America is blessed with many lakes ideal for spending a vacation. It’s estimated that the US is home to around 3 to 4 million lakes. With such a huge number of lakes, there is great variety, from shallow duck ponds to deep water in cauldron-like basins. Here are some of the most popular destination lakes in the United States:

CRATER LAKE

The most distinguishing characteristic of Oregon’s Crater Lake is its basin. When you take a trip to this spectacular natural formation, you can brag to your friends that you swam in a flooded volcano. With its depth of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the the deepest lake in the US and in the top ten for deepest in the world. This makes scuba diving a very popular activity for visitors. Book a room at the nearby Crater Lake Lodge and try the Wizard Island boat cruises around the crater’s island.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Perfect for boating excursions and cycling, Lake Champlain’s tranquil atmosphere belies its turbulent history. The lake, which is mainly located within the states of New York and Vermont, was one of the locations for three major American wars: the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Vestiges of these monumental conflicts remain to this day. You can check out forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point on the New York side. The Vermont side features Mount Independence and the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Lodging is provided at some of the country’s historic hotels, one of which is named for a Native American character from “The Last of the Mohicans.”

LAKE SUPERIOR

Lake Superior is reputed to be the largest of the Great Lakes of North America. It is also the largest freshwater lake in the world, based on surface area. The size of Lake Superior makes it an ideal place for fishing, since there’s ample room for many species of fish to thrive. Trout, salmon, bass and herring are only a few of the many fish you might hook on your line. Lake Superior is bordered by three states: Minnesota to the west, and Wisconsin and Michigan to the south. The Duluth Charter Fishing Captains offer support in fishing and dining, and there’s the Lutsen Resort for lodging.

LAKE TAHOE

If you are a snow sports enthusiast, you won’t find a better choice than Lake Tahoe. Attribute these unparalleled accommodations to its high altitude, measured at 6,225 feet. Not surprisingly, the lake – divided between California and Nevada – has seven major winter resorts there. One of them is Squaw Valley, which was the venue for the 1960 Winter Olympics. Another resort, appropriately named Heavenly, you can catch a snow-mantled panorama of the entire lake. Also featured at Lake Tahoe are numerous hiking trails, mountain biking trails and a spa and casino resort.

YELLOWSTONE LAKE

Covering an area of 136 square miles, Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in the world’s first national park, Yellowstone. Cruising is a major activity at the lake. It all began in 1871, when geologist Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden led a lake-exploring expedition using a sail-powered boat. Today you can continue that tradition by sailing at the Bridge Bay Marina, which includes floating docks and a launch ramp.