Manitowoc Lakes

Lakes Near Manitowoc

Every once in a while you should gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. A stay at a lake is perfect for people that enjoy the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless great reasons for a getaway to a lake in Manitowoc during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then hit the road this weekend to find your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Close to Manitowoc

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Manitowoc there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the local lakes offer you several choices.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Manitowoc provide all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach!

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Manitowoc that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve put together a list of popular go-to items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, the following list of items is a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Portable stereo
  • Something to eat
  • Insect repellant
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Bathing suits
  • Tennis shoes
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sunscreen

Specialty lake items

The gear in the list below could be helpful for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Your tackle box
  • Worms or other bait
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Games for the beach
  • Wine key
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Goggles or masks
  • Legal flotation devices

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Manitowoc, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips can ensure that you and your family remains safe on the water.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Manitowoc

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Manitowoc and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, any body of water is going to have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Make the most of the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches may be really busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!