USA Today Ranks Lake George Top 3 Best Lakes 2025

Lake George

The “Queen of American Lakes” has done it again. This time, the editors and readers of USA Today ranked Lake George among the top three lakes in the United States. An expert panel nominated their top picks for the best lakes in the country, and readers voted for their favorites as part of USA Today’s 10 Best 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Best Lake No. 3: Lake George

The USA Today Readers’ Choice Award makes reference to Lake George’s century-old reputation as a popular vacation destination for both aristocrats and outdoor adventurers, and mentions the lake’s many water activities, including sunset cruises, parasailing and Lake George beaches.

Lake George was also named a runner-up in the categories of Best Lakes for Swimming and Best Lakes for Water Sports, with USA Today calling Lake George, “a top-tier water sports destination” and noting it’s “unusually clean water” for swimming. The nomination also includes a shoutout to Million Dollar Beach, and the many opportunities for wakeboarding, parasailing, tubing and jet skiing on the lake.

Other Lakes in the Top 10

Edging out Lake George for the top two spots on USA Today’s list are Big Bear Lake in California and Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin. However, two other New York lakes also made the list. Lake Champlain, which runs along the New York-Vermont border, came in at number nine, while western New York’s Lake Erie received the number six spot. Other lakes on the list include Lake Havasu in Arizona and California, Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Minnesota’s Marion Lake.

Experience Lake George for Yourself

Wondering what all the fanfare is about? Come stay at Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge, and experience Lake George for yourself! Located just north of Lake George village in a beautiful wooded setting, our property features authentic log cabins and traditional motel rooms and suites, as well as a heated outdoor pool, sauna and nearby dock rentals.

To make a reservation, book online or give us a call at (518) 668-4499.