Lake Winnipesaukee Live Cam
Overlooking White Mountains at New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee History
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, with a surface area of about 69 square miles. The history of Lake Winnipesaukee dates back thousands of years, to a time when Native American tribes, such as the Abenaki, lived in the region. The name "Winnipesaukee" comes from a combination of two Algonquian words, "winne" and "pisek," meaning "beautiful water in a high place."
In the early 1600s, European explorers began to arrive in the region, and by the mid-1700s, European settlers had established towns around the lake. These towns were primarily agricultural, but as the industrial revolution began to take hold in the 1800s, tourism also became an important industry in the region.
The first steamboat on Lake Winnipesaukee, the "Mount Washington," was launched in 1872, and soon after, hotels, inns, and summer camps began to spring up around the lake. These businesses catered to tourists from Boston and other nearby cities, who came to the region to escape the heat and pollution of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the lake.
In the early 1900s, the popularity of Lake Winnipesaukee as a vacation destination continued to grow, and the region became known as the "Switzerland of America." Many of the grand hotels and summer camps built during this time are still standing today, and the lake continues to be a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. The lake also played a significant role in the development of seaplane travel, and the first commercial seaplane service in the United States was established on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1913.
Today, Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. It is also home to a number of small towns and villages, as well as several conservation areas that help to protect the lake's natural beauty and wildlife.
Lake Winnipesaukee Top Tourist Attractions
Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular tourist destination with many attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the top tourist attractions in the region include:
- The Mount Washington: The Mount Washington is a historic steamship that offers scenic tours of the lake. The ship has been in operation since 1872 and is one of the most iconic attractions on the lake.
- Weirs Beach: Weirs Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach features a boardwalk, arcades, and restaurants, making it a fun spot for families to spend the day.
- Castle in the Clouds: Castle in the Clouds is a historic mansion that sits atop a mountain overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. The mansion was built in the early 1900s and offers tours of its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a wildlife park and educational center that showcases the region's natural flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, animal exhibits, and educational programs.
- Funspot: Funspot is the largest arcade in the world and offers a wide variety of classic and modern video games, as well as bowling and mini-golf.
- Meredith: The town of Meredith is a quaint New England village located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring the town's historic architecture.
- The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad: The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is a historic train that offers scenic tours of the lake and surrounding countryside.
- Mount Major: Mount Major is a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
These are just a few of the many attractions that visitors can enjoy on Lake Winnipesaukee. With its natural beauty and rich history, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this iconic New England lake.
Lake Winnipesaukee Climate
Lake Winnipesaukee has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C). Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to the low 30s Fahrenheit (-9 to 0°C).
Spring and fall are mild with cool temperatures and occasional rainfall. The lake's proximity to the mountains can create microclimates, and the weather can vary greatly from one area of the lake to another. Additionally, the lake can affect the weather patterns in the region due to its size and thermal properties.
The lake's temperature varies throughout the year as well. The water is usually warmest in late July and early August, with surface temperatures reaching the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit (21-23°C). During the winter months, the lake can freeze over, creating opportunities for ice fishing and winter sports.
Overall, the climate on Lake Winnipesaukee is ideal for enjoying a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, from swimming and boating in the summer to skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Lake Winnipesaukee Geography
The lake has a surface area of approximately 69 square miles (179 square kilometers) and is roughly 21 miles (34 kilometers) long and 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) wide. The lake has a maximum depth of 212 feet (65 meters) and an average depth of 43 feet (13 meters).
The lake is surrounded by mountains and hills, including the Ossipee Mountains to the east and the Belknap Mountains to the west. The shoreline of the lake is irregular, with numerous bays and inlets, and is approximately 182 miles (293 kilometers) long.
The lake is fed by eight major rivers and dozens of smaller streams, and its outlet is the Winnipesaukee River, which flows into the Merrimack River. The lake's water is clear and clean, and it provides important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species, including lake trout, salmon, and bald eagles.
The towns and villages around the lake vary in size and character, from small rural communities to larger resort towns. Many of the towns have public beaches, parks, and boat launches, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the lake's recreational opportunities. Overall, Lake Winnipesaukee's geography makes it a beautiful and unique destination for visitors to explore and enjoy, with a mix of mountains, forests, and waterways to discover.
