From its nascent days in the 19th century, Oconomowoc Lake has served as a high-end hideaway in the Lake Country region. Famous Milwaukee families — including beer scions like the Pabsts — once owned homes on the water, and their names adorn streets in the community. Oconomowoc Lake retains its reputation today, with upscale estates and gorgeous lake views. “Many families on that lake have been there for generations,” says Jennifer Stoehr, a Realtor with the JJ Hausmann Team of Compass who has worked in the Lake Country for more than a decade. “Oconomowoc Lake is definitely a luxury lake. We have larger properties there. Most of the lake has absolutely beautiful frontage. Their water quality is wonderful.” Residents enjoy the community’s peaceful character and proximity to cute Main Streets in nearby Lake Country towns like Oconomowoc.
Luxurious waterfront estates on Oconomowoc Lake offer premium living with stunning lake views and exclusive amenities.
Downtown Oconomowoc is quaint and lively during any season.
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High-end Lake Country estates along the water
Long private driveways branch off the roads surrounding Oconomowoc Lake, with large estates hidden among the woods. Almost every home has a water view, whether directly fronting the lake, across Beach Road from the water or along a canal connecting to the lake. Craftsman lodges and farmhouses are generally more modest, while ornate coastal-inspired or contemporary properties make up the top of the market. Homes rarely sell in the community, with just two transactions in the past year. The median sales price is roughly $4.4 million, which rose 31% year-over-year. “We get a lot of people looking for that particular lake,” Stoehr says. “Unfortunately, not a lot of people can afford it now.” While many residents live in the community year-round, snowbirds are common, and some families utilize properties as vacation homes.
Private driveways extend from the surrounding roads of Oconomowoc Lake, leading to expansive estates discreetly situated within wooded areas.
A Victorian-style home in Oconomowoc Lake featuring a colorful exterior, manicured gardens, and serene wooded surroundings.
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Boating, fishing and swimming in Oconomowoc Lake
Recreation in Oconomowoc Lake centers on the community’s namesake body of water. The private Oconomowoc Lake Club was founded in 1890 on the lakeshore and offers tennis lessons and tournaments, plus sailing events. Boating is popular among residents, and homes along the water feature private docks. The community’s public boat slip is located on the smaller Upper Oconomowoc Lake, which connects to Okauchee Lake. While the lakes have plenty of summer activities, residents can enjoy cold weather as well. “There are a lot of winter activities, too,” Stoehr says. “It freezes so nice and smooth most winters, so there are ice skating rinks and hockey tournaments on the lake.” The private Oconomowoc Golf Club is just north of the community, with a Donald Ross-designed course and a practice facility.
Outdoor activities in Oconomowoc Lake revolve around the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of its namesake lake.
Winter does not stop the residents of Oconomowoc from enjoying their lakes.
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Highly rated Oconomowoc Area schools
The Oconomowoc Area School District serves Oconomowoc Lake and receives an A-minus grade from Niche. Students are split between three elementary schools, each teaching kindergarten through fourth grade, and two intermediate schools for fifth through eighth. Most of the community is zoned to A-rated Meadow View Elementary and A-minus-graded Nature Hill Intermediate. The entire district is zoned to A-minus-graded Oconomowoc High, which provides both Advanced Placement courses and the International Baccalaureate program for students.
Younger students in Oconomowoc Lake attend Meadow View Elementary School.
Oconomowoc Lake students attend Nature Hill Intermediate School.
Oconomowoc High School serves older students.
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Nearby dining options by car or by boat
The village of Oconomowoc Lake is mainly residential, but shopping and restaurants are easy to find. The closest restaurant is the Lake Country landmark Kiltie Drive-In, a throwback fast food and custard joint only open over the summer. Nearby lakefront restaurants like Weissgerber’s Golden Mast Inn or Foolery’s on Okauchee Lake are popular year-round and have boat docks for patrons to cruise in for a meal. On dry land, Summit Avenue is the nearest commercial corridor. Several shopping centers line the highway, with hardware stores, pharmacies and fast food restaurants like Culver's. Sendik’s Food Market sells groceries 2 miles away. The neighboring community of Oconomowoc, also 2 miles away, has a quaint strip of shops and restaurants on Wisconsin Avenue, its main street.
Discover the iconic Kiltie Drive-In, a beloved Lake Country summer-only destination serving classic fast food and creamy custard in a nostalgic retro setting.
Pull your boat up to The Golden Mast Inn for a high-end dining experience.
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History talks and fireworks on the lake
Despite the village government’s small size, Oconomowoc Lake organizes occasional events for residents. Many of these are about the area’s history, including talks from local historians at the Oconomowoc Lake Club and a self-guided boat tour of storied homes on the lake. But the most significant is the village’s yearly fireworks show for the Fourth of July. Residents take a boat onto the water to watch or make a reservation to enjoy them alongside dinner at the club.
Driving to nearby Lake Country cities or Milwaukee
Wisconsin Highway 16 is the main route through Lake Country, skirting to the north of Oconomowoc Lake. The route turns into Wisconsin Avenue to the west, leading to the downtown of the nearby city of Oconomowoc, just 2 miles away. Meanwhile, Interstate 94 is a mile from the community, leading 30 miles to Milwaukee. The closest commercial flights depart from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital is 2 miles away and has the nearest emergency room.
Interstate 94 is conveniently nearby the Oconomowoc Lake community.
The closest airport to Oconomowoc is Milwaukee's Mitchell Airport about an hour away.
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Written By
Brendan Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Quattro
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rebecca Thomas,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Experience luxury and privacy on 14 secluded acres in the Village of Oconomowoc Lake. This exceptional estate offers wooded, huntable land and open spaces perfect for recreation or a future sport court. Enjoy a wraparound deck, multiple outdoor entertaining areas, and a finished outbuilding ideal as a studio, workshop, or guest retreat, with options for additional structures. Inside, the home
Build your dream home in the heart of Lake Country on this rare 0.3636-acre lot! Less than half a mile from four lakesOkauchee, Oconomowoc, Upper Oconomowoc & Florencewith public boat launches nearby within easy walking distance. Walk to downtown Okauchee and enjoy local favorites like Whisky Waters, Kiki's Cantina, Glenda's Cafe & more. Just 6 minutes to downtown Oconomowoc, 8 to Hartland, and
Experience lakefront living in this furnished luxury retreat! Nestled on a pristine shoreline, this expansive lake home offers breathtaking water views from nearly every room. Step inside to discover exquisite woodwork throughout, from custom millwork to rich refinished hardwood floors that anchor every space with quality. The ff bar and entertainment lounge create a natural gathering place,
Oconomowoc Lake in your back yard! Price and Terms to be negotiated with Owner. No pets. Pontoon boat and lake lift/slips are available for rental upon request. Finishing of lower level will be ongoing.
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