Milwaukee Lakes

Lakes Near Milwaukee

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Milwaukee. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Milwaukee there are lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Milwaukee offer you lots of opportunities for aquatic fun. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with sunscreen and snacks then set out on your next vacation to find your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Milwaukee

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Milwaukee there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Milwaukee:

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Milwaukee provide tons of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, 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 prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Milwaukee!

Have a picnic. Milwaukee’s lakes offer a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the day, the list below should be a good place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Food and snacks
  • Proper footwear
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • UV protection
  • Bug spray
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Radio or speaker
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)

Specialty lake gear

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Wine key
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Goggles or masks
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Bait

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day at the lake can provide lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Milwaukee and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, each lake near Milwaukee will possess unique qualities and trappings, but here are a handful of items to review when assembling your itinerary that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.