All of us are familiar with the local waterways. Whether we live along the coast, or on the Great Plains, there are some things all boating enthusiasts have in common. We all have (or want) a boat, we all want to protect our boats with maintenance and boat insurance, and we all know every stretch of water within 100 miles  big enough to launch our vessel in.

Still, the itch to get away hits all of us once in a while. Next time you decide to take a vacation, why not the hitch the boat to the back and find a place with a nice lake? Here are some fine examples of places you can drop your boat in the water next time you’re looking for somewhere different.

• Lake Michigan. If we’re going to put out a list of great lakes, it’s only fitting that we start it off with a Great Lake. Drive north of Chicago into Wisconsin or, especially, Michigan, and you’ll find some fantastic places to drop your boat in the water. Pay good attention to the weather forecasts if you venture out on the Great Lakes, however. Lake Michigan is usually calmer than the others, but like any lake, she can be dangerous if you’re out there on the wrong day.

• Beaver Lake. Located in the heart of the Ozarks, in Benton County, Arkansas, this beautiful 90 mile lake is quickly becoming well known. While the boating here isn’t quite as good as it was when it was less known, there’s still plenty of room to have fun on the lake. This destination is particularly good for the fishermen out there.

• Tellico Lake, Knoxville, Tennessee. This is where most of the major boat manufacturers test their boats, so it can be a great place to check out what’s coming down the pipe in the boating world. And the fishing isn’t half bad, either. Top that off with being close to the city and another fantastic little lake, Lake Loudon. If you happen to be a Vols fan, join them during the boat tailgate parties before UT’s football games.

• Finger Lakes. If you like things fairly pristine, the Finger Lakes in New York are an excellent choice. The series of 11 lakes is not as highly developed as most, and can really be an outdoorsman’s dream. Or, conversely, if you are the sophisticated type who enjoys a good glass of wine, the area is also home to some fantastic vineyards.

Wherever you go, make sure that your boat insurance has you covered both in and out of the water. And remember, you may not be able to go boating on all of our countries lakes and rivers, but that’s no excuse for not trying.

Photo via rkramer62