5 Lakeside Retreats

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 The simple pleasures of family life can be found at lakeside retreats.

Here are five places to enjoy gentle breezes and a book on the porch:

Lake Powell. Page, AZ.

Red-hued rock formations rise from water’s edge. Sunny days fade into star-filled nights on this vast blue lake created when the Glen Canyon Dam stopped the waters of the mighty Colorado River.  A houseboat holiday on Lake Powell promises adventure, unparalleled beauty and a host of opportunities for on shore hiking, rock climbing and exploring.  With more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and scores of inlets and cozy coves, family members of all ages will depart with memories to last a lifetime. Contact: 1 (888) 896-3829; www.pagelakepowelltourism.com; For boating information; www.antelopepointlakepowell.com.

Flathead Lake Lodge. Big Fork, MT.

Combine a western dude ranch experience with the joys of a lake holiday on this 2000 acre family operated getaway near Glacier National Park.  Kids will love trail rides, joining the junior wrangler program, swimming, water skiing and sailing on the lake, arts and crafts and spending the night in a teepee. Parents should be prepared to join their kids for the family rodeo events.

Contact: 406-837-4391; www.FlatheadLake Lodge.com ; www.VisitMontana.com

Lake of the Ozarks. Osage Beach, MO.

Visit Lake of the Ozarks, one of the states largest and most scenic lakes, and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and biking through oak-hickory forests. Climb to the bluff tops for views of the lake where water enthusiasts enjoy beaches, fishing and boat-based water sports. Stay in one of the park’s rustic Outpost Log cabins, a spacious yurt or pop your own tent.

Contact:  1(573) 348-1233; www.lakeoftheozarksstateparkmarina.com/ 

Big Cedar Lodge – 

Ten miles south of Branson, on Table Rock Lake, families will find a picturesque lodge tucked into the Ozark Mountain’s wooded hillsides. Stay in charming lodge rooms  or quaint cabins and cottages spread throughout this 800-acre retreat. From water-skiing and kayaking to horseback riding and bass fishing, there is plenty to entertain each member of the family. Kids ages four to 12 can join the fun at the kids adventure club where they’ll learn skills like fire-building, star-gazing and canoeing.

Contact: (417) 335-2777; www.big-cedar.com 

Broken Bow Lake. Broken Bow, OK.

Located in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains and with 180 miles of shoreline, the whole gang will love canoeing, boating, and fishing on this scenic lake. With rich green forests as your backdrop, spend a day mountain biking or bird watching then take time to visit the nearby kid-friendly Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum.

Contact: 1-800-52-TREES; www.brokenbowchamber.com/visitors_tourism.html

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