Utah, while landlocked, boasts a surprising number of scenic lakeside towns offering tranquil waters, mountain vistas, and small-town charm. Here are ten of the most picturesque lakeside towns in the state:
1. Garden City (Bear Lake)
- Situated on the shores of Bear Lake, known for its striking turquoise waters.
- Famous for the annual Raspberry Days Festival and outdoor activities like paddleboarding and hiking the Limber Pine Nature Trail.
2. Laketown (Bear Lake)
- Located at the quieter southern edge of Bear Lake.
- Features Rendezvous Beach and the Laketown-Meadowville Bike Trail, with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
3. Midway (Deer Creek Reservoir)
- Nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its alpine scenery and chalet architecture.
- Offers lakeside recreation at Deer Creek Reservoir and unique attractions like the Homestead Crater hot spring.
4. Huntsville (Pineview Reservoir)
- A peaceful town on Pineview Reservoir, ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming.
- Known for historic sites, the Shooting Star Saloon (Utah’s oldest bar), and gentle hiking trails.
5. Willard (Willard Bay)
- Sits on the edge of Willard Bay, a freshwater reservoir off the Great Salt Lake.
- Offers boating, camping, and local attractions like the Millstream Classic Car Museum and Apple Creek Amish Market.
6. Duchesne (Starvation Reservoir)
- Located at the meeting point of the Strawberry and Duchesne Rivers.
- Home to Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation, a haven for fishing, boating, and stargazing.
7. Heber City (Jordanelle & Deer Creek Reservoirs)
- Nestled between two major reservoirs, offering a blend of mountain and lakeside recreation.
- Features the Heber Valley Historic Railroad and a vibrant Western heritage.
8. Charleston (Deer Creek Reservoir)
- A small community on the west side of Deer Creek Reservoir.
- Known for its tranquil rural setting and easy access to water sports.
9. Green River (Green River)
- Built along the banks of the Green River in eastern Utah.
- Offers river rafting, museum visits, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for escaping crowds.
10. Salt Lake City (Great Salt Lake)
- While a major city, its proximity to the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park provides unique lakeside experiences.
- Enjoy sailing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing just minutes from urban amenities.
These towns showcase Utah’s diverse lakeside beauty, from the vibrant blue of Bear Lake to the vast expanse of the Great Salt Lake, each offering a unique blend of recreation, scenery, and local flavor.
Sources:
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/6-best-lakeside-towns-in-utah.html
- https://id.hotels.com/go/usa/must-visit-small-towns-utah
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g60922-Activities-Salt_Lake_City_Utah.html
- https://www.americansky.co.uk/utah-holidays/top-10-small-towns-to-visit-in-utah
- https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/cities-and-towns
- https://www.redfin.com/blog/lakes-in-utah-to-live-on/