Pennsylvania's Largest Natural Lake Is A Nostalgic Getaway Surrounded By Scenic Views, Shops, And Rentals

Pennsylvania is chock full of fun lake adventures, from Lake Harmony in the Pocono Mountains to the sandy shores of Lake Erie with scenic beach bluffs. However, there is something really special about the Keystone State's largest naturally created lake: Conneaut Lake. The lake is estimated to be around 12,000 years old, created by glacial ice. The size of Conneaut (which is a Seneca Nation word meaning "snow waters") is around 3 miles long and 90 feet deep in some areas, covering upwards of 929 square acres. The lake and surrounding communities became a resort area in the late 1800s, and visitors still flock to the area today for the family-friendly activities, peaceful surroundings, and care-free days spent relaxing and making memories. Guests can even take a nostalgic trip on a paddle wheel boat. 

There really is no bad time to visit Conneaut Lake: summer is perfect for swimming, sailing, bike riding, and golfing, while winter is made for snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and ice fishing. Want to enjoy water sports but don't have your own equipment? Numerous companies in and around Conneaut Lake will be happy to rent everything from kayaks to boats. Festivals are held throughout the year, as well, such as the Festival of the Arts in July and the Pumpkin Fest or Lakeside Lager Beer Festival in October. Lodging options are plentiful; visitors can pick from vacation rentals, motels, and RV campgrounds. 

Visitors can fly into Venango Regional Airport, a 34-mile drive on Georgetown Road. For larger hubs, consider Erie International Airport (46 miles away via Interstate 79 South) or Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, about a two-hour journey. If you choose to fly into Erie, be sure and check out one of the most underrated small zoos in the country. 

Conneaut Lake is proud of its history of ice harvesting, and in 2009, a park (appropriately named Ice House Park) was created. Found on the lake's southern shore, Ice House Park offers a great place to sit and take in spectacular views of the lake and all the natural beauty of the area; there are benches and even a gazebo. Summer visitors can enjoy concerts in the park, while cold weather brings the Winter Ice House Festival. A Tripadvisor reviewer praises the park, saying, "Beautiful place to take photos of the lake and sit for a moment and enjoy the scenery. Lovely park with lots of grass to sit and relax."

Fireman's Beach is another place to enjoy the beautiful Conneaut Lake. Visitors can take in the tranquil water from the comfort of an umbrella-shaded beach chair or a picnic table. For a closer view of the lake, take advantage of the kayak and boat launch and get out on the water. Those who prefer dry land can walk the paths by the shoreline, and kids will love the playground. A visit to the concession stand will make sure you stay hydrated and avoid becoming "hangry." 

Step back in time and check out the scenery from the comfort of a paddle wheel boat. Providing 90-minute scenic boat rides that include historical highlights, the Barbara J Paddle Wheel Boat has been offering a nostalgic cruise on the lake for more than 50 years. The boat ride has been described on Tripadvisor as a "great way to see the entire shoreline ... There is an upper deck and a covered deck for the ride." 

Local shops offer gifts and new clothes to remember your visit to Conneaut Lake. Check out Lavender Blue at the Lake or Sonseeahray's Boutique for a great selection of clothing options. Hue is a wonderful gift shop where you can find cute home goods and admire the work of local artists. 

Be sure to visit Conneaut Cellars Winery and Distillery — the region's first distillery since the days of Prohibition that uses regionally sourced ingredients to make its wine. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour, take part in a wine tasting, and visit the gift shop to take home a bottle of Lake Erie wine.

No need to haul your boat or jet ski from home, as rental companies are available around Conneaut Lake to make your vacation stress-free. Beck's Lake Rental, conveniently located down the beach from the Conneaut Lake Hotel, has jet skis and pontoon boats for rent. At the time of this writing, you can rent a jet ski or pontoon boat for around $100 per hour. PA Wake and Skate has rental kayaks and paddleboards for $20 per hour or $50 for a full day.