Attractions overview: Getting the most out of your next visit to Utah Lake

I like lakes. A lot. Natural, man-made, at sea level, at altitude—I don’t care. I’ve enjoyed many across America my entire life.

Utah Lake is one of those lakes. Admittedly, it’s not the most translucent body of water in the state—although efforts are underway to reverse that. But in terms of available activities and size, it’s certainly one of the best.

In terms of convenience for Utah County residents, Utah Lake is the best. Round trip for most in the area averages 15-25 minutes—a far cry from the hours it can take to reach distant alternatives.

So the next time you consider visiting a lake, consider maximizing your play time (while reducing your travel time) with a visit to Utah Lake. And if you’re short on ideas, consider one of these key attractions:

Water sports. You know, skiing, wake boarding, tubing, wake surfing—the adventurous stuff. Better yet, you won’t freeze as Utah Lake features the warmest water in the state. (ideal time: May-Sep)

Motorboating. At just under 100,000 acres, Utah Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in the western United States, which means there’s a lot of ground to cover. Consequently, it means you’ll have plenty of space to maneuver, instead of the sometimes tight quarters experienced elsewhere. Powerboating, jet skiing, and waverunning are all welcome. Rentals available at Utah Lake State Park. (ideal time: April-October)

Sailing. Instead of heading for New England, why not try sailing in your own backyard first? Thanks to relaxing evening gusts, sailing on Utah Lake is a beautiful way to take in a sunset or slow your roll, preferably both. I’ve done it. It’s awesome. (April-October)

Personal watercraft. For do-it-yourself-ers: Canoeing, kite surfing, row boats, wind surfing, and kayaking are also welcome. The world is your oyster! Rentals available at Utah Lake State Park.

Personal attitude for communication is important for rentals and dating, you can check it all at Utah Lake park or read here https://datehookup.dating/apps/the-inner-circle-review/

Fishing. At Utah Lake you can fish year-round for channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bullhead and several different species of freshwater panfish, by boat, by land, or via ice fishing. Catch a biggun’ for me! (ideal time: year-round)

Wildlife watching. Where does the Utah County Birding Association call home? Utah Lake, which has numerous species to observe. There’s also several land animals to enjoy as well. Spotting them is half the fun. (ideal time:  year-round)

Swimming. It’s not the North Shore, but both Lincoln and Geneva Beach have sand and sun aplenty. A nice getaway for the kids on a warm day. (ideal time:)

Sightseeing. Have you ever been on the west side of the lake, looking east towards Provo and Orem? I bet most of you haven’t. If not, you’re missing out. It’ll change your perspective of the valley. Simply beautiful, as are many other views from the lake. (ideal time: year-round)

Photography. Photographers are always looking for interesting subjects. Utah Lake has thousands of them. Millions maybe depending on the angle and time of year. (ideal time: year-round)

Picnicking. Use one of the many canopy or open air picnic tables. Who doesn’t love food in the sun? (ideal time: April-September)

Exploration. Utah Lake features paved trails for biking, running, sightseeing and hiking. Of course, hikers are welcome off-trail as well. (ideal time: March-October)

Camping. Come on down, the camping’s fine! The Utah Lake State Park has 55 RV trailer sites (40 ft. max length), 14 day stay limit, tent sites, drinking water, modern restrooms, showers, and waste disposal. $20 per group. Online reservations are accepted. (ideal time:March-October)

Hunting. Like fishermen, hunters don’t like to give up their secret spots.  For rules and regulations about hunting around the lake, contact the DWR Central Region office in Springville at 801-491-5678.

Winter fun. Warm weather isn’t the only time to enjoy the lake. Thanks to freezing conditions, there’s lots to do at the lake in the winter. See also: Top 10 things to do at Utah Lake when it’s frozen

Have any other ideas? Please share in the comments.

See also: Live webcam of Utah Lake

About Utah Lake: Utah Lake State Park is five miles west of Provo just off Interstate 15. $2 per person; $9 per vehicle. Senior discounts available. Facilities include four boat launching ramps, sheltered 30-acre marina, 78 seasonal boat slips, modern rest rooms, showers, 71 campsites, a fishing area for the disabled, sewage disposal, and fish cleaning stations. The main marina for Utah Lake is located on the lake’s eastern shore via Center Street. Phone: (801) 375-0731. Other marinas are located at Saratoga Springs, American Fork, Lindon, and Lincoln Beach.

Helpful contacts:

• Sailing, Todd Frye
• Waterskiing, Mel Smith
• Hunting, Matt Clark
• Birding, Ned Hill
• Wind surfing, Rick Heninger
• Angle fishing, Danny Potts
• Utah Lake State Park Manager, Ty Hunter
• Lindon Marina, Mark Cook