Lake Winnipesaukee nestles in the foothills of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It’s the states largest body of water and one of the deepest. Centered in the popular vacation area known as the Lakes Region it provides 4-season pleasure for millions every year.
Before Europeans visited the native people had been enjoying the lake for 10,000 years. They gave Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning “Smile of the Great Spirit.” Spend a week on the lake and you’ll understand what they mean. The area is a magnificent playground for both water and hiking activities.
These days people still fish and canoe on the lake but it’s shared with modern day jet skis and motorboats. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an area to take your time exploring, and enjoy the lazy feeling of messing around on water.
The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on the lake take their water supply directly without any filtering. The towns around the lake are mindful of conservation and it makes for a safe and pristine lake for everybody.
I’ve been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years and I have these suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.
M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE
For a 132-years a cruise boat has been traveling up and down the 72 square miles of the lake. The current boat – M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON – has been operating since 1946. Due to the demand it was extended in 1982 by cutting the boat in half and placing a middle section.
The three decks of the M/S Mount Washington provide stunning vistas of the mountain ranges overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. These mountains include the Belknap, Ossipee, and Sandwich ranges – the foothills of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
There’s no better way of getting oriented on the Lake. You can board the boat at Weirs Beach and take the 2 and