Discover crystal-clear waters surrounded by natural beauty with my list of Lakes near Wisconsin Dells!
You can’t just fully enjoy Wisconsin Dells without being near water.
Apart from being the waterpark capital of the world, this city is also near some of the most amazing lakes in the States!
Believe it or not, I’ve been to over a dozen lakes surrounding the Dells, and none of them has been less than breathtaking.
Want also to have unforgettable lake experiences when you travel Wisconsin?
I’ve shortlisted the most gorgeous lakes near Wisconsin Dells in this post.
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Overview: Things to do on Lakes near Wisconsin Dells
1. Lake Redstone
Let’s start this list with my favorite under-the-radar lake near Wisconsin Dells, Lake Redstone.
Full disclosure: there aren’t many built-in entertainment options here (at least when I visited last year).
However, on the plus side, this makes Lake Redstone one of the best-secluded lakes for serene, peaceful, and relaxing getaways.
If you love fishing, boating, swimming, sightseeing, and hiking in Wisconsin Dells without the noise or disturbance of the crowd, I can’t recommend this lake enough!
I loved seeing the red cliffs when I kayaked across from one end of the lake to another.
It’s hard to believe that this lake is a manmade reservoir, not a creation of nature itself!
Have I mentioned you can also find a small waterfall in Lake Redstone?
It’s not one of the biggest waterfalls near Wisconsin Dells, but it’s still a sight.
I’ll leave finding it up to your adventures, just like I did! It’s one of the most fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
2. Mirror Lake
Next up on this list is Mirror Lake, one of the most famous lakes near Wisconsin Dells.
I love exploring this lake through the Mirror Lake State Park, about three miles from Dells Downtown.
If being surrounded by a beautiful wooded shoreline, sandstone buffs, and a crystal clear lake sounds like a good deal to you, you have to visit this place.
So, what does Mirror Lake have to offer?
Since it has no wake restrictions and plenty of rental options, you can safely swim, paddle, canoe, and kayak to your heart’s content while threading its waters.
And apart from all the exciting water activities, there are beautiful, well-defined trails that beginners and seasoned hikers can enjoy.
Fishing docks and picnic areas are also easily accessible anytime you want a laid-back activity.
Mirror Lake is one of the best lakes to visit if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Wisconsin Dells.
3. Devil’s Lake
It’s finally time to mention my top pick among lakes near Wisconsin Dells, the Devil’s Lake.
As expected, the best place to explore this lake is none other than the Devil’s Lake State Park, which draws over 3 million annual visitors annually (crazy numbers, I know).
This place is perfect for anyone, but even more so for adrenaline-rush seekers like me.
Whether you love rock climbing, hunting, boating, biking, or fishing– there’s an outdoor activity waiting for you in and around this lake!
Oh, and of course, the view of Devil’s Lake never disappoints (especially during the fall).
Imagine standing atop the 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a sparkling lake and lush forest below.
That said, charge your phone or camera as you’ll surely snap dozens, if not hundreds, of images of this picturesque lake, as I did!
Note: Various campgrounds are available on-site. However, many luxury cabins in Wisconsin Dells are only several minutes away from Devil’s Lake. You can check accommodations here.
4. Lake Delton
In the Wisconsin Dells area, Lake Delton is surrounded by the most resorts and vacation accommodations.
This just shows how visit-worthy Lake Delton is for both locals and tourists.
If you stay in a cabin near Lake Delton’s shore, you can simply walk to the nearest shore and enjoy the lake from there.
But if you’re like us, who love finding the best spots to enjoy bodies of water, you have to visit Lake Delton Public Beach!
Others say this beach is too small to be worthy of notice.
But I personally think it has a simple, lowkey vibe that’s perfect for a quick afternoon swim or picnic!
The crowd’s never too crazy every time we visit.
While this lake might not have many entertainment options, it has a clean swimming area, convenient parking spaces, and clean bathrooms, which I think are all you need on this kind of beach!
The only downside, I think, is that pets aren’t allowed on the beach.
I didn’t expect this, considering that many of the dog-friendly cabins in Wisconsin Dells are located near Lake Delton.
