The Lake Country area in Southwest Wisconsin has long been a sought-after vacation spot for families, nature lovers, and young professionals looking to unwind from the bustling city life. With its laidback atmosphere amid serene lakes and stunning views, this area attracts residents who want to enjoy a luxurious, leisurely lifestyle while being only minutes from the city.
A property in Lake Country will always be good investment. When it comes to value for money, Lake Country homes are unparalleled, thanks to the amazing lifestyle and the offerings of its many wonderful communities and neighborhoods.
Read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind area and Lake Country Wisconsin homes for sale.
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All about the Lake Country Area in Southeast Wisconsin
Lake Country is located almost solely within Waukesha County, the third most populous county in Wisconsin and part of the Greater Milwaukee area. While there over 140 lakes in the region, Lake Country refers to the group of 10 or so communities surrounding over 26 lakes of various sizes. The largest lakes include Pewaukee Lake, Big Muskego Lake, Okauchee Lake, and Lac La Belle. Smaller ones include Beaver Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Golden Lake, Fowler Lake, and Lake Keesus.
In the past, the area served mostly as a summer getaway for wealthy Milwaukee and Chicago families. Over the years, it has become mostly residential, with the surrounding towns and cities featuring a variety of homes that range from large estates to condos and townhouses.
Lake Country locals enjoy the year-round water and nature activities the area has to offer, as well as a convnient location less than a 30 minute drive to either Madison or downtown Milwaukee.
But residents don’t have to travel far to enjoy urban conveniences. Waukesha County boasts a host of attractions and amenities, including amazing restaurants, shops, lively events, top rated schools, and excellent healthcare. Lake Country locals get easy access to all these while enjoying tranquil waterfront living all year long.
Every lake in Lake Country has a unique charm andcharacter. Larger lakes offer all the excitement of active water fun, while smaller lakes provide the serene isolated vibe that comes from being surrounded by nature.
The communities in the area are just as diverse, offering a wealth of options for homebuyers. But no matter where you choose to live in Lake Country, Wisconsin, the homes for sale give you the best of both worlds – the tranquility of lakeside, small town living and the convenience of big city amenities.
Lake Country, Wisconsin communities
Lake Country is made up historic towns and cities that offer the highly sought-after lakefront lifestyle and small town appeal.
Here’s a closer look at each of these communities:
Oconomowoc
The historic City of Oconomowoc has a population of over 15,712, and is adjacent to the Town of Oconomowoc, which is home to around 7,400 residents. Together they make up the largest community in Lake Country, population-wise.
The Oconomowoc area is also the center of tourism in the region, boasting a downtown area bustling with shops, restaurants, and offices. It is also home to several esteemed hospitals and health care providers.
Originally populated by Native Americans, these historic communities got their name from “Coo-No-Mo-Wauk” which is the Potawotomi term for “waterfall” or “where the waters meet”. With the introduction of the railroad system in America, Oconomowoc became a favorite summer destination of wealthy tourists from Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, and other nearby cities in the Midwest.
Several lakes dot both the town and city of Oconomowoc, including:
- Fowler Lake
- Lac La Belle
- Ashippun Lake
- Crystal Lake
- Mapleton Lake
- Silver Lake
- Okauchee Lake.
Top destinations in the area include Oconomowoc Fowler Lake Boardwalk, Oconomowoc City Beach, Imagination Station Playground, and Oconomowoc Historical Museum.
Oconomowoc Lake Village
Located just south of the Town of Oconomowoc, the Village of Oconomowoc Lake completely surrounds its namesake body of water, which is considered to be one of the largest lakes in the area. Incorporated in the mid 1900s, the community was originally part of the Towns of Oconomowoc and Summit and served as a summer getaway for wealthy residents of Milwaukee, Chicago, and St. Louis.
Today, Oconomowoc Lake Village is home to only around 595 residents, and remains one of the most affluent communities in Wisconsin. The village confines commercial and business activities within a 40-acre cluster at the northwest corner of the area, and keeps the rest of the territory mostly residential.
Recreation in the village is centered around the 818 acre Lake Oconomowoc, which is well known for its crystal clear waters and great fishing. The village is also home to the private and exclusive Oconomowoc Lake Club, which has been a part of the community since 1890.
Delafield
The City of Delafield and the adjacent Town of Delafield are home to around 7,000 and 7,800 people, respectively. Found in the heart of Lake Country, the Delafield communities are considered among the best suburban places to live in the Milwaukee area. They feature some of the most coveted Lake Country, Wisconsin vacation or permanent homes for sale, with charming traditional architecture and excellent location close to restaurants, shops, historic attractions, and nature getaways.
