Although years ago, there were many lakes that featured the American Lotus which is huge in blossom size as well as huge pads, now I can find only a single lake in Michigan that has them in abundance.
Getting to know the types of lilies and the variations that exist in both blossoms and pads is a visual treat. The character and environment that these lilies exist in is varied and beautiful-sunken trees, duck weed, sticks, murky water, algae all provide a rich and varied backdrop.