In our last article, we wrote about great international destinations for people who love boating and fishing. These areas offer a unique way to experience new cultures, lifestyles, and fishing.
But what if you want to vacation a little closer to home? What if you want something within a day’s drive; a place you can visit for a weekend or even a singe day? Fortunately, the U.S. is a great country for boating! There are cities that offer shopping, dining, and entertainment that can all be accessed by boat. There are remote lakes that give you a glimpse of untouched natural beauty. And there are waters in every region that give you non-stop fishing action. No matter where you live in the US, there are great destinations for boaters nearby. These, however, are a just few of our favorites…
KNOXVILLE, TN:
If you want one of the most unique boating experiences of your life, take your Scout to Knoxville on a weekend when the Tennessee Volunteers are playing a home game. Even without football, Knoxville’s downtown, which is split by the Tennessee River, is built for boaters who want to dine, shop, and have a great time on and off the water.
THE FLORIDA KEYS:
Everyone knows the Florida Keys is America’s premier saltwater boating and fishing destination, but you need to see it to truly appreciate it. From the fishing culture to the outstanding weather, the Keys are a boater’s dream come true.
HUNGRY HORSE RESERVOIR, MT:
Montana might bring to mind majestic mountains, thundering herds of wild horses, and shallow trout streams, but the state has some breath-taking lakes as well, including Hungry Horse Reservoir in the Flathead National Forest. It’s not the most easy-to-reach lake in the country, but when you arrive, you’ll be left speechless by the proud wooded mountains that surround the pristine lake.
SEATTLE, WA:
Seattle’s NFL team is the “Seahawks.” Their Major League Baseball club is the “Mariners.” Notice a pattern? Whether you are strolling Puget Sound, cruising through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or making your way to the Pacific Ocean, Seattle is a one of the top American cities for life on the water. From world-class fishing to dock-side dining to the famous fish markets, Seattle is a town custom-built for boaters and anglers.
FINGER LAKES REGION, NY:
Consisting of 11 narrow lakes that slash across the landscape, the Finger Lakes in central New York is a popular tourist destination. While you could go during the tourist-filled summer, an even better choice is to visit during the fall, when there is less traffic (on the lakes and the roads), vibrant autumn scenery, and excellent fishing.
CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE, WI:
If you enjoy freshwater fishing, the Chippewa Flowage in northern Wisconsin needs to be on your bucket-list. When the Chippewa River was dammed in the 1920’s, it created the “Big Chip,” a 15,300-acre impoundment that is a maze of islands, wooded shoreline, and (above all) excellent fishing. Muskellunge fishing is practically a religion in the area, but the numerous resorts and shoreside bars make the Chippewa a great place for a family vacation or a weekend getaway.
THE RIGHT BOAT FOR ALL OF LIFE’S ADVENTURES
No matter where your roaming spirit takes you, make sure you have a boat that can handle all of your adventures. Use the Build Your Scout feature to create the perfect vessel for any trip!
