The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources states that there are more than 15,000 lakes in the state. Though it might be a fun project, it’d be challenging to visit all of them. However, while a few of these small lakes in Wisconsin might be well known to locals who live near them, the following 15 lakes deserve a look when you’re in the area too. If you’re searching for “quiet lakes near me,” these are just the ticket, and as you’ll soon learn, they’re also some of the best and smallest lakes in Wisconsin.
Over in Dodge County, Fox Lake is more than 2,700 acres, but the town has just 1,500 hundred people in it, making this lake a bit of a hidden gem. A great fishing lake in summer and winter, this is one far too many people overlook. Here are some more little-known lakes and places worth exploring when you're in Wisconsin.
Up in Polk County, this lake is interestingly named for the remains of Native Americans that were found on one of its islands. There's a ton of wildlife, from fish to birds, that call this area home and it's a nice, quiet area in the northwest part of the state. Visit this Wisconsin state park when you're in Polk County too.
Combined with the next lake on the list, Butternut Lake forms a State Natural Area way up north, almost to the UP. The site is more than 1000 acres and includes great trails, tons of unique flora, and birdwatching opportunities. Here are some more beautiful lakes in Wisconsin.
Combined with Butternut Lakes in a State Natural Area that is one of the most untouched and undeveloped lake areas in the state. Walk through 400-year-old hemlock and pine forests and watch for all kinds of wildlife. In addition to this lesser-known lake in Wisconsin, check out these beautiful Wisconsin lakes in the state too.
5. Sohlberg Silver Lake - Friendship
Sohlberg Silver Lake State Natural Area, Charles Ln, Friendship, WI 53934, USA
Another State Natural Area, this lake is constantly in flux due to the water table. It sits in the footprint of the now-extinct Glacial Lake Wisconsin.
Everyone flocks to nearby Lake Geneva, leaving this great fishing lake a lot less crowded. There is plenty of muskies and you can chill on the public beach. Either way, Lake Delavan is one of the best small lakes in Wisconsin.
A small lake nestled between bigger Okauchee and Pine Lakes, it used to be home to a big resort and a major party lake, but now it's a quieter destination in Lake Country. Once called Mouse Lake, the area residents lobbied to have the name changed. It also used to be used to harvest ice - a lake with a lot of history!
A man-made lake that was created by a dam on the Wisconsin River, this lake is just north of Castle Rock State Natural Area and gets a lot less attention than the similar lake there. Recent efforts to improve water quality have made this a great place to visit. Read more about why Lake Petenwell is considered one of the best in the state.
Most folks are aware of those two big lakes that form Madison's isthmus, but located just off the west end of that strip of land, by the Vilas Zoo and UW Arboretum, Lake Wingra is the much smaller little-known lake in Wisconsin. It's also less busy, more manageable, and with tons of gorgeous trails, this place is well known to locals, but not so much to anyone who doesn't spend a lot of time in Madison.
This is the Pike Lake way up north that is tucked in with a ton of state natural areas. It's truly gorgeous and often overlooked. See why it's one of the best small lakes in Wisconsin .
Far enough north to feel like you've escaped, but a little less of a drive than far Northwoods, this lake just northwest of Green Bay is the perfect fishing and relaxing getaway lake.
Vilas County has more lakes than we can count, but Allequash Lake is tucked between two much larger and more popular lakes and is in its own State Natural Area, keeping it protected and also a lot less populated.
One of Sawyer County's Quiet Lakes, Lost Land Lake has a strict 10 mph speed limit, keeping noise down and the serenity of the lake up. The slow boats mean a much more developed undersea plant community, which makes for great fishing.
Along with the little-known lakes mentioned above, did you know that Wazee Lake is the smallest lake in Wisconsin? If you’ve been to any of the lakes that’ve made this list, feel free to share what your experience was like in the comment section below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Now that you know about some of thebest small lakes in Wisconsin, how about checking out some of thebest beacheson a warm and sunny day? You might be surprised to see that Wazee Lake, the smallest lake in Wisconsin,happens to be a prime destination for enjoying the beach due to how clear the water is. This also makes the lake an ideal destination to go scuba diving as well.
While you can go for a dip in some of the little-known lakes in the state, there are plenty ofswimming holes in Wisconsin worth checking out too. Some of these majestic destinations are in state parks and on small lakes in Wisconsin.Amnicon Falls, based in South Range, also made the cut as one of the best swimming holes to visit on a hot day.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Wisconsin?
When you hit the road to check out some (or all) of these small lakes in Wisconsin, feel free to round out your family outing by taking a hike too. Since Wisconsin is one of the most scenic states in the country to spend time in nature, deciding what hike to try can be a bit daunting. To help you plan your family outing, check out theseshort and sweet trails.
