Portage Lakes

Lakes Close to Portage

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Portage. A lake getaway is perfect for those who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Portage offer you lots of beautiful locations for outdoor activities. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to have a look the options from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Portage

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost endless list of activities for families or couples.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a Portage lake:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Portage that has a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Portage will provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure 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 just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Portage it makes a lot of sense to bring several of these things so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Garbage bags
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Bug spray
  • A cooler with water
  • Snacks
  • Something to dry off with
  • Radio or speaker
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Additional lake gear

The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Wine key
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Books
  • Fishing gear
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Swimming goggles
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Checklist

While your getaway to a lake in Portage can be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Portage

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Portage, there are a few things that can make your itinerary far more successful. Case in point, each lake near Portage has their own qualities which makes it important to consider what will make for an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.