La Crosse Lakes

Lakes Around La Crosse

It’s summertime so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near La Crosse. A lake getaway is wonderful for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near La Crosse provide you with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip your next day off and discover a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to La Crosse

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near La Crosse 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 decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near La Crosse that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes offer you a number of options.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near La Crosse will provide all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Lake Checklist

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Swimsuits
  • Food
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Bottle opener
  • Radio or speaker
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Towels
  • Insect repellant

Additional lake gear

The list of items below could be helpful for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Your tackle box
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Swimming goggles
  • Worms or other bait
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Legal flotation devices

Lake Safety Tips

Of course your getaway at a lake in La Crosse should be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More La Crosse Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near La Crosse, there are a few things that will make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. For example, each individual lake is going to have unique environment which makes it important to think about what will make for a memorable getaway when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.