Discover Wisconsin's Most Underrated Family Lake Vacations

With over 15,000 lakes throughout the state, Wisconsin is known for its legendary vacations on the water. While iconic spots like Lake Geneva, Minocqua, Lake Delton and Green Lake are well-known for family fun, there are tons of hidden gem lake communities throughout the state perfect for unforgettable family getaways. 

Boulder Junction

Discover a Northwoods getaway just off the beaten path in Boulder Junction. With nearly 200 lakes within 10 miles of downtown, the possibilities for outdoor fun here are just about endless. 

Known as the “Musky Capital of the World,” be sure to make time for fishing as a family, either from the shore or out on the water. Rent a pontoon or motorboat from Boulder Marine Center or kayaks and canoes from Schauss Woodwork for easy adventuring. 

Bring (or rent) bikes to cruise together on the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail that winds through the Northern Highland American Legion Forest and along crystal clear lakes and rivers.

You’ll find plenty of family-friendly resorts here, including Wittig's Point Resort & Tavern, Timber Lost Resort and Musky Lodge on High Lake, many of which offer swim rafts, fire pits, grills and more amenities for the ultimate lake vacay. On nights you don’t feel like cooking out yourself, enjoy a brick oven pizza at Aqualand Ale House and dessert (with a round of mini golf) at the Ice Shanty Drive-In.

Lake Wisconsin

Nestled between Madison and Wisconsin Dells, Lake Wisconsin is a 9,000-acre reservoir on the Wisconsin River made for magical family getaways and sun-soaked adventures together. 

Spend the days cruising long, river-like channels by pontoon, splashing through open waters on skis and tubes, or dropping anchor at lively sandbars where laughter carries across the lake. Cast a line for walleye, bass and northern pike, savor scoops of ice cream by the shore and share a meal with waterfront views at Fitz’s on the Lake as the sun dips below the horizon. 

Explore the nearby towering bluffs of Devil’s Lake State Park, sip your way through local wineries and cross the water on the iconic (and free!) Merrimac Ferry. From cozy cabins at Lake Wisconsin Resort to local campsites at Lake Wisconsin Campground, find unforgettable moments behind every bend of Lake Wisconsin. 

Castle Rock Lake

Just north of the excitement of Wisconsin Dells, Castle Rock Lake invites families to slow down and enjoy time together in the outdoors. 

Explore the 14,000-acre lake with five miles of navigable Wisconsin River waterways by pontoon, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or on a kid-favorite lily pad mat, all rentable from Castle Rock Watersports & Boat Rentals. Or, opt for a laid-back afternoon of tubing down the Wisconsin River. Point Bluff and Sandy Shores Tubing both offer tube rentals and shuttles that bring you upriver for an easy two- to three-hour float, with plenty of secluded, sandy beaches to stop at along the way.

Little ones can race from the playground to the beach at Buckhorn State Park, set on a scenic peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage. The park also offers hiking trails, family campsites, an accessible cabin and adaptive kayaks. 

End your days with a waterfront dinner at Shipwreck Bay Bar & Grill or Pine Cove Bar & Grill, both on the lake's western shore. Then, retreat to a cozy escape at Wells’ Lakeside Cottages or  The Cabin at Castle Rock Creek, where stories around the fire become part of the adventure.

Chain O Lakes - Waupaca

In Waupaca, the sparkling waters of the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes set the scene for unforgettable family adventures. Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, this collection of 22 crystal-clear, spring-fed lakes offers the best of both worlds: lively "fast lakes" for tubing and watersports and peaceful no-wake waters perfect for paddling and slow, scenic cruises. 

Rent kayaks, paddle boards or a classic fiberglass canoe and set off in search of hidden corners of the Chain, including quiet waterways only accessible by paddle through Beasley Creek. Spend the afternoon splashing from sandy beaches, casting off from swimming docks or watching little ones on the playground.

When it's time to come ashore, gather for lakefront dining, live music and sunset views at Chain O' Lakes Bar & Grill or Clear Water Harbor–which also offers lake cruises. 

Extend the fun with a stay in a glamping tent, cozy cabin or vintage Shasta trailer at Camp Elsewhere or make family memories on the sandy beach and swimming dock at Pines Inn Cottages on the shores of McCrossen Lake. Wherever you choose to stay, days around this Chain O Lakes are measured in paddle strokes, sunset cruises and one more jump off the dock before dinner.

Lake Winnebago

A family getaway to Lake Winnebago means endless horizons, fresh lake breezes and quality time spent together. As Wisconsin's largest inland lake, its 88 miles of coastline invites families to spend sun-filled days boating, sailing and cruising the open water, with connections to even more exploration along the Wolf River system. Cast a line for legendary catches like walleye, perch and the lake's famous sturgeon or rent a boat from Lake Winnebago Boat & WaveRunner Rentals and set out to make a splash with the whole crew. 

Climb to sweeping views at Lakeside Park Lighthouse & Observation Deck, hike the scenic bluffs of High Cliff State Park and pull up by boat for a laid-back meal at Harbor Bar and Grill. Beyond the water, inspiring discoveries await at the EAA Aviation Museum and the beautiful Paine Art Center and Gardens. 

Camp under the stars at High Cliff State Park or choose from dozens of private rentals all around the lake for the ultimate lake vacation tailored to you and your favorite people.

Lake Chippewa

For families seeking a more secluded nature retreat, Lake Chippewa offers room to roam and reconnect beneath towering pines and star-filled skies. Spanning 15,300 acres with 233 miles of rugged shoreline, this wild flowage is dotted with more than 140 undeveloped islands, hidden bays and winding channels waiting to be explored by boat or canoe. Keep an eye out for eagles soaring overhead, wildlife along the shore and the floating bogs that make this landscape feel wonderfully untouched. 

Anglers can cast a line in one of the country's most celebrated musky fisheries, while days away unfold with quiet paddles, island picnics and sunset cruises through forested waters. Stay steps from the lake in a cozy log home at Treeland Resorts or pitch a tent beneath the pines at Lake Chippewa Campground before venturing to Tamarack Farms Winery for dinner, where you can choose from award-winning barbecue and pizza made with veggies grown on-site!

Port Washington

For families dreaming of a Lake Michigan escape, Port Washington delivers coastal charm right in Wisconsin. With its New England-inspired architecture, historic lakeside downtown and miles of accessible shoreline, this harbor town feels worlds away from everyday life. Spend the day sailing across the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan, paddling the harbor in a kayak rented from Sherper's or heading out from Port Washington Marina for a boating adventure on the open water. 

Cast off on a premier charter fishing excursion, stroll the waterfront in search of the perfect view of the Breakwater Lighthouse and explore downtown shops and ice cream spots. Continue the adventure with hiking and beach time at Harrington Beach State Park, where you can pitch a tent with the family to make camping memories. 

Discover more outdoor adventures the whole family will love with these spots for kid-friendly camping in Wisconsin!