Lake Escapes! Seven inland swims for your Labor Day getaways

People are trading in their beachfront getaways for inland swims – that’s according to the eagle-eyed trend spotters at Pinterest, so the moment has arrived for lakeside hotels to make a splash.

And there’s no better time for a lake escape in the U.S. than Labor Day weekend. To help you plan, IHG Hotels & Resorts has rounded up the top, affordable lakeside stays and things to do once you get there.

Lake Tahoe

Labor Day weekend at Lake Tahoe signifies the end of summer. There’s something for everyone here – no matter what level of adventure you’re seeking – from hiking the golden Aspens to biking along the Pope-Baldwin Bike Bath to one of the many public beaches for a day of fun in the sun. And if you don’t own your own boat, but you want to enjoy the lake’s azure blue waters – not to worry – you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and power boats.

For a great stay experience, make a reservation at Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe. The hotel is within walking distance to the lake, but is also nearby a wide variety of attractions, such as Heavenly Village, where you can take a gondola ride to the top of Mt. Tallac and take in all the sights of Lake Tahoe.

Lake Michigan

You may not associate a big city with miles of sandy lakefront beaches where you can build sandcastles and play beach volleyball or kayak through a canyon of skyscrapers. Well, you can do all of that and more in Chicago. In the summer months, lake goers like to anchor down and d-arty at the “Play Pen” or visit the iconic boat house, Castaways, for great food and ice-cold beverages on the roof with views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. If visiting over Labor Day, you’re in for a treat because it’s the last chance of the season to enjoy fireworks at Navy Pier.

Less than a 10-minute drive from Navy Pier and Chicago’s Lakefront is IHG’s new dual-branded voco Chicago Downtown and Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – Wolf Point. The hotels have breathtaking views of another iconic Chicago waterfront – the Chicago River – and are offering guests a special discounted opening offer for a limited time.

Mirror Lake

Known for its serenity, Mirror Lake is the perfect spot for those looking for a calm ambiance over Labor Day weekend. Here, gas-powered motorboats are not allowed, so you’ll mostly find people canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and aqua biking across the 128-acre, one-mile-long lake.   

Book a room overlooking Mirror Lake at Crowne Plaza Lake Placid for breathtaking views of Whiteface Mountain and the High Peaks reflecting off the water. The hotel also has an indoor pool and hot tub, so the fun doesn’t have to stop once the sun goes down.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake typically freezes over every winter and doesn’t thaw until late May or early June – making it extremely cold and not suitable for swimming. But boating on this lake is an incredible way to experience the waters of this national park. Plus, the lake is home to several fish, such as Yellowstone cutthroat trout, lake trout, longnose dace, redside shines, longnose suckers, and lake chubs – making the area a popular fishing spot.

Among the best lodging close to Yellowstone National Park is Holiday Inn West Yellowstone. The hotel is the premier destination for Yellowstone family vacations. When staying here, not only will you be close to Yellowstone Lake, but you’ll be also close to Old Faithful Geyser, wildlife, waterfalls and all the breathtaking natural wonders of this iconic park. And on the off chance it rains on your weekend plans, you can spend the day at the Grizzly/Wolf Discovery Center or enjoy a movie at the Yellowstone IMAX Theatre. The hotel also has a new game room, featuring air hockey, gaming table, Xbox One, and 65" flat screen TV's.

Lake of the Ozarks

The Ozarks are known for being a fisherman’s paradise, but during Labor Day, it’s also a premier vacation spot for families to send-off summer. The water temperature is about 80 degrees this time of year, making it perfect for flinking (that’s floating and drinking!) and laying out on water pads. The lake also hosts several lively “cove” parties with DJs and waterfront firework shows.

Just a short distance from Lake of the Ozarks and popular waterfront bars such as Dog Days, Backwater Jacks, and Shady Gators is Holiday Inn Express Osage Bch – Lake of the Ozarks. Here you can fuel up for your day on the water with the brand’s signature Express Start breakfast and head out. The hotel is extremely close to several boat rental companies – making it ideal for out-of-town lake goers.

Lake Powell

There’s no better way to celebrate the last weekend of summer than cruising or kayaking through the red rock desert. Lake Powell stretches for nearly 200 miles and includes more than 80 side canyons – offering spectacular views (especially at sunset). Popular activities are Antelope Canyon Boat Tours and touring the U.S.’s second-largest Dam – Glen Canyon. If land activities are more your speed, you can hike Horseshoe Bend (an Instagram favorite) or dock up and enjoy some epic stargazing after the sun goes down. With a stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Page – Lake Powell Area, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities nearby.

Lake Coeur d’Alene

A weekend on Lake Coeur d’Alene – surrounded by mountains – is sure to get you excited for the turn of the season. A true sportsman’s paradise, Lake Coeur d’Alene has a little bit of everything from indoor waterparks, adventure courses, fishing and ziplining to biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. Oh yeah, you can also just lazily lounge in the sun too.

Look no further than Staybridge Suites Coeur d'Alene for a long weekend stay with family or friends. The hotel – which provides you with all the comforts of home – sits on a six-acre lake with a waterfront outdoor amphitheater, movie theater, and children’s play area. Plus, there’s a free social hour where you can enjoy complimentary snacks, beer, and wine.

What are you waiting for? Make A Break For It and enjoy great savings this Labor Day when booking with IHG Hotels & Resorts.