5 Things to do in Lake Havasu City
Copyright Teresa Bitler
Last weekend, while visiting Lake Havasu City, I spent quite a bit of time at the Ford dealership. Frustrated after a drive across the desert without A/C, I began to mentally list all the things I could be doing in Lake Havasu rather than waiting for an update on my truck’s status. I consider these the top five.
- Lake Havasu: The lake itself is the major draw, especially during the summer months. Boat, swim, jet ski, water ski, tube, kayak, fish–if you can do it in or on the water, you can do it here. Park of the Arizona State Park system, it offers three boat ramps, 47 campsites and a 1.5 mile trail, the Mohave Sunset Trail, along the shoreline.
- London Bridge:Yes, it is THE London Bridge, and it’s in Arizona. Purchased by Robert P. McCulloch Sr., founder of Lake Havasu City and chairman of McCulluch Oil Corporation for $2.46 million, the bridge spans the Bridgewater Channel canal that leads from Lake Havasu to Thomson Bay. Look closely and you might see the pockmarks left by Nazi strafing during World War II.
- Lighthouses: Replicas of famous lighthouses throughout the world, these mini-beacons stand watch along the shoreline. Since there are 18 (with plans for nine more), it’s best to view them by boat; however, it is possible to see quite a few by combining a visit to the London Bridge with a walk along the shore. Check out www.lh-lighthouseclub.org for information on exact location of the lighthouses.
- Lake Havasu Museum of History: This small museum has exhibits on mining, steamboats on the Colorado River and, of course, the London Bridge. The highlight? An actual cell from the Tower of London.
- ORV Trails: The sandy dunes and open desert surrounding Lake Havasu make the area a great destination for all sorts of off-road vehicles. From my camp last February, I watched ATVs, Rhinos, pick-up trucks and motorbikes crisscross the trails just south of Lake Havasu City. The terrain offers a confidence-building experience for beginners while at the same time providing challenging opportunities for advanced riders.
I have yet to visit Lake Havasu DURING the summer. Some day, I tell you, Some day!
I wish I could write like you as Margaret Laurence once said “When I say “work” I only mean writing. Everything else is just odd jobs.”