It isn’t difficult to understand why people love Waukesha County’s Lake Country area in Wisconsin. This is one of the most popular vacation spots for families, adventure seekers, and professionals looking to unwind. This serene community offers a leisurely lifestyle with stunning views that have led tourists to invest in a permanent or vacation home here.
If you’re looking to buy a property in an area with plenty of things to do, Lake Country, Wisconsin, is yours to claim. In addition to all the spots seasonal guests gravitate to, Lake Country property also offers great value for money, a sought-after lifestyle, and beautiful neighborhoods.
Table of Contents:
This guide outlines all of the exciting things to do and see that await prospective homeowners in Lake Country, Wisconsin. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, sports, arts and culture, family fun, a little nightlife, seasonal activities, a vacation hideaway, a place to sail your boat, a permanent address, a tranquil place that allows you to work from home, or an investment opportunity, Lake Country has you covered.
ALL ABOUT LAKE COUNTRY, WISCONSIN
When you picture yourself in a place that’s serene and feels like a million miles from the hustle and bustle of urban life, then you’ve just come home to Lake Country. It’s the informal name of an area made up of at least 40 lakes and the communities that surround them.
Once the go-to hideaway of affluent cityfolk in the 19th century, Lake Country remains a preferred vacation destination of urban dwellers in Milwaukee, which is just 30 miles to the east, and Chicago to the southeast, which is around a two-hour drive away. As a long-time holiday destination, Lake Country has kept pace with the times, offering a wealth of residential options and recreational amenities in the area.
Lake Country’s growth began in 1855 when the Milwaukee and Watertown Railroad Company passed through Waukesha County, making it more accessible to wealthy visitors from Milwaukee and Chicago. This started the boom in resorts and hotels around the lakes. By 1912, yacht clubs were established on Lac La Belle, Oconomowoc Lake, Pewaukee Lake, Pine Lake, and Okauchee Lake.
As a cluster of communities, Lake Country offers the following clear advantages:
- Water-rich and trail-filled recreational options in small towns with a distinct suburban-rural vibe
- Easy access to Milwaukee, Madison, and airports through two major highways
- Farmers’ markets and excellent dining and bar options
- A quieter and less traveled alternative to resort destinations
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN LAKE COUNTRY, WISCONSIN
Indeed, what started as a summer getaway for well-to-do Chicago and Milwaukee families has become a year-round residence for many. Lake Country offers all-season water and nature activities filled with attractions and amenities, including top-notch shopping, excellent medical services, world-class dining, and top-rated schools. With lakes of varying sizes, you can choose from famous lakes with water sports to isolated pools for those who prefer a more tranquil vibe.
These are some of the popular things to do in Lake Country, Wisconsin.
Outdoor recreation
Golf
Southeast Wisconsin itself offers multiple options if you’re a fan of golf. The Erin Hills Golf Course, for example, hosted the 2017 U.S. Open and is set to host the Women’s Open in 2025. This championship course features a natural design and modern amenities, and even its own lodging at the rustic Irish-inn inspired lodge or one of the private cottages.
Within Lake Country itself, local golf enthusiasts can choose from options that allow them to enjoy the game. Families get together for a round of mini golf or spend time at the driving range. The choices abound!
- Moor Downs Golf Course. This is a nine-hole course great for beginners or advanced players looking for a quick, casual round. The mud in the area is rumored to have healing powers and was used in the Moor Bath’s and Hotel in the 1920s.
- Morningstar Golfers Club. Morningstar offers a well-conditioned course with a nice fairway, elevation changes, and complex greens. Enjoy its upscale clubhouse with a full restaurant and bar.
- Paganica Golf Course. The course was designed and built in 1961 and features an 18-hole course spanning 6,576 yards.
- The Legend at Merrill Hills. Originally known as Merrill Hills Country Club, this course offers the only 54-hole club membership in the area. It’s great for players of all skill levels.
- Western Lakes Golf Club
- The Legend At Bristlecone
Outdoor adventures
There’s a lot going on year-round in Lake Country. In Waukesha Pewaukee, there are parks, bike trails, and so much more things to do in Lake Country, Wisconsin’s great outdoors.
