Where's the Boat Party?

​Lake Okoboji, Iowa
Nestled in the northwest corner of Iowa, Lake Okoboji, its east and west portions and Spirit Lake a little farther north offer Midwesterners a place to let loose a bit - without leaving the nation's heartland.
During the summer, these lakes are host to such events as regattas, 3.5-mile open-water swims and huge fireworks displays on Spirit and Okoboji. Attractions on the shore include a Hooters, ski and boat rentals, parasailing, an amusement park and PWC rentals.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
With more shoreline than the entire state of California, Missouri's man-made Lake of the Ozarks has plenty of room for cruising, exploring and partying.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the lake is filled with revelers of all ages and interests. There are places to rent houseboats and ski boats and plenty of places to stay on shore. The lake has three state parks with launching facilities, two Army Corps of Engineers launches and ramps at practically every resort and marina. When the party is in full swing in some coves, you can walk from boat to boat for miles. Arrive early and make reservations.


Lake Shasta, California
Boardstock -- Toward the end of summer, Lake Shasta explodes to life with a celebration of one of the hottest extreme sports at Wake Boarding magazine's Boardstock. Boardstock showcases the talents of some of the best wakeboarders in the world. Add to that excitement about 3,000 people aboard all manner of watercraft, good food and drink, and you have an alternative party that is worth writing home about.
Lake Shasta features some 370 miles of shoreline and

Lake Havasu, Arizona
Memorial Day kicks off the season for this lake that forms the border between California and Arizona. And what a kickoff it is. Everything from PWC racing and pontoons to offshore racing boats converge on the area to create one of the hottest parties in the West. Bring the beer, suntan lotion and an open mind.

Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
In what looks a psychological ink-blot test on a map, Lake Minnetonka is Minnesota's premier party lake. Situated about 12 miles from downtown Minneapolis, the lake features 15,000 acres, 110 miles of shoreline, more than 10 restaurants accessible by Jet Ski's and enough secluded coves to call your own.
Big Island is located in the middle of Minnetonka. On weekdays during the summer as many as 50 boats raft up at the island to celebrate the season. On weekends, a couple of hundred boats and Jet Ski's converge on the island and let loose. With four towns accessible by Jet Ski's, there's always someplace to go on Minnetonka
Do you know of other party lakes? Let us know.

​Comments To This Article:
Overall Rating For This Article: ••••••••••

• Spring Lake Michigan (citygirl, 07/20/2007 , Ratings: ••••• )
  Hanky Pank Cove in Spring Lake Michigan. This is located down the channel from Grand Haven Michigan, on Lake Michigan. This place is filled with boats and jet skis in the summer. Hanky Pank Cove is great to go to for a huge party. Tons of boats tie up, especially on Coast Gaurd Festival weekend, you will see over 200 boats tied up and partying like rock stars. It gets pretty crazy, but a real good time!
  
  
• Lake St. Clair, Michigan (jjudd, 05/30/2006 , Ratings: ••••• )
  Jobbie Nooner is the biggest party on Lake St. Clair every summer. It's Mardi Gras in the middle of the lake on Gull Island. Has gotten bigger than ever - last year there were about 300 boats/jet skiis out there. Go to http://www.jobbienooner.com to find out more! **NOTE - if you bring kids the police will escort you off the lake - and this is enforced!!
  
  
• Lake Berryessa, California (Thatpitbull, 05/18/2004 , Ratings: ••••• )
  On Memorial Day Weekend there is a gathering on Lake Berryessa every year. The party gets pretty wild, and has been described as a slightly smaller "Lake Havasu". For most of the weekend there are a minimum of at least 150 boats in the main cover under the Putah Creek Bridge. There are campgrounds lining the lake just north and south of the bridge.