These 3 New York Lakes Could Be Named Best in America

USA Today Searching For The Best Lakes in the U.S.

USA Today is at it again with the 10Best List. This time around they are on the hunt for the 10Best Lakes in the U.S.

They say "Lakes across the United States have plenty to offer for those who enjoy the great outdoors." The publication goes on to say that boating, swimming, fishing, and scenic views bring people out on the water to their favorite lakes year-round.

The USA Today "expert panel" has put together a list of their top picks for the "best lakes in the country."

An expert panel has nominated their top picks for the best lakes in the country, and now the public is tasked to vote and pick their favorites. The 10Best lakes will be announced on Wednesday June 3rd, 2026.

Which lakes are in the running?

3 New York Lakes In The Running For Best Lake Title

New York is the place to be if you want to find a good lake to take a dip in, at least according to the experts at USA Today.

Their nomination list for the 10Best Lakes include 3 located in New York State.

Lake Champlain, which runs through New York and Vermont, has made the nominee list. The experts say " Lake Champlain, a massive body of water that runs 107 miles along the New York-Vermont border."

Another lake that made the list: Lake Erie.

Lake Erie runs through New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania and is the shallowest of the Great Lakes. With that being said, USA Today writes:

Lake Erie has a massive amount of potential when it comes to both tourism and outdoor adventure.

The only true-blue New York lake to make the list is the iconic, Lake George. The Adirondack lake is one of the more popular vacation destinations for local families across the state.

And yes, the experts know all about it, writing "Lake George has been a popular vacation destination for well over a century, drawing both aristocrats and outdoor adventurers to its shores."

They add:

Visitors can marvel at the architectural wonders along Millionaires' Row, while water activities span from sunset lake cruises to parasailing to taking a leisurely dip at one of the lake's many beaches.

You can vote for your favorite lake now at 10best.usatoday.com.

Is Lake George the Cleanest Lake in America?

Not that Lake George needs any help in the voting department...

Did you know that Lake George has been considered one of the cleanest lakes in the United States?

Back in 2024 Lake George was given the title of Cleanest Lake in the United States. They say it's referred to as the Queen of American Lakes due to its "pristine, mountain-fed water."

Just a thought to keep in mind when you make your 10Best vote.

New York's 14 Best Lakes For Swimming

What makes a great swimming hole? Pristine waters, great beaches, mild temps, shallow waters, lifeguards, and more are many of the characteristics that are common in AZ Animals 14 best lakes for swimming in the state of New York. From just outside the city, to the Finger Lakes, to the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, these are your must-visit swimming holes for summer 2023!

Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff

Meet The 6 Trolls Visiting Upstate, NY's The Wild Center This Summer

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York, welcomes TROLLS: Save The Humans exhibit this summer from June 1st through October 31st. Thomas Dambo’s 6 signature giant folklore-inspire troll sculptures will be on hand to "teach humans to rediscover nature and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth." Meet the 6 trolls and learn all about their personalities below.