Even outdoor enthusiasts often can’t resist documenting an Instagram-worthy moment when they see it. Many people are likelier to have their phones on hand during an outside activity, not for communication or map features but to snap a photo of their incredible views.
Yes, technology has even consumed how we view landscapes and mountain views, so much so that some adventurers have complained that frequent picture-snapping of the great outdoors has distorted people’s memories, as they’re often masked with gradients and filters. A March 2018 article by Vox pointed out that scientists have found that incessant photo-taking has altered people’s ability to recall their experiences, and they now only remember things through their smartphone’s lens.
With that said, we encourage everyone reading this to take a hard look at your surroundings while exploring and perhaps ditch the filters because we have a list of the most “Instagrammable” lakes in the United States that you’re going to want to remember in their natural beauty. There are millions of breathtaking lakes in America, but a new study from boat-cleaning supplier Captains Preferred Products narrowed down the most picturesque spots.
They did this by compiling the 100 most prominent lakes in the country and using Instagram to determine which had the highest number of hashtags. Below are the Top 10 lakes to add to your bucket list.
Lake Tahoe
Ranking number one on the list is Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s nestled along the California-Nevada border, so it gets tons of traffic from travelers on both sides. However, it’s most known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings, including forests, mountains, and beaches.
There’s something to do at any time of year in Lake Tahoe, which is apparent based on the Visit Lake Tahoe website, which shows the area’s scenic hiking trails, ski and snowboarding resorts, sandy beaches, nightlife, and historic sites. The location also has one of the most beautiful views you could ever witness, even through your phone’s eye, as it garnered over 3.14 million hashtags.
Lake Michigan
Second is Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America and a major vacation destination for people who love the outdoors. It’s recommended by many, based on the overwhelming number of positive reviews and 4.7 out of 5 rating score on TripAdvisor, and is ideal for road tripping, as it conveniently borders Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
Lake Michigan is also one of the main attractions in Michigan, with self-guided tours, outdoor festivals, and water sports, as well as wellness spas and lounging on the beach. What visitors mostly remember is the gorgeous scenery of the lake, and they usually can’t help but snap a pic. As per Captains Preferred Products’ research, Lake Michigan boasted 2.9 million Instagram hashtags, making it one of the nation’s most photogenic lakes.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is another lake that’s flooding Instagram feeds, covering Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario. And there are plenty of prime picture-taking spots as it’s home to over 30 lighthouses in Michigan, according to the state’s website. However, Minnesota’s website urges visitors to explore Lake Superior on the water via sailing, kayaking, fishing, and the like.
That’s how many of the 1.22 million Instagram users who included the hashtag viewed it, including those who’ve enjoyed winter activities at the lake. The ice skaters are the real daredevils here. Did we mention that Lake Superior is famous for being one of the world’s largest bodies of fresh water, as per the Britannica? Bring on the ice fishing!
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario holds the fourth spot of the most Instagrammable lakes in the country, with 1.05 million hashtags on the platform. It’s situated between New York and Ontario, is the home of Toronto’s famous skyline, and offers swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
Lake Ontario’s beauty has captivated visitors, especially those with an Instagram profile, who’ve shared highlights of their stay. Beware: looking at these photos might give you a strong desire to check availability in Lake Ontario.
Lake Erie
Rounding out the Top 5 lakes that are popular on Instagram is Lake Erie, which gives birth to the Niagara River, flowing over Niagara Falls before merging into Lake Ontario. Despite it being the smallest and shallowest among the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is a sight to see, stretching 241 miles, as per the Britannica.
Visitors are particularly drawn to the colorful sunsets that encompass the sky in Lake Erie, according to the Visit Erie blog. However, it also states that its affordability is a significant selling point. Still, you can’t beat the peacefulness of the area, from its snow-covered mountains to its vibrant fall colors.
Other Instagrammable Lakes
Also included in the list are Lake Norman (over 720k Instagram hashtags), Lake Huron (nearly 600k), Lake Powell (over 470k), Crater Lake (over 430k), and Lake of the Ozarks (over 370k).
Founder of Captains Preferred Products, Nicholas Heisler, commented on the study in a press release, noting why these lakes are such desirable locations for social media users.
“Lakes are stunning areas of natural beauty, as well as a vital part of our fishing culture and industry in the U.S., and it is fascinating to see how geographically varied the top three most Instagrammable lakes are,” Heisler shared.
“Covering areas from California and Nevada to Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, lakes all across America have their own unique beauty, flora, and fauna that make them a joy to visit.”