Get ready to explore the best lakes in Southern Wisconsin for outdoor adventures.
Southern Wisconsin is easily one of the best destinations in the Midwest for lake lovers.
You’ll find hundreds of lakes in this section of the state.
But I guess that’s not surprising once you realize that Wisconsin is home to about 5,000 lakes!
Unless you’re that into lakes, I’m guessing you won’t be able to visit hundreds or even dozens of them during your WI trip.
So, to save you time from the hit-or-miss game of lake hunting, I’ve shortlisted the best lakes in Southern Wisconsin.
I’ve included the best lakes for both introverts and extroverts. Whether you’re into fishing, partying, hiking, or relaxing beside calm waters, you’ll find a lake that you’ll inevitably fall in love with!
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Overview: My Best Lakes in Southern Wisconsin
1. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, AKA Geneva Lake, is one of the best lakes to start your lake-hunting adventure in Southern Wisconsin.
It’s located in the vibrant city of Lake Geneva and hosts all sorts of exciting activities all year round.
During warmer months, this lake is a hotspot for cruises, boating, lakeside concerts, and beach relaxation.
In the winter, it’s a dreamy haven for ice fishing and the ultimate best view for winter getaways when you stay at luxury lakeside resorts in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
I’m sure you’ll also find some of the best pet-friendly lake cabins In Wisconsin nearby!
Trust me, this lake is all-rounder. We were lucky enough to visit during fall and fell in love with every second we spent on a Lake Geneva Maple Foliage tour!
It was one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
2. Devil’s Lake
Don’t let the name fool you—the Devil’s Lake is one of the most paradise-like, breathtaking lakes in Southern Wisconsin.
In fact, it’s so popular that over 3 million visitors flock to this lake annually!
If you’re visiting in summer, arrive early to secure parking!
This gem hosts some of the most diverse Southern Wisconsin hiking trails, so it’s a hiker’s paradise!
Not to mention, thrilling activities like fishing, boating, and rock climbing attract adventurous visitors daily!
Hate crowds? No worries. I have several hacks to avoid crowds when visiting this lake:
- Visit first thing in the morning
- Explore quiet trails like the Steinke Basin trail
- Stargaze from 9 PM to 11 PM (a game-changing experience)
Pro tip: You can stay at nearby Devil’s Lake cabins to make it much easier to visit the lake early in the morning or late at night.
If you visit over the winter, you’ll automatically experience less crowd. Enjoy more peace!
The Devil’s Lake offers some of the best sites for winter camping in Wisconsin where you can snowshoe through the snowy season, too!
3. Lake Monona
When I was looking for scenic things to do in Madison, Wisconsin, I came across the beauty of Lake Monona.
Lush nature, parks, and greenery usually surround other cities on this list.
But Lake Monona? It’s a downtown spot that boasts the views of the Capitol.
To enjoy the calm serenity of this lake, you can bike along the Lake Monona Loop, kayak on the waters, paddleboard, and even just peacefully birdwatch on the grass nearby.
Even better, join guided Downtown eBike tours to explore the shorelines of the lake alongside the beauty of Madison and its culture!
Anytime I wanted to destress or get some fresh air while in Madison, the lake was always an amazing quick getaway.
Olin Park and Olbrich Park are some of the best parks that offer access to this lake.
4. Pewaukee Lake
The Pewaukee Lake lies in one of the most charming lake towns in Wisconsin, Pewaukee.
This gem is only about half an hour away from Madison. So, this is the tranquil, more peaceful alternative to the urban-buzzing Lake Monona.
Here, you can enjoy the lake with its natural landscapes and relax fishing, swimming, and boating without the hustle and bustle of major tourist spots like Geneva Lake or the downtown crowds of Lake Monona.
If you’re lucky enough like we were, you may catch local events like the Taste on the Lake that feature amazing food stalls as you enjoy free lakeside concerts!
Pewaukee Lake has a homey, cozy vibe. We’ll definitely visit again when we are near here!
5. Whitewater Lake
Whitewater Lake is at the end of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, one of the best scenic drives in Wisconsin.
It’s much quieter than Pewaukee Lake but is well-loved by locals and tourists who long for a tranquil experience.
This lake is perfect for fishing, canoeing, and, of course, hiking. It’s also popular among campers who want to spend overnights in nature safely.
We didn’t choose to try to camp right lakeside, though. My friends hinted that the campground’s showers haven’t been in their best condition in recent years.
Instead, we stayed at nearby Kettle Moraine cabins, one of the coziest cabins in Southern Wisconsin. Staying there after an entire day of boating and fishing at the lake was the most relaxing getaway!
Overall, Whitewater Lake is an amazing day trip and overnight camping destination. Some facilities just aren’t top-notch, but maybe that adds to its out-in-the-woods experience.
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6. Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota is the largest of the four lakes, comprising the iconic Madison chain.
It’s right across from Lake Monona.
Between the two lakes, Lake Mendota is often the crowd favorite, as its size allows for more space.
It’s a favorite spot for boating, sailing, fishing, and kayaking in Wisconsin by both locals and tourists during summer.
From the lakeside, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the expansive lake (especially during sunset). If you’re on a boat, you’ll see the Capitol peeking through Madison’s skyline and the buildings of the University of Wisconsin.