- Travel the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. While enjoying the fresh air, learn about the various geological features of one of the world’s premier continental glaciations.
- Bike the Lake Country Trail. Get those leg muscles working across a trail that highlights the beautiful surroundings. It’s also perfect for novice bikers because of the trail’s flat surfaces and paved areas.
- Swim at Pewaukee Beach. Bring your sunscreen and spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach, conveniently located right in downtown Pewaukee.
Water activities
With more than 40 major lakes in the area and around a hundred more that are lesser known, it’s no surprise that there’s a water activity for every preference. Common water sports include kayaking and canoeing, fishing, tubing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Did you know that kids below 15 and those born before 1927 can fish in Wisconsin without a license?
Here’s a rundown of water activities available to thrill-seekers and those looking to relax.
- Paddle along Pewaukee River. Spend the afternoon enjoying the rapids and go through quiet streams alongside the bustling highway.
- Go fishing from the piers at City Beach Park along Lac La Belle or head over to Fowler Lake. Get a fishing license and cast a line over at the piers. You can also launch your boat or rent from the rental shops nearby. Fowler Lake is a clear lake spanning 97 acres with fish that include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.
- Cool off at Hartland’s Nixon Park Splash Pad. The Park features an array of sprinklers and fixtures kids can use to cool off during the day. The Park is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer.
- Canoe or kayak in the Oconomowoc River or Nagawicka Lake. This river links dozens of Waukesha County lakes and ends at Rock River. Enjoy a scenic paddle and spot boulder gardens, undeveloped shores, and an old dam. Nagawicka lake offers visitors access to the lake from a public boat landing, while a tranquil paddle down Bark River promises sightings of heron, beavers, and turtles.
Difficulty level: Because the river is not very wide and quite shallow, water levels can vary greatly throughout the summer. This spring, heavy rainfalls flooded large sections of the river, making for more challenging navigation.
- Attend or participate in national regattas at Pewaukee Lake during the spring-to-fall sailing season.
- Learn how to sail at the Pewaukee Lake Sailing School, which offers summer classes, high school sailing, and adult sailing. Oconomowoc Lake Sailing School is an excellent that offers sailing lessons for youth and adults.
- Get serious about yacht racing by joining the Pewaukee Yacht Club.
Indoor family fun
More than outdoor options, there are so many indoor activities you can choose from. From go-kart racing to indoor climbing, Lake Country has it. Below are some great options to consider:
- Go-kart racing at Accelerate Indoor Speedway. Karting is available for adults and kids, subject to the 48-inch height requirement. Race around the track or enjoy other activities, such as ax throwing and a virtual reality arena.
- Scale walls at Adventure Rock Indoor Climbing Gym. Work on your Spiderman skills and scale the indoor climbing wall. Regardless of your skill level, there are different walls on which to train and climb.
- Laser tag at Battle House Laser Combat. Spend the day with friends, colleagues, and family, or make new friends by playing laser tag in this 11,000-square-foot indoor arena. It’s best for kids aged eight and above.
- Science is fun at the Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium. Kids and adults will love this place, located at the Retzer-Nature Center. It offers programs that will take you through the stars.
- Indoor water fun at Springs Water Park. Located inside The Ingleside Hotel, the park spans over 45,000 square feet. Whoosh through thrilling slides, play water basketball, float down the indoor “river,” get a water workout in the whirlpool.
- The Children’s Play Gallery is one of the best play areas in Lake Country. Kids will enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through creative play.
Arts and culture
If you’re not one for the outdoors or adventurous activities, it’s not a problem; there are plenty of other things to do in Lake Country, Wisconsin. If you enjoy art and culture, here’s where to go:
- Explore the Clark House Museum. Learn about the history of Pewaukee by browsing the impressive collection of items from the town’s early days.
- Interactive fun at Old World Wisconsin. This living outdoor history museum has 576 acres on which over 60 historical Wisconsin buildings have been relocated to shed light on the past.
