It’s no surprise to anyone that lives here that Wisconsin has a lot of lakes — more than 15,00 of them, in fact. Our state is approximately 17 percent water and that’s not even counting those two rather large lakes that make up quite a bit of our border. Once you head up north, it feels like you can’t go more than a mile or two before running into a new lake. Everyone has their favorite, but if you’re looking to discover a new, beautiful Wisconsin lake, you need to head to Douglas County. There are at least three lakes in Wisconsin named Whitefish Lake — but the one up here near Gorden is also called Bardon Lake. And this beauty of a natural wonder is one of the clearest you’ll find anywhere.
Whitefish/Bardon Lake is the deepest inland lake in the county, yet that doesn't affect the clarity.
More than 100 feet deep at its deepest point, this lake is rated as having excellent water clarity. It has no tributaries and is mostly maintained thanks to the water table, which is one of the reasons it stays so clear.
Located in an area of the state that gives you plenty of options for water recreation, this gorgeous lake offers spectacular walleye fishing on more than 832 acres of water.
That certainly helps the fishermen spot their prey, but it also makes it a really awesome place to spend time in the water. There's little to no water vegetation and you and your family will love swimming here. Put on some goggles and take advantage of the ability to see for what feels like miles under the surface.
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The clear water does an amazing job reflecting the colors of the trees and sky around it.
That there's nothing to dilute the reflection makes this a photographer's dream and a stunning place to check out sunrises and sunsets. Above and below the water, you're going to want to make sure to take pictures here.
There are a decent number of cabins on Whitefish/Bardon Lake, as well as public lake access, but there are still plenty of times where the lake is calm and peaceful and you'll feel like you've found your own little bit of paradise.
Whether you're on a boat, a pier, or even just floating on the water on a raft of your back, you'll love the laid back feeling of getting to spend time in such a beautiful, seemingly untouched space.
Whitefish/Bardon Lake is so far north and west it's nearly in Minnesota, so it's not the easiest place to visit, but the time to travel here is so well worth it.
You'll find yourself spending all kinds of time out on the water just staring down into the awesomely clear water, watching the world go by underneath you.
There's just something so magical and unreal about getting to get a glimpse down into the world under the water in a way we rarely get to. Whitefish/Bardon Lake is such a unique experience that you just really have to see for yourself to believe.
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Dip your toes in the water, relax on the shore or spend the day in the boat. However you enjoy Whitefish/Bardon Lake, you'll fall in love with the simple, soft, clear waters and the new perspective they give you.
Whitefish Lake is located in Wascott, in Douglas County, about 15 miles north of Minong. Find out more about one of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin from the state Department of Natural Resources.
Public Boat Access Address: 15642 S Whitefish Lake Road, Gordon, WI, 54838.
