If you’re searching for the best lakes in Wisconsin, you’ve got plenty to select from. After all, our state is home to a whopping 15,000 lakes, so you could spend a lifetime here and never see them all. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest holds some real treasures, though — including dozens of gorgeous bodies of water. The forest sprawls across a huge swath of Northern Wisconsin, an area that was covered by glaciers thousands of years ago. While the glaciers are long gone, they left something special behind: scores of pristine lakes that are simply beautiful. Here’s what you need to know about this special state forest that’s filled with some of the best lakes in Wisconsin.
The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is vast, covering 225,000 acres in Vilas, Oneida, and Iron Counties. It’s about four hours northeast of Minneapolis and four hours north of Madison, so be sure to plot your route accordingly.
Google / Randy Sincoular
The forest holds a whopping 900 lakes that are popular for swimming, boating, canoeing, and angling. No matter how you opt to spend your time here, you’ll be impressed.
Flickr/Jim Brekke
There are so many lakes here, it’s easy to pass a dozen or more on a road trip through the area. The landscape is literally dotted with lakes. Talk about a nature enthusiast’s dream come true.
Google / Angela Hemaiden
If you like solitude, you might want to just spend some time relaxing on a lake that’s undisturbed and uncrowded.
Google / Luke Swinotek
Depending on the lake and the day, you might even have the entire lake to yourself! One favorite among visitors is Clear Lake Picnic Area.
Google Reviews/Beautiful Earth!
Campers can find sites right on the shores of some of these lakes, including Plum Lake and Carrol Lake. If you would like an adventure, some sites can only be accessed by boat.
Google Reviews/Lyssa S.
If you’re into fishing, these forest lakes certainly won’t disappoint. These lakes have produced plenty of trophies over the years. Top sites for fishing include Big Lake Campground and East Star Lake.
Google / Thomas Kasper
No matter what brings you to the lovely lakes of Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, you’ll certainly find yourself enamored in no time at all.
Flickr/Joshua Mayer
A vehicle admission sticker is required for all family campgrounds and posted fee beach and picnic areas. You can pick up maps and a printed newspaper about the forest at visitor stations that are located at Clear and Crystal Lakes. Learn more about the forest by checking out the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. We know we’ve only highlighted a few of the best lakes in Wisconsin, so we want to hear from you. Share your recommendations by leaving a Facebook comment or by filling out our official nomination form.
Google / Randy Sincoular
Flickr/Jim Brekke
Google / Angela Hemaiden
Google / Luke Swinotek
Google Reviews/Beautiful Earth!
Google Reviews/Lyssa S.
Google / Thomas Kasper
Flickr/Joshua Mayer
If you’re on the lookout for another outdoor excursion, read about some of the best waterfront hikes in Wisconsin.
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Address: Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest, 4125 County Highway M, Boulder Junction, WI 54512, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lakes In Wisconsin June 15, 2022 Sophie Boudreau What are some of the other best lakes in Wisconsin? We’ve highlighted a few of the prettiest lakes in the state in the piece above, but you might be wondering if there are any other bodies of water that belong on your Wisconsin bucket list. The answer is a resounding “yes!” Two of the most obvious options are Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, which provide gorgeous Great Lakes beaches in Wisconsin. Whether you’re unwinding at Point Beach State Forest or Schoolhouse Beach, you’ll find something to love on our list. Are there any other scenic campgrounds in Wisconsin? Many of the lakes within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest are accompanied by stunning campgrounds. If you’re a camping fanatic, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of beautiful campgrounds in Wisconsin, ranging from shoreline gems to destinations tucked away among flora and fauna. For RV owners and rustic tent users alike, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found throughout the state. What are some of the best natural attractions in Wisconsin? If you’ve made it this far in our piece, chances are good that you adore nature. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a Wisconsin nature bucket list that will help you plan your next adventure in-state. From waterfalls to botanical gardens to peaceful beaches, there’s truly something on the list to delight every sort of explorer. You’ll be falling even more in love with Wisconsin before you know it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lakes In Wisconsin
June 15, 2022
Sophie Boudreau
What are some of the other best lakes in Wisconsin? We’ve highlighted a few of the prettiest lakes in the state in the piece above, but you might be wondering if there are any other bodies of water that belong on your Wisconsin bucket list. The answer is a resounding “yes!” Two of the most obvious options are Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, which provide gorgeous Great Lakes beaches in Wisconsin. Whether you’re unwinding at Point Beach State Forest or Schoolhouse Beach, you’ll find something to love on our list. Are there any other scenic campgrounds in Wisconsin? Many of the lakes within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest are accompanied by stunning campgrounds. If you’re a camping fanatic, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of beautiful campgrounds in Wisconsin, ranging from shoreline gems to destinations tucked away among flora and fauna. For RV owners and rustic tent users alike, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found throughout the state. What are some of the best natural attractions in Wisconsin? If you’ve made it this far in our piece, chances are good that you adore nature. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a Wisconsin nature bucket list that will help you plan your next adventure in-state. From waterfalls to botanical gardens to peaceful beaches, there’s truly something on the list to delight every sort of explorer. You’ll be falling even more in love with Wisconsin before you know it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We’ve highlighted a few of the prettiest lakes in the state in the piece above, but you might be wondering if there are any other bodies of water that belong on your Wisconsin bucket list. The answer is a resounding “yes!” Two of the most obvious options are Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, which provide gorgeous Great Lakes beaches in Wisconsin. Whether you’re unwinding at Point Beach State Forest or Schoolhouse Beach, you’ll find something to love on our list.
Are there any other scenic campgrounds in Wisconsin?
Many of the lakes within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest are accompanied by stunning campgrounds. If you’re a camping fanatic, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of beautiful campgrounds in Wisconsin, ranging from shoreline gems to destinations tucked away among flora and fauna. For RV owners and rustic tent users alike, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found throughout the state.
What are some of the best natural attractions in Wisconsin?
If you’ve made it this far in our piece, chances are good that you adore nature. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a Wisconsin nature bucket list that will help you plan your next adventure in-state. From waterfalls to botanical gardens to peaceful beaches, there’s truly something on the list to delight every sort of explorer. You’ll be falling even more in love with Wisconsin before you know it.
