Pennsylvania's Largest Natural Lake Is Also Near A Charming Resort Town For A Quiet Getaway

If you're looking for a peaceful place to escape in Pennsylvania, look no further than Conneaut Lake. The beautiful glacial lake is the biggest natural lake in the Keystone State. It's also an all-season resort town that's utterly delightful.

Conneaut Lake was formed during the Ice Age when glaciers carved the land that is now Western Pennsylvania. Those glaciers left five kettle lakes behind when they retreated. Conneaut Lake is the biggest of them, making it the largest naturally-formed lake in the state. When the Seneca people arrived, they called the lake "Konneyaut," or "snow place," since snow on and around the water melted slower than in other areas each spring. A town called Evansburg was established along the lake after the Revolutionary War, and it grew through the 1800s as mills, the Erie Extension Canal, and railroads were built. The latter, combined with expanding car ownership, helped turn Conneaut Lake into a water playground and resort town, as it still is today. Only about 600 people live here year round, which makes it a perfect spot for a quiet getaway.

Conneaut Lake is less than 50 miles south of Erie, which is home to Waldameer Park & Water World, one of America's oldest amusement parks with free entry. But there are limited flights to its Erie International Airport (ERI). Though double the driving distance, the larger Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has more options since it receives nonstop flights from cities all over the country. It also has the best track record for spring break travel.

Conneaut Lake spans more than 900 acres. That means there are plenty of spots to play on the long lake, which stretches for three miles. The Barbara J, a sternwheeler (a riverboat with a paddle wheel at the back) constructed in the 1950s, has been cruising the lake since 1972. During the summer it offers scenic tours around the lake that last an hour and a half and include a history lesson and beautiful views, all for $15 for adults and $5 for children. Around the winter holidays, the Barbara J offers "Trees of Light" cruises, evening cruises that allow you to see the brightly lit flagpole trees at Al's Melons Farm Market from the water.

If you prefer to drive yourself around the lake, you can rent a jet ski (from $101.97) or a pontoon boat (from $206) from Beck's Lake Rentals. Two public boat ramps, Conneaut Lake Boat Ramp and Fireman's Beach Boat Ramp, let you access the water with your own vessel so you can go fishing for bass and walleye. Or you can enjoy the water at a more leisurely pace with kayak and paddleboard rentals by the hour (from $20) or the day ($50) from PA Wake and Skate.

You can also just go for a swim, of course. Fireman's Beach is near Conneaut Lake's south shore. The public beach has soft sand, a picnic area, and a playground for the kids. It is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.

Though the lake drew you to this area, there are a lot of things to do on dry land, too. Ice House Park is on the lake's southern shore. The ice-harvesting industry thrived here in the late 19th century, and big ice houses, where ice was stored and packed before being transported, used to stand here. The small park was built to honor that history. It now has benches and beautiful water views. It also hosts summer concerts and the Winter Ice House Festival, featuring huge ice sculptures. 

The Ernst Trail begins just south of the park. Also in the late-19th century, a railroad, built to connect the towns of Meadville and Linesville, ran below Conneaut Lake. The train service was not a success, and by the 1930s, the rail line was no longer used. The property between Conneaut Lake and Meadville was eventually donated and converted into a 12-mile trail through the French Creek Valley. You can now walk, bike, rollerblade, or ski on the year-round trail. Near Meadville, you will also find Franklin, one of the must-see cities in Pennsylvania that aren't Philadelphia.

Back in Conneaut Lake, you can eat and drink right along the water at Silver Shores Restaurant, which has been open for almost 100 years. The waterfront restaurant has a casual downstairs menu, along with a seasonal patio and tiki bar. The upstairs area has large windows and a more extensive menu, with peaceful views of Pennsylvania's largest lake absolutely everywhere.