10 Beautiful Lakes In Massachusetts, USA

lakes in massachusetts
Chandana
Chandana 
Updated
| 6 min read

Densely populated Massachusetts, set in the northeastern United States, is a global hub of biotechnology, engineering, finance, agriculture, trade, and higher education. Also known as the “Bay State,” it is famed for being home to the very first lighthouse in America. The state is a safe— albeit pricey— haven for visitors. It offers ample opportunities for exploration through travel, adventure, relaxation, arts, and culture. Sandy beaches, picturesque hills, and historic landmarks are just some of the attractions around. It also features glamping spots and hotels with spa for travelers looking for the ultimate getaway. Live entertainment options and sophisticated cuisine make the perfect foil to beautiful waterfalls and serene lakes. A hub of many waterbodies, Massachusetts has over 3,000 lakes and ponds that provide opportunities for recreation. They are undoubtedly precious habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals. Check out these 10 beautiful lakes in Massachusetts, USA, on your next visit.

1. Lake Cochituate in Natick

Lake Cochituate, Cochituate MA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY 3.0

This tranquil water body is situated in the town of Natick, just 23.5 miles (37.8 kilometers) west of the city of Boston. Lake Cochituate consists of three sections - North Pond, Middle Pond, and South Pond. Being a part of Cochituate Lake State Park, there are plenty of recreational areas around the lake, including swimming spots, picnic tables, grills, a boat ramp, and a scenic hiking spot known as Snake Brook Trail. Boating is available on all three ponds, but activities like waterskiing and waterboarding are permitted only at South Pond. Natick boathouse rents sailboats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards. It is the perfect spot for canoeing and kayaking.

Lake Cochituate

Address: 43 Commonwealth Road, Natick, MA 01760, United States

Website: Lake Cochituate

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Parking fee: 8 USD - 30 USD

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2. Lake Wyola in Shutesbury

Lake Wyola, Shutesbury MA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A calm and lovely spot in Shutesbury, this clear blue lake is a part of Lake Wyola State Park. A great many folks, locals and tourists alike, visit this quiet place on sunny days. The lake’s shores are perfect for canoe and kayak escapades besides being a great spot for swimming and fishing. Just remember that motorized boating is not permitted. You could also choose to simply soak in the sun on the verdant shore. Enjoy a leisurely picnic or grill up something hot and crispy on the barbecue facilities. Restrooms are also available. Athletic fields and a volleyball court are other recreation options available at the park.

Lake Wyola

Address: 94 Lakeview Road, Shutesbury, MA 01072, United States

Website: Lake Wyola

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 7.30pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

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3. Lake Onota in Pittsfield

Clear lake
Source: Pixabay

The beautiful Lake Onota lies in the city of Pittsfield in Western Massachusetts. Enjoy gorgeous views of the clear water, mountains, and scenery here. A great place for fun with family and a picnic. Fishing, boating, and kayaking are some options for recreation n apart from swimming and walking. Burbank Park on the east side of the lake provides all kinds of facilities for a day out. At the lakeside, Onota Boat Livery has sport boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats for rent. There is also a store here with a surprising range of fishing tackle to help you angle for different species of fish. Wearing appropriate footwear is a good idea as the water is filled with rocks and boulders.

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4. Lake Chaubunagungamaug in Webster

Lake Chaubunagungamaug - Webster, MA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bree used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Lake Chaubunagungamaug, popularly known as Webster Lake, is a colorful, peaceful, and scenic lake with a rich history and heritage. A favorite fishing spot for many, it is a place where one can watch the ducks swim by, enjoy a walk, or have food, coffee, or a drink. This is one of the biggest lakes around, featuring a fairly large playground, a basketball area, picnic tables, and a walking track. Water skiing and wakeboarding are allowed here. The best place to appreciate nature, this water area is abundant with wildlife. You’ll get the chance to see herons, turtles, hawks, hares, and the majestic bald eagle. Exceptionally beautiful sunset views enhance the appeal of this picturesque locale. If you want to stay here, you’ll find a number of amazing lakefront Vrbo vacation rentals nearby.

Lake Chaubunagungamaug

Address: 10 Memorial Beach Drive, Webster, MA 01570, United States

Website: Lake Chaubunagungamaug

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 7am - 8pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm

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5. Lake Ashmere in Berkshire County

Lake
Source: Pixabay

A hidden beauty, Lake Ashmere is maintained by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is one of its kind. A clean, small lake surrounded by serene rural areas, it is located in Berkshire County. This shallow lake has easy access to all Berkshire attractions and is close to amenities. Lake Ashmere is a warm water fishery where anglers can expect to find chain pickerel, golden shiners, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, and many other species. It is an excellent place for swimming, kayaking, and boating, too. If you’re on a date, you’ll also find a number of romantic things to do here as well. Brimming with solitude and the charm of a rural setting, Lake Ashmere has everything a visitor would want from a country vacation.

