Lakes of Lake Country

Lakes are a KEY feature to the area in which we live called, “Lake Country”. It’s also part of our name LAKE Country Family Fun. Lakes cover all of Waukesha County. They span from southern Waukesha county by Muskego to northern Waukesha County in Colgate. Lakes are a BIG deal around here. We enjoy them year round. That’s why we’ve decided to put together a guide to the Lakes of Lake Country. Read on below.

Did you know? There are over 140 lakes in Waukesha COunty?

– LAKE OF LAKE COUNTRY –
This summer, when you are on, near or in a lake, be sure to think about Lake Country Family Fun. We’d love to see your lake fun. Tag us on instagram @lakecountryfamilyfun and use the hashtag #LOVELCFF. We’ll share your photos to our stories!

And while having all the fun, please remember to be safe, especially around water with little ones. Stephanie has written some Lake Safety Tips for families and you can find the information helpful.

“It’s everyone’s job to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives species to Wisconsin lakes. Whether you are a boater, angler, paddler, seaplane pilot, water gardener/pond owner, nursery owner, aquarium enthusiast, or even a teacher, you have a very important role to play in keeping Wisconsin’s lakes free of aquatic invasive species. The main way aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil spread to new waters is often by hitching a ride on the boats and trailers of the very people who enjoy the water the most. Similarly, other aquatic invasive plants and animals are introduced into lakes and streams through accidental and sometimes intentional releases.”

~WI DNR

PREVENTION TIPS HERE

Thank you to our lakes of lake country guide sponsor, lake country dance

Before you jump in the Lake....

Before you jump into the lake, I mean our guide, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

This is NOT the complete list of lakes. There are technically over 140 lakes – WOW! The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has provided Lake Country Family Fun access to their excel document of the listing of all of the lakes in Waukesha County. You can access it by clicking here. Note: Data may be outdated, especially the boat launch/park columns. Thank you WI DNR!
State/County Park Fees Apply at locations/beaches/lakes/launches.
Where there are boat launches mentioned, fees usually apply.

Now, let’s get a little crazy here! This summer, when you are on ANY Lake Country area lake, post a picture to Instagram with the hashtag #lovelcff and tag @Lakecountryfamilyfun as well. Be sure to make sure your IG profile is public so we can find you! We will share your photos and feature you in our IG stories!

Thank you to Dick Smith’s Live Bait & Tackshop in Delafield for allowing us to post links to their guides to fishing in the area:

You can check them out in the Smiley Barn in Delafield where they have been serving Lake Country for over 35 years!

Boy, do we love our lakes!

THE LAKES OF LAKE COUNTRY & WAUKESHA COUNTY

The Biggest Lakes of Lake Country (4)

THE BIGGEST LAKES OF LAKE COUNTRY

All of these lakes are over 1,000 acres, which is just huge. There are four (4). Check them out below.

PEWAUKEE LAKE

Image from the 2021 Lake Country Currents Event.

Pewaukee is the biggest lake in Lake Country coming in around 2,493 acres.
There are two public boat ramps and carry-on access.
Free Public Beach – only free public beach in Waukesha County. Read our Beach Guide.
Due to it’s size and public access, it is also Lake Country’s Largest and Busiest Lake.
There are inland sailing races often. National sailing events take place annually and are often hosted by the Pewaukee Yacht Club located on the southern shore of the lake.
Multiple lakefront restaurants including: Michaels House of Prime, Ristorante Lago, The Sports Dock, 5 O’Clock Club, Artisan 179, Doc’s Dry Dock, Edgewater Pewaukee, Seesters, Curly’s, Park Avenue Pizza, Butler Inn (off the lake), Kim’s Lakeside.
Lots of FAMILY FUN events occur near the lake.
- WATER SKI SHOWS Thursdays at 6:45
- Memorial Day Festival
- Pewaukee BEACH PARTY in June
- FIREWORKS on July 4th
- Pewaukee Ice is in the Pavilion by the Beach! They are open Monday – Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Waterfront Wednesdays broguht to you by Positively Pewaukee

BIG MUSKEGO LAKE

big muskego

Photo credit: AJ’s Bar & Grill in Muskego

This lake comes in at a whopping 2,260 acres.
Big Muskego Lake is a shallow lake with a max depth of about 8 feet and is great for fishing, kayaking, hiking around and more.
Most of Big Muskego Lake is less than four feet deep.
There are multiple boat launch locations. Big Muskego Park provides boat launching and lake access on the northern shore of Big Muskego Lake.
More Lake INFORMATION from the city website.
Enjoy the lakefront dining at AJ’s Bar & Grill.
If you are looking for a sandy beach option in Muskego, IDLE ISLE is a park that offers a swimming beach and it is on Little Muskego Lake. Read our Beach Guide.

