As Wisconsinites, we love to say that while those folks next door might be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we actually have 15,000. Especially up north, Wisconsin is dotted with tons of lakes, many of which are spring-fed and the result of the Wisconsin glaciation – specifically, the last big glacier to cover the United States. Of all the lakes in the Dairy State, the clearest lake in Wisconsin is Black Oak Lake, which is located way, way, way up north, just a mile or so from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Black Oak Lake is truly a sight to see. This large lake up north is 564 acres. The DNR says it's one of the deepest lakes in the state, with a maximum depth of around 85 feet, though the mean depth sits at around 34 feet.
Evan Prday/GoogleMaps
What makes this lake so special is that it's one of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin. It's full of fish, including panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Northern pike, trout, and walleye. In a survey of state lakes, Black Oak Lake is listed as the one with the most clarity - a seeing depth of around 30 feet.
That makes for some of the clearest water in Wisconsin, and some of the best views of life underwater that you can ever imagine.
Flickr/Mark
No one actually knows how the lake got it's name, especially since black oaks don't grow this far North - the estimate is that the closest black oaks growing are 200 miles south of this area. But there are historical documents dating back to the 1880s that name the lake this way.
Located just 4.5 miles due west of Land O'Lakes, Black Oak Lake is a stellar swimming and fishing lake too - not just eye candy.
Facebook/LandoLakesChamber

Related Stories

Here Are 16 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Wisconsin, According To Our Readers

Here Are 16 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Wisconsin, According To Our Readers

 5 Great Lakes Beaches In Wisconsin That'll Make You Feel Like You're At The Ocean    

5 Great Lakes Beaches In Wisconsin That'll Make You Feel Like You're At The Ocean    

 There's Something Magical About These 13 Wisconsin Lakes In The Summer

There's Something Magical About These 13 Wisconsin Lakes In The Summer
But, of course, it's also one of the most gorgeous, untouched, magical places you'll ever see. Black Oak Lake offers stunning views from the shore and even b tter views once you're out on the water. You'll want to spend hours peering over the edge of the boat as you get unprecedented views into the underwater ecosystem.
Martin Rudd/GoogleMaps
That perfectly clear water makes for a stunning backdrop for sunrises and sunsets.
The glasslike water allows for more sunlight to penetrate the depths of the water, encouraging more underwater growth - the clarity of the lake can be incredibly healthy for the lake's ecosystem, making it even more interesting to spend time observing.
Black Oak Lake
And no matter the season, you'll love seeing the surroundings reflected back in the water's mirror-like surface.
If you find yourself way, way up north, you have to make your way to Black Oak Lake. It's the crown jewel of the state when it comes to water clarity and as you can see, the vistas it provides aren't too shabby, either.
sharply_done/Getty

Black Oak Lake is located in Vilas County, 4.5 miles due west of Land O’Lakes.

Where else can you find some of the clearest water in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments!

Another Wisconsin spot with dreamy views is Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island. Check out this amazing and unique Wisconsin beach for yourself! Or, for more waterfront beauty to enjoy, check out our great outdoors adventure guide.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Clearest Lake in Wisconsin & Related Info

Jennifer | June 15, 2023

What are the most beautiful lakes in Wisconsin?

With so much waterfront to its credit, it's nearly impossible to pick the most beautiful lakes in Wisconsin! That said, the glacial waters of the Badger State are renowned, making for some pretty spectacular bodies of water. Here are just a few gorgeous options, as chosen by locals.

  • Devil's Lake
  • Fish Lake
  • Geneva Lake
  • Lake Joanis
  • Lake Minocqua
  • Lake Pepin
  • Lake Of The Pines
  • Lake Redstone
  • Lake Tomah
  • Lake Van Zile
  • Lost Land Lake
  • Pike Lake
  • Pope Lake
  • Shawano Lake
  • Spider Chain of Lakes

 

Does Wisconsin have any waterfront restaurants?

With two Great Lakes coastlines to its credit, Wisconsin offers a surprising number of restaurants that offer jaw-dropping waterfront views. From fine-dining by the water to casual eateries boasting al fresco vibes, some of the coolest waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin are:

 

Are there any botanical gardens in Wisconsin?

While Wisconsin is often associated with its cheese, harsh winters, and sports teams, the state has an abundance of all-seasons and unique family offerings beyond what meets the eye - including some fantastic places to get your nature fix! Here are just a few of the most popular botanical gardens in Wisconsin:

  • Allen Centennial Gardens, Madison
  • Boerner Botanical Gardens, Milwaukee
  • Green Bay Botanical Garden, Green Bay
  • Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, Kenosha
  • Memorial Park Arboretum, Appleton
  • Old World Wisconsin, Eagle

Related Articles

Explore Wisconsin

Featured Addresses
Black Oak Lake, Land O'Lakes, WI 54540, USA