A Boater's Guide to Exploring Lake Winnipesaukee | Melvin Village Marina
A Boater's Guide to Exploring Lake Winnipesaukee
The largest lake in New Hampshire and the third-largest in New England, Lake Winnipesaukee is a boater’s paradise. Filled with small islands and peaceful coves, this 21-mile-long body of water is ideal for a relaxing day of cruising, or enjoying the thrill of watersports with family and friends. Dotted along its shores are beautiful beaches, shopping and dining destinations, and family fun waiting to be discovered. Consider this your guide to exploring all that this incredible lake has to offer.
Where to launch your boat
Need to launch? On Winni, it’s no problem. Here are some key features of each of the lake’s many boat launches.
Alton
Paved parking for vehicles and trailers
Note: Public parking for trailers is about .5 miles away
Boat ramp located on Route 11 at the southern tip of Alton Bay
Parking area
$20 for boats and jet skis, maximum two watercraft per trailer; $10 for hand launch canoes and kayaks
Parking for one vehicle included in launch fee
Credit cards not accepted
$40 daily fee, cash only
Pump out for $5 with fuel purchase or $10 without
Center Harbor
$15 fee for non-residents
Proof of identification is required for residents to launch for free
Gilford
Located on Varney Point Road
$30 launch fee for boats 25’ and under
Located on Route 11B
$30 launch fee
Laconia
Located at the junction of Elm Street and Union Avenue
Fee charged for launch
Meredith
Hesky Park Boat Ramp on Daniel Webster Highway
$20 launch fee
Located on Lovejoy Sands Road next to Shep Brown’s Boat Basin
$20 launch fee
Trailer parking available at the municipal lot located on Lovejoy Sands Road
Moultonborough
Trailers must be parked at the Moultonborough Neck Fire Station
Located on States Landing Road
No docks available
Located on Lee’s Mill Road
Public docks available with two-hour limit
Tuftonboro
Melvin Village Public Launch
Located on Lake Road
Free boat launch
Wolfeboro
Located on Sewell Road
$20 launch fee
Located on Railroad Avenue behind the old Wolfeboro railroad terminal (must pass below a bridge with 4.2-foot clearance)
Free boat launch
Boat Rentals and Watersports Experiences
You don’t have to own a boat to have a fun-filled day on the lake! Our boat dealership offers Harris and Four Winns boat rentals to make the most of your time on the water. If you’re seeking adventure, you’ve come to the right place: book our Watersports Experience to try wakesurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing or tubing with a captain and instructor aboard a beautiful Super Air Nautique G23.
Beaches and swimming spots
Ready for a quick dip or a place to lounge in the sun? There are plenty of places to drop anchor throughout Lake Winni. Here are a few of our favorites!
A small swimming area, complete with a swim dock and public restrooms, makes this a great spot to relax during a day of boating.
This 600-foot-long stretch of sand offers mountain views, a bath house, picnic area, campsites and an RV park – all for a small admission fee.
Of course, we’re partial to our home in Melvin Village, where you’re free to swim before or after your lake excursions.
A popular destination along the Weirs Channel, there’s always something happening at this swimming area. Restrooms, a playground and a picnic area provide all the amenities, while you can find plenty of entertainment and a bite to eat on the boardwalk.
Where to Dock and Dine
Having fun all day on the lake is a great way to work up an appetite. Thankfully, Lake Winnipesaukee is home to a variety of dockside restaurants offering top-notch cuisine and water views. We’ve shared a few of our go-to spots to eat and drink along the shore.
Shibley’s at the Pier - Alton Bay
A spacious deck overlooking the lake makes Shibley’s a scenic spot for a bite to eat, with American fare from seafood to burgers on the menu.
Ames Farm Inn - Gilford
Open since 1890, the Ames Farm Inn is situated on 135 acres of land, including a sandy beach. Tie up to the dock in the morning and walk up to the farmhouse for a delicious breakfast and fresh-brewed coffee.
Camp - Meredith
An Adirondack-style restaurant that evokes summer camp memories, Camp is a cozy spot that serves classic comfort food like New England Baked Haddock and Campfire Steak. If you want the full camp experience, order s’mores for dessert!
Town Docks - Meredith
Tie up for free and enjoy a lobster roll or fried clam platter, followed by the restaurant’s homemade ice cream. Then dig your toes in the sand as you relax at the outdoor tiki bar.
Wolfeboro Dockside Grille and Dairy Bar - Wolfeboro
Take in the view of Wolfeboro Harbor and watch the boats pass by at the town docks while you enjoy a burger, hot dog or seafood roll – but don’t forget to save room for dessert, as the floats, shakes and sundaes are not to be missed!
Things to do
Looking for fun-filled activities on shore? You’re in luck: adventures abound in the towns surrounding the lake, which are packed with popular warm-weather attractions.
Take a ride on the scenic railroad
On the northern end of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, you’ll find the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, a rail system that dates back to 1848. Visit the Meredith station for a two-hour train ride along the shore, offering views of the lake and its many vacation homes.
Explore Castle in the Clouds
A whole day could be devoted to Moultonborough’s Castle in the Clouds, which offers tours of the historic Lucknow Mansion, 28 miles of hiking trails, a gift shop and gallery, a restaurant, and much more.
Sip local brews at Twin Barns Brewing Co.
An 1850 barn – actually, two joined together – is the setting of this brewpub in Meredith, which has beer available on tap and in cans to go. Hungry? Choose from a full menu of small bites, sandwiches and burgers.
Shopping at Mill Falls Marketplace
This Meredith shopping center is filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and souvenir shops, plus candy and ice cream if you’re craving something sweet. There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or a family photo along the way, as the marketplace’s scenic walkways meander past waterfalls, gardens and sculptures.
Contact us
Want to learn more about Melvin Village Marina’s boat rentals and services? Contact us today for more information. We look forward to hearing from you and guiding you on your boating journey around Lake Winni!