OKAUCHEE LAKE

Photo credit: Foolery’s on Okauchee

The Okauchee Tie Up is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2024.

This lake is 1,187 acres and goes on both sides of Hwy P in Okauchee.
Maximum depth of 115 feet.
Public access and boat ramp.
Okauchee Lake is fed by and drains to the Oconomowoc River. It is the third in a chain of lakes on the river with Freiss Lake and North Lake upstream and Oconomowoc Lake, Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle located downstream.
One of the busiest lakes with restaurants and yacht clubs, and sail boat races.
Many waterfront dining options including: Golden Mast, Smoke on the Water, Foolery’s, and KickSwitch (actually moved off the lake in 2024, but has an amazing outdoor patio in downtown Okauchee).
Great lake to tie up at party, relax or do some serious water sports or fishing! Note: There is not a public beach area.

LAC LA BELLE LAKE

Lakes of Lake Country Guide Waukesha County

Lake is 1,117 acres and sits next to Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc.
The max depth is 45 feet.
Public boat ramps for fishing, boating and motorized water sports.
More information on the public boat launch.
Erin, Lake Country Family Fun owner says, “It’s our favorite lake. We love the sandbar #sandbarsunday. It’s great for every water sport: skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, paddleboarding/kayaking…it’s clean.”
Lac La Belle has 4 beaches! Read our Beach Guide.
CITY Beach on southern shore – Swimming Hours 10 to 8*
BENDER Beach on eastern shore – Swimming Hours 12 to 6*
Park Street Beach – Park Street Swimming Access is located on the southern shore of Lac Labelle at the end of Park Street. There is limited street parking available.
Woodland Lane is located on the southern shore of Lac Labelle at the end of Woodland Lane. There is limited street parking available.
Dining on Lac La Belle includes Lago Su Bella.
Many FAMILY FUN events at this lake.
- Oconomowoc FESTIVAL WEEK
- Biking around the lake MAP
- FREE FRIDAYS at City Beach
- LIST OF EVENTS at the Bandshell, including Bands at the Beach
- *Cost is $2.50 per resident and $5.00 for non resident. Season bands available. Kids under 6 free with paid adult

Medium Sized Lakes of Lake Country (5)

MEDIUM SIZED LAKES OF LAKE COUNTRY

We’ve considered “medium” as lakes between 400 – 1,000 acres in size. Below we cover the five “medium” sized lakes.

NAGAWICKA LAKE

nagawicka

This lake is approximately 958 acres and has a maximum depth of 90 feet.
Nagawicka means, “there is sand”. The Bark River flows into the lake and there are sandbars on the western shoreline.
The public can access the lake via a public launch off of Hwy 83. More details, including fees, can be found on the Waukesha County site. It is a great fishing lake. The lake is also great for motor sports, boating and any other type of water activity.
Naga-Waukee Park is a county park, so Waukesha County Park Fees apply to visitors.
Naga-Waukee Park offers 130 feet of sandy beach, a beach house with restrooms, and a great concession stand. The beach has lifeguards and opens June 3, 2017 with hours of 11 to 7. Beach rules Beach Rules. Read our Beach Guide.
While not “on” the lake, Fishbones is right across from the lake with great lake views. Find more date night ideas in Lake Country. Find Fishbones in our BRUNCH guide!

PINE LAKE

pine Photo credit: WI DNR

Pine lake is a lake of about 703 acres with upscale residences and mansions. The island is private and owned by Pine Lake Association. It is a beautiful, clear lake with a wooded shoreline.
There is a new, beautiful public boat launch called the Village of Chenequa Pine Lake Boat Launch. Information including fees can be found on their website HERE.
You have view the 24/7 lake WEBCAM thanks to City of Chenequa.

LITTLE MUSKEGO LAKE

little Photo credit: the Little Muskego Lake Association

Little Muskego Lake is a 470 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 65 feet.
It is north of Big Muskego Lake. There are multiple public boat launches.
Little Muskego lake has park/beach areas including IDLE ISLE PARK and MUSKEGO PARK. Read our Beach Guide.
The Muskego Recreation Program holds water-related classes and recreational activities on the lake. See events at IDLE ISLE PARK including the MUSKEGO WATERBUG SKI SHOWS that run all summer.

