake. Then, climb in a canoe or kayak allowing you to see the sights of downtown Austin from the water. Later in the day take advantage of the many free concerts located at Auditorium Shores on the lake's southern end.
Amazing views can be enjoyed from many locations surrounding Canyon Lake that was created by the damming of the Guadalupe River. This lake located about halfway between San Antonio and Austin offers families many different activities. Start your day by fishing for bass and catfish as they are abundant in this lake that is the deepest in Texas. As the day heats up, go tubing right below the dam. The many small communities around this lake offer great places to dine. End your day with a night dive before camping in one of the campgrounds located around this lake.
This lake is one of seven making up the chain of Highland Lakes located about an hour north of Austin. Consider starting your day here with a fishing expedition trying to catch bass, crappie and catfish. As the weather warms up, then change boats allowing you to enjoy water skiing fun. Alternatively, Lake LBJ is a very popular spot to go wakeboarding. As the sun begins to set, then enjoy a sailboat cruise on the quiet waters. The small communities around the lake make great places to grab a bite to eat before retiring for the night in your RV or at one of the rental cabins.
Officials decided that the area north of Waco, Texas, needed better flood control, so they created Lake Whitney opening it in 1965. Ever since the lake has been a popular weekend getaway spot. Start your day early by going for a walk to spot as many of the 195 bird species that have been spotted here. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife such as foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and whitetail deer. Then, grab the fishing pole as this lake is regularly stocked with bass, and it has a healthy population of catfish. As the temperature gets warmer, enjoy swimming at the popular swimming beach. End the day by preparing your meal over a campfire before sitting around it to tell ghost stories.
While it is located only 20 miles from Austin, Lake Travis offers visitors a chance to get away from the pressures of city life. Begin the day by parasailing over this clear lake. Like other bodies of water in the Highland Lake Chain, Lake Travis is an angler's paradise. This is a wonderful place to learn to wakeboard. After the sun rises higher, rent a jet ski for some cool afternoon fun. Make sure to leave time to learn to scuba dive.
There are so many things to do on area lakes. Make your plans allowing you to visit one or more of them this summer.
Posted by Shane White on
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