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6. Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester County

Lake Quinsigamond, Lake Park, Worcester MA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This lake surrounded by majestic oak trees is located in Worchester County. A well-developed shore and sprawling parking lot are available here, making it easy for visitors to spend a full day with ease. Do not miss gorgeous views of the lake from the bridge. In addition, loads of fun activities such as sailing, swimming, jet skiing, fishing, and paddleboarding await you here. Lifeguards on duty and friendly staff add to the pleasure of visiting Lake Quinsigamond. A picnic grove with lots of tables and barbecue facilities is another highlight of this place The most striking part of this waterfront is the internationally recognized 2,000-m (6, 561 ft) long rowing course – one of the finest in the world. There is a very well-organized paved boating ramp here too. An exciting activity here would be to watch boating championships and the various boating club events held regularly.

Lake Quinsigamond

Address: 10 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA 01612, United States

Website: Lake Quinsigamond

Opening hours: Sunrise - Sunset (daily)

Price: Parking fee: 8 USD - 30 USD

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7. Lake Crystal in Newton

Crystal Lake, Newton Centre MA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY 3.0

Lake Crystal sits in the city of Newton in eastern Massachusetts. The natural lake is a great option for swimmers, paddle boarders, kayakers, and those who want to try canoeing. Lovely Lake Crystal offers two small parks in addition to an elegant town beach. A grassy patch to relax, green trees, and pleasant walkways make it all wonderful. On the southwest end is Crystal Lake Park, and adjoining the park is Lewiston Cave where you can spot great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, cormorants, ospreys, and Canadian geese. Cronin Cave on the north side has a boat launch for hand-carry boats.

Lake Crystal

Address: 30 Rogers St, Newton, MA 02459, United States

Website: Lake Crystal

Opening hours: 12 pm - 8pm (daily)

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8. Lake Boon in Stow and Hudson

Clear lake
Source: Pixabay

The small Lake Boon sits in eastern Massachusetts and is accessible through the Pine Buff Recreation Area. Located on a dominant part of Stow and Hudson, this quiet lake is preferred by families. There are picnic tables and grills where you can have some snacks. Bathrooms and the hospitable staff here will make your stay comfortable and convenient. There is a beach at the north end of the lake where one can visit and an attractive playground. Camping, swimming lessons, boating, skiing, and tubing are some of the special summer activities here, whereas winter activities include ice fishing, hockey, and skating.

Lake Boon

Website: Lake Boon

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9. Lake Monomonac in Winchendon

Breathtaking lake
Source: Pixabay

Lake Monomonac sits along the boundary between Rindge, New Hampshire, and Winchendon in central Massachusetts. The artificial lake is surrounded by charming countryside, small towns, and a forest. Located somewhere serene, it is suitable for fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming. Don’t miss the sight of Santa Maria, a house built like a large ship, built on the waterfront. Species of bass, black crappie, chain pickerel, white perch, and green sunfish populate the water here. Dams and beautiful homes by the water make for a pretty sight.

Lake Monomonac

Address: Lake Monomonac, Winchendon, Massachusetts

Website: Lake Monomonac

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10. Lake Attitash in Amesbury

Lowell's Boat Shop, Amesbury MA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY 3.0

The delightful Lake Attitash sits at the dividing line between Merrimac and Amesbury in Massachusetts. The shoreline is sizable and quite developed. Boats of all types and sizes can be found here in good weather. This is a popular spot where residents and seasonal tourists come to relax. Swimming in shallow areas, going kayaking, riding boats, and fishing are some ways of enjoying the water here. The fish population is dominated by pumpkinseeds with a sprinkle of white perch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel.

Lake Attitash

Website: Lake Attitash

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Enjoy the lake all season

These beautiful lakes offer recreational opportunities all through the year. If you need a break from the city life, just pack your bags and head over here. You can stay in one of the camper rentals or hotels with outdoor pool. The scenic surroundings and quiet locales make these among the 10 most beautiful lakes in Massachusetts.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Chandana is a versatile writer with nearly two decades of experience in media, spanning clients across the globe. An avid traveler, she enjoys experiencing every new place to the fullest. Having...Read more

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