In 2024, the lake wasn’t just a destination—it was the plan.

Cedar Creek Lake was considered, compared, and chosen. The clicks revealed the journey of what people want, from spontaneous weekend plans to full-on lake escapes. We didn’t guess—we tracked the data, analyzed it monthly, adapted in real time, and measured the impact.

The insights that turned traffic into strategy -

Top 10 Texas Cities by Visit Share (2024)

Mabank ranks #1 in visit share, accounting for over 22% of all tracked Texas-based visits—clear confirmation that people already in town are actively engaging with local content. That means your neighbors are searching.

But Dallas and Athens combined make up another 30%+, showing strong interest from weekenders and nearby metro dwellers. Palestine, San Antonio, and Plano also rank high, proving that the draw of Cedar Creek Lake stretches well beyond the backyard.

What We Learned

  • ✅ Vacation Rental Pages - One of the Top 3 most visited pages site-wide. High activity from Dallas, Plano, and San Antonio—showing strong interest from metro markets. Peak traffic occurred midweek (Tues–Thurs) when weekend planning typically happens.

  • ✅ Restaurant Searches were driven by experience-based queries, not convenience. Users commonly searched for “waterfront dining,” “live music,” and “dog-friendly patios.” They’re not just hungry—they want the full lake vibe - Lifestyle sells.

  • ✅ Events & Music Calendars - Athens and Arlington visitors drove up engagement on live music and event pages. Engagement rises near holiday weekends and school breaks—these aren’t passive scrolls, they’re trip-timing tools

  • ✅ Boat & Jet Ski Rentals - Strong traffic from San Antonio, Plano, and Dallas—your top city markets for lake-based experiences. Searches peak in late spring through summer, but “off-season” clicks in Feb–Mar hint at early planners.

Top 10 States by Visit Share (2024)

Texas accounts for 73% of the total traffic. That confirms what we’ve suspected: locals and weekenders are your most engaged audience. They’re actively planning lake days, booking rentals, searching “dog-friendly restaurants near me,” and making same-weekend decisions.

Out-of-state traffic accounts for just under 25% of total visits, but the behavior of these users is markedly different—These visitors are planners, not browsers. They view more pages, spend more time on the site, and convert at a higher rate than Texas-based users.

What We Learned

  • ✅ Vacation Rental Pages were among the top three visited on the entire site. Users from California and Illinois spent 35–50% more time on these listings than Texans, often browsing photos, reading policies, and reviewing nearby amenities. These visitors aren’t booking on a whim—they’re evaluating. Include images, FAQ sections, & guest reviews to keep these high-intent visitors engaged.

  • ✅ Restaurant Searches were driven by experience-based queries, not convenience. Out-of-state users commonly searched for “waterfront dining,” “live music,” and “dog-friendly patios.” They’re not just hungry—they want the full lake vibe. If you’re in food service, make sure your content reflects your environment, not just your menu. Lifestyle sells.

  • ✅ Events & Music Calendars played a surprising role in trip planning. Visitors from Iowa and Oklahoma frequently visited event pages first, and then clicked to lodging and rental pages. This tells us they’re scheduling their travel around local experiences. Smart move: list your event early, keep it updated, and link it to lodging and nearby activities.

  • ✅ Boat & Jet Ski Rentals continue to perform as a top interest, especially among Nebraska, California, and Illinois visitors. Page views spike in late spring and early summer—but interestingly, clicks begin as early as February, signaling that many are booking ahead or building itineraries. Use this early window to run seasonal booking ads and secure your reservations before competitors.

Data Proves Cedar Creek is No Longer Off the Radar

Texans searched, out-of-staters planned, and the data revealed what people clicked, when they searched, how long they stayed—and gave us a clear roadmap for smarter, more strategic marketing in 2025.

Key Takeaways from 2024 Visitor Data -

💡 Locals Drive the Volume
Mabank, Dallas, and Athens together represent over 50% of all Texas-based visits. That means your next customer may already live nearby—or is just a short drive away.

💡 Out-of-State Visitors Are High-Intent
California, Illinois, and Nebraska visitors spend up to 50% more time on key pages like vacation rentals and boat bookings. They’re not just curious—they’re comparing, planning, and ready to buy.

Experience Matters More Than Ever
Search trends across states and cities show clear intent: users want dog-friendly patios, live music, lake views, and weekend-ready activities. They’re not booking a service—they’re chasing a vibe.

💡 Early Birds Book First
Vacation rentals and boat rentals see clicks starting in February, long before the peak season. Out-of-state visitors are researching early. Smart marketers should plan promos and content now—not later.

💡 Weekend Planners Shop Midweek
Across all categories, pageviews spike Tuesday through Thursday. Use this to time your posts, specials, or ads when your audience is in planning mode.