OCONOMOWOC LAKE

Oconomowoc Lake Homes Rental Airbnb

Oconomowoc Lake is a 818 acre lake located in Waukesha County.
It has a maximum depth of 60 feet.
Oconomowoc Lake is a village located just outside the City of Oconomowoc, the village includes the residential area encircling Oconomowoc Lake. Around the turn of the 20th century, the area become known as a summer retreat for wealthy residents of Milwaukee and Chicago.
It is a private lake with the Oconomowoc Lake Club located there as well.
Not pictured.
Erin and her girls love to boat, kayak, and paddleboard on Oconomowoc Lake.

NORTH LAKE

north

North Lake is about 437 acres with a max depth of 78. It is located due north of Pine lake.
The lake sits between the Village of Chenequa and the Township of Merton.
It is a quieter lake, with upscale residences and older cottages.
There is no public boat launches/access.
The four inlets are Big and Little Oconomowoc Rivers, Mason Creek and an inlet from Cornell Lake.
The one outlet is the Oconomowoc River to Okauchee Lake.

Smaller Lakes with Big Fun (14)

SMALLER LAKES WITH BIG FUN

In this section we’ve listed some of our favorite lakes that are under 400 acres. Maybe they are a the hidden gem for kayaking, swimming, fishing or something else and we just can’t bear for you to miss out! Read on!

BEAVER LAKE

Beaver Photo credit: WI DNR

Beaver lake is a little over 300 square feet with a max depth of 46 feet and average depth of 16.
It is a very private lake with a wooded shoreline.
Residents have access to the lake for motor-boating and other activities.
Non-residents can access the lake for carry-in access only (canoes and kayaks) off a public launch on Hwy 83.
One notable feature of the launch is the kayak ramp that helps people more when carrying their carry-ons from the parking to the water and back up. You can find more information on Beaver Lake and activities HERE.
North Lake, Town of Merton and Chenequa surround Beaver lake.
The water is very clear and the lake has a beautiful teal hue.
Good fishing for Pike, Bluegill, Bass and Crappie.
Erin and her girls love to kayak and paddleboard on this lake.

GOLDEN LAKE

Golden Lake

Photo Credit: Golden Lake Pub

Golden Lake is a 252 acre lake in the town of Summit. The max depth is 44 feet.
Visitors can access the lake via a public boat landing at 39627 Sunset Dr, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.
Enjoy dining across from the lake at the Golden Lake Pub.
There is a BEACH on Golden Lake near Hwy 18 and Golden Lake Road (across from Sandy Miller’s Beach shack). The beach is $10 per carload or $5 per person walk or bike in. Is is a swim at your own risk beach.
There is a no wake ordinance from noon to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

FOWLER LAKE

Paddle Demo Perception Kayak and Mad River Canoe Event

Fowler Lake is just under 100 acres and located in the heart of Oconomowoc. It has a max depth of 50 feet.
Lake Country Family Fun owner, Erin (picture above), loves paddleboarding on Fowler.
There is one public boat landing located behind City Hall and is accessible from St. Paul Street. Limited on-site trailer parking is also available.
Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water clarity is very clear, but weedy.
There is a boardwalk along the back side of Wisconsin Avenue, which is currently under construction. The lake is easily accessible from downtown shops and restaurants.
There is a 2 mile walk around Fowler Lake, which is a Lake Country Family Fun family FAVORITE THING to do.
Fowler Park is on the east shore and has a playground and hosts many events throughout the year.
Events that take place at Fowler lake and/or Park include:

LAKE FIVE

lake 5

Lake Five is a 104 acre lake located in Colgate (northern Waukesha County). It has a maximum depth of 23 feet. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
There is a boat rental place on the lake called, “Lake Five Boat Rentals” that has been around over 50 years. Call them at (262)337-2824.
Enjoy an adult beverage, brunch or treat at Joe Mama’s Bar & Grill, just up the road. They have a great patio, volleyball courts and great food! They even won 1st place in our BEST LOCAL FISH FRY this year.
The lake has some ordinances.
Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike.

