Wisconsin
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Here Are 4 Wisconsin Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Epic

Discover four natural swimming holes in Wisconsin perfect for cooling off during the summer.

Updated Jun 1, 2023

Written by 

Laura

This summer, you're going to be looking for places to cool off. But why go to the overcrowded community pool? Instead, you can hit up some natural swimming holes. Here are our four favorite swimming holes in Wisconsin that will make your summer epic.

1. Pewit's Nest

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Josiah Zacharias/Flickr

If you're looking for some of the best places to swim in Wisconsin, you have to check out Pewit's Nest. This giant gorge was cut by a small stream called Skillet Creek. It depends on when you go, but the water can be a little on the cold side. It really looks like something out of a fantasy, and you'll be overwhelmed by the lushness surrounding it. Use extreme caution, as there are no handrails. (Jumping from cliffs really isn't a smart idea either.)

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Take a look at this drone footage by @PrimoMedia:

2. Amnicon Falls

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TheCatalyst31/Wikimedia Commons

Waterfalls that you can swim under? Yes, make that dream a reality at Amnicon Falls State Park in Wisconsin. Just a short trail walk will lead you down to the river. But with this great feature, you'd think it would be super crowded, right? It's actually rarely crowded making it one of the best Wisconsin swimming holes. Rocks can be slippery, so use caution.

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Check out this video by @prabeermann7530:

3. Eau Claire River

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Amy Bayer/Flickr

One of the better swimming areas is at the Eau Claire River. The river is secluded with a sandy bottom. It is also shallow, which makes it good for swimming. Many people report sitting in the middle of the river and only being in about a foot of water. There are also some secluded beaches along the river.

4. Quarry Beach

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Quarry Beach/Facebook

This place has evolved over the years, starting as an unused quarry. Now, it has become an outdoor adventure park of sorts and one of the state's best swimming holes. Do some paddle boarding, kayaking, or jumping on water inflatables. Or just float in the beautiful water. No matter what you decide to do, you'll have a blast at this natural swimming hole in Wisconsin.

Check out this video by @visitsheboygan920:

Have you been to any of these swimming holes in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? I think I know what my favorite is! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

And if you need more summer adventure, sign up for our Only In Wisconsin email newsletter!

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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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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

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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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

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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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

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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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

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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Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

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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