Lakes here include Pewaukee Lake and Upper Lake Nashotah. Top attractions include Naga-Waukee Park, Cushing Memorial Park, and Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Hartland
Found along the Bark River, the village of Hartland is home to around 9,500 people, most of which are young professionals with families. This close knit community enjoys the village’s many amenities, including a charming downtown, numerous recreational facilities, and job and business opportunities. There are several large lakes nearby, including Perawaukee Lake, Nagawicka Lake, and Pine Lake. Other top destinations in the area are Hartland Ice Age Marsh, Hartland Splash Pad, and Nixon Park.
Lac La Belle
Lac La Belle is a village at the heart of the town of Oconomowoc, with a population of only around 290. Fronting the expansive Lac La Belle Lake, this small community exudes a nostalgic rural Wisconsin vibe but offers easy access to Milwaukee and the amenities of neighboring Lake Country cities.
The village is home to the prestigious La Belle Yacht Club, which has been an Oconomowoc institution for more than 125 years. La Belle Golf Club, one of Wisconsin’s oldest golf courses, can also be found here.
Summit
The village of Summit is a fairly large community bisected by I-94. Offering a rural lifestyle while providing great access to urban destinations, this community of around 4,676 people is home to quaint bars, charming shops, and beautiful parks. No less than 16 smaller lakes are scattered around the village, including Upper, Middle, and Lower Genesse Lakes, Silver Lake, Crooked Lake, Bowron Lake, Golden Lake, Upper and Lower Nashotah Lake, Upper and Lower Nemahbin Lakes, and more.
The abundance of lakes and the rustic environment make the village a great match for those who want a slow and laidback way of life. There are also acres of wetland, perfect for those who love nature exploration, as well as four village parks, including a sledding hill at Genesee Lake Road Park.
Okauchee Lake
Okauchee Lake is a community located in the town of Oconomowoc, with a population of around 4,420. Located along the shores of the expansive Okauchee Lake, this place is known for weekend boat parties and events, as well as numerous water sports and activities like tubing and kayaking.
Chenequa
Chenequa surrounds Pine Lake on all sides, and also encompasses parts of Beaver Lake and North Lake. Since its incorporation in 1928, the village has remained a strictly residential community, and today has a population of only around 590. Restrictions on commercial development and residential lot sizes have successfully made Chenequa one of the most exclusive and upscale communities in the area.
One of the top destinations in this area is Chenequa Country Club, a private golf and country club founded in 1911. It features a private swimming beach and topnotch sports and recreation facilities. In addition to Pine Lake, residents also get excellent access to the numerous attractions around Lake Country and beyond.
Nashotah
Surrounded almost entirely by lakes, the Village of Nashotah boasts a good balance between a rustic residential community and industrial and commercial development. This village of around 1,400 people boasts the oldest restaurant in the state – The Red Circle Inn, which opened in 1844. The restaurant is located at the Watertown Plank Road, the first road ever constructed in Wisconsin. Nagawicka Lake borders Nashotah to the southeast and Forest Lake makes up part of its northern border. Other top destinations in the area include Nashotah Park, Nashotah Lake, and Dickten Park.
Merton
The Village and Town of Merton offer a serene, bucolic lifestyle to their approximately 7,988 residents. A number of lakes dot the community, including Lake Keesus, North Lake, Beaver Lake, and part of Okauchee Lake. Around these are recreational clubs and parks that serve as community hubs, such as Stone Bank Community Park, Monches Recreation Club, and North Lake Recreation Club.
Pewaukee
With a population of around 13,195, Pewaukee is a city that surrounds a 4 square mile village of the same name. Both communities encompass a large portion of Pewaukee Lake, providing residents with a wealth of leisure opportunities both on water and on land. The area is one of the most visited places in Wisconsin Lake Country, thanks to the many parks and recreational facilities found here, including Minooka Park, Pewaukee Lakefront Park, and Springs Water Park.
Attractions and activities in and around Lake Country
While waterfront parks, golf courses, hiking trails, and lake activities make up an integral part of the Lake Country lifestyle, the area also provides an array of other recreational options and destinations, including restaurants, nightspots, art and cultural attractions, and so much more.
These are just some of the things to see and do in the area.
Bars and restaurants
As far as restaurants go, Red Circle Inn is the stuff of legends. The oldest restaurant in Wisconsin goes back more than 160 years, counting stagecoach travelers and wealthy Milwaukeeans vacationers as its earliest customers. Once owned by the Pabst family (of the brewery fame), Red Circle Inn has grown into state and national prominence with its creatively prepared offerings of high quality steaks, seafood, desserts, and more.