GENESEE LAKES

genesee Upper Genesee Pictured

The Genesee Lakes all reside in the town of Summit. The main difference is the upper is smaller with no gas engines/motors; the middle is best for fishing.
Upper Genesee Lake is a 32 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 27 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a carry-in public 5-spot site of Hwy 67. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
Middle Genesee Lake is a 98 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
Lower Genesee Lake is a 63 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
The boat launch site for Lower and Middle Genesee is located between the lakes and share a lot. These lakes are separated by a narrow gravel road called, Genesee Lake Road.

THE NEMAHBIN LAKES – LOWER AND UPPER

Lower Nemahbin Lake (south of I-94) is a 239 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 36 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
The Lower Nemahbin hosts the large Sugar Island, positioned in the northwest area of the lake, which hosts several homes.
Upper Nemahbin Lake (north of I-94) is a 277 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 60 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water clarity is very clear.
The Lower Nemahbin has slow no wake times between 12pm and 3pm all Sundays and legal holidays.
The lakes are fed by the Bark River in Summit. The bark river outlets from the south end of Upper Nemahbin lake to Lower Nemahbin. You can navigate the river from the Upper Lake to the Lower Lake and on to the Lower Nashotah lake.
You can see these lakes as the highway (I-94) passes over the channel between the two lakes.
PANGA BAR AND GRILL is located on Upper Nemahbin and is a great place for lakeside dining and rentals. Check them out in our DATE GUIDE.
Stolley’s Hog Alley is located just off the lake as well. Find Stolley’s as a top place finisher every year in the LAKE COUNTRY FAMILY FUN’S BEST FISH FRY Guide.

SILVER LAKE

Photo Credit: Lucky Chucky’s Restaurant

Silver Lake is located in Summit, WI (just next to Oconomowoc) and is 217 acres with a max depth of 40 feet.
There is a public boat launch on Valley Road (Hwy B).
The lake draws water from surrounding creeks and lowlands.
Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
Enjoy dining at the Lucky Chuck’s right on Valley Road with great patio views of the lake.

OTTAWA LAKE

LCFF Sales Manager, Stephanie, Kayaking on Ottawa Lake

Ottawa Lake is a 17 acre lake that only has a max depth of 16 feet.
The lake is very clear, but has weeds.
There is access via a public boat launch.
There is a public beach, read more about the beach in our Beach Guide. Read our Beach Guide.
It is located in the State Park, so state park fees per carload apply ($8 a day for $28 a year).
This State Park is a very popular year-round camp ground. Make your reservations early! See our camping guide.

UPPER AND LOWER NASHOTAH LAKES

Upper Lower Nashotah Lakes

Upper and Lower Nashotah Lakes are part of the beautiful Chain of Lakes that stretch approximately 3 miles from the northern tip of Upper Nashotah Lake to the southern tip of Lower Nemahbin, all connected by a navigable channel.
Lower Nashotah Lake is a 93 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 43 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. The lake’s water clarity is very clear.
Upper Nashotah Lake is a 131 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 53 feet. The lake’s water clarity is very clear. The lake features only 2.5 miles of shoreline, most of it owned by a world renown medical facility. No public boat launch.

LAKE KEESUS

Lake Keesus
Photo credit WI DNR

Lake Keesus is a 235 acre lake located in Waukesha County specifically in the town of Merton.
It has a maximum depth of 42 feet.
Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing on the east side of the lake. More details, including launch fees.
Lake Keesus has approximately 5.3 miles of shoreline and 216 houses.
It is made up of 5 bays – Bull’s Bay, Marquardt’s Bay, Marshall Bay, North Bay, and Rice’s Bay.
Camp Whitcomb/Mason is located on 306 acres of beautiful land along Lake Keesus in Waukesha County. Find this camp in our SUMMER CAMP GUIDE.
The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Map of the Lakes We Cover

For those who crave a good visual of the lakes we’ve covered in our Lakes of Lake Country guide, refer to the click-able google map.

MORE LAKE REVIEWS TO COME

Above, we have covered 24 lakes! Hopefully you know more about the awesome lakes of Lake Country now than you did before. If you have any helpful information to add, comment below. We will continue to update this guide with more lakes. Stay tuned! We love the Lakes of Lake Country!

Don’t forget to #lovelcff this summer when you are out on a Lake Country lake! And be sure to make sure your IG profile is public so we can find you! We can’t wait to see your photos.

What lake do you want us to cover next? Comment below!

Find us on Instagram.