The truth is that there are several Midwest states that have the same amount of registered boats like there are in Florida. For instance, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois are all top inland boating contenders. Avid boaters who live on the coast often have a difficult time imagining that there is much of a boating scene inland; but, it is true because there are so many stunning boating lakes. So, finding a location to have fun on a boat in the center of the nation is simple thanks to freshwater lakes and impoundments. Keep reading if you want to learn more about the best sailing lakes in the Midwest!

Lake Vermillion, Minnesota

Lake Vermillion is frequently one of the top ten most gorgeous lakes in the Midwest, as well as one of the greatest boating holidays, due to its 40,000-acre size and ease of navigation. On windy days, there are numbered channel markers and safe locations where you can seek shelter. Lake Vermilion is the gateway to the Superior National Forest, which is almost fully encircled by it. The Vermilion River is the only outflow from Lake Vermilion, which is fed by various rivers and tributaries. Note that Lake Vermilion has the longest shoreline of any Minnesota lake, at 290 miles. In addition, in Lake Vermilion, there are 365 islands, one for each day of the year!
The lake is adequately designated with numbered buoys and channel markers throughout the boating season. Lastly, by mid-November, Lake Vermilion is frequently frozen over.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Lakes in the US

Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota

Lake Mille Lacs is Minnesota’s second-largest lake, covering more than 132,00 acres. The majority of the lake has depths of 20 to 38 feet, making it ideal for walleye, northern pike, and muskie fishing. The Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, which spans two islands near the lake’s center, is a vital breeding ground for terns, gulls, and cormorants. Bird watching is one of the best activities you can do from aboard your vessel. The lake is so large, with over 80 miles of shoreline, that you can’t see land on the other side most days. The Rum River empties into the Mississippi River at Anoka, Minnesota, from Lake Mille Lacs. Along the lake are Father Hennepin State Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, and parts of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks is an artificial reservoir built by damming the Osage River. It is 93 miles long, has a surface area of roughly 54,000 acres, and has a dragon-like shoreline that twists and turns for many miles. It’s about an hour south of Jefferson City. Most of its length is bordered by magnificent hardwood forests, providing excellent spots to sit back, relax, and take in the landscape. Public access to the lake’s magnificent and generally well-protected waters is provided by the Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Locals claim that exploring every inch of it would take a lifetime.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Lakes in Michigan

Table Rock Lake, Missouri

Table Rock Lake is located near the famed tourist attraction of Branson, Missouri, making it a popular spot for people to unwind, relax, and reconnect with nature. The lake’s varied geography makes it ideal not just for boaters, but also for campers. Table Rock Lake State Park, as well as Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, are popular destinations. Anglers and boaters will appreciate miles of remote and rough shoreline ideal for anchoring and exploring. If you don’t have a boat you can rent one from a variety of locations around the lake.

Elk River Chain of Lakes, Michigan

The Elk River Chain of Lakes, which stretches approximately 75 miles, provides ample opportunity for a variety of outdoor activities. Powerboats stay in the larger water bodies at the lower end, including Torch Lake. But, canoeists and kayakers can paddle the entire route through 14 lakes and two dams. Sailing, windsurfing, and water skiing are all popular activities on this large, deep canal. It is the state’s second-deepest interior lake, and its beaches and waterways are less crowded than those of other popular lakes. It’s adjacent to Elk Rapids, Michigan’s northernmost village.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Lakes in Texas

Lake Leelanau, Michigan

Lake Leelanau in northern Michigan is an off-the-beaten-path lake in the state. Swimming and boating are two of the most popular activities there. The lake is located near Traverse City in the Lower Peninsula. Many vacation homes are around the lake, making it ideal if you also want to stay on the land. Lake Leelanau is divided into two portions, each having its own depths, temperatures, and fish species. Although North Leelanau is the smaller region and South Leelanau is the larger area, both enjoy water leisure opportunities. If you’re staying near Lake Leelanau, you can visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a day trip to explore the sand dunes and the park.

Tappan Lake, Ohio

Tappan Lake, in eastern Ohio’s Muskingum Watershed, attracts boaters from all over the state. The lake’s northwestern arm is a sanctuary for water skiers, with 2,350 acres of water and 30 miles of shoreline protected by 5,000 acres of parkland. The sunsets on Tappan Lake in northern Ohio are legendary, as are the family memories of visitors who make it an annual tradition to visit the lake. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and tubing are all popular activities on the lake. There are two launch ramps at the lake, as well as supplies and food at the Tappan Lake Marina. Other popular activities at Tappan Lake include swimming and fishing.

