Waupaca's location on the meandering Crystal River, a class III trout stream, makes it a great home base for fishing and water expeditions. This friendly town is also near the beautiful Chain O' Lakes, a string of twenty-two interconnected lakes ideal for boating and swimming. The "Chief Waupaca" cruises the lakes from Clearwater Harbor.

Hartman Creek State Park is an ideal spot for a picnic and an afternoon of fishing on one of the park's four lakes.