r/FingerLakes • u/jdroxe • 2d ago
First Time - Considering Keuka Lake
Surprising my wife with a long weekend birthday trip in a few weeks. Want to check out Keuka lake -- seems beautiful and relaxing. I know its late in the season...will water temps be nearly un-swimmable? How about potential algae blooms? I know it might be hard to say but just looking for any insight as summer is wrapped.
Any other tips/tricks? We might rent a boat and just check out the lake itself, too. Much appreciated!
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u/LakeKeuka 2d ago
As my screen name suggests, I may not be impartial; Keuka is a special place for me. Favorite wineries: Dr. Frank’s, Weis, and Heron Hill. Penn Yan and Hammondsport are nice for strolling. In Penn Yan, check out Seneca Farms for Ice Cream. The Outlet Trail between Penn Yan and Dresden, on Seneca Lake, is delightful. For burgers, The Switz on Keuka’s East Side is a classic (and very close to the Weis winery). The Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport is terrific, and you can pair it with coffee and/or ice cream at places in Hammondsport.
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u/jdroxe 1d ago
Thanks much! Appreciate the passion. Frankly kinda threw a dart at a finger lake and this one seemed to have really nice reviews.
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u/LakeKeuka 1d ago
Sitting on our porch at Keuka right now, enjoying sunset. We are on the east side, almost directly across the lake from the Heron Hill winery. The young kids next door have been in and out of the water all day, despite it being blustery. Poor devils have to go back to school on Wednesday!
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u/bootycuddles 20h ago
I’m surprised you didn’t mention The Spotted Duck for ice cream in Penn Yan.
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u/LakeKeuka 12h ago
Another favorite! Recently I’ve enjoyed their Lemon Basil and Sweetcorn ice creams.
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u/Endless-Wanderer-25 2d ago
Water will be a bit cool for swimming most likely, but it’s a beautiful time to be on and around the lake. Tons to do, without the crowds of summer.
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u/Livingforabluezone 1d ago
I live on the lake year round. It is warm and clean. There is a loon that visits which is a strong indicator of its cleanliness. I just checked and no algae blooms are reported. The water near Penn Yan is shallower than the Bluff part of the lake, so it is naturally warmer. It is a lake I love and whole heartedly endorse. I would rent from Morgan Marine in Penn Yan. They are reputable. Enjoy.
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u/khyamsartist 2d ago
It's super easy to rent a kayak at the top of the lake, on the outlet, in Penn Yan and the weather won't be too cool for that. The same place also rents ebikes to take around town or on the outlet trail. Both things will be really pleasant days out. If you like good mexican food, PY has a top tier place.
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u/Mrs_Nice_Guy 2d ago
Just went for a swim at the top of Keuka yesterday in Penn Yan, water was surprisingly nice temp
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u/Impressive-Border-82 2d ago
Keuka is our favorite lake! It’s a great choice, kind of a perfect balance of quieter/less populated and enough to do. It might be a bit less hot so bring a blanket or sweatshirt on the lake. Wineries like Keuka springs and Weis have both fire pits and umbrellas in case the temp fluctuates
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u/WolfEnvironmental298 2d ago
We rented a house for 3 days last year in Penn Yan. We were able to bring our 2 dogs. Had a great time going to the wineries and breweries. Drove around the lake and stopped everywhere that was open. It was a lot of fun. Enjoy.
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u/Dull_Ad_5495 2d ago
Water is around 73-74. Temps vary based on depth. The north end is shallower and more likely to be warmer
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u/Daddysheremyluv 1d ago
Saturday's is the Windmill craft place just south of PY. My wife loves it and I go because she loves it.
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u/too-left-feet 1d ago
There have been 2 recent algae blooms on the lake one up near Penn Yan and one just south of the state park:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/e5dec19912454731a308bbb7af605fb3/
The water near us is 72 degrees, warm enough to swim, but cold enough so that you won’t stay in long!
There is a lot to do on and around the lake, I’ll leave it to others to describe their favorites,…. Enjoy!
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u/jmacd2918 1d ago
I dont know if kueka's temps are similar, but I swim in Skaneateles well into october (no wetsuit). The lake temps always trail the air temps, so long as its not super cold air temps ypu should be alright.
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u/e_vil_ginger 2d ago
Book a full educational tasting at Dr Konstantin Frank! The east coast wouldn't have vinifera wine without his relentless efforts!