- Catch a show at the SummerStage of Delafield. Take a blanket or picnic chair and prepare to enjoy an outdoor performance. Find this outdoor theater in the heart of the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
- Catch the Wisconsin Philharmonic at a venue in Lake Country, WI. Check out their current season and save the dates to their top shows.
Nights out
As an alternative to spending an evening at home, check out what’s happening at Lake Country at night.
- Splash Martini Bar allows you to enjoy handcrafted matinis as you take in the view of Lac La Belle from the second floor outdoor deck. If martinis aren’t your thing, Splash also has cocktails, beers on tap, and wines on the menu. Open until 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and 10 pm. On Sundays.
- The Lounge at Lake Country Cigars offers members a VIP lounge with a dehumidified locker and discounts on purchase. Non-members can still relax and enjoy the place. It’s open until 10 pm on Fridays and 9 pm on Saturdays.
- Thirsty Bird Saloon proudly calls itself “your classic Wisconsin corner bar.” Indeed, it is a place to chill, hang, shoot the breeze, and engage the friendliest patrons. And did we mention it’s also a sports bar. Enjoy games with fellow fans over cold brew and cheese curds.
Wherever you are in Lake Country, there is no shortage of bars, pubs, watering holes, and other fun places you can check out. Ask the friendly locals for recommendations and get to know the community first hand.
Food and shopping
Stroll the quaint downtowns of Lake Country and discover delightful boutiques that feature collectibles, specialty items, homemade décor, and clothing. Then, cap the outing with amazing pies, pastries, sweets, and other baked goodies.
- Artisan 179 for artisan cuisine and cocktails. Dig the live music as you dig into world-class meals that feature top-shelf ingredients like iberico pork, duck, and steaks.
- Casual and fine dining at Coco’s Seafood and Steakhouse. Enjoy an array of classic surf & turf items like ahi tuna and 45-day dry-aged ribeye, together with a range of toppings, sauces, and sides.
- Treats from Beach Bum Bakery. This local, award-winning bake shop specializes in custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Out-of-towners will want to bring a few goodies back to the city to remember their Lake Country holiday by.
- Healthy snacks from Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery. This is perfect for those who want deliciousness without guilt – or allergens! Molly’s offers freshly baked gluten-free items, including pretzels, brownies, and assorted bread.
- Dine with a view at Weissgerber’s Golden Mast Inn. Try German cuisine while sitting out on the patio overlooking Okauchee Lake. Specialty items include steaks and seafood and an extensive wine list.
- Satisfy cravings at Fiesta Cancun Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. Choose from mouthwatering authentic Mexican food faves and three sizes of housemade margaritas while sitting outdoors.
- Order event-ready baked goods from Sweet Perfections Bake Shoppe. This is a family owned bakery that makes amazing wedding cakes, custom desserts, pastries like cupcakes, and breads.
- Grab yourself a slice from EB’s Milwaukee Pizza Company. This family restaurant serves thin, handmade crust pizzas with the freshest ingredients.
- Healing from Sienna Moon. Sienna Moon is a shop that caters to alternative wellness through healing crystals and jewelry.
- Check out the 5 O’Clock Club, a restaurant that tries to recapture the easy vibe of Pewaukee back in the 1920s. Dig into all-time crowd pleasers like big, juicy burgers or the award-winning fish fry.
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT IN LAKE COUNTRY, WISCONSIN
Coldwell Banker Elite is your local boutique brokerage with international reach and local experience and personalized service. This real estate firm is committed to creating the best possible experience for its clients by meeting and exceeding expectations. It leverages the strength of the Coldwell Banker brand and couples this with innovation and local knowledge to give you the best possible advice on Lake Country, WI real estate.
With all the things to do in Lake Country Wisconsin, this is a great place to visit or live. Lake Country has an excellent inventory of properties across its many communities. Work with a local industry expert, Coldwell Banker Elite, who knows Lake Country, WI best!
Established in 2014, Coldwell Banker Elite was founded by Jon Spheeris. This real estate sales and development veteran has over four decades of industry experience and offers services that take into account the Lake Country market.
Our agents put your best interests first. The team is passionate about excellence and is driven to help you realize your real estate goals. Call us now at 855.569.0588 or drop us a note here to find out how we can be of service to you.