7 Clearest Lakes in Wisconsin in 2024
Wisconsin is a state filled with natural beauty, and the clearest lakes in Wisconsin are no exception. The crystal-clear waters of these lakes are perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery.
Wisconsin has many incredible lakes, with over 15,000 inland lakes. It also borders two of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. From the pristine sandy beaches to the clear waters, you are sure to love visiting one of Wisconsin’s lakes.
Clearest Lakes in Wisconsin
There are so many options when it comes to deciding which Wisconsin lake to visit. Below, you’ll find a list of the 7 clearest lakes in Wisconsin that are perfect for visiting.
1. Black Oak Lake
WHERE? Land O’ Lakes, WI | ENTRY FEE? No
Black Oak Lake is the cleanest and clearest lake in Wisconsin. Located in the northernmost part of Wisconsin near the Michigan border, this is an amazing lake to visit. While the lake is smaller in size, it is an incredibly serene and clear lake.
The water at Black Oak Lake is so clear, which makes it the perfect place for swimming. There is a small public beach on the lake, as well as a pier and a boat launch. There are plenty of things to do at Black Oak Lake, from relaxing on the sandy beach, swimming in the clear waters, kayaking, fishing, or just enjoying nature.
The up-north setting makes Black Oak Lake very peaceful and a perfect place to relax or enjoy a Wisconsin sunset. It is a great place to visit during the summer to swim in the crystal-clear waters. It is also a beautiful place to see in the fall, with the gorgeous fall foliage surrounding the lake, and in the winter, it’s one of the best ice fishing lakes in Wisconsin.
2. Lake Geneva
WHERE? Lake Geneva, WI | ENTRY FEE? No
Lake Geneva is one of the most popular lakes to visit in Wisconsin during summertime. Lake Geneva has clear, blue waters and is a very clean lake to visit.
The clear waters of Lake Geneva make it an ideal place for swimming. Other fun activities on the lake include boating and watersports, such as jet skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Around the lake is the Lake Geneva Shore Path, which is a great place for walking or biking, with scenic views of crystal-clear lake waters. At one portion of the lake, there is also the Big Foot Beach State Park, which offers campsites, hiking trails, and a beach.
Lake Geneva is known for being a popular summer vacation destination in Wisconsin.
There are many highly-rated resorts along the lakefront, with plenty of activities such as golfing, spas, pools with waterslides, and of course, relaxing on the sandy shores of Lake Geneva. This makes Lake Geneva one of the best lakes in Wisconsin to visit for a family vacation or weekend getaway.
3. Lake Superior
WHERE? Superior, WI | ENTRY FEE? No
Lake Superior is the clearest and cleanest of the 5 Great Lakes. Lake Superior is one of the
world’s largest freshwater lakes and is famous for its beautiful shoreline, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Lake Superior borders a portion of the northern part of Wisconsin. One of the best Lake Superior beaches to visit is called Wisconsin Point.
Wisconsin Point is near the town of Superior, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Point offers a long stretch of sandy beach and is the perfect place to build sandcastles on the shore or go swimming in Lake Huron.
Another great beach to visit on Lake Superior is Meyers Beach.
Around Meyers Beach, the waters of Lake Superior are a clear, turquoise blue. There are also nearby cliffs and sea caves that are absolutely beautiful to see. Some of the best things to do here include hiking for views of the lake or kayaking through the crystal clear waters.
Last but not least, the beach of Big Bay State Park is a must-visit place to see the clear, blue waters of Lake Superior. This state park is located on Wisconsin’s Madeline Island. It is at this beach that you will find the bluest lake waters in the entire state, making it one of the best places to visit Lake Superior.
4. Two Sisters Lake
WHERE? Rhinelander, WI | ENTRY FEE? No
Two Sisters Lake is a hidden gem lake in Wisconsin. The lake is spring-fed and has incredible clear waters. It is also relatively deep for an inland lake, with around a 63 ft depth. This makes it a nice lake to visit for boating or watersports.
This lake has around 8 miles of shoreline, and there are plenty of great places to go swimming in the clear waters. Other popular activities include paddle boarding and kayaking due to the calm waters found in Two Sisters Lake. There is also a small island in the center of the lake that can be visited by kayaking or canoeing.
The landscape surrounding the lake is very serene, and there are many trees around the
shoreline. It makes for an idyllic and peaceful setting.
5. Lake Michigan
WHERE? Washington, WI | ENTRY FEE? No
Lake Michigan isn’t known for being as clear as Lake Superior, but it is still a clean and clear lake to visit. There are several sandy beaches across Lake Michigan, and it is a perfect lake for swimming, water sports, and boating.
While Lake Michigan covers most of Wisconsin’s east coast, there is one beach along Lake Michigan that is known for having crystal-clear waters, and that is Schoolhouse Beach State Park.
