Lauderdale Lakes boasts natural recreation year-round
Shades of green and blue blanket Lauderdale Lakes, a community with waterfront properties and vast open spaces, about 50 miles from Milwaukee. “You’re in an area that when you cross the street from the lake, it’s limited housing, there’s woods or a farm field,” says Jerry Kroupa, a local Realtor with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate who has 35 years of experience. “It’s known for crystal clear water and is a great all-sports lake. Most people live an hour or two away from Lauderdale, but it’s used year-round and does not turn into a ghost town.”
Watersports at Lauderdale Lakes, golfing and following forested trails
Kroupa says waterskiing and jet skiing are popular summer pastimes on each of Lauderdale Lakes’s lakes, including Mill, Middle and Green. When the water freezes, activities shift to hobbies, including ice skating and snowmobiling. The Lauderdale Lakes Country Club has a 9-hole public golf course overlooking Mill Lake. “They have a ladies' league and a men's league out there, and they’re open to hosting scrambles for various companies,” Kroupa says. Kettle Moraine State Forest’s southern unit is nearby, where over 100 miles of mountain biking and equestrian-friendly trails weave through 22,000 acres of prairies and kettle lakes.
Waterfront homes with boat docks, sprawling properties and condos
On the waterfront, mature trees tower over multistory homes, many with large windows providing expansive views of the lake in the backyard. Many waterfront properties have boat docks and a rock barrier between the yard and shore, combating erosion during heavy rains that can result in standing water. Lakeside properties include New Traditional and contemporary homes, both of which can price between $650,000 and $5 million, depending on home size. Many lakefront properties are vacation properties, so some have as many as 11 bedrooms for multiple families traveling together.
Properties located inland range from less than an acre to over 4 acres. These grassy areas have single-family homes, with architecture varying from cottages and Craftsman-inspired New Traditionals to traditional ranch-style and bi-level homes. These off-water single-family homes go from about $150,000 to $940,000, depending on property and home sizes. Condos are also in the area. Their prices vary with proximity to the water, ranging from $230,000 to $700,000. Lauderdale Lakes has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, much lower than the national average of 4.
Walworth County Fairgrounds events
About 10 miles south of Lauderdale Lakes, the Walworth County Fairgrounds hosts events ranging from equestrian shows to the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market. The first Walworth County Fair was held on the fairgrounds in 1849 and has since drawn international attention. Event features include a rodeo, demolition derby and ticketed performances by national touring artists. The fair occurs Saturday through Monday during Labor Day weekend.
Waterfront dining, boating supplies and downtown Elkhorn
Shopping and dining are limited to locally owned, standalone businesses and restaurants. “We have a marina called ‘The Boat House of Lauderdale Lakes.’ They sell any watercraft used on Lauderdale Lakes, plus the accessories. You can also pull up to a dock and get gas for your boat,” Kroupa says. “We also have this great restaurant just down the street from Lauderdale called ‘Holy Cannoli.’ Everyone from the lake goes and gathers there. It’s just really great [Italian] food.” Lauderdale Landing is on the water and serves traditional American bar food in its dining room and patio. Nearby, Elkhorn has a Hansen’s Market and a walkable, historic downtown area with restaurants, such as the café Someplace Else.
Learning in Lauderdale Lakes’ two school districts
Lauderdale Lakes spans the northern region of the Elkhorn Area School District, which Niche gives a B-plus grade. Students not residing in the district can apply for open enrollment to attend Elkhorn Area schools. The district also allows students to apply for the Career and College Academy (CCA). In this tuition-free college charter high school, students can earn their high school credits with transferable college credits. Some residences in Lauderdale Lakes’ northern and western regions may be zoned for Whitewater Unified School District, which also offers open enrollment. The district earns a B-minus overall.
Car-dependent community close to Elkhorn and accessible to Milwaukee
U.S. Route 12 runs north and south through Lauderdale Lakes, connecting it to Elkhorn in about 10 miles. The road also intersects Interstate 43, which leads to Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, just over 45 miles away.
