Wisconsin’s lakes are essential to the spirit and allure of the state. Through all four seasons, residents and tourists alike flock to them to swim, fish, kayak, snowmobile and boat along their shores. But beyond the well-known vacation spots like Lake Geneva and Minocqua, hundreds of other hidden gems in Wisconsin await your reprieve and relaxation. Find out where your next Wisconsin lakeside getaway will be and soak up these lesser-known spots in true Midwest fashion.
1. Madeline Island, Apostle Islands
Best for: Nature-lovers in need of a little seclusion
Nestled at Wisconsin’s northern tip are the Apostle Islands, a cluster of 22 islands on Lake Superior. The largest of these islands, and perhaps the most historically significant, is Madeline Island. It’s been occupied since before the 17th century by Native Americans, whether Ojibwe, Ottawa, Huron, or Sioux, for hundreds of years prior to when French explorers arrived by 1660. Today, it’s widely regarded as the Ojibwe people’s spiritual home.
Madeline Island is only accessible by ferry, boat or plane, making it an exclusive getaway. It boasts beautiful sea caves, stunning shorelines, sandstone bluffs in the Big Bay State Park and heritage preservation sites. Adventurous visitors love renting bikes and coasting along the Madeline Island Ferry Line, or paddling through the breathtaking rock formations along Lake Superior. More laid-back tourists can opt to lounge on Joni Beach for a sandy tan, or check out the boardwalk at Big Bay Town Park. Hungry? The Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau recommends whitefish, lake trout or herring, all caught fresh from Lake Superior. Whatever activity you prefer, Madeline Island has an edge when it comes to amenities, activities and history along its 14 miles of beauty.
2. Green Lake
Best for: Lovers of charming small-town shops, community events and rounds of golfing
Also often called Big Green Lake, this lake in south central Wisconsin is the deepest natural inland lake in the state. The tight-knit community of Green Lake draws tourists en masse for its concerts in the park, Harvest Festival and Wisconsin Chili Cook-Off. For those who love a good putting green, Green Lake offers golf courses like Tuscumbia and Lawsonia — the latter named the fifth best public-access golf course in Wisconsin by Golfweek in 2024. Of course, the lake itself is the main attraction: Give sailing a try in the summer and go ice fishing in the winter. It’s easy to see why people enjoy going to Green Lake for a quintessential Wisconsin getaway (or hibernation)!
3. Garmisch USA Resort on Lake Namakagon
Best for: Out-of-the-box thinkers — why not stay in a castle on the lake instead of a cabin?
Lake Namakagon is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, and it is one of only three lakes in Wisconsin managed as a trophy muskie lake. But beyond the surface, Lake Namakagon in Bayfield County has a unique opportunity for families to relax at a resort oozing with charming Old World flair. The Garmisch USA Resort is meticulously handcrafted by local artisans, and no two cabins on the property look alike.
There are quaint cottages with names like “The Beetle” and “The Frog,” Swiss-style chalets — even the “Blarney Castle,” which certainly lives up to its name: The stone cabin resembles a true Medieval fortress, complete with turrets and lots of rustic charm.
In addition to its quirky lodging options, Lake Namakagon is popular for its location in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s 1.5 million acres, where visitors can hike on the North Country National Scenic Trail as it passes through Bayfield County.
4. Kohler-Andrae State Park
Best for: Gorgeous sand dunes, camping and local fun!
Kohler-Andrae State Park’s location on Lake Michigan, just south of Sheboygan, makes a trek through the park feel like an oceanside retreat. Winding cordwalk trails guide visitors to the beachy sand dunes and pine tree foliage along the park’s 2.5-mile shoreline. At the park, you can pitch a tent at the 137-unit family campground, and if you’re looking to bring a larger party, check out the two group campsites with a combined capacity of 50 people! When you want a change of scenery, consider stopping into nearby Sheboygan for a pint of beer at 3 Sheeps Brewing or to browse the whimsical Bookworm Gardens.
5. Elkhart Lake
Best for: Small-town elegance … plus some adrenaline!
Hidden in the Kettle Moraine region in eastern Wisconsin is Elkhart Lake, the state’s fourth-deepest natural lake, which is known for its pristine, spring-fed waters. Locals of the town of Elkhart Lake are known for their warmth and hospitality, their dedication a piece of what makes Elkhart Lake such a hidden gem.
For a relaxing and well-accommodated stay, visit The Osthoff Resort & Spa, which offers beautiful lake views, the rejuvenating spa and fine dining options — all wrapped up into a comforting Wisconsin retreat. After spending the day tubing or kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of the lake, visit Elkhart’s unexpected gem: Road America, a road-racing track established in 1955 that’s now been used for events with NASCAR and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association. Visitors can also take motorcycle lessons and ride go-karts or golf carts for fun!
6. Chain O’Lakes, Waupaca
Best for: A lazy boat ride by sunset; fishing and tubing by day
The Chain O’Lakes are 22 interconnected lakes in central Wisconsin. Thanks to the varying levels of limestone and organic material that make up the lakes’ floors, the water is translucent and takes on a stunning green-blue hue. In Waupaca, the Clearwater Harbor Waterfront Restaurant & Bar offers boat tours or private charters on Chief Waupaca — an authentic, double-decker sternwheeler — or the North Star. If you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline, Rainbow, Round, Columbia and Long Lakes allow waterskiing and other water sports. Fishing is permitted on all lakes, with catches like bass, crappie, sunfish and yellow perch. Waupaca County also has eight biking trails and the Hartman Creek State Park on the string of lakes, so there’s adventure awaiting everyone’s desire.
7. Shawano Country
Best for: Those who like a good mix of serene and extreme
For those who enjoy a lakeside getaway with an artistic flair and heart-racing water sports, look no further than Shawano Country. Located in northeast Wisconsin and made up of Shawano and Menominee counties, Shawano Country is home to the 6215-acre Shawano Lake, where visitors can catch fish such as northern pike and largemouth bass, and the upper portion of the Wolf River, where whitewater rafting enthusiasts can brave up to Class IV rapids.
There’s a spectacle for art-lovers, too: It is known as “Wisconsin’s Barn Quilt Capital,” with 409 brilliant painted quilt blocks displayed on the sides of barns across the county. Plus, check out locally-owned gardens scattered throughout the area, like Oh My Peonies and Potter Creek Lavender, which flaunt breathtaking fields of flowers that make for some Instagram-worthy photo backdrops.
FEATURE PHOTO BY JOSIE CARGILL | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALEX YU