Lake Winnipesaukee

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, United States, covering about 71.6 square miles (roughly 185 square kilometres). The lake contains roughly 264 islands and is a central feature of the state’s Lakes Region.

A wide boating network and dozens of public and private marinas make it a major destination for sailing, motorboating and lake cruises; large passenger cruises operate on scheduled services. The lake supports sport fishing, swimming, and numerous summer camps and waterfront cottages along its shores.

Several lakeside towns provide access and services for visitors, with public beaches, waterfront promenades and seasonal festivals concentrated in places such as Weirs Beach, Meredith and Wolfeboro. The shoreline and nearby hills are popular for fall-colour drives and lakeside hiking.

The name derives from local Algonquian languages; the lake was used historically for Indigenous travel and later for logging and steamboat transport in the 19th century. From the late 19th century onward it developed as a recreational and summer-resort area with increased visitor infrastructure.

Situated in central New Hampshire, the lake lies in the Lakes Region and touches multiple towns including Meredith, Laconia and Wolfeboro; it is roughly 30 miles (about 48 km) north of Manchester, New Hampshire.

• Cruises and ferries: Scheduled boat cruises operate from ports such as Meredith and Weirs Beach, including the large tourist vessel MS Mount Washington.
• Best times to visit: Peak recreational season is summer for boating and swimming; October is a popular time for lake-viewing because of fall foliage.

What to See #

• Weirs Beach: A classic Lakes Region boardwalk and entertainment area at the eastern end of the lake, adjacent to Laconia and the main entry points for summertime events and cruises.
• Meredith: A lakeside town and popular visitor hub on the northwest shore, serving as a gateway for boat tours and ferries; several public docks and marinas are based here.
• Wolfeboro: Known as a long-established summer resort town on the southeastern shore with historic inns, marinas and shoreline neighborhoods facing the main basin.