As a teacher, my days are filled with molding minds, and my evenings with grading papers. Even though we get the summers off, burnout is a real thing among teachers. It can sneak up on you and catch you off guard, especially during exams or right before holiday breaks. I love my job, but to combat the occasional feeling of monotony, or if I feel I’m approaching burnout, I turn my time to kayaking! There’s nothing quite like being out on the lake by yourself (or someone you care about), with plenty of time to spend with nature and reflect on life. It can be exhilarating or relaxing, depending entirely on what you’d like to do!
Oconomowoc is part of an area in Wisconsin known as “Lake Country,” located within Waukesha County. This nickname describes precisely what you’ll find here—there are over 140 lakes! Practically all the lakes here allow kayaking, and they’re all quite lovely and worth exploring. Here are some of the best places to check out in Lake Country and near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin! I’ve started with the largest lake, moving down to more secluded options.
Pewaukee Lake
Based on the name alone, you’ve probably realized this lake isn’t in Oconomowoc, though it’s only about 20 minutes away. We’ve included this lake because it’s the largest lake in all of Lake Country, with over 2,490 acres to explore! There’s a free public beach, two public boat ramps, and a ramp dedicated to smaller crafts such as paddle boats or kayaks.
After a long day of kayaking, you can end the night with some delicious food at one of the many lakeside restaurants! During the summer months, Pewaukee Lake has plenty of events to check out, including water skiing shows, a Memorial Day festival, beach parties, and July 4th fireworks! Keep in mind that, due to its sheer size, this is one of the most popular (busiest) lakes in Lake Country. So, if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful outing, this might not be the best option.
Big Muskego Lake
The second largest lake in Lake Country, Big Muskego Lake, is around 2,260 acres. This lake is quite shallow, with most of it having a depth of only 4 ft (max depth is 8ft in some locations). The low depth makes this lake an excellent option for kayaking (though it is in Muskego, about 45 minutes from Oconomowoc)!
Big Muskego Lake is widely considered an “outstanding natural resource” in Wisconsin, due to two years of lake restoration efforts back in 1995. The efforts turned Big Muskego Lake into a lovely and clearer-water habitat for fish and wildlife. Big Muskego lake offers plenty of boat launch locations, a swimming beach, fun events, and a lakefront diner.
Lac La Belle
Located in the heart of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Lac La Belle is the fourth largest lake in Lake Country, with over 1,150 acres to explore. Aside from offering four separate beaches to enjoy during the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend), the lake has a public boat launch area for boats and canoes. If you have your own equipment, get your kayak in the water and go! If you need rentals, the City Beach facility offers canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle boards for rent, either for an hour or for the whole day. A great (and beautiful) day trip consists of starting on Fowler Lake and making your way up the Oconomowoc River to Oconomowoc Lake! Lac La Belle also has events such as Festival Week and live music at the Beach Bandshell.
Oconomowoc Lake
Oconomowoc Lake offers stunning views and excellent fishing for Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. The lake is about medium size, with around 800 acres and a maximum depth of 60 feet. The water is beautifully transparent, making a boat or kayaking trip across it a lovely experience.
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is much smaller than our previous recommendations, spanning 300 square feet. The lake is quite secluded and is considered a private lake for residents living nearby. However, it is open to public use, but only for canoes and kayaks. There is a public access launch area for non-residents that includes a kayak ramp for easy transitions. The water is clear, and you can fish for Pike, Crappie, Bass, and Bluegill. The combination of seclusion and clear bluish water makes it an ideal destination for a quiet and relaxing day of kayaking.
Places to Rent equipment
Now that we’ve recommended some excellent destinations for kayaking in Lake Country, let’s cover some places you can rent equipment! Kayaks are expensive, and not everyone can afford to buy one, but there are a ton of businesses in the area to rent kayaks at an affordable price!
Sherper’s
Sherper’s is a well-known and well-reviewed outdoor shop in Oconomowoc. They have a ton of equipment for sale and offer kayak, tandem kayak, canoe, and boat rentals. Single kayaks and canoes are $30 for 0-4 hours, while tandem kayaks, SUPs, and premium boats are $40 for 0-4 hours of use. If you want a kayak for the whole day, it’s $45. Tandem kayaks are $55 for a full day of use.
PRS Watersports
PRS Watersports is another great kayak rental shop in Oconomowoc, though they don’t have as many reviews as Sherper’s (still most positive, though). Single kayak rentals are $28 for two hours and $38 for four hours. Tandem or canoe rentals are $38 for two hours of use and $48 for four hours. We suspect they offer a full-day rental for their equipment, but there’s no mention of it on their website.
The finest lakes in the country!
Lake Country in Wisconsin offers some of the most beautiful lakes in the state (and the country, in my opinion). Each lake has something unique to offer, from incredibly shallow waters perfect for kayaking to fun and exciting events. If you live, or are planning on living in Wisconsin, be sure to take some time and check out what Lake Country has to offer!