With so many creeks, rivers, and lakes in Wisconsin, there are plenty of opportunities around our great state to take a dip and wash away some of the summer heat. These swimming holes in Wisconsin are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day and taking in the sights and sounds of a more natural setting. Grab your sunscreen and make a splash this summer!

1. Dells of the Eau Claire Park - Aniwa
Dells of the Eau Claire County Park, County Rd Y, Aniwa, WI 54408, USA
Flickr/Amy Bayer
This swimming hole in Wisconsin rocks...literally! Check out the ancient volcanic rock that's been worn away by millions of years by the Eau Claire River during your visit. The scenery is beautiful and the rocks do create some waterfalls and rapids, but there are plenty of calmer spots to dip your toes in as well.
2. Soo Lake - Newbold
Soo Lake, Newbold, WI 54501, USA
Flickr / Pauljoelhancock
Obviously lakes are a great place to cool off, but what makes Soo Lake one of the best lakes in Wisconsin for swimming is that it's just 13 feet deep. There's not a lot of boat traffic here and you'll be able to swim and play to your heart's content.
3. Minooka Park - Waukesha
Minooka Parkway Estates, Waukesha, WI 53186, USA
TripAdvisor/TheRealCyclops
This 4-acre pond has lifeguards on duty which is perfect for family adventures with the kids. The shoreline is peppered with trees that provide ample shade, and the scenery is just picture-perfect.
4. Turtle Creek - Beloit
Turtle Creek, Wisconsin, USA
Flickr/oldonliner
Turtle Creek is a picturesque little swimming hole in Wisconsin that flows from Turtle Lake near Delavan, Wisconsin to the Rock River in South Beloit, Illinois. The calm little scenic waterway offers plenty of opportunities to slip in the water and cool off.
5. Amnicon Falls - South Range
Amnicon Falls, WI 54874, USA
Flickr / Joe Passe
The Amnicon River creates plenty of opportunity to take a dip here in this state park. Check out the waterfalls and enjoy your time in this natural swimming hole in Wisconsin.

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6. Redgranite Quarry - Redgranite
Redgranite, WI 54970, USA
Flickr/Sandor Weisz
Redgranite is one of the best quarry lakes in Wisconsin, but don't go here without supervision and strong swimmers. This former quarry draws folks from all over to relax and enjoy a day out of the heat, a wonderful spot to spend a summer day.
7. Willow Flowage - Little Rice
John W. Iwanski / Flickr
Isolated from roads and development, the Willow Flowage is an artificial lake in Oneida County formed by a dam on the Tomahawk River. There are 106 islands and 73 miles of shoreline here, almost all of it undeveloped. It's a bit of a wilderness escape, but one of the best lakes places to swim in Wisconsin without dealing with large crowds.
8. Hartman Creek State Park
Hartman Creek Road, Hartman Creek Rd, Wisconsin 54981, USA
Amy Bayer / Flickr
Located at the southern end of the Chain O' Lakes, this state park in Wisconsin has the eponymous creek, but also several small lakes that lack the traffic of the larger ones further north, so they're great for swimming.
9. Fox Brook Park - Brookfield
Fox Brook Road, Fox Brook Rd, Redfield, NY 13493, USA
April Scott/Google
This former quarry is a great place to cool off or play in the sand. The white sandy beach is one of the most popular beaches in Wisconsin, so you may find large crowds here on the weekends.
10. Willow River State Park - Hudson
Willow River, Wisconsin, USA
Flickr/Thomas Martin
Willow River State Park has tons to offer the outdoor enthusiast and there are plenty of places to slide into the river and cool off after a busy and hectic day.
11. Quarry Beach - Sheboygan
Quarry Road, Quarry Rd, Rock Springs, WI 53961, USA
Facebook/Sheboygan Quarry
Part swimming hole, part water park, Quarry Beach is one of the best places to swim in Wisconsin and brings folks in from all over the state. Just look at that view!

Do you agree that these are also some of the best lakes in Wisconsin for swimming? Do you have other favorite swimming holes in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comment section!

Want even more places to beat the summer heat this year? Waterparks are always a thrilling adventure, and Wisconsin has some awesome ones!

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Jackie Ann | June 14, 2022

What are the most beautiful beaches in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t stop us from having beaches so beautiful, that you’ll think you’re on a tropical island somewhere. Not only is Julian Bay Beach one of the best places to swim in Wisconsin, but it’s also home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. A bit about Julian Bay Beach:

  • Located on Stockton Island, you’ll need to hop on a ferry to get there
  • But once you lay out along the 1.5-mile beach, you’ll agree that it’s worth the extra effort!
  • Julian Bay Beach is also known for one of the more bizarre phenomena in Wisconsin, and you might just hear the sand barking. Yep, that’s right… barking.

 

Where can I go tubing in Wisconsin?

River tubing is one of the best summertime adventures, and Wisconsin is home to several waterways that are great for throwing a tube in and letting the current take you away.

  • The Namekagon River is one of the most popular rivers for tubing in Wisconsin, and there are several sandbars along the shoreline so you can stop and splash around for a bit to stretch your legs.
  • Another great option is floating down the Apple River, and River’s Edge is a long-time favorite for renting tubes along this river in Wisconsin.

 

Are there any inflatable waterparks in Wisconsin?

Inflatable waterparks have grown in popularity over the years, and if you’ve never visited one, you’re in for a treat. Fondy Aqua Park in Fond du Lac has one of the best inflatable waterparks in the state, and the printing freshwater pond is one of the best places for swimming in Wisconsin. There’s even a sandy beach and boat rental opportunities, so you’ll never run out of things to do at this epic waterpark.

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