5. White Mound Lake
White Mound Lake is another all-around lake that anyone can enjoy all year.
I’ve been here twice, once in the fall and the second time during summer.
And both times, I went back to my accommodation feeling fulfilled.
This lake serves as the perfect swimming, kayaking, and fishing destination.
There are also campsites with electric hookups, hiking trails with the best lake views, and a small yet nice playground for the kids.
During winter, skiing is also available.
Since skiing is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter, it only shows that White Mound Lake is the perfect Wisconsin Dells destination at any given time.
6. Castle Rock Lake
Looking for romantic getaways in Wisconsin Dells?
You can’t go wrong with visiting Castle Rock Lake, the fourth-largest lake in Wisconsin.
My two favorite spots to enjoy this lake are Adams County Castle Rock Park and Juneau County Castle Rock Park.
Both parks allow swimming, camping, boating, fishing, and kayaking in and around Castle Rock Lake.
And the best part of all, dogs are wholeheartedly welcome!
Castle Rock Lake’s view is as mesmerizing as the surrounding views of other nearby lakes.
Unfortunately, though, since many parts of the shoreline already have residential buildings, there is no serene, nature-only atmosphere in some sections of the lake.
7. Petenwell Lake
Right beside Castle Rock Lake sits Petenwell Lake, another gorgeous lake packed with stunning views and activities.
If you want to see stretches of nothing but water, trees, sand, and other hints of nature, this is one of the best lakes near Wisconsin Dells.
To absorb this lake’s serene vibes, we camped in Adams County Petenwell Park.
The campground was incredibly spacious, the facilities were clean, and the sunset and sunrise were mesmerizing!
There were probably a handful of other families boating at the same time we did.
But since the lake is so spacious, we had zero problems fishing and just enjoyed our overall experience in the water.
If you’re looking for things to do in Wisconsin Dells in winter, you can also enjoy winter fishing in this location!
8. Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake may only be a fraction of the size of Petenwell Lake, which is in the same county.
But honestly, it’s still well worth visiting, especially if you want a beach with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Unsurprisingly, this small lake has nothing special to it when you compare it to the bigger lakes near Wisconsin Dells.
However, it’s a lovely fishing spot and never crowded!
Even my friends who are terrible at fishing always succeeded in catching at least two or three fish from this lake.
Another thing that keeps me returning to this not-so-fancy lake is its famous Lakeshore Bar and Grill.
They always have great food partnered with amazing drinks.
I love grabbing the outdoor spot that overlooks Jordan Lake—definitely one of the most relaxing places ever.
9. Lake Monona
Planning an hour-long road trip from Wisconsin Dells to Madison? That would be your perfect chance to catch a glimpse of Lake Monona.
Unlike most lakes I’ve already mentioned, Lake Monona is surrounded by city infrastructure instead of nature. You can try doing an e-bike tour around the area.
When the city lights up at night, it provides the best view of downtown Madison’s skyline.
Some people swim in Lake Monona beaches, but I honestly think that for safety purposes, it’s better just to enjoy the lake’s beauty from the shore.
There are typically no lifeguards on duty on Lake Monona’s beaches, and due to its location, the water quality isn’t always the best.
10. Mason Lake
Last but not least, let’s talk about Mason Lake.
This lake isn’t a tourist hotspot like nearby lakes like Devil’s Lake.
But it still serves as a relaxing afternoon fishing spot for the locals and tourists who love finding hidden gems like me!
The trailer park near this lake is always packed, and I was surprised to learn that almost everyone in the area knows each other!
If you want to explore a relaxing lake with opportunities to swim, fish, and kayak while meeting friendly locals, Mason Lake is the place to go!
My final ideas on Lakes near Wisconsin Dells
Just like Wisconsin Dells is brimming with waterparks, it’s also surrounded by countless lakes (big and small).
These lakes offer serene views and allow you to engage in various water and land activities that are sure to guarantee your entertainment and relaxation.
I honestly prefer spending at least several days near lakes so I can really enjoy the water.
But since setting up a tent isn’t always my ideal accommodation option at night, I’m also a massive repeat customer of lake cabins in Wisconsin!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
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