Top 3 Lakes in Moraine State Park

Lake Arthur, the centerpiece of Moraine State Park, offers a wide range of recreational activities. You can go boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. There are also two designated swimming beaches, excellent fishing opportunities, and extensive trail systems for hiking and biking around its shores. For a unique experience, consider a tour on Preston's Pearl, an ADA-accessible boat.

Yes, Lake Arthur has two designated swimming beaches: Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore and Lakeview Beach on the North Shore. Both are sandy beaches open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, offering amenities like bathhouses, showers, and snack stands. Pleasant Valley Beach also features an accessible paved path into the water and a playground.

Lake Arthur is a warm-water fishery known for species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, walleye, muskellunge, and striped bass. ADA-accessible fishing piers are available at various boat launches, including McDanels, Bear Run, and Park Road. Ice fishing is also permitted during winter.

Yes, the area around Lake Arthur features extensive trail systems. You can explore trails like the Glacier Ridge Trail and sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail for hiking. For biking, there's a paved path stretching seven miles along the shoreline, and mountain biking loops are available on the North Shore. You can find more hiking options in the region by visiting our guide on Hiking in Moraine State Park.

The diverse habitats around Lake Arthur support a variety of wildlife. You might spot frogs, newts, turtles, and white-tailed deer. Birdwatchers can look for great blue herons, green herons, belted kingfishers, and even osprey and bald eagles, which have been nesting along Lake Arthur since the mid-1990s.

Absolutely. Lake Arthur is very family-friendly. The designated swimming beaches, Pleasant Valley Beach and Lakeview Beach, offer playgrounds and amenities. Families can also enjoy easy walks on the paved bike path, gentle boating activities, and wildlife spotting. The annual Moraine State Park Regatta also offers family-oriented activities.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. The swimming beaches are open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Summer is popular for boating and water sports, and the annual Moraine State Park Regatta typically takes place in August. Fall offers beautiful foliage for hiking, while winter allows for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Yes, Moraine State Park is committed to accessibility. Lake Arthur offers Preston's Pearl, an ADA-accessible tour boat. There are also ADA-accessible fishing piers at various boat launches, including McDanels, Bear Run, and Park Road. Pleasant Valley Beach features an accessible paved path directly into the water.

Lake Arthur has a 20 horsepower motor limit, which helps maintain calm waters for all users. This makes it particularly popular for sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Nine public boat launches are available for easy access to the lake. For more detailed information on boating, you can visit the official DCNR website for Moraine State Park boating.

Moraine State Park offers numerous routes for various outdoor activities. For running, you can explore options like the Pleasant Valley Beach loop or other trails. Find detailed routes and guides on our Running Trails in Moraine State Park page.

For scenic views of Lake Arthur, consider the Hill Top Trail, which offers glimpses of the lake through the trees from an elevated position. Additionally, the paved bike path that borders the northern shores of Lake Arthur provides continuous waterfront views and is suitable for leisurely rides or walks.