With more than 15,000 lakes and 33,000 miles of rivers and streams, Wisconsin is a known as much for on-water activities as it is anything else. With plenty of businesses renting all classes of watercraft and offering fishing and sailing charters, you’d be hard pressed not to find a way out on the water.
Paddling
Navigate the state’s inland streams, rivers and lakes at your own speed aboard a kayak, canoe, raft or intertube. Outfitters throughout the state, including along the Wolf River, offer the necessary gear from paddles to life jackets to helmets, as well as some advice on how to handle it all. Scenic vistas, excellent birdwatching opportunities and even rugged whitewater are here for you to experience.
Take a Charter
Experience fishing or sailing alongside a professional aboard a charter fishing or sailing trip in the waters of Lakes Michigan and Superior. Half- or full-day excursions with all the necessary gear and know-how are available from experienced guides and outfitters. Of course, all the know-how in the world might not matter to you. Some say the charter fishing experience is less about the fishing and more about just being on a huge boat on a nice day with some great friends.
Historic lighthouses, romantic sunsets and amazing rock formations are just a couple of the sites to behold aboard one of Wisconsin’s scenic boat cruises. Several outfits operate along each of the state’s bordering great lakes, where more than 450 miles of breathtaking shoreline await. Or if you'd rather provide your own guide service but need the watercraft, rentals are available on hundreds of Wisconsin lakes.
Thrills Without the Spills
If you prefer to enjoy the water from the shore, take in one of Wisconsin’s high caliber water-skiing shows -- Tommy Bartlett’s Amazing Thrill Show in Wisconsin Dells, Min-Aqua Bats in Minocqua and the Rock Aqua Jays in Janesville. Or, if you’re ambitious, try your hand at a lesson.