Swim, Play, and Breathe Pine Air Near Weirs Beach
Why Rent On Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest lake, covering 72 square miles with 274 miles of shoreline and 274 islands scattered across water that was formed by glaciers and named by the Abenaki to mean “smile of the great spirit.” The surrounding Lakes Region, including the charming villages of Gilford, Wolfeboro, Meredith, and Laconia, frames the lake with genuine New England character, and staying in a lakefront vacation home here is the single best decision a visiting family can make.
Every Water Activity You Can Imagine
Boating, sailing, kayaking, and swimming dominate the warmer months, and the 600-foot sandy beach at Ellacoya State Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in the state. Fishing for lake trout, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout is strong throughout the season. The M/S Mount Washington cruise ship offers scenic tours, dinner cruises, and Sunday brunch tours that give families a sweeping view of the lake’s extraordinary scale from the water.
Landmarks That Earn Their Reputation
Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough is a genuinely spectacular hilltop estate with sweeping lake views and carriage roads that families come back to year after year. The Canterbury Shaker Village south of Laconia offers one of the most complete and well-interpreted looks at Shaker life in New England. The Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro and the Loon Preservation Center in Moultonborough add educational depth to any stay.
Winter Is Equally Worth Planning For
Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing with views of the frozen lake that are genuinely memorable. Ice fishing on Winnipesaukee draws a devoted local community, and a lakeside rental with a fireplace and hot tub makes a January visit feel intentionally luxurious rather than merely cold.
The Perfect New Hampshire Lake Home
A lakefront vacation home on Lake Winnipesaukee gives your family private dock access, lake views from every window, a full kitchen, and room for the whole group. Rentals that sleep eight to sixteen guests are available throughout the Lakes Region, and properties with hot tubs and covered docks make every season workable. This is the lake that defines New Hampshire lake travel.
- Surface area (mi)
- 114.33
- Max depth (ft)
- 213.25
- Elevation (ft)
- 1653.54
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 287.69
Popular activities
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Marinas on Lake Winnipesaukee
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Winnipesaukee has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are health and safety advisories. Lake Winnipesaukee has areas with elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions, which can be harmful to humans and pets. It is advised to avoid contact with the water in these areas and perform a self-risk assessment before swimming.
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Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular destination due to its large size and crystal-clear water. It is the largest lake in New Hampshire, covering 71.8 square miles with 183 miles of shoreline and featuring 258 islands. The lake’s clarity and diverse depth, ranging from 20 to 169 feet, make it ideal for various water activities.
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The daily bag limit for lake trout and salmon in Lake Winnipesaukee is 2 fish, with a minimum length of 18 inches for lake trout and 15 inches for landlocked salmon. No salmon can be taken through the ice, and the aggregate limit applies for both open-water and ice fishing seasons.
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Opechee Park Cove Beach is best for families. It has a quiet cove with no boats, a playground area, and no admission fee, making it a great spot for family activities. It is also well-suited for swimming and picnics.
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The towns of Wolfeboro and Laconia offer the most amenities and activities for visitors to Lake Winnipesaukee. These towns feature unique attractions, community events, and recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Weirs Beach in Laconia is also a hub for vacation fun with restaurants, mini golf, arcades, and other entertainment.
