Wisconsin is a paradise for lake lovers as the state boasts many clear lakes like Black Oak Lake, Geneva Lake, and Wazee Lake. A kayak ride in the pristine waters along the surrounding scenic shorelines will make you forget about keeping track of time. In addition to these, the lake is also bordered by two Great Lakes from the north and east sides. While Lake Superior is on its northern side, Lake Michigan flows on its eastern border. From tranquil settings to being a haven for water sports lovers, visiting these Wisconsin lakes once will surely make you want to stay here for an extended time.
Lake Winnebago, the state’s largest inland lake, can be easily reached from cities like Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. It offers various recreational activities throughout the year. While it is an ideal boating spot in summer, you can take the pleasure of snowmobiling or ice kiting in winter when the lake freezes.
At the lake’s northeast shore, High Cliff State Park provides ample camping and beach amenities. Several hiking trails also have access points here that lead to many historical sites and scenic rock formations. Other parks like Lakeside Park and Menominee Park also border the shoreline, offering multiple fun activities.
Fishing: This lake is brimming with many fish species including walleye, catfish, sturgeon, and perch.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, hiking, camping, picnicking, snowmobiling, ice kiting
Two of the Great Lakes flow along the borders of Wisconsin, among which one is Lake Michigan. It is a vast body of water, bordering the state from the east side. Its diverse shoreline attracts many visitors to enjoy several activities all day long. You can enjoy sunbathing or swimming on the sandy beaches in Racine, Madeline Island, or Washington Island. Other lakeside activities are also abundant here. In addition, the impressive sand dunes at Kohler-Andrae State Park are worth a visit.
Fishing: Lake Michigan is excellent for fishing largemouth and smallmouth bass, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and panfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, hiking, camping, kitesurfing
This lake is a part of northern Wisconsin’s Lakeland area, attracting several tourists to indulge in its fun-filled activities. While there are public boat launches and designated swimming spots for summer recreation, it turns into a haven for snowmobilers and skiers in its frozen state in winter.
The numerous surrounding trails through dense pine forests offer hikers and bikers the opportunity to spot wildlife species like white-tailed deer and bald eagles. If you want to stay overnight, you will find several rental cabins facing the body of water.
Fishing: Anglers can enter the waters to catchfish from the public boat landings. Fish species populating the lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, musky, panfish, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, hiking, snowmobiling, ice-skating, birdwatching, wildlife viewing
Lake Superior is the largest among the Great Lakes bordering the state from its north side. Don’t miss kayaking on its pristine waters to explore the various sea caves in summer or the ice caves in winter, accessible by snowmobiling.
To indulge in some beach activities or view the towering sandstone cliff, you can head to Apostle Island National Lakeshore at the lake’s southwestern end in the city of Bayfield. Several ancient lighthouses also abound its boundaries, including Sand Island Lighthouse, Raspberry Island Lighthouse, and Old Michigan Island Lighthouse.
Fishing: As the largest of Great Lakes, Lake Superior provides excellent fishing opportunities as you can expect to catch rainbow trout, lake trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chinook and coho salmon, northern pike, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, camping, hiking, sight-seeing
Also known as Chippewa Flowage, this artificial lake sits in the northwestern part of the state. Its wooded and underdeveloped shoreline of 233 miles provides a picturesque landscape to admire. Kayaking is a sought-after activity to explore the various islands and bays. Don’t miss experiencing primitive camping at Lake Chippewa Campground, set on a remote island that is accessible only by a boat.
Fishing: You can enjoy catching walleye, northern pike, musky, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing
The crystal clear water of Wazee Lake, located just east of Black River Falls, attracts many scuba divers and other water enthusiasts to explore it. This place was earlier an iron mining site which was eventually shut down, allowing the quarry to fill with water and thus forming the artificial lake.
You can enjoy paddling your boats along the shoreline to admire the red cliffs and oak and pine trees. Moreover, there are about 9 miles of trails encompassing it. Keep your eyes peeled while hiking here, as you might catch sight of deer, timber wolf, or even Karner Blue butterfly. However, do keep in mind that this lake is within a county park, Wazee Lake Recreation Area, which charges $ 5 per person as an entry fee.
Fishing: Bluegills, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, catfish, smallmouth bass, and walleye are some fish species that you will find here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing
Black Oak Lake holds the state’s clearest waters, attracting many to have a great time here. It has a public beach and designated swimming area where you can enjoy a relaxing time in or out of the waters. But above all, it is a hotspot for scuba diving allowing divers to explore the depths of the clear waters. There’s a Land O’ Lakes Bike Trail that goes past the southern side of the lake, offering plentiful birdwatching opportunities.
Fishing: This lake is brimming with fish species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, northern pike, trout, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, snowmobiling
Lake Mendota is the largest among the four lakes in Madison, located just off the city. Its southern shoreline boasts numerous luxurious houses and condominiums. You’ll also find many public beaches and swimming areas with lifeguards dotted along its shoreline. In addition, you can enjoy the impressive sights of the surrounding scenery while treading along the adjoining trails.
