Discover the state’s best boating lakes

If you’re dreaming of a lazy afternoon, a cool blue lake and lots of room to roam, you’ll find it in Wisconsin. Some of the best boating lakes in the Midwest are located here—here are a a few of the very best Dairy State lakes to explore this summer.

Lake Winnebago

This 138,000-acre lake is the largest inland lake in the state. No other body of water offers so much open water. The lake is approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles across, providing boaters with an opportunity to really open up the throttle. Conveniently located at the center of the western shore, Oshkosh is the perfect place to launch your Lake Winnebago expedition.

Eagle River Chain of Lakes

Located in Vilas County, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes is one of the most famous resort areas in the state. The chain is lined with forests and charming vacation homes. Boaters will love traveling from lake to lake and stopping at the friendly restaurants and pubs. The Eagle River Chain is known for its fishing, particularly for musky, walleye and bass.

North and South Trout Lakes

Another picturesque aquatic spot in Vilas County, Trout Lake is a 3,800-acre gem just south of downtown Boulder Junction that has two large basins to explore. Trout Lake is a great spot to catch a sunset, and there are three public boat landings on the lake (two on the north and south ends of Lake Shore Drive and one off County Highway M).

Minocqua Chain of Lakes

The Minocqua Chain in Vilas County’s southern neighbor Oneida County is another well-known resort area. The lakes surrounding Minocqua are noted for their scenic beauty, with many islands and beautiful lake home (some with historic boat houses). You’ll find a nice mix of watersports and natural beauty here: on these lakes, bald eagles and loons are almost as common a sight as water skiers.

Lake Michigan & Lake Superior

What would a list of boating lakes be without mentioning two of the greatest Great Lakes? Wisconsin has hundreds of miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, and welcoming harbor towns and cities offer easy access to these natural treasures. In Manitowoc and Two Rivers, launch your boat at the Manitowoc Marina or Seagull Marina & Campground on the Two Rivers harbor to explore Lake Michigan. Boaters looking to explore Lake Superior can rent boats from Chequamegon Bay Boats in Ashland or launch their craft from Bayfield Marina.

Lake Onalaska

The city of Onalaska sits on the banks of a 7,700-acre pool on the Mississippi River known as Lake Onalaska. Boaters can explore the lake’s many channels, sloughs and backwaters. Expect to see a variety of waterfowl, wading birds, raptors and songbirds. The surrounding bluffs and the occasional river barge make this a boating destination like no other in the state.

Lake DuBay

Minutes north of Stevens Point is a 6,800-acre impoundment of the Wisconsin River known as Lake DuBay. The lake was formed in 1942 and is today one of the region’s most popular lakes. This sprawling flowage invites exploration. It’s also a great place to fish, particularly for musky and smallmouth bass.