>>Also Read: Best Places for Sailing in the US

Chippewa Lake, Ohio

Chippewa Lake, located in Medina County in the northern section of the state, is one of Ohio’s most stunning natural lakes. The lake is steeped in Ohio’s rich history. It was developed 14,000 years ago by melting ice sheets and was formerly home to Native Americans in the state. It also housed the Chippewa Lake Amusement Park, which operated for over a century before closing in the 1970s. If you’re searching for a peaceful area to spend the weekend on the water Chippewa Lake is one of the best spots to choose. The 325-acre lake features a boat launch near Westfield Landing Road as well as a pleasant picnic area.

Lake Wawasee, Indiana

Lake Wawasee, which is rather deep throughout its length, is located in the heart of pontoon boat country. Its openness makes it a superb watersports lake, allowing lots of room for twists and long runs, despite being quite open to wind from the northwest and southeast. Looking off the end of a dock will reveal a swarm of tenacious fish swimming around in the clear water. During the season, Oakwood Resort is one of the largest on the lake and a hub of activity. You may also spend an entire day traveling down the shoreline and admiring the gorgeous homes that border the water’s edge.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Lakes in Minnesota

Brookville Lake, Indiana

Brookville Lake, located in the Whitewater River Valley, is a beautiful body of water with 61 miles of coastline that offers outstanding summer and winter fishing, a variety of recreational opportunities, and breathtaking natural scenery. The landscapes around the lake contain 18 leisure places, including two big camps, four marinas, eight boat ramps, and two swimming beaches. This is one of Indiana’s most scenic and historically significant areas. Throughout the year, visitors go to the lake for great fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnics, swimming, sailing, geocaching, and animal watching.

Okoboji Lakes, Iowa

Spring-fed and part of Iowa’s Great Lakes, Okoboji Lakes is a prominent tourist site in the state. The West Okoboji natural lake, formed by glacial activity, has a remarkable blue tint, making it the crown gem in a chain of interconnecting lakes. The depth of the lake, which covers 3,800 acres, attracts fishermen, boaters, water skiers, and other water sports enthusiasts. The Iowa Great Lakes region was formed by a melting glacier more than 14,000 years ago in the state’s northwest corner. The area is now defined by a succession of lakes, including Big Spirit Lake, Iowa’s largest freshwater lake.

These bodies of water, as well as the numerous nearby tourist attractions, distinguish the area as a vacation destination. East Lake Okoboji and West Lake Okoboji are two lakes that offer a wide range of vacation experiences. Moreover, the shoreline is lined with access sites and state parks. Pikes Point State Park, on the northern shoreline, is especially popular for hobbies like photography. Relax aboard your boat to see the sunset or experience the thrill of parasailing or wakeboarding.

Spirit Lake, Iowa

Big Spirit Lake is the largest of the Iowa Great Lakes, located close to the Minnesota border in northwest Iowa. It is also the state’s largest freshwater lake. Big Spirit is responsible for a significant amount of tourism and recreation in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Marble Beach, home to the region’s largest campground, is one such popular place on the western shore. Many lovely log structures from that era can still be found in this lakeside state park. You will find every form of water activity in Iowa’s largest Great Lake. Note that pleasure boats and pontoon boats are common motorized watercraft on the lake. If you don’t have your own vessel you can rent one at Spirit Lake’s company. In addition, there are many boat ramps along the shore of public parks.

Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin

Lake Winnebago is one of the most popular boating spots in inland Wisconsin. It is the state’s largest lake, covering roughly 132,000 acres. Because it is located in Fond du Lac, Lake Winnebago is easily accessible, and it is nearby Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison. There is a public beach for swimming in Lake Winnebago, as well as 13 public parks from which to access the lake for fishing and boating. The High Cliff Escarpment State Natural Area spans for a mile along the Lake Winnebago shoreline, where you can view some impressive limestone cliffs created by the escarpment. There are also rich forests with numerous varieties of fern and distinctive flowers due to the ecosystem. With a state park and a handful of county parks dotted throughout the lake’s 88 miles of shoreline, public water access is particularly strong.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Lakes Near Los Angeles

McConaughy Lake, Nebraska

The lake was contained by the Kingsley Dam, which is the world’s second-largest hydraulic fill dam. Sailing, power boating, fishing, and even scuba diving are all popular activities on the lake. The seashore is lined with campgrounds and parks, making it a popular destination for boaters who travel by RV to numerous lakes and rivers. Lake McConaughy is located along the North Platte River and offers great fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. It’s also recognized for great windsurfing, water skiing, and swimming, as well as being a popular diving spot. Along the waterfront, there are some wonderful white sand beaches as well as numerous picnic sites. Those who wish to spend the night have the option of camping or staying at a lakeside lodge.