The Most Expensive Lakes in Wisconsin to Buy a Second Home

Wisconsin is well-known for its plentifulness of naturally occurring lakes, with over 15,000 lakes, man-made and natural, distributed throughout the state. These lakes offer diverse leisure pursuits, making them a perfect spot for a vacation home. In this blog post, we will explore the most expensive lakes in Wisconsin to buy a second home based on the average listing price, location, and amenities.

A few of the most expensive lakes in Wisconsin are below.

Lake Geneva

Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Lake Geneva is a popular destination for luxury waterfront homes. With stunning views, golf courses, shopping, and spas, this lake offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. The highest-priced waterfront listing in Lake Geneva is currently $35,000,000.

Lake Minocqua

Lake Minocqua is another sought-after location for vacation homes in Wisconsin. This lake boasts beautiful scenery and recreational activities. Additionally, it offers an ideal getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Fowler Lake

Fowler Lake is a smaller yet equally charming lake in Wisconsin. With various waterfront properties, this lake offers a serene and peaceful environment for a second home.

Lake Winnebago

As the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago offers a wide range of waterfront properties. With plenty of recreational activities, this lake is an ideal location for a vacation home.

Lake Mendota

A well-liked spot for high-end lakefront properties in Wisconsin is Lake Mendota, situated in Madison. With its proximity to the city, this lake offers a perfect balance of urban amenities and natural beauty.

Popular Winter Lake Activities in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s lakes provide a range of enjoyable and thrilling activities for locals and tourists throughout the winter months. Some of the popular winter activities around the lakes include:

Snowmobiling

With miles of groomed snowmobile trails available, snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Wisconsin, which allows you to explore the beautiful snow-covered landscapes.

Skiing

Ski resorts and winter parks around the lakes offer skiing opportunities for all skill levels. So, this means the area will provide a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the winter season.

Snow tubing

Snow tubing is a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed at various ski resorts and winter parks in Wisconsin.

Ice fishing

Wisconsin’s frozen lakes provide the perfect setting for ice fishing, allowing anglers to enjoy their favorite pastime during the winter months.

Ice skating

Many resorts and parks around the lakes offer ice skating rinks for visitors, providing a fun and classic winter activity.

These activities offer a great way to experience the beauty and excitement of Wisconsin’s lakes during winter, providing memorable experiences for all ages.

Fun Summer Activities Near the Most Expensive Lakes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s most expensive lakes are the perfect destination for a summer getaway. In fact, from swimming and boating to camping and fishing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Lake Geneva

Summer activities near Lake Geneva include:

• Boating, swimming, and water sports on the lake
• Golfing at the numerous golf courses in the area
• Zip-lining and adventure parks
• Shopping and dining in downtown Lake Geneva

Lake Minocqua

Summer activities near Lake Minocqua include:

• Fishing, water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding on the lake
• Hiking and biking on the Bearskin State Trail
• Visiting Wildwood Wildlife Park & Nature Center
• Renting a boat and exploring the Lake Minocqua Chain

Fowler Lake

Summer activities near Fowler Lake include:

• Fishing and shoreline fishing
• Enjoying the playground and picnic areas at Fowler Park
• Attending Twilight Concerts at Fowler Park
• Watching the Badgerland Waterski Show at Fowler Lake

Lake Winnebago

Summer activities near Lake Winnebago include:

• Fishing, boating, and jet-skiing on the lake
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Exploring the communities around the lake on a self-guided driving tour
• Visiting the Hearthstone Historic House Museum

Lake Mendota

Summer activities near Lake Mendota in Madison include:

• Swimming and diving from the Memorial Union pier
• Paddleboarding on the lake
• Enjoying the parks and beaches around the lake, such as Warner Pak

Visiting the Olbrich Botanical Garden

These lakes offer a variety of fun summer activities, making them an ideal location for a second home or vacation getaway.

Wildlife in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a habitat for diverse wildlife because of its diverse landscape, such as woodlands, seashores, hills, rivers, marshes, and lakes. The state is home to nearly 700 wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Some of the most well-known animals in Wisconsin include:

White-Tailed Deer

The official wildlife animal of Wisconsin, the white-tailed deer, is a common sight throughout the state.

American Black Bear

You can find these large bears in various habitats across Wisconsin. The common black bears in Wisconsin are standard American black bears and cinnamon bear subspecies.

Gray Wolf

Gray wolves inhabit wooded areas throughout the state, with packs typically inhabiting forested zones near rivers or lakes.

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill cranes are a migratory species seen in Wisconsin from mid-April to early June as they travel south to their nesting grounds. This type of bird can be seen in wetlands, rivers, and grasslands.

Red Fox

A red fox is common in different habitats throughout Wisconsin. To help you locate them easier, a popular sight in the forests and fields of Wisconsin, red foxes are typically active at night.

Moose

Although not as common as other species, moose can still be found in some parts of Wisconsin. The moose population is largely concentrated in the northern part of the state.

Eastern Box Turtle

These small, terrestrial turtles can be found in Wisconsin’s forests and grasslands. This species is also listed as threatened in Wisconsin. The eastern box turtle is protected by law and should not be removed from the wild.

Bald Eagle

You can find bald eagles near water sources in Wisconsin. Not to mention, the largest populations of bald eagles are in the northeastern part of the state.

Wisconsin is home to abundant wildlife, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and observe nature. From hiking and camping to birdwatching and fishing, there are plenty of activities in which people can partake while viewing the state’s wild creatures.

To observe Wisconsin’s wildlife, you can visit various parks, nature reserves, and other natural areas throughout the state. Some popular spots include the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, home to the largest Karner blue butterflies in the world, and the numerous state forests and parks providing habitats for various species.

Property Types and Styles Around the Most Expensive Lakes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s most expensive lakes are home to various property types and architectural styles, catering to different tastes and preferences. Some of the common property types and styles found around these lakes include:

Traditional Lake Houses

Traditional lake houses are a common choice for those seeking a comfortable and cozy getaway near the water. These homes usually have wooden siding, big windows for enjoying the views, and roomy decks or porches. This all makes it perfect for outdoor relaxation and entertainment.

Modern Homes

Homes with modern designs near lakes typically feature clean lines, open floor plans, and large windows. These homes often utilize steel, glass, and concrete elements to create an elegant and minimalist look.

Cabins and Cottages

Consider a cabin or cottage if you want a cozy lakeside home. These properties usually have log siding, exposed beams, and stone fireplaces, which create a rustic and charming atmosphere.

Luxury Waterfront Estates

Luxury waterfront estates are luxurious and grand homes next to a lake, with many high-end amenities, large living spaces, and beautiful water views. These houses are usually meant to be unique, using top-quality materials and technological advancements.

Shingle-Style Homes

A shingle-style home is known for its intricate details, such as bracketed gables, balcony-capped bays, stone chimney tops, and multiple porches and terraces. This architectural style is common in lakefront properties because it blends well with the natural environment and has a timeless charm.

No matter your preference, a wide range of property types and architectural styles are available around the most expensive lakes in Wisconsin. This means you can find the perfect lakeside retreat to suit your tastes and needs.

Conclusion

When considering a second home in Wisconsin, it’s essential to consider the location, amenities, and average listing price of the available waterfront properties. The lakes mentioned above are some of the state’s most expensive and sought-after locations. However, with a wide range of lakes and properties available, there will surely be a perfect fit for any buyer’s preferences and budget.

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