When we think of lake monsters, the most famous one that comes to mind is probably the Loch Ness Monster. However, you don’t need to travel all the way to Scotland to try and see a lake creature for yourself. There are some famous lake monsters in the United States, and here are a few of our favorites.
Champ
Champ, named after its home in Lake Champlin, is one of the most renowned lake monsters in North America. Some argue that the earliest sightings of Champ date back to the 1600s, while the first recorded instance was in the early 1800s. People frequently describe Champ as a long sea serpent with a star-shaped scale on its forehead. You can go looking for this creature, but don’t try to capture it, as state laws in both Vermont and New York list Champ as a protected species.
Ole Hippie
In the manufactured lakes of Texas, one peculiar creature lives. Ole Hippie is a large, fish-like cryptid that’s one of the many mysteries of Lake Travis. Ole Hippie is something of a local joke since people have mainly seen the creature around Hippie Hollow. Many doubt that a genuine lake monster lives in an artificially formed lake, but this old hippie is still popular with locals and visitors alike.
Flathead Lake Monster
The Flathead Lake Monster, or Flossie, is a giant eel found in Montana. While many who claim to have seen this beast describe it as an eel, the general belief is that Flossie is a sturgeon. Unlike several other lake monsters, most locals describe Flossie as a shy and even helpful creature that just wants to protect the lake and those that swim in it.
Beast of Busco
The Beast of Busco is an interesting creature because while it’s one of the most famous lake monsters in the United States, it’s one whose story concluded. Many lake monsters are lake eels or serpent-like creatures, while the Beast of Busco in Fulk Lake, Indiana, is a massive snapping turtle. The last official sighting of the Beast of Busco was in 1949, and many believe that the creature was merely a larger-than-average alligator snapping turtle. Despite the occasional efforts to find it, no one knows for sure if a massive snapping turtle lies beneath the water.