Keuka Lake

Keuka Lake details:

• Length: 19.6  miles
• Maximum width: 1.9 miles
• Maximum depth: 186 feet
• Average depth: 101 feet
• Major cities and towns: Hammondsport, Penn Yan, Branchport

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We've got "America's Coolest Small Town"

Keuka Lake, at the heart of the Finger Lakes Region of New York, is a Y-shaped lake on which you’ll find plenty to do. 

This lake has beautiful views, excellent boating, warm temperatures for swimming, and fairly easy hiking. Come spend the day, the week, or - following the example set by many people recently - move here. 

Set at the southern tip of the lake, the village of Hammondsport was voted “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Magazine in 2012. A historic district that was once a major booming town for growing and transporting grains by train, it's now a sleepy village with some good shopping and beautiful views. You’ll find some pleasant kayaking at the southern tip of the lake - and might spot a bald eagle. 

Both bald eagles and osprey, two large birds of prey, reside around the lake. Osprey are much more common, though both use nest platforms that have been erected on sites around the lake. Bald eagles are shy of humans, and since Keuka Lake is pretty busy from May-September, they can be harder to spot during those times of the year.

But keep your eyes open for them anyway. They may be shy, but they're still there!

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How did Keuka Lake get its name?

Keuka Lake, like nearly all the other Finger Lakes, gets its name from a derivation of a phrase in the native Seneca Indian language. “Keuka” means “canoe landing,” though there’s some debate that it might have meant “bent elbow.” 

The Seneca were indigenous people that inhabited the Finger Lakes Region and westward into the Genesee Valley prior to European colonization. Today, the Seneca Nation of Indians maintains a stronghold in western New York, where they support their members and work to keep their culture and language alive.

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Things to do while visiting Keuka Lake

So, you wanna visit Keuka Lake?

Keuka Lake is known for its beautiful views, warm waters, and excellent boating. I don't blame you for wanting to come here. Even though I live locally, I'm planning my next trip too!

To find out more about the following activities on Keuka Lake, just click on the link. I suggest you try them all - because you just never know what kind of good stuff you might miss out on if you don't!

Boating

Camping

Hiking

Paddling

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