Waukesha Lakes

Lakes Around Waukesha

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot near the water. A stay at a lake is amazing for people that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in Waukesha while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Waukesha have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Take a look at the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and have a look the nearby locations from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Waukesha

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost endless list of things to do for couples or families.

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

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Waukesha give you several options.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Waukesha offer a wealth of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A cooler and drinks
  • A picnic basket
  • Backup clothing
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Sunscreen
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Additional lake gear

The following items might prove useful for getaways to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Games for the beach
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Corkscrew
  • Something to read
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Goggles or masks
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Bait
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that everyone stays safe at your favorite Waukesha lake.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

Some More Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Waukesha and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to look into while making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches might be packed with beachgoers. To find some space to yourself, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.