When you cruise the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee with Daley’s Adventure Boat Tours, you’re not just taking in beautiful scenery—you’re gliding across centuries of fascinating history.
Glacial Origins and Natural Formation
Lake Winnipesaukee was formed at the end of the last Ice Age, when retreating glaciers carved out deep basins and left behind hundreds of rocky islands. Over time, meltwater filled the valleys, creating the lake’s distinctive shape and depth. With 264 islands and more than 70 square miles of surface area, it remains New Hampshire’s largest lake and a geological marvel.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “Winnipesaukee” is believed to derive from an Algonquian word meaning “Beautiful Water in a High Place” or “Smile of the Great Spirit.” The area was originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, who fished, hunted, and traveled the lake’s shores long before European settlers arrived. Oral histories and archaeological findings point to a deep spiritual connection between the indigenous people and these waters.
Colonial Encounters and Historic Sites
In the 1600s and 1700s, English settlers began exploring and establishing trade in the region. One of the oldest surviving relics of this early period is Endicott Rock in Weirs Beach, where surveyors carved a boundary marker into granite in 1652. Today, it's preserved under a small pavilion—an early testament to colonial presence in the area.
A Lake of Leisure and Legacy
By the late 1800s, the lake had become a popular destination for summer visitors from Boston and beyond. Steamboats carried passengers between grand hotels, island camps, and lakeside resorts. The tradition of lake cruising continues today, with modern tours offering a glimpse into this storied past.
Experience the History Firsthand
From the glacial origins to steamboat travel and indigenous heritage, Lake Winnipesaukee is rich with stories waiting to be discovered. When you board a Daley’s Adventure Boat Tour, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re traveling through time on one of New England’s most historic and beloved lakes.