Bohners Lake offers rural scenery and water recreation
Part of the larger Town of Burlington, Bohners Lake is a community that offers peaceful waterfront living. This community of nearly 2,500 people is named after Bohner Lake, a destination for activities ranging from sunbathing and swimming to bass fishing and boating. “There are houses all the way around the lake, but it doesn’t feel as congested as other typical lake [communities],” says Lance Penniston, a Realtor with First Weber Real Estate - Racine. “It’s kind of its own little area and little village.” Bohners Lake is also one of many small lake communities on the rural outskirts of the greater Milwaukee area. “It’s a little bit off the beaten path, which I think people like,” says Joe Busch, a broker with Bear Realty.
Housing includes upscale lakefront properties
Many homes are surrounded by woods and located along roads with no sidewalks. However, the lack of walking paths doesn’t stop some from taking daily strolls. Bohners Lake also offers extra space, as a few lots span multiple acres. Many who live along the lake may conveniently access the water from private docks. The community has ranch-style, Craftsman and upscale contemporary lakefront homes. Home costs across Bohners Lake vary depending on a mix of size and location. Many homes, about 2,000 square feet or less, sell from $160,000 to $350,000. Larger homes may go from $430,000 to $830,000, while a few near the lake can go for around $1 million. The community has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Swimming, boating and fishing are pastimes
Bohner Lake is the community’s leading outdoor destination. Residents who don’t have private docks may still launch pontoons and other boats from a landing off Lagoon Drive. Fish caught at the lake include plenty of largemouth bass and northern pike. Visitors to Herb Leach Park may go swimming, relax on its beach or go for a friendly volleyball or pickup basketball game. The park’s other amenities include a playground with monkey bars and a few swingsets. Anglers may catch some more bass and northern pike at Dyer Lake. The Karcher Wildlife Area allows deer and turkey hunting across its wetlands.
Dining includes a few bar fare institutions
Countryside Pub is a community institution located in a red two-story house. The restaurant serves spirits and seafood, steak sandwiches and tacos. It also has an outdoor bar and a patio with dancing space. Those looking for meats may stop by Forever Vos Farms, which raises hormone-free beef cattle and carries other items like seasoning and homemade chocolate milk. Residents may find more dining options by visiting one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars in the City of Burlington’s historic downtown. “It’s only like 3 miles from downtown Burlington, which has everything you’d ever want,” Busch says. The Main Event has been a Burlington staple since the 1980s, and many go there for its beers and bar fare. Burlington’s Walmart offers a retail and grocery store.
Students may attend Burlington schools
The Burlington Area School District covers the community and gets a B-plus from Niche. Bohners Lake has Winkler Elementary School, which receives an A-minus. Students here may then go to Karcher Middle and Burlington High, both of which get B grades. Karcher ranks among the 20 best middle schools in the state, according to the district. The district also lets its high schoolers get early college credits in growing trades like nursing and welding. The courses are through a partnership with the region’s Gateway Technical College system.
Burlington Jamboree brings in carnival rides and entertainment
Many in the community usually go to Burlington for annual events and celebrations. Since 2021, the city’s Memorial Day weekend events have included the Burlington Jamboree. The jamboree occurs near Riverside Park and the Fox River and usually draws about 20,000 people. The event has live music and carnival rides like Ferris wheels, roller coasters and carousels. Attendees may also stop by food trucks selling anything from tacos and pizzas to desserts like deep-fried cookie dough and sundaes.
Community is close to larger city services
Residents drive to commute, and Bohners Lake is close to a few major roads. One of the main thoroughfares, McHenry Street, goes to Burlington, less than 5 miles north. Burlington has Aurora Medical Center - Burlington, which provides services like emergency, heart and cancer care. Bohners Lake is less than 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights.
Newcomers should anticipate snowfall
Prospective buyers who are new to the area should prepare for winter weather. Bohners Lake receives about 26 inches of snow annually, much less than a few Milwaukee neighborhoods, but higher than Racine.