Schoolhouse Beach State Park is located on Wisconsin’s Washington Island. Surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan, this beach is absolutely breathtaking and one of Wisconsin’s best-hidden gems. The water here is so blue and clear that it looks like you have been transported to a Caribbean island.
Schoolhouse Beach is filled with smooth limestone rocks, and the water here is so clear that you can easily see the beautiful limestone at the bottom. It is a truly stunning beach to visit on Lake Michigan.
6. Blue Lake
WHERE? Minocqua, WI | ENTRY FEE? No
Blue Lake is another one of the clearest lakes in Wisconsin, with a clarity of about 25 ft. The lake gets its name from its deep blue waters, which make it one of the more beautiful lakes in Wisconsin.
Blue Lake is a quiet lake, and its shoreline is very peaceful. It is a great place for swimming,
kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding on the calm waters. It is also possible to bring a boat here and is a less crowded lake for boating and jet skiing.
The lake is also a good spot for fishing, and many types of fish can be caught here including Walleye, Bluegill, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass.
7. Wazee Lake
WHERE? Brockway, WI | ENTRY FEE? Yes $5 per vehicle
Wazee Lake is the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin, with a maximum depth of around 355 ft. It is located in the western part of Wisconsin and is an excellent lake to visit.
One unique aspect about this lake is that it is the best place in Wisconsin to go scuba diving and more than 1,000 divers visit the lake every year. Scuba diving is popular here due to the clarity of the water and depths of the lake, giving divers plenty to explore. Many types of fish live in the lake.
There is no better way to spend a warm, summer day than by exploring the crystal clear waters in this beautiful lake. On a sunny day, the water is so clear that you can see 30-40 ft down into the lake. It is a great place for scuba diving, but also for swimming and snorkeling.
Wazee Lake has scenic, natural surroundings filled with forests, hiking trails, and some rustic campsites. It is the perfect location to go to enjoy some fresh air in nature during the summertime.
Best Lakes in Wisconsin That Aren’t So Clear
Lake Winnebago: Lake Winnebago is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, and is a great
destination for swimming, water sports, and fishing. The lake has moderate clarity but is still a great lake to visit in the summer. It is also regarded as one of the best places for Walleye fishing in Wisconsin.
Namekagon Lake: Although the water isn’t exactly crystal-clear, this lake is incredibly scenic. It is surrounded by nature and is home to many birds, fish, and other wildlife. This is the perfect lake for canoeing or kayaking in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Lake Chippewa: While Lake Chippewa isn’t known for being one of the clearest lakes, it is one of the best lakes for fishing in Wisconsin. As a larger lake, there are plenty of fishing locations and this lake is home to many different types of fish.
Petenwell Lake: This lake is a popular summer destination, although the water here isn’t crystal clear and can be murky in some spots. However, as Wisconsin’s 2nd largest inland lake, there are still plenty of things to do here. Swimming, boating, and fishing are some of the best activities on Petenwell Lake.
Clearest Lakes in Wisconsin: FAQ
The clearest waters in Wisconsin are found in Black Oak Lake. Located in the northern part of Wisconsin, this small yet beautiful lake is incredibly clear. The clarity of the lake is due to it being smaller in size and also because it is fed by a freshwater spring.
The bluest water in Wisconsin can be found in Lake Superior, off the shores of Big Bay State Park. Located on Madeline Island, Big Bay State Park has a stunning beach and several nature trails with views of the incredible blue water of Lake Superior. It is a great place to visit for swimming, relaxing on the beach, and to enjoy scenic views.
Black Oak Lake is considered a Clear Bottom Lake in Wisconsin. This is because the water at this lake is so clear, that you can easily see to the bottom of the lake in certain areas. On a sunny day, it is possible to see 30 to 40 feet down because of the lake’s clarity.
Lake Wazee is referred to as the bottomless lake due to its impressive depths that reach around 335 ft deep. Lake Wazee is located on the western side of Wisconsin. It is near the town of Brockway, in Jackson County. While the water of Lake Wazee has great clarity, when you look down it seems to go on forever due to the impressive depths of the lake, which is why it gained the nickname of bottomless lake.
Conclusion: Clearest Lakes in Wisconsin
Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, visiting one of the clearest lakes in
Wisconsin is sure to be the perfect vacation. There are plenty of great lake destinations, from the crystal clear waters and serene natural beauty of Black Oak Lake to the exciting and fun Lake Geneva.
The clearest lakes in Wisconsin can be visited year-round, but summertime is the best time to go since it is perfect weather for swimming, boating, and fishing. Going to one of Wisconsin’s lakes is sure to be a perfect way to enjoy visiting this beautiful state.
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