Okauchee Lake offers waterside living with entertainment options
Okauchee Lake is a popular waterside community with multiple outdoor attractions in Wisconsin’s Lake Country. This area may have been established as a tourist destination, but today the older lake homes and hotels have been replaced by subdivisions, condos and lakefront properties. “It's very recreation-related, there is a lot to do,” says Mike Herro, the broker/owner at Oconomowoc Realty LLC. “(The lake has) got a lot of interesting characteristics, it's over 90 feet deep, which is unusual for this area, excellent fishing and it's got a lot of bars and restaurants."
Multiple lakes to enjoy, with golfing and natural parks nearby
The 1,200-acre Okauchee Lake features multiple private and public access points and boat launches, which makes it a great spot for swimming, fishing and other water sports activities. The Okauchee Lake Yacht Club hosts multiple sailing races and other social events. Other nearby lakes include Oconomowoc Lake and Upper Nemahbin Lake to the south and Pine Lake to the east.
The 444-acre Nashotah Park, on the community’s eastern edge, has miles of walking and hiking trails and a pavilion. More parks and green spaces are to the west in Oconomowoc. The private Donald Ross-designed Oconomowoc Golf Club has been in the area since 1916 and features a 6,400-yard layout and a practice facility. Events in downtown Oconomowoc are 3 miles west.
Lakefront properties and condos are available
New Traditional and split-level homes away from the water range from about $500,000 to $750,000. Custom contemporary builds and estates along the lake can run from $1 million to $5 million. Condos typically cost between $330,000 to $600,000. Land is available. “Lots are very tight, so you've got to learn to get along with your neighbors,” Herro says.
Flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show a low risk of flooding near the lake.
Multiple school options for students
Students can start at Meadow View Elementary, ranked A on Niche, or Stone Bank Elementary, which has an A-minus. They may continue to Nature Hill Intermediate School, also graded A-minus. High School students attend either A-graded Arrowhead High School or Oconomowoc High, which earns an A-minus and offers business courses and an International Baccalaureate program.
Dining on the water and shopping in Oconomowoc
The community has several local restaurants and bars along the water. The Golden Mast Inn is a higher-end establishment that serves brunch, seafood and steaks. Smoke on the Water BBQ opens for lunch and dinner and has live music. Bryant's on the Round offers Cajun dishes, burgers and salads.
Piggly Wiggly is adjacent to the community on Brown Street, while Aldi and Sendick’s are further south on Summit Avenue. More big box stores are to the southeast in Delafield. The Aurora Medical Center is 6 miles south.
Quick access to the highway and Milwaukee Mitchell International
State Highway 16 runs along the southern edge of Okauchee Lake. The entrance to Interstate 94 is south on Summit Avenue. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 37 miles east.
