Lake Winnipesaukee

New Hampshire’s largest lake within the Lakes Region is that of Lake Winnipesaukee - stretching out roughly 21 miles long and averaging between 1 to 9 miles wide. It has a total coverage of about 69 square miles with the center of it commonly known as The Broads. Within the lake’s 288 miles of shoreline there are at least 258 small islands – most under a quarter acre in size. Its continuous outflow is regulated by the Lakeport Dam. Nearby are New England’s largest lakes, Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake. Tourists from all over have ventured out to Lake Winnipesaukee for over a century to try and beat the summer heat and seek refuge from neighboring heat waves in Boston and New York City. Originally founded by the Native Americans who once dwelled in this region, they came up with this appropriate name which means “smile of the Great Spirit.” At the lake’s outlet, the Winnipesaukee Indians not only built their homes there but also fished at the nearby village of Acquadocton.