Lake Wazeecha offers lakeside parks and water skiing shows
Wisconsin has plenty of lakes, but Lake Wazeecha distinguishes itself among the state’s lakeside communities. “We have the state water ski show, and it’s all the teams from different towns who come to compete,” says Realtor Weston Meyer with NextHome Partners. “People come from all over the state.” The Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers host the championship every July and also put on weekly performances throughout the summer, inviting the local community to watch from the beach. “Neighboring communities like Marshfield aren’t going to have the same water activities,” Meyer says. “Plenty of people still work in Stevens Point or Marshfield, but live here because the housing is more affordable.” The community also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Accessing the lake from South Wood County Park and Campground
Lake Wazeecha’s namesake lake offers nearly 150 acres of water surrounded by tall trees that offer a sense of privacy. “There’s a few waterfront homes, but most of it is county-owned park space,” Meyer says. South Wood County Park and Campground sits alongside the lake, and a 4-mile trail runs around the circumference. White Beach is on the western side, while the aptly named Red Sand Beach is on the southern side. Recreation at the lake includes everything from swimming and paddleboarding to canoeing, tubing and water skiing. On land, there’s also the Willow Run Disc Golf Course. Just outside of Lake Wazeecha, the Wisconsin Rapids Youth Sports Association hosts local baseball leagues on six diamonds. The Ridges Golf Course is also right outside the town, offering an 18-hole course open to the public.
Manufactured homes, split levels and New Traditionals in Lake Wazeecha
While the lakefront is mostly public land, there are still plenty of housing options not far from the lake. Split-level and ranch-style homes are most common, selling between $170,000 and $350,000. New Traditionals represent the higher end of the spectrum, ranging from $400,000 to $530,000. Meanwhile, manufactured homes in communities like Whispering Pines range from $40,000 to $110,000. Homes typically sit on narrow tree-lined streets without sidewalks. Compared to nearby Wisconsin Rapids, Lake Wazeecha residents often have more space. Except for the manufactured home communities, properties have anywhere from half an acre to 4 acres.
The Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships in Lake Wazeecha
The annual Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships have been held in Lake Wazeecha for the past 60 years, happening every July at Red Sands Beach. Teams that perform well at this championship can continue to the national championships. Visitors can watch performances or enjoy the beer garden and concessions on the shoreline. On Saturdays throughout the summers, the Wisconsin Rapids Area Skiers do free shows on the water. Each one has 13 acts, all connected through a common theme.
Wisconsin Rapids's public schools and alternative high school
For kindergarten through fifth grade, Lake Wazeecha students can head to one of two elementary schools. Those living on the community’s eastern side attend Grant Elementary School, which receives a B-minus from Niche; students from the western side go to B-rated Washington Elementary School. Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School receives a C. Lincoln High School receives a B-minus and offers concurrent enrollment courses through the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield-Wood County. The district also includes River Cities High School, an alternative high school for students looking for more individualized care or trade experience. It receives a 3 out of 10 from GreatSchools.
Local diners and restaurants in and around Lake Wazeecha
As a smaller lake community, Lake Wazeecha doesn’t have a strong dining scene. Grand Rapids Eatery is its only restaurant, serving mostly pizza. Nearby, Kellner International Bar and Grill’s menu features burgers and pizza, plus its popular Friday Fish Fries. Savory Steakhouse offers a more upscale dining experience with dim lighting. For groceries, Aldi is about 3 miles away in Wisconsin Rapids, while the Walmart Supercenter is about 4 miles away. For quick pickups, Dollar General is in Lake Wazeecha.
Taking the East Riverview Expressway to downtown Wisconsin Rapids
Kellner Road runs down the length of Lake Wazeecha, becoming East Riverview Expressway on the western side as it heads towards Wisconsin Rapids, about 3 miles away. Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is also here, also about 3 miles away. When traveling to bigger cities, Central Wisconsin Airport is 37 miles away in Mosinee and offers regular flights to Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