Fishing: The public boat landings and public beaches make it possible for visitors and anglers to access the lake. Fish species found here include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern eye, walleye, musky, and panfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice hockey
The state’s deepest, Green Lake, is a spring-fed lake with a depth of 237 feet flowing in the south-central part. Three public beaches, namely Hattie Sherwood Beach, Dodge County Park Beach, and Sunset County Park, abound the shoreline. You can have an enjoyable time here indulging in swimming or just relaxing under the sun. There are also many campsites available at Hattie Sherwood Campground to spend an overnight by the lakeside.
Fishing: The clear waters of Green Lake make it ideal for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, lake trout, walleye, and northern pike.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, camping, hiking, picnicking
Lake Monona is a beautiful lake featuring 13 miles of shoreline in Madison within Dane County. The capital city’s skyline, including the capitol dome, forms a stunning backdrop that can be admired while kayaking along the shores. With several boat launches, you can easily access the waters with your boats. If you’re into biking, don’t miss riding along the 13.2-mile Lake Monona Bike Loop to enjoy the scenic views around.
Fishing: Various fish species like musky, panfish, largemouth and smallmouth lake, northern pike, walleye, sturgeon, and catfish dwell in this lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, hiking, picnicking, ice-skating, snowkiting
Elkhart Lake is a spring-fed lake in Sheboygan County within southeastern Wisconsin. The best way to enjoy its clear waters is by hopping on a boat and being lost in its scenic beauty, especially in the fall season. There are also amenities available for visitors to have a fun time here, like a public beach, concession stand, volleyball courts, picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities.
You can take a short trip to its adjoining picturesque village, named after it. Here you will find a golf club, a spa center called Aspira Spa, a tasting bar, a museum, and many more attractions.
Fishing: A public boat landing is available for anglers to access the 119-feet deep lake to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, walleye, trout, and panfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, tubing, paddle boarding, picnicking, sightseeing, hiking
Mirror Lake is a centerpiece of Mirror Lake State Park near the Wisconsin Dells region. Its calm waters being a no-wake zone, provide a serene surrounding. You can spend a relaxing time having a picnic while taking in the views of the lush forest and overhanging sandstone cliffs. There are also several hiking and biking trails within the state park that you can explore. If you wish to stay here, you can camp in one of the 151 campsites available in three separate campgrounds.
Fishing: This lake contains panfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, trout, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, camping, picnicking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking
Geneva Lake’s accessibility from major cities like Milwaukee and Madison makes it a popular tourist destination. To enjoy activities in and around the spring-fed body of water, you can visit the Big Foot Beach, State Park. Besides these, it is also a winter wonderland when the lake freezes, inviting visitors to ski or skate here. Also, don’t miss exploring the enchanting ice castles adorned with colorful lights to give it a fairy tale effect.
Fishing: Fish species such as walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, northern pike, and trout populate the lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross-country skiing, camping
Devil’s Lake is a key attraction within Devil’s Lake State Park, located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Be sure to hike the 2-mile Devil’s Doorway Loop Trail to witness some of the most unique and stunning rock formations overlooking the body of water. You can then cool off in the refreshing water, which is a hotspot in summers. There’s a parking pass of $ 13 for Wisconsin residents and $ 18 for those having an out-of-state license plate.
Fishing: Several fish species like brown trout, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and bluegill are abundant in the lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, picnicking
Petenwell Lake, the state’s second-largest, is an artificial lake whose shoreline is mostly undeveloped. You can enjoy the views of the wilderness and also spot bald eagles if visiting in winter. Its vastness makes it a paradise for water sports like sailing or water skiing. With numerous campsites dotting the shoreline and surrounding wooded areas, you can spend an overnight here to experience the tranquility and charms of nature.
Fishing: This lake is home to plentiful fish like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, perch, musky, northern pike, and bluegill.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, sailing, water skiing, hiking, camping, birdwatching, picnicking
Located near Petenwell Lake, Castle Rock Lake is human-made, boasting a beautiful shoreline rich in flora and fauna. To engage yourself in recreational activities here, you can head to Buckhorn State Park, set on a peninsula on the lake. In addition, there are two county parks, each sitting in Adams County and Juneau County, where the lake flows.
Fishing: Anglers commonly catch fish species like northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, musky, sturgeon, and catfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, picnicking
Lake Pepin, a natural lake, flows on the Mississippi River along the borders of Minnesota and Wisconsin. If you enjoy water skiing, then this lake is for you as it is said to be the birthplace of this water sport. Don’t miss visiting the nearby Rush River, which drains into it and lies within the Rush River Delta State Natural Area. Here you can pause to feast your eyes with the scenic surroundings and also spot eagles flying overhead.
Fishing: Fish species available in this lake are largemouth bass, panfish, and northern pike.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, hiking, camping
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Green Lake, Petenwell Lake, Lake Winnebago
Best Lakes for Ice Fishing: Green Lake, Black Oak Lake, Lake Michigan
Best Lakes for Boating: Geneva Lake, Lake Chippewa, Lake Superior
Best Lakes for Camping: Mirror Lake, Lake Chippewa, Petenwell Lake
Best Lakes to Live On: Green Lake, Elkhart Lake, Geneva Lake
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