Natural scenery and waterfront living in Lake Wisconsin
Waterside recreation, peaceful streets and serene nature reserves are around almost every turn in Lake Wisconsin. Homes and small businesses line the shores of the community’s 7,000-acre namesake lake, allowing for a resort-like atmosphere year-round. “Lake Wisconsin is unique in that it's surrounded by hardwood bluffs,” says Tommy Van Ess, a local agent with First Weber Realtors. “The trees add a natural beauty to the area. People across the Madison area move here to live full time on the water, while a lot of folks from Milwaukee and Chicago own second homes here.”
Private water access and diverse price points
Most of the area’s homes were built between the 1920s and 1990s, from quaint bungalows and ranch-style homes to expansive mid-century modern builds and luxury lakefront cabins. Waterfront houses feature private docks for boating and fishing, with spacious lots ranging from a quarter acre to over 10 acres. “Lake home prices have been rising in recent years, especially since Covid,” says Van Ess. “It’s not uncommon to find waterfront homes over $1 million.” Fixer-uppers and small cottages with around 2,000 square feet or less can range from $90,000 to $420,000, while larger builds can go for $430,000 to $1.8 million. Price tags increase with property size and private lake access. Two to three-bedroom condos in the Paradise Island neighborhood range from $400,000 to $680,000.
Lakeside recreation, hiking and a nearby golf course
There are a handful of public boat launches throughout the area, including Whalen Grade Landing on the east side of town and the Sunset Bay boat ramp to the west. Anglers can head to the lake to fish for largemouth bass and crappie. “There are tons of sand bars on the lake and the Wisconsin River,” Van Ess says. “Boaters will dock right up on the sand and spend the day there hanging out or camp overnight.” The Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area is popular among hikers and wildlife viewers. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds through the natural area and across nearby woodlands. The trail system spans over 1,200 miles in sections across Wisconsin. Lake Park has picnic tables, barbecues and a designated swimming area. Happy Hollow Park offers open field space, a playground, a tennis court and a basketball court. A short drive west, the public Lake Wisconsin Country Club has a verdant, 18-hole golf course and a restaurant.
Live music and pub fare at local eateries
Local shops and restaurants dot the shores of Lake Wisconsin, from ice cream shops to fishing stores. Lucky’s Bar and Grille serves casual pub fare from cheese curds to burgers, with a weekly Friday fish fry and regular live music on the patio. Fish Tales offers seafood, steak and pizza that can be enjoyed alongside a draft beer or cocktail. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, boaters can embark on the Berrs and Buoys Bar Crawl. Patrons can pull up their boat to six lakeside bars to earn punches and earn prizes throughout the summer. The free Merrimack Ferry spans from the south side of the lake to the small community of Merrimack, with hand-scooped ice cream shops on both landings. “The ferry is considered a federal highway,” says Van Ess. “So it runs all day and night when the lake isn’t frozen over.” Shoppers can buy groceries at the nearby Piggly Wiggly in Lodi or take the short drive north to Baraboo for Walmart or ALDI.
Career and technical education at Lodi High School
Local students may attend Lodi Primary School, for kindergarten to second grade, and Lodi Elementary School, for third through fifth grades, which both earn B-minus grades from Niche. The B-rated Lodi Middle School has a variety of extra-curricular activities, from theater to color guard. Lodi High School receives a B-plus and offers career and technical education courses like small engines, manufacturing, sports and entertainment marketing and home maintenance.
Drive to Madison or Milwaukee
Drivers can take Interstate 90 around 32 miles south to Madison or 120 miles northwest to Onalaska. Milwaukee is roughly 100 miles away.
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Written By
Jillian Pillow
