This Man-Made Swimming Hole In Idaho Will Make You Feel Like A Kid On Summer Vacation
By Courtnie Erickson|Published July 22, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
On a hot summer day, there really is nothing better than cooling off in a swimming hole. While there are countless natural lakes and swimming pools all over the Gem State, one of our favorites is a man-made swimming hole near Nampa called Lake Lowell. Swim, boat, splash – you name it. Time at this body of water will make you feel like a kid on summer vacation.
Originally called Deer Flat Reservoir, Lake Lowell is a 14.5-mile reservoir near Nampa. This body of water was the first storage reservoir completed for the Boise Project and is actually located in Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country.
Lake Lowell is the perfect place to spend a day. The first thing you’ll notice is the beauty surrounding you. This area is a natural escape with wetlands, grasslands, forests, and so much more.
Because this reservoir is located in a wildlife refuge, you can easily spot all types of birds. In fact, Lake Lowell is one destination with more than 200 recorded avian species.
While you can always just sit back and admire the wildlife, on those hot summer days, you’ll want to hop into this man-made swimming hole in Idaho and cool off. Jump off the dock and swim or bring a tube and float in the water.
Because this reservoir is located in a wildlife refuge, motorized and non-motorized boating are only allowed between April 15 and September 30 each year.
You can even bring a fishing pole and spend an evening fishing. Here, you can catch all types of fish including rainbow trout, bass, crappie, yellow perch, and catfish.
Lake Lowell Park is located on the east side of Lake Lowell and is the ideal place to spend the day, especially if you don’t want to spend all of your time in the water. This 20-acre park features picnic tables and grills, perfect for a picnic.
And if you bring your entire family along, check out the Story Trail, which is a short nature trail that takes you around the park. It features reading platforms with a different storybook displayed each month.
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With all there is to do — both on the water and off — you’ll truly feel like you are experiencing the best of summer vacation.
Have you ever been to Lake Lowell in Idaho? What were some of your favorite activities at this man-made swimming hole? Let us know in the comments! If you want another man-made lake to play in during the summer months, head to Lake Cascade. This is actually the fourth-largest lake in Idaho and you need to check it out for yourself.
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