Browns Lake offers a waterfront lifestyle near Burlington city
Browns Lake offers the tranquility of lakeside living while keeping residents near everyday necessities in the Town of Burlington. The community’s lush residential streets surround a large lake dotted with private docks and sandy beaches. Homes are more diverse in price than in style, but new construction on the north side of the community is bringing change in more ways than one. “We have families that were born and raised here for generations, but with the new development, we’re seeing an uptick of newer families coming in,” says Rachel Naber, administrator for the Town of Burlington. There are a few retail and restaurant options beside the lake, but residents are no more than a couple miles from the commercial centers along state Route 36 and in downtown Burlington.
Residents spend summers on the lake, river and golf course
The community shares its name with its biggest feature, Browns Lake. This nearly 400-acre lake invites kayakers, paddleboarders and fishing throughout summer. Spots like Cedar Park have private lakeside perks, but Fischer Park’s beach and boat launch are open to the public. Visitors pay a $3 admission fee and additional launching fees from April to October, but these are occasionally lifted for community events. Browns Lake Golf Course is open to the public, and McCanna Park has bike trails, a playground and access to the nearby Rockland Lake. Riverside Park, with its bright red crossing bridge, allows kayaking along the Fox River, which winds through the community. It also has wooded trails and a volleyball court. “The town has more of that rural country feel, except for right around our lakes,” Naber says. “Our lakes are not that different from the city, just without sidewalks.”
Subdivisions have leafy trees, lake access and room to grow
Lots range in size, but neighbors are generally closer together. Mature trees and thick bushes help to increase privacy in more tightly packed parts of the community. Other areas have sprawling grass lawns, wide driveways and detached garages large enough for boats and other watercraft. Bungalows, ranch-style homes, new traditionals and lakeside condominium complexes range between $180,000 and $850,000, although the community’s median price is $380,000. Some luxury lakehouses cost over $1 million. These usually feature private docks and beaches with over 100 feet of lake frontage.
Growth is imminent as well. A new subdivision is in development at the intersection of Brown Lake Drive and Plank Road. “We’ve already started development,” Naber says. “The roads and sewers are in, so now it’s just selling lots for people and contractors to build on.”
Students attending Burlington schools learn trade skills
Students attend the Burlington Area School District. Kids either start at Waller Elementary School or Winkler Elementary School, which earn B and A-minus grades, respectively, from Niche. Next up is Karcher Middle School, followed by Burlington High School, which both receive B ratings. Additionally, Burlington High has academic labs designated for teaching trade skills, such as culinary techniques and basic auto repair.
Residential roads and state routes connect to the city of Burlington
Browns Lake Drive and Durand Avenue both direct drivers around the lake. State Routes 83 and 36 are the primary thoroughfares for travel outside of the community. “We’re a short hop away from Lake Geneva and the shopping and restaurants in the city of Burlington,” Naber says.
Aurora Medical Center Burlington is the closest hospital, less than 4 miles away, and residents are 27 miles from the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
Locals frequent waterfront restaurant and Route 36’s retail center
The Waterfront on Brown’s Lake is a longtime staple for dinner. Patrons often enjoy their surf and turf dishes on the restaurant’s lakeside patio during summer. Beachview is another local favorite, serving drinks and weekly bingo nights.
The community also has quick access to the shops and restaurants along SR-36. National brands like Kohl’s, Dollar Tree, Walmart and Menards cater to almost every need. Pick N’ Save and ALDI are some supermaket options, while there are also several fast-food restaurants and pizza shops.
Browns Lake hosts annual events and summer ski shows
The Browns Lake Venetian Fest is the community’s largest event. Every July, people gather at Fischer Park to enjoy live music, water ski shows and a group kayak excursion on Browns Lake. “It’s been going on as long as I can remember,” Naber says. “Some years they do a boat parade, and people decorate their boats to that year’s theme.” The celebration ends with a sparkling fireworks display over the water. Throughout summer, the Aquaducks perform free water ski performances on Browns Lake every Thursday. People watch performances from Fischer Park’s beach or from boats floating along the shoreline.
