Located in the western part of New York state, Conesus Lake is one of the Eleven Fingers Lakes. The lake is easily accessed by both Interstates 90 and 390, and there are many towns within driving distance of the lake where you and your family can enjoy a holiday weekend or longer vacation. Conesus Lake runs 8-miles and flows south to north. In the winter months, the lake freezes deep enough for snowmobiling and ice fishing. The town of Conesus meets the shores of the lake, but surrounding the lake are other small towns that offer vacation rentals in Conesus Lake for visiting families.
1. Conesus
Settle into the town named after the lake that;s closest to the shores of the lake. Choose a vacation rental along the shoreline so you can fish off your dock or enjoy a lake view with your morning coffee. When you’re done boating and fishing, take a break and visit the Eagle Crest Vineyards for a tour and a wine sampling. If you bring your golf clubs, you can spend a day on the links at the Conesus Golf Club.
2. Livonia
On the northeast side of the lake lies the small village of Livonia with small, modestly priced vacation rentals for families looking for a trip to the lake. It’s just a few minutes from here to the lake, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. In the winter months, rent a snowmobile and ride around the lake area. Hop in the car for a day at Letchworth State Park that offers hiking to a stunning waterfall, rafting, and hot air balloon tours.
3. Lakeville
Along the northern edge of the lake, the town of Lakeville offers you cabins along the lakes or family homes in town. You can challenge your kids to a few holes of mini golf or see who the fastest driver in your family is with a trip to Minnehan’s Fun Center. After golf and go-karts, slow down with some arcade games or grab a burger. Pack a picnic and take your family to Vitale Park on the edge of the lake.
4. Geneseo
To the northwest of Conesus Lake is the college town of Geneseo. With the State University of New York at Geneseo in town, the town offers a young and hip vibe with some great places to eat and enjoy a drink. You can take a tour of the National Warplane Museum to learn more about military history and the planes that help defend the United States. Visit the Deer Run Winery for a wine tasting or pick up a bottle to take back to your vacation rental.
5. Leicester
On the northwestern side of Conesus Lake is the village of Leicester that your family can call its home away from home with friendly locals willing to offer advice to find the best places to fish on the lake. If you’re in the area around the Fourth of July, check out the Ring of Fire celebration, where the locals place flares along the edge of the lake and set off fireworks after dark in celebration.
6. Mount Morris
Just a short drive from the western shores of the lake sits the village of Mount Morris. Spend a day out shopping for bargains or one-of-a-kind antiques to take home at Allegiance Antiques and Letchworth Barn Antiques. Visit the Highbanks Recreation Area for a day of hiking, canoeing, bird watching and fishing in this protected area. You can also take in the views with a hike around the Mount Morris Dam area or enjoy some fishing.
7. Sonyea State Forest Area
To the northwest of Conesus Lake you can find a vacation rental that fits almost any budget and is within easy driving distance of all the lake activities you love including boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming and jet skiing. In Sonyea State Forest you can experience nature up close by taking a hike with your family and note all the interesting flora and fauna or schedule a trail ride with an area stable.
8. Groveland
To the south of Conesus Lake, Groveland provides you with easy access to the lake and the chance to kick back and relax in a small town. For a unique experience, stop by the Liberty Balloon Company and book a hot air balloon tour. You can sail above Conesus Lake and all of the other Finger Lakes before landing again. You and your family will see for miles and get a new perspective on the countryside.
9. Scottsburg
Stay on the southern side of the lake with a vacation rental in Scottsburg. While away your days reconnecting with your family, boating, exploring the shores of the lake on a kayak and biking around the local area. If you’re good with a fishing line, you can save a few dollars and catch enough fish to cook a fresh meal for your family back at your small cabin or larger family home.