Water Street Lake Brewery Lake Country
A Delafield favorite is Water Street Lake Brewery which offers American comfort food and specialty beer brews. Their top of the line craft beers include Bavarian Weiss, Honey Lager Light, and Raspberry Weiss. The brewery also serves cocktails, coffee, tea, and other beverages.
With its spacious interiors, Delafield Brewhaus is a great place for banquets, conventions, weddings, and large group events. They have several venues that can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 200 guests. Boasting a sumptuous menu of burgers, fresh seafood, and classic American ribs, Delafield Brewhaus also offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, and constantly updates their beer list with new concoctions.
Lumber Inn has been a Delafield favorite for over 20 years, serving delectable home-style food such as Eggs Benedict, classic buttermilk pancakes, and Farmer’s omelet. This place is always packed so it’s best to book your table ahead. Lumber Inn also offers fresh salads, gluten-free food, and other healthy options for vegans.
Outdoor destinations
Known worldwide for its one-of-a-kind glacial features, the 56,000-acre Kettle Moraine Forest provides unending vistas of lakes, age-old trees, hills, and grasslands. It is divided into two large units and three small units, and features over 630 miles of hiking, riding, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling trails. Camping and swimming are also popular activities here. Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail passes through the forest and may be accessed without any entrance fees. However, camping registration and permits may be required.
At Retzer Nature Center, “education is key”. They provide hands-on experiences for visitors in both outdoor and indoor settings, offering guided and non-guided walking tours through the surrounding prairies, plant and animal exhibits, and a planetarium onsite.
Located just 20 to 30 minutes from Lake Country, Milwaukee County Zoo is home to 1,800 animals on an area of 190 acres. This nationally renowned zoo is dedicated to animal protection, conservation, and wildlife research and development. It also aims to educate visitors on wildlife preservation and environment protection.
Events and entertainment
Started in 1991, Delafield Farmers Market is Lake Country’s go-to source for Wisconsin-raised produce and meats, as well as homemade goodies, cooked food, arts and crafts, flowers, and more. The market is open every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and runs from May to October. It also features musical performances, as well as exhibits of artisans, crafters, and others. As this is a dog-friendly market, you may also bring your fur buddy on a leash.
Held at nearby Waukesha, Riverside Rhythms is an annual food and music festival featuring a pairing of a musical act and a food vendor every Wednesday from June to August. You can grab lunch from the week’s local food truck and get ready to be serenaded by Riverside Rhythms’ featured musicians like Catelyn Picco, Ben Wagner, Dan Krill, The Dolce Duo, and many more.
This highly anticipated annual festival happens at the end of July, and celebrates the best of Wisconsin’s food and drinks with great music at the picturesque Pewaukee’s Lakefront. The day-long event is participated in by top local restaurants and local musical acts.
Monday Night Movies in the Park
Happening in the summer at the Les Paul Performance Center in Waukesha, Monday Night Movies in the Park brings Lake Country communities together to enjoy movie nights for free. It’s the perfect treat for the entire family, particularly when a favorite children’s movie is in the lineup.
If you love good beer and good fun, Waukesha Oktoberfest is one event you shouldn’t miss. In addition to overflowing food, music, and, of course, beer, the festival also features some classic German pub games and a lively Big Tent party featuring the classic sounds and dances of Germany.
Lake Country, Wisconsin real estate and homes for sale
Lake Country offers numerous opportunities to own a beautiful waterfront home. Your options range from expansive estates and spacious single-family homes to cozy cabins and beach houses that make the perfect getaway properties.
The area is known for luxurious lakefront real estate. These spacious homes boast distinctive architectural styles that blend seamlessly with the stunning surroundings. They offer easy and convenient access to a nearby lake, as well as gorgeous views, upscale finishes, and amenities such as swimming pools, chef’s kitchens, walk-in closets, finished basements, and more.
While most waterfront homes command prices north of $1 million, you can also find smaller cottages for just a fraction of that cost. Inland properties also make great options – they’re relatively more affordable while being only minutes away from the nearest beach. You will also find equestrian and acreage properties, golf community homes, condos, and townhomes.
Some of the most sought after properties are found on Beaver Lake and Pine Lake because of their exclusivity, prestigious location, good water quality, and the best amenities which includes tennis, golf, and swimming.
Explore Lake Country, Wisconsin homes for sale today
The local real estate experts at Coldwell Banker Elite are your best guide to the perfect home in Lake Country. With so many options to choose from in this highly sought-after area, it’s imperative to work with an experienced Realtor who knows the diverse communities and homes for sale by heart.
Coldwell Banker Elite agents possess the drive, knowhow, and dedication to help you successfully navigate the market and have a smooth and seamless real estate experience. Call the team today at 855.569.0588 or drop them a note here.