This Is the Most Affordable Fall Lake Getaway in the U.S.—and It Has 3 Scenic Lakes to Explore

Lakes were once the American vacation of choice, not the beaches of Florida or mountains of Colorado. Families would escape to the calm waters of lakes for hiking, canoeing and relaxing afternoons on the shore. Vacations today are more difficult to define. Travelers are looking to Europe and the Caribbean for their vacations, while others prefer the Canadian Rockies or the Caribbean. There’s a good reason why lakeside getaways have become so popular. the country’s first great escapeThese are simple, rejuvenating, and far more affordable than a flight overseas.

The epicenter of affordability is not the AdirondacksWhere the Lake Tradition began, but further west in Branson, Missouri. According to research conducted by Lake.comBranson has the lowest average cost for a 5-day trip in the fall. Lake.com analyzed Booking.com’s data to determine the lakeside cities and towns that had the lowest median price for a three-day fall stay.

David Ciccarelli CEO of Lake.com said that “Lake cities and towns are often popular holiday destinations. Prices and rental rates can vary depending on the season.” Travel + Leisure. “While the summer is usually the busiest tourist season, autumn brings a lower demand and can make lakefront properties more accessible.

Tucked into the Ozark Mountains and bordered by three lakes—Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals—Branson offers the archetypal lake retreat: fishing, boating, swimming, and breezy cruises across wide, glassy water. The fall foliage is particularly beautiful, along with the scenic drive, hiking trails and lakeside views. The city is also an entertainment hub with attractions like the Marvel CaveSilver Dollar City, Dolly Parton Stampede Dinner, and Silver Dollar City.

Breaux bridge, Louisiana, is a close second with a price of $253; and Saratoga Springs Utah comes in third at $264. Below are the top 10 cities with the median cost for a 5 day stay.

1. Branson, Missouri (Median price, five-day stay: $231)
2. Breaux Bridge, Louisiana ($253)
3. Saratoga Springs, Utah ($264)
4. Highland Park, Illinois ($276)
5. Lakeland, Florida ($277)
6. South Lake Tahoe, California ($280)
7. Michigan City, Indiana ($283)
8. Columbia, South Carolina ($290)
9. Erie, Pennsylvania ($296)
10. Grand Rivers, Kentucky ($299)

Visit the list to see it all lake.com.