Wisconsin Lake Properties For Sale (15,143)

A perfect complement to the natural beauty of the badger state, Wisconsin boasts over 15,000 natural and man made lakes. Covering over three percent of the state, the lakes are distributed throughout, with the largest lakes concentrated on the upper two thirds. Known for great walleye, bass, and the famous northern pike, these Wisconsin lakes all offer an abundance of natural beauty.

Listed below are some of the larger lakes throughout Wisconsin, but their qualities aren't simply determined by total surface area. Lakes throughout the state have their own distinct qualities and charm. The capital city of Madison, for example, is the only city in the world built on an isthmus - wedged between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Choosing a lake that meets your needs is a delicate and exciting process.

Lake Michigan

America's "third coast", Lake Michigan has over twelve million inhabitants along its 1,600 miles of coastline. Wisconsin's claim to the shoreline is heavily built-up, extending from its southernmost border to the tip of Door County - the "thumb" of the state. Many of Wisconsin cities - such as Milwaukee, Appleton and Green Bay - are located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Real estate here will often be more expensive than other lake property, with lake homes and cottages selling in excess of 3 million dollars. A behemoth among lakes, serious lake property owners will see the value in owning a peace of a shoreline on this veritable freshwater ocean.

Lake Winnebago

The largest freshwater lake contained in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago offers endless opportunities for lakefront property ownership. This naturally occurring lake is the third largest in the U.S., but only gets as deep as 21 feet. This relatively shallow depth is conducive to good nutrient flow, feeding a healthy and diverse fish population. Ice fishing is incredibly popular here, drawing as much as 10,000 fishermen daily during the season. Cities along its shores include Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Menasha and Neenah. Home prices on the waterfront can vary, but the majority of homes are going for over 1 million dollars.

Lake Pepin

Birthplace of water skiing and birthplace of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, Lake Pepin is as full of life as it is history. The lake serves as the meeting point of the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers, as well as sharing a shore with Minnesota. Even though it covers over 40 sqaure miles, the lake doesn't exceed depth of 18 feet. Wintertime brings the formation of ice bridges across the lake. In this quiet area, modest lake homes & cottages can sell for as little as $80,000, but are predominantly priced at $300,000 and up.

Lake Petenwell and Castle Rock Lake

A hidden treasure, Juneau county is home to a two of Wisconsin's largest lakes - Castle Rock Lake and Lake Petenwell. Surrounded by small town and villages, waterfront homes around these lakes sell for around $260,000. Lake Petenwell is Wisconsin's second largest lake at almost 24,000 acres, while Castle Rock Lake weighs in as the sixth largest with a surface area of over 13,000 acres. Petenwell and Castle Rock flowages are formed by the damming of the Wisconsin River in nearby Necedah. Many Wisconsin lake property development opportunities exist in this fishing haven.

Lake Chippewa

Lake Chippewa is a flowage that encompasses over 15,000 acres in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Located near Hayward in Sawyer County, this largely undeveloped flowage offers numerous islands and quiet bays for excellent fishing. Lake Chippewa is only one of many lakes clustered around Hayward. Lake homes and cottages on the lakeshore range in price from $300,000 to over 1.5 million.

Big Green Lake

Big Green Lake, in Green Lake County Wisconsin, is notable for being the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin, reaching depths of 237 feet. Locals will offer a different claim to fame - Wisconsin's largest lake trout was caught here on June 1st, 1957 and weighed over 35 pounds! Big Green Lake's limited shoreline - coupled with world-class fishing - makes property on its shores a highly prized commodity. Expect to find lake homes listed from $700,000 to well over 2 million dollars.

What to Consider Before Buying Wisconsin Lake Property

It is important for Wisconsin lake property buyers to consider their purpose for wanting lakefront property, before they set out to own a piece of this natural beauty. In addition to the generally higher cost, lakeshore property owners are also imbued with responsibility of maintaining this rich natural resource. In some cases this may be metaphorical, referring only to the need to help maintain the beauty of the lake. In other instance, there are clearly defined laws regarding lake usage, development and maintenance.

Many lakes, such as the aforementioned Lake Pepin, are hubs for various water-based activities. In the summertime, these lakes see significant water-skiing and power boating traffic, that may not be preferential to those seeking respite from a loud and busy world. Flowages like Lake Chippewa are better suited for quiet escapes and fishing trips, but don't have as much open water for activities like water skiing.

In Wisconsin, the Public Trust Doctrine makes all waterways public. WI lake property may have easement that specifies public access to the lake. Development is also carefully controlled by the county and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It's important to study the lake and understand the local laws governing WI lake property, before rushing to build your dream lake home or cottage.