Summer is going quickly, but there's still plenty of long, warm days ahead for a summer vacation! We've rounded up a few more must-visit summer vacation destinations for personal watercraft enthusiasts. Gas up the jet skis, hitch on the trailer, and head for the lake!
Summer PWC Bucket List
Pack your swimsuit, life vest, and sunblock; then hitch the Triton trailer on for a jet ski adventure to remember!
- Torch Lake (Antrim County, MI) -- Separated from Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay by a narrow section of land, Torch Lake is beloved for the crystal-clear water that's earned it the nickname "the Caribbean of the North." This lovely lake even has an official Instagram account devoted to sharing the area's natural beauty. At the southern end of the lake, the Torch Lake Sandbar is a fun place to pull up your PWC, wade into the shallow water, and relax. Check out a detailed guide to visiting Torch Lake here!
- Lake Havasu (Mohave County, AZ / San Bernardino County, CA) -- Separating Arizona to the east and California to the west, Lake Havasu is a reservoir on the Colorado River, created in the 1930s by the Parker Dam. By the 1970s, the very first Kawasaki Jet Skis were created and tested here -- and since then, Lake Havasu City, AZ has become known as the PWC capital of the world. The annual IJSBA World Finals takes place on Lake Havasu, but you don't need to be a pro to visit. Lake Havasu PWC adventures are for all skill levels! Don't miss the world famous Body Beach for a buoy course and a glimpse of the pros practicing. Find launch access and state park information to help kick-start your plans!
- Moosehead Lake (Piscataquis County, ME) -- Bring the PWCs along for an almost-off-the-grid summer vacation in Maine. Moosehead is the largest lake in the state, the second-largest in New England, and a favorite destination for families every summer. Its shores are dotted with camps, cabins and lodging, but in this part of Maine, moose outnumber people 3 to 1. Moosehead Lake is a beautiful place for year-round adventure, so if you're local, try jet skiing in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. Need a break from exploring the lake on PWCs? Book a moose cruise or take a hike to enjoy the beauty of Maine's north woods.
- West Okoboji Lake (Dickinson County, IA) -- Have you heard of the Iowa Great Lakes? Smaller than the official Great Lakes, These 8 lakes boast an impressive 12,000-plus acres combined, and West Okoboji is the deepest, second-largest lake in Iowa (East Okoboji Lake, with depths averaging just ten feet, is a great place for fishing). The area offers lodging, entertainment, museums and more. The lake-side Arnolds Park Amusement Park features rides, go-kart racing, and entertainment for the whole family when you need a break from cruising the lake!
- Lake Vermilion (Saint Louis County, MN) -- Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It's a modest nickname, with more than 11,800 lakes, total, in the state -- including Lake Superior. Minnesota is also where the Mississippi River originates. Lake Vermilion, covering nearly 40,000 acres, is the fifth largest in the state. With miles of meandering shoreline, a nearby state park, and plenty of lakeside lodging, it's a beautiful summer destination for a family vacation -- or a couples' getaway -- with PWCs in tow. Learn more about getting around the lake and get started planning your adventure. If you have time to extend your trip, Minnesota still has thousands of other lakes to explore!
- Lake Winnepesaukee (Belknap & Carroll Counties, NH) -- Visit New Hampshire's Lakes Region and enjoy the spring-fed waters of the state's largest lake, a popular summer vacation destination for over a century. Its beaches, state parks and nearby attractions deliver good family fun. Load your jet skis into the lake and explore! You might spot the mail boat Sophie C., or the steamship Mount Washington on the water. Add a nearby day hike to your itinerary to take in the views, or enjoy some sales tax-free outlet shopping in North Conway, about an hour north of the lake.
PWC Vacation Checklist
Don't forget the essentials when preparing for your summer jet ski adventure. Many popular tourism hubs offer comprehensive online guides for the local area, from lodging and restaurants to public boat ramps, gas stations, and entertainment. Traveling out of state or including national parks on your itinerary? Review the laws and any documentation or permits required for your destination of choice. As always, before heading out for a road trip is a good time to inspect your trailer and PWCs and do any necessary maintenance for a smooth journey.
Trailers for the Trip
Still need a trailer to haul your PWCs to your next stop on the summer bucket list? Triton Trailers builds the all-aluminum personal watercraft trailers you need for years of rust-free hauling.
Triton Trailers has some of the lightest, most durable trailers on the market for one, two, and four PWCs, with models that fit just about any jet ski on the market. For compact PWCs, check out the WAVE Series; for bigger watercraft, including three-seaters, the ELITE Series has you covered. These trailers are manufactured in the USA, made with all-welded aluminum construction and sealed LED lights to prevent moisture intrusion. They're equipped with Infinite Slide Adjust (ISA) bunks and bow stops, UV-resistant keel guard, and tie-downs for securing watercraft.
Check out our PWC Trailer Buying Guide to learn more -- then find a Triton Trailers dealer to help you get started finding the ideal personal watercraft trailer.