Wisconsin's Laid-Back Lakeside City Offers An Idyllic Outdoor Recreation Getaway

In the upper Midwest, tucked between the Great Lakes and rolling farmlands, Wisconsin offers a quintessential American travel experience. It's the perfect blend of natural beauty, small town charm, and city excitement. Known as "America's Dairyland," it's a state where fresh cheese curds squeak, beer flows cold from both national and local brewers, and hidden gem state parks offer scenic hiking trails, inviting visitors to escape the daily grind. While there might have been a time one could say Wisconsin was an underrated destination, these days, the state's tourism industry is breaking records. 

The case could be made that Wisconsin's nature is still under-appreciated. The northern region has Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — a great destination for your next kayaking adventure, while Door County, on Lake Michigan, is as picturesque as anywhere in the country, with waterfront towns, cherry orchards, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. There's a reason it's considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest. And things don't stop during winter, the snow simply transforms the state into a playground for skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

Wisconsin is also chock-full of quaint small towns worth a weekend escape. One such place is Green Lake (not to be confused with the larger city of Green Bay). A laid-back getaway in the heart of the state that's centered around Wisconsin's deepest natural lake, this charming town is perfect for boating, fishing, and relaxing on the water. Its small town warmth is matched by a thriving local culture, with an opera house, art gallery, cozy cafes, and summer festivals. Green Lake might be more popular in summer, but it's also a beloved year-round escape and worthy of any Midwest travel itinerary — no matter the season.

Green Lake is a destination built for year-round outdoor recreation. The lake itself spans over 7,300 acres, and is Wisconsin's deepest inland lake, meaning it's a prime spot for boating, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Rent a double-decker pontoon from Green Lake Marina, and spend the day relaxing with friends or take a class to gain some nautical skills with the Green Lake Sailing School. Anglers will find an abundance of walleye and trout, with plenty of spots along the 27 miles of shoreline to fish. Three boat ramps, a canoe launch on the Puckyan River, a swimming beach, and a public campground provide plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, while the city's park system connects visitors directly to the water and surrounding trails. Dog-friendly parks make it easy to bring pets along for walks and lakefront picnics.

Wisconsin is ranked one of the top states for cycling because places like Green Lake have so much to offer, with newly completed bike paths linking Green Lake to Ripon.  Miles of trails around the town wind through farmland and forest, offering scenic views of the countryside, and a popular route is the "Loop the Lake Trail." Those who prefer hiking can explore paths all around the lake or the nearby White River Marsh Wildlife Area, a playground for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Golfers can choose from several top-rated courses, like Lawsonia or Tuscumbia, known for lake views and challenging layouts.

When winter arrives, the area transforms into a cold, snowy wonderland, and outdoor fun continues. Visitors and locals alike layer up to go ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Whether on land or water, Green Lake offers endless ways to experience Wisconsin's natural beauty.

Green Lake is 3.5 hours north of Chicago and 1.5 hours away from Milwaukee. It's only a town of around 1,000 residents, but being on the lake means it offers a variety of lodging options, from full-service resorts and lakefront hotels to charming Victorian bed-and-breakfasts, like McConnell Inn. Downtown Green Lake is very walkable and offers local eateries, events, and a welcoming small town atmosphere. A lively calendar includes year-round community and cultural gatherings for every type of visitor and family. Seasonal highlights range from the Harvest Festival and Wisconsin Chili Cook-Off during fall to wine walks and the county fair in summer, with children's holiday celebrations throughout the year. Music lovers can catch outdoor concerts in the park during summer or enjoy live performances at The Hometown Tap and Thrasher Opera House.

After a day of adventuring, be it biking around the lake, trying not to get sun-burnt on a boat, snowshoeing a dreamy white forest, or ice fishing in winter, the best evening plan is to kick back at a local spot like the highly-rated Norton's of Green Lake for some steak or seafood, grabbing a pizza from Cristiano's, or ordering a cold draft and burger at Goose Blind Bar & Grill. For those looking for something healthier, more elevated, and relaxing, the Elan Brio Spa offers a luxurious steam and massage.

No matter the time of year or the getaway one seeks, Wisconsin has you covered. For those in need of some laid-back outdoor fun on the lake and small town hospitality, Green Lake is worth checking out.