Best Water Town
Ely, Minnesota
Use this town as your basecamp to explore 2,000 interconnected lakes.
Ely, population 3,724, is a charming little hamlet, but it’d only be a dot on the map if not for what lies beyond its limits: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a network of more than 2,000 pristine lakes connected by streams, rivers and portages, offers enough paddling and fishing to keep you busy for decades. So much, in fact, that more than 76 percent of Ely visitors come back for more.
The area’s waters remain untainted because of protective legislation prohibiting the construction of roads and power lines, while limiting motorboat access to a small section. With more than a million acres, you can paddle an afternoon away along popular routes or launch a weeklong excursion into remote corners inhabited by moose, loons, wolves and bald eagles.
Outside the BWCAW, lodging options range from rustic log cabins with saunas (great for taking the edge off the northern chill) to luxury resorts offering private marinas.
Those with fishing on the brain will find access to lakes stocked with northern pike, lake trout and walleye—a shore-lunch favorite. And no matter what your needs, local outfitters are ready to provide essential gear and nonessential advice on where to score fish, a beer or the best deals on local art. Charles Kuralt, the late journalist, said it best: “On the map, Ely appears to be the end of the road. For people who love the wilderness, beauty and solitude … it’s the center of the world.” If you go: 800-777-7281; www.ely.org.
Best (Artificial) Whitewater: East Race Waterway, South Bend, Indiana
Crash through man-made rapids on the first artificial whitewater course in North America and one of only six in the world. The park routinely hosts national whitewater slalom races. 574-299-4765; www.sbpark.org/parks/erace.htm .
Best Natural Whitewater: Cascade River, Minnesota
Located a few hours northeast of Duluth, the Cascade offers an incredible stretch of Class IV-V rapids. There are numerous steep drops that make for challenging runs, but be sure to scout the lower section to avoid tumbling over the dreaded “Cascades of the Cascade.”
218-387-3053; www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/cascade_river/index.html.
Best Regatta: Race to Mackinac, Chicago, Illinois
This 333-mile race across Lake Michigan starts in Chicago and ends at Mackinac Island. It’s an invite-only competition pitting world-class skippers against each other in a tactical battle, but anyone can watch. 312-861-7777; www.chicagoyachtclub.org/mackinac .
Most Scenic Lakeside Drive: Minnesota’s North Shore (along Hwy. 61)
Starting at Duluth and heading northeast to Grand Marais, this 110-mile drive along Lake Superior is so beautiful you may find it hard to concentrate on the road. Highlights include Split Rock Lighthouse and the crashing waters of Gooseberry Falls. Drive it in fall for the best effect. www.superiorbyways.com/north-shore-scenic-drive .
Biggest Water Park: Noah’s Ark, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The largest waterpark in the country offers two wave pools, 36 waterslides, several kiddie rides and a liquid halfpipe. This summer, the park opened Black Anaconda, a watercoaster ride that uses “rocket booster” technology to propel riders through a series of climbs and treacherous drops. 608-254-6351; www.noahsarkwaterpark.com .
Best Beach: Pere Marquette Public Beach, Muskegon, Michigan
Wind-swept dunes and a boardwalk define this beautiful 2-mile beach off of Lake Michigan. The Clean Beaches Council awarded it a “Blue Wave” designation, a top recognition for its clean sands, safety and environmental awareness. 231-724-3100; www.visitmuskegon.org .
Best Sea Kayaking: Apostle Islands, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Cruise the cobalt-blue waters of Lake Superior and explore this archipelago of 22 islands. Paddlers can spend the day drifting through sea caves carved in sandstone and then pull onto shore to camp overnight on one of the islands. 715-779-3398; www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm .
Biggest Interstate Tug-of-War: Great River Tug Fest, Iowa/Illinois
Each year, teams from border towns Le Claire, Iowa, and Port Byron, Illinois, meet in a tug-of-war grudge match—across the Mississippi River—using a 2,400-foot rope. The winning team gets custody of a bald eagle statue and bragging rights. This year’s event takes place August 11–13. www.tugfest.com .
Best Waterfall: Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise, Michigan
The second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi drops nearly 50 feet and spans more than 200 feet. A quick hike leads to an observation deck, and a set of lower falls flowing around an island are 4 miles downstream. 906-492-3415;
www.exploringthenorth.com/tahqua/tahqua.html .
Top Fishing Lake: Lake Texoma, Oklahoma/Texas
Constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the 1940s, this 89,000-acre lake on the Red River is a top fishing destination. Anglers cast for monster catfish, white bass and trophy-sized stripers. 580-564-2334; www.laketexomaonline.com .
Best Water Conservation Organization: Alliance for the Great Lakes
This organization works to restore fish and wildlife habitat, conserve land and water, and eliminate pollution throughout America’s Great Lakes. 312-939-0838; www.greatlakes.org .
Laziest Float: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
The Current and Jacks Fork rivers flow through this federally protected area in the Ozark Highlands of southeastern Missouri. Let the current do all the work as you tube, canoe or simply float in a peaceful state of Zen. 573-323-4236; www.nps.gov/ozar/ .
Best Underwater Graveyard: Kelleys Island, Ohio
Off Kelleys Island in the waters of Lake Erie lie the wrecks of more than 1,700 ships. Scuba divers can explore sites like the Adventure, a wooden steamer sunk in 1903 and The F.H. Prince, a steamer from 1911. Dozens more shipwrecks are in the surrounding waters of
the Lake Erie Islands Underwater Preserve.Chamber of Commerce: 419-746-2360; www.kelleysisland.com .
Best Public Drinking Water: Kent, Ohio
Each year, Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting samples more than 100 water sources as part of the world’s biggest water tasting competition. The city of Kent received a 2005 bronze award in the category of “best municipal water.”
304-258-9147; www.berkeleysprings.com/water .
Largest Water Gear Outfitter: Cabela’s, Sidney, Nebraska
The biggest tourist attraction in Nebraska isn’t outdoors. Cabela’s 85,000-square-foot flagship store—a bastion of hunting, fishing and camping equipment—has everything you need before hitting the water. 308-254-7889; www.cabelas.com .
Wildest Wetlands: Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Columbia, South Dakota
In 1935, Congress established this 21,498-acre refuge to preserve a crucial wetland for migrating waterfowl. Visitors can travel along 40 miles of roads to get a glimpse at the wildlife, which includes 266 species of birds. 605-885-6320; http://sandlakefws.gov .
Best Freshwater Surfing: Lake Michigan, near Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Strong winds kick up swells along the coast of the lake, and yes, crazy Midwesterners surf them. Frigid conditions mandate a wetsuit, but at least you don’t have to worry about sharks. Check out the Dairyland Surfing Classic, an annual competition held every Labor Day weekend. 920-452-4288; www.lakesurf.com .
