6 Crystal-Clear Lakes in Wisconsin that You Have to See
With more than 15,000 lakes to choose from in Wisconsin, the Badger State is a water-lovers paradise. Whether you’re fishing, boating, kayaking, or just taking a dip this summer, make sure you’re choosing the best bodies of water in Wisconsin. Along with the famous Great Lakes — Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, which boast scenic waters and endless recreation, the state is also home to plenty of smaller lakes that are just as beautiful. To this end, Wisconsin is full of crystal clear lakes that aquaphiles have to visit for a fun outdoor retreat.
Geneva Lake
Geneva Lake is a popular summer destination thanks to its sparkling blue waters, which are perfect for swimming. The 5,400-acre freshwater lake is an angler’s retreat, stocked with panfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Those interested in a more active experience, can use one of the boat launches to catch some rays along with catching some fish. With its clear waters, one can spend hours on the lake without getting bored.
The lake is also well supplied with beaches, the busiest of which is the public beach in the city of Lake Geneva on the northern tip of the lake. This bustling town is the perfect base for your lakeshore experience. Rent a kayak, splash about on a floatie, or stroll the Geneva Lake Shore Path, a stunning 26-mile trail that weaves along the water’s perimeter.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, straddles Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. Known for its remarkable clarity, the lake’s pristine waters are perfect for a range of activities. The most popular pursuits here are swimming, fishing, and even scuba diving, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
Exploring Lake Superior from the Wisconsin side is a treat, with charming lakeshore towns like Bayfield, Washburn, and Ashland offering access points. Bayfield, in particular, serves as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where visitors can cruise the lake, rent a kayak, or hike along scenic trails. The park is famed for its sea caves, pristine beaches, and stunning views of the rocky shoreline.
Butternut Lake
The ideal destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers, Butternut Lake, is a 1,246-acre lake surrounded by campgrounds, parks, and jaw-dropping Wisconsin scenery. The lake is located next to the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which contains over 800 miles of trails, from scenic forest trails to lakeside routes. Expect to catch a glimpse of woodpeckers, wood pewees, loons, great blue herons, spotted sandpipers, and willow flycatchers. You’ll find panfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye in the water. There are two boat launches at Butternut Lake, one on the northeastern shore, off National Forest Road 2140, and one at the lake's southern end at Duck Lake Road.
Wazee Lake
Wazee Lake is a 146-acre lake frequented by divers. This crystal clear body of water is a favorite with scuba divers thanks to its excellent visibility, attracting more than 1,000 divers a year eager to explore its depths. With a depth of 355 feet (108 m), those willing to brave the waters can explore a new world beneath the surface. Along with humans, fish are also prevalent in Wazee Lake, and it is a two-tier fishery, full of trout, smallmouth bass, bluegills and walleye. Ode to this, the waterside fishing pier is always bustling with life and anglers waiting for their next big catch.
For fun along the coast, one can spend time on the Wazee Lake Recreation Area, a 1,300-acre park with 12 campsites, 9 miles of hiking trails, and a large beach. To preserve the lake’s transparent charm, motor boats aren’t allowed throughout the year.
Devil’s Lake
The 360-acre Devil’s Lake is a must-see destination for its dazzling clear waters and beautiful scenery. The lake is located in stunning Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin’s largest and most visited park. The park has two large beaches on the north and south shore, as well as over 29 miles of hiking trails. There’s also a Nature Center featuring native Wisconsin reptiles, amphibians, and even exhibits about the park’s geology and history. And there’s a lot of history to see - the impressive 500-foot bluffs overlooking the lake are around 1.6 billion years old. Strolling around the lakeshore, you’ll see some unique rock formations that also hint at its age; look out for striking landmarks such as the Devil’s Doorway and Balanced Rock.
Pine Lake
At 711 acres, Pine Lake is another one of Wisconsin’s smallest, but what it lacks in size is that it makes up for in scenery. This crystal clear lake in Waukesha County takes its name from the beautiful white pines that dominate the lake’s eastern shoreline. Packed with panfish, walleye, and bass, the lake has a maximum depth of 85 feet and is a prime spot for boating, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking, thanks to its clear, calm waters. The lake is the centerpiece of the village of Chenequa, founded in 1928 and named after the Indian word for pine. The village has a public boat launch open from 6 am to 10 pm, with extended hours during fishing season.
Lake Life in Wisconsin
There are a lot of contenders for the title of Wisconsin’s best lake, but these gems are definitely in the running. The clarity and quality of the water, combined with their idyllic woodland and lakeshore scenery, make these lakes the perfect destination for a tranquil retreat. Next time you need to escape the rat race, get out of the city, or just take time to breathe, head for Wisconsin’s deep blue waters and dive in.
