Polk Daniels State Lake - East of town, one of the most beautiful areas is Polk Daniels State Lake. Open year round, it provides a scenic setting for boating, fishing and picnic sites sheltered from the sun. The Lake is named after a favorite, long time editor of the Howard Courant, whose widely-read editorials were penned under the name of Polk Daniels.
Howard City Lake, east of town, has beautiful stonework. A City fishing permit is required.
Elk River - Southeast and West of Howard, the Elk River gives fishermen and hunters many miles of pleasure. Famous for its big flatheads and good crappie fishing, the river also contains plenty of bass and channel cats.