We can't get enough of Wisconsin in the summertime. With 15,000 lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 659 miles of pristine shoreline along the Great Lakes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy water sports this summer. A number of our member Bed and Breakfasts are located near some of the state's best lakes and rivers. Stay and play, when you choose to lodge at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. We have 8 great places in mind, to help get you out on the water and having fun as soon as possible. Find an Inn from our member directory, and book your Wisconsin vacation today!

Water Sports Near a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

Watersports like canoeing and kayaking have long been popular. So too have pontoon boats, sailing, and fishing charters. But have you heard of the latest craze in water sports? Standup paddleboarding has quickly become the fastest growing water sport in the world. Some of the best places to take part in these and other activities are on the waterways of Wisconsin, many of which are conveniently located near a Bed and Breakfast. Here are 8 great places to consider heading this summer!

Lake Superior

There's no doubt that one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin to explore via kayak or canoe is Lake Superior, located in the northwest corner of the state.  Not only is Lake Superior the largest and cleanest of the great lakes, but it's also home to popular areas like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the ancient sandstone sea caves. The vibe of this northwestern corner of the state is peaceful and tranquil, with far fewer crowds competing for space on the water. It's a wonderful place to relax, take deep breaths of