Wisconsin
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Little-Known Lake Is Perfect For Easy Fishing, Boating, And Paddling In Wisconsin

Published Jan 2, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

In the scenic beauty of northern Wisconsin, there’s a lake that’s a tranquil retreat - Lake Noquebay. It’s a Marinette County lake that’s a haven for fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and paddlers. While it's well known in the area, it’s a destination that’s not as famous as lakes in some corners of the state. Its quiet Northwoods Wisconsin waters are well worth seeking out. Here’s why.

For anglers or beginners, Lake Noquebay is perfect. The lake is teeming with various fish species, including panfish, bass, northern pike, and walleye. Its relatively shallow and easily accessible shoreline provides opportunities for shore fishing, making it an ideal spot for anglers of all skill levels.

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Google / Mousie13

Boaters will enjoy Lake Noquebay's calm waters. The lake is perfect for leisurely cruises or a speedier run pulling a skier or tube. The lake's expansive surface area allows for lazy cruises, whether sailing, motorboating, or simply drifting across the serene expanse in a pontoon boat.

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Kayakers and canoeists will also enjoy the tranquil allure of Lake Noquebay. The peaceful waters and picturesque surroundings create an idyllic setting for paddling adventures.

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Lake Noquebay isn't just a paradise for fishing and boating enthusiasts; it's a family-friendly destination. There’s a beach and an accessible shoreline, calm waters, and picnic areas. It’s an ideal spot for families that are seeking a fun day on the water.

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Google / Zendeeno

Convenience is key at Lake Noquebay. The lake boasts numerous public access points, including four landings, making it easy for visitors to launch their boats or set out for a day of fishing without much hassle.

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Google / Eric Engerson

There’s more to Lake Noquebay than its recreational offerings; it's also incredibly scenic – it’s a place to enjoy the simple beauty of Wisconsin lake life.

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I spent an afternoon on this lake and was really impressed – it was larger than I realized (about 2,400 acres), and it’s a great lake for fun on the water. Learn more about Lake Noquebay on the Wisconsin DNR website. Find your Wisconsin boating supplies at REI. Interested in more places to enjoy the outdoors in Wisconsin? Here are some more fun outdoor activities in Wisconsin.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Paddled Into A World Of Wild Islands At Wisconsin’s Willow Flowage

Published Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

As soon as I dipped my paddle, I knew we were somewhere very special. The Willow Flowage is a wild world of little bays and islands, and it’s accessible to anyone who loves experiencing nature. I recently enjoyed a kayak trip into the Willow Flowage, and it was even better than I expected. We traced quiet bays and islands, and I felt like I was deep in the Wisconsin wilderness, even though I was not very far from home. Here’s what I found at this Wisconsin paddling destination.

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The Willow Flowage is a large, beautiful reservoir that’s located in western Oneida County.

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It was created about a century ago, with the construction of a dam on the Tomahawk River for flood control.

The Flowage is huge – it covers over 6,300 acres.

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It has nearly 80 miles of shoreline, and 95 percent of it is undeveloped. It’s also home to more than 100 islands!

We started our kayak adventure near the Cedar Falls Campground, on the north side of the flowage.

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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

This area has a long history - Native Americans paddled these waters long before European settlers arrived, and in the 1700s, there was a trading post near here.

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We encountered a couple of fishing boats as we paddled downriver, but soon found ourselves alone.

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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

This place has a very wild and remote feel. We passed some of the remote campsites and wished we had a tent and sleeping bags along – we could easily spend some time here.

We saw a lot of wildlife – balds eagles and ducks always seemed to be in view.

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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

A kayak is a great way to explore this place, as you can easily poke around the shallows. We went ashore on one of the islands and explored a bit. Then we waded into the reservoir’s cool waters.

Continuing on, we paddled through more bays and islands of the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters.

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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

There was so much to explore that we barely scratched the surface of this place. We’re already planning another voyage!

I’ve traveled to a lot of Wisconsin paddling destinations, but I think I have a new favorite spot. Learn more about the Willow Flowage on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, and check out some area hikes on AllTrails Plus. If you’re planning a trip on the Willow Flowage to enjoy some kayaking near Minocqua and Hazelhurst, here are some must-haves for nature lovers.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Soaked Up The Sun And The Good Life At Lake Geneva’s Riviera Beach In Wisconsin

Published Jul 22, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

There are scores of gorgeous beaches in Wisconsin - beaches with sweeping sand dunes on Lake Michigan, quiet strips of lake sand in the Northwoods, and beaches that even allow dogs to romp. But there’s a beach in Wisconsin that’s like no other – in Lake Geneva, Riviera Beach is a beach that requires a small admission fee, but I found was worth every penny. Here’s what you need to know about Riviera Beach in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

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Lake Geneva is one of Wisconsin’s top tourist destinations for good reason – it’s ideally located on the shore of Geneva Lake, and it’s been a summer escape for well over a century.

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In the 1800s, many wealthy Chicago residents built mansions here.

Lake Geneva’s lively downtown is filled with shops and restaurants.

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Whether you’re looking for a special gift or an ice cream cone, you’ll find it.

But you may have a hard time leaving the waterfront.

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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

There’s a gorgeous stretch of sand that beckons your beach towel. After I enjoyed a hike along the lakeshore, I could not resist taking time to relax here.

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There’s a $10 admission fee to access the beach, but there are stations near the beach entrance where it’s easy to pay.

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Once in, you’re in for a treat.

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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

The sand is soft and the water is cool. When I was there, a lot of families were on the beach – it’s a safe beach for swimming.

It’s also a nice place to take in the atmosphere of Lake Geneva.

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As I relaxed, boats lazily cruised offshore and people strolled the adjacent pier used by the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. I wished the afternoon could last forever!

I had a wonderful time on this Lake Geneva beach in Wisconsin. Get your Riviera Beach supplies at REI, and if you're looking for a place to stay, the nearby Lake Lawn Resort could be the perfect option.

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