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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Scenic Lake In Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago, Is A Fishing Paradise

Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin offers memorable fishing, scenic views, and historic lighthouses, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Updated Jun 29, 2023

Written by 

Celina Colby

One of my favorite things about Wisconsin is that it’s home to many beautiful natural wonders, including a series of unforgettable lakes. But perhaps the most memorable of these bodies of water is Lake Winnebago, a large lake spanning three counties and more than 131,000 acres. If you’re searching for memorable fishing as well as gorgeous scenery, Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin should be at the top of your list.

On the lake, visitors can utilize public boating access and a public beach. Fishing enthusiasts can also scout the large local populations of musky, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and others.

A wooden pier extends into calm waters, adorned with flags, under a cloudy sunset sky.
Magglet / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

One of the most interesting features of the lake is the lighthouses. There are a number of them situated on the shores of the lake, including Fond du Lac, Calumet Harbor Lighthouse, Asylum Point Lighthouse, and Neenah (Kimberly Point) Lighthouse.

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A scenic lighthouse on a small island at sunset, surrounded by water and lush greenery.
Christopher Rand, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Visitors can tour the lighthouses and learn about the history of the lake at these sites. Lake Winnebago is a remnant of a glacial lake and has been on this site for around 12,000 years. As you can imagine, there's a lot of history to cover.

A serene pond reflecting trees and a blue sky, with a wooden building in the background and autumn foliage.
vPaulTech LLC / iStock / Getty Images Plus

There have been reports of shark sightings in Lake Winnebago, but never fear, it's not actually Jaws lurking in this scenic lake. What people mistake as sharks are actually lake sturgeon, fish that can clock in as big as 200 pounds and seven feet long.

A person sits on a bench by the water, watching the sunset through a tree with autumn leaves.
herreid / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

In the winter when the lake freezes over, ice fishing is popular at this expansive spot. You'll spot ice shacks like this one popping up all over the lake to keep fishers warm in between catches.

A metal ice fishing shelter on a snowy lake under a clear blue sky, surrounded by a frozen landscape.
Jim_Pintar / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

Locals are also able to harbor their boats on the lake and in the warm months, you'll see fleets of pleasure crafts docked in the bay, waiting for a ride through the summer waters.

Aerial view of a marina with boats docked, surrounded by trees and calm water on a sunny day.
davelogan / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

Whether you come for sunbathing, the lighthouse tours, a boat ride, or to fish, Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin does not disappoint. This is one of the best lakeshores in Wisconsin for recreation and natural beauty.

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If you’re searching for more lakes with clear water in Wisconsin, check out this YouTube video by USA by NUMBERS:

https://youtu.be/gCGy8SJ8TO4

Wanna spend the weekend at the lake? If so, consider the Braywood Inn. It’s a charming bed and breakfast near Lake Winnebago that you will love.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Paddled Into A World Of Wild Islands At Wisconsin’s Willow Flowage

Published Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

As soon as I dipped my paddle, I knew we were somewhere very special. The Willow Flowage is a wild world of little bays and islands, and it’s accessible to anyone who loves experiencing nature. I recently enjoyed a kayak trip into the Willow Flowage, and it was even better than I expected. We traced quiet bays and islands, and I felt like I was deep in the Wisconsin wilderness, even though I was not very far from home. Here’s what I found at this Wisconsin paddling destination.

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The Willow Flowage is a large, beautiful reservoir that’s located in western Oneida County.

A calm lake surrounded by lush green trees under a cloudy sky, reflecting the landscape in the water.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

It was created about a century ago, with the construction of a dam on the Tomahawk River for flood control.

The Flowage is huge – it covers over 6,300 acres.

A serene river scene with lush green trees reflecting on calm water under a cloudy sky.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

It has nearly 80 miles of shoreline, and 95 percent of it is undeveloped. It’s also home to more than 100 islands!

We started our kayak adventure near the Cedar Falls Campground, on the north side of the flowage.

A bright orange kayak rests on a sandy shore by a calm lake, surrounded by greenery and cloudy skies.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

This area has a long history - Native Americans paddled these waters long before European settlers arrived, and in the 1700s, there was a trading post near here.

We encountered a couple of fishing boats as we paddled downriver, but soon found ourselves alone.

A large rock partially submerged in calm water, reflecting the cloudy sky and surrounding trees.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

This place has a very wild and remote feel. We passed some of the remote campsites and wished we had a tent and sleeping bags along – we could easily spend some time here.

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We saw a lot of wildlife – balds eagles and ducks always seemed to be in view.

A serene forest path surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, with a soft dirt trail leading through the woods.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

A kayak is a great way to explore this place, as you can easily poke around the shallows. We went ashore on one of the islands and explored a bit. Then we waded into the reservoir’s cool waters.

Continuing on, we paddled through more bays and islands of the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters.

A serene lake scene featuring a small island with lush green trees under a cloudy sky.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

There was so much to explore that we barely scratched the surface of this place. We’re already planning another voyage!

I’ve traveled to a lot of Wisconsin paddling destinations, but I think I have a new favorite spot. Learn more about the Willow Flowage on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, and check out some area hikes on AllTrails Plus. If you’re planning a trip on the Willow Flowage to enjoy some kayaking near Minocqua and Hazelhurst, here are some must-haves for nature lovers.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Soaked Up The Sun And The Good Life At Lake Geneva’s Riviera Beach In Wisconsin

Published Jul 22, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

There are scores of gorgeous beaches in Wisconsin - beaches with sweeping sand dunes on Lake Michigan, quiet strips of lake sand in the Northwoods, and beaches that even allow dogs to romp. But there’s a beach in Wisconsin that’s like no other – in Lake Geneva, Riviera Beach is a beach that requires a small admission fee, but I found was worth every penny. Here’s what you need to know about Riviera Beach in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

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Lake Geneva is one of Wisconsin’s top tourist destinations for good reason – it’s ideally located on the shore of Geneva Lake, and it’s been a summer escape for well over a century.

A scenic garden with a brick path, lush greenery, and blooming flowers, leading to a white gazebo and elegant houses.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

In the 1800s, many wealthy Chicago residents built mansions here.

Lake Geneva’s lively downtown is filled with shops and restaurants.

A sunny beach scene with people relaxing on the sand and a clear blue sky, alongside a waterfront and nearby buildings.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

Whether you’re looking for a special gift or an ice cream cone, you’ll find it.

But you may have a hard time leaving the waterfront.

A busy beach scene with people sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing on the sand near a lake on a sunny day.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

There’s a gorgeous stretch of sand that beckons your beach towel. After I enjoyed a hike along the lakeshore, I could not resist taking time to relax here.

There’s a $10 admission fee to access the beach, but there are stations near the beach entrance where it’s easy to pay.

A beach pass vending machine in a park, featuring a touchscreen and instructions for purchasing passes.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

Once in, you’re in for a treat.

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Aerial view of a beach with people sunbathing, swimming, and a nearby town with shops and parked cars.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

The sand is soft and the water is cool. When I was there, a lot of families were on the beach – it’s a safe beach for swimming.

It’s also a nice place to take in the atmosphere of Lake Geneva.

A lakeside scene featuring a large building, people enjoying the water, and green trees under a blue sky.
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

As I relaxed, boats lazily cruised offshore and people strolled the adjacent pier used by the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. I wished the afternoon could last forever!

I had a wonderful time on this Lake Geneva beach in Wisconsin. Get your Riviera Beach supplies at REI, and if you're looking for a place to stay, the nearby Lake Lawn Resort could be the perfect option.

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