Oh, it’s not just a summer destination, though.
In winter, the frozen lake transforms for hockey or offers unique winter-exclusive trails in Southern Wisconsin.
Again, when in Madison, don’t forget to join guided Downtown eBike tours, which will show the best views the city has to offer!
7. Green Lake
Green Lake, with its 230 feet of depth, is the deepest lake in Wisconsin.
This unique property makes it one of the best fishing lakes in the state and an ideal spot for boating, sailing, and other watersports.
This lake is a fishing paradise if you’re into fishing bass, trout, and pike.
Just wanna chill along the lakeside?
Several parks surround it, offering great picnic opportunities or peaceful small beaches perfect for swimming with your family.
I particularly loved the Dodge Memorial County Park, which has a nice sandy beach and is equipped with picnic tables, volleyball courts, and a playground.
The Deacon Mills Park and Sunset Park were also great access points to the lake and weren’t as crowded.
For the best peaceful relaxing vacation in the heart of Green Lake, I highly recommend staying at the resorts nearby.
They’re some of the best lake resorts in Southern Wisconsin, offering the best views and exceptional service and comfort!
8. Lake Kegonsa
Located about 10 miles from Downtown Madison, Lake Kegonsa is another all-rounder lake perfect for every type of visitor.
If you just want a laid-back experience, this spectacular, clean Lake Kegonsa State Park is an ideal spot for walking, having a lakeside picnic, birdwatching, and fishing.
For those who want more adventure, this is also one of the best swimming lakes in Southern Wisconsin, offering options for kayaking, canoeing, biking, and more swimming.
We had zero problems finding parking at the State park.
If you’re planning to camp, you’re in for a nice treat because this lake offers spacious campsites with well-maintained facilities.
Lots of mosquitoes, though, so prepare accordingly before visiting!
9. Delavan Lake
Delavan Lake might appear to be one of the small lakes in Southern Wisconsin compared to the nearby Geneva Lake.
But this lake’s distinct vibe makes it one of my favorite fishing and boating spots in Wisconsin.
This lake has lively marinas because it’s one of the most popular fishing lakes in Southern Wisconsin.
However, you can still find serene spots in parks like Delavan Community Park and the north end of the lake, which is a perfect spot for kayaking.
When we stayed a day on Delavan Lake, we rented a boat and spent the entire day fishing, water skiing, and eating snacks on board.
After enjoying the lake, we wrapped up our night at one of the countless lakeside restaurants! I highly recommend visiting this underrated lake.
10. Nagawicka Lake
Nagawicka Lake is another hidden gem that deserves its spot among the best lakes in Southern Wisconsin.
If you want to enjoy a scenic, quiet vacation without missing out on lake activities like swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating, this is the place to be in!
You’ll be surrounded by nature when exploring the lake.
Then, when visiting the lakefront restaurants or any other spots in the community, you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals in a serene atmosphere!
No doubt—it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing family vacation.
Apart from the lake, I recommend visiting The Smiley Barn, an old-fashioned toy and candy store, and the Civil War Museum (which is free to enter)!
11. Blue Spring Lake
Blue Spring Lake feels more like a community lake than a tourist-centric location.
Now, others see this as a con, but personally—I think this is the unique charm of Blue Spring Lake!
The lake’s fed by a spring, which means the water is always clear, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking in Wisconsin!
Since this lake is still pretty much under-the-radar, you’ll feel like you’ve rented the entire space if you enjoy boating while fishing in Blue Spring Lake!
Some cons to prepare for are limited parking and a lack of amenities like playgrounds, food stalls, and restrooms.
But just think of this lake as a camping spot where you’ve got to bring everything you need when visiting, and you’ll enjoy your entire stay at the lake with zero problems!
12. Lake Waubesa
Let’s wrap up this list with Lake Waubesa, another member of Madison’s chain of lakes in Wisconsin.
It’s generally not as popular as its neighbors, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
However, its tranquil waters are well-beloved among locals and travelers like me who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city now and then!
If you want a cozy family time, access the beach through Goodland County Park.
There, you’ll find the usual facilities found in lakeside parks, including playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing piers, and boat launches.
Need some party spirit?
Along the Yahara River, you’ll also find Gilligan’s Island, a classic party spot for boaters in the area. We’ve been to a handful of parties on this island, and they were always guaranteed fun!
The only bad news is that the tree that stood as the island’s landmark and was home to an iconic rope swing fell down halfway through 2024.
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My Final Thoughts on Lakes in Southern Wisconsin
I know I’ll never get bored whenever I’m in Southern Wisconsin.
Anytime I need to kill time, I find the big or small lakes in Southern Wisconsin map.
Then, I visit one and enjoy a relaxing or adventurous day with my loved ones—sometimes even alone!
TBH, I could probably write 4 or 5 more lists covering the lakes I’ve visited in Wisconsin. We can talk about lakefront resorts in Wisconsin or some of my go-to lakes in Northern Wisconsin.
But for now, we’ll keep it at 12 of the best lakes in Southern WI! Visiting them is always one of the best outdoor things to do in Wisconsin. Try the experience yourself!
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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