There’s Something Magical About These 13 Wisconsin Lakes In The Summer
With over 15,000 lakes in Wisconsin, you can bet that no matter where in Wisconsin you live, you’re probably not far from one. When the weather begins to warm up and you’re looking for outdoor activities, these are some of the best lakes in Wisconsin to cool down on a hot summer day. They are great for fishing, boating, swimming, or just finding a shady spot along the shoreline to admire the view.
One of the most scenic Wisconsin lakes, Lake Mendota is 9,781 acres and might just be the best place to catch a sunset in the state. Once you see it up close, get a bird's eye view from the observation tower at the Capitol Building in Madison.
This naturally occurring lake is located about 60 miles down from Minnesota - in fact, part of the lake borders Minnesota. One of the most beautiful lakes in Wisconsin, it's also the widest part of the Mississippi River.
Devil's Lake was once a gorge, but that changed after the last ice age. Now, this 360-acre lake is the most popular lakes in Wisconsin. It is surrounded by 500 foot bluffs, which offer awesome views.
Devils Lake, Wisconsin 53913, USA
4. Lake Winnebago (Winnebago, Calumet, and Fond du Lac Counties)
Lake Winnebago is the largest lake in Wisconsin. It is a whopping 137,700 acre lake. It has an average depth of 15.5 feet, and there are many shallow reefs among the shoreline.
This lake isn't the largest, but it is the deepest in the state. It plunges 237 feet. Green Lake is one of the top places for fishing, and there are several charming cabins nearby if you'd like to make a relaxing weekend of it!
This lake is 1300 acres. But why people love it is because it is the clearest in Wisconsin. Because of this, it is the most popular lake for scuba diving.
This lake is 10,595 acres. It has a depth of only 7 feet, but don't let that deter you: this beautiful lake in Wisconsin is ideal for a day of splashing around with loved ones. But it's gorgeous and it's awesome if you are fishing for panfish or large mouth bass.
This lake has an average depth of 9 feet, and a maximum depth of around 42 feet. It is visited most for fishing, swimming and boating. With 18 miles of shoreline, it's one of the best lakes in Wisconsin for beach bums to sit back and enjoy the view.
This lake has a cool shape, resembling a figure 8. The southern portion of the lake has a part of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail through it, that goes over an old rail road bridge. It also has underwater pyramids built by Aztalan natives.
This might be one of the prettiest lakes in Wisconsin. It gets its name from the very clear waters, and on a beautiful day when the water is calm and there's no wind, the lake seems to turn into a picture perfect reflection of the lush surroundings.
We would be remiss if we didn't include Lake Michigan on this list. One of our favorite spots along this lake is North Beach. North Beach is located in Racine and has 2500 feet of open shoreline to explore.
Lake Michigan, United States
Once you’ve explored some of the best Wisconsin Lakes, grab your hiking boots and check out some of the most scenic hiking trails in Wisconsin.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best lakes in Wisconsin
July 07, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the most beautiful beaches in Wisconsin?
It’s not summer until you’ve sunk your toes into the sand while slathering on sunscreen. When you’re on the hunt for a beautiful beach in Wisconsin to spend a hot summer day, there are several to choose from. Bear Beach offers beautiful views of Lake Superior and several stretches of shoreline to sprawl out on. If you’re up for an adventure, take the 16-mile ferry ride to Stockton Island where you’ll find a beautiful 1.5-mile beach that’s not just any beach… it’s a barking beach.
Can I camp right on the water in Wisconsin?
When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than spending a few nights sleeping under the stars, surrounded by Wisconsin’s beautiful natural landscape. If you’re thinking about camping in Wisconsin, consider Goose Island, the largest county campground in the state. Another wonderful waterfront camping option is nestled within the Kettle Moraine State Forest, home to some of the most beautiful lakes in Wisconsin. The campground at Mauthe Lake is just gorgeous, with over 130 campsites, you can pretty much guarantee there’ll always be a campsite open for you.
Can I go scuba diving in Wisconsin?
You might be surprised to learn that Wisconsin is a great place for scuba diving. Wazee Lake is a great lake for scuba diving since it’s the deepest inland lake in the state. If you’ve never been scuba diving before, this is a great place to learn. The 146-acre lake is one of the best lakes in Wisconsin for outdoor adventure, and once you’ve finished scuba diving, sit back and relax along the sandy beach and admire the view.
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