Spring brings with it the excitement of lakes awakening, new boats about to be launched and the opening of long closed cabins. Summer is full of activities, warmth and laughter. Autumn offers a radiant burst of color, a sort of exclamation point on the sights seen along the water. For some, these three seasons represent all that lake living has to offer.

Winter, of course, is different. Cabins are closed, boating is months away and everything along the water slows down. For Lakestyle people, being "on the water" takes a new meaning from December through April. Some head south and spend time on or near water. Some spend the winter months inside the cabin in front of a warm fire, watching windblown waves of snow lap the shore. Others spend these months on the water, literally; snowmobiling, skating, driving, fishing, skiing and walking.

Here are ten ways to make the most of this season on the lake:

1: Take advantage of the new access to your lot. Once the ice is thick enough, just about anything can be delivered over the lake. Whether it be materials for a new dock, a sand blanket for the beach area, or landscape or building materials, a frozen lake provides easy access without damaging the lot or its trees.

Ice Thickness Guidelines

2: While you’re at it, draw up some landscape plans. Whether lakescaping or adding trees, flowers or bushes, plan the changes now and you can have the plants delivered once it thaws.

3: Check out the local boat and home shows.

4: Rent a snowmobile and take a tour around your lake. You’ll be amazed at how different the lake looks during the winter months.

5: Pick a new name for your boat. Some of our favorite boat names are:

6: Frame a few of those classic lake photos so when it’s time to open the cabin, you’ll have something new to hang on the wall.

7: Winter is a great time to interview builders for that renovation you’ve been dreaming of.

8: Have a skating (or boot hockey) party. Add a couple of inexpensive halogen work lights and the party can continue into the night.

9: Put together your summer weekend calendar. Who can visit which weekend? Which resorts do you want to visit this year? What are the “must do” activities? Here is a “lake calendar starter” to make it easier:

• Memorial Day: Last Monday of May
• Beginning of Summer: June 21st
• Fourth of July: July 4th
• Minneapolis Aquatennial: the third full week of July
• Labor Day: First Monday in September
• Beginning of Fall: September 21st
  

10: Light a fire in the fireplace, pull up a chair and a book or, better yet, the family photo album. Ice out is coming soon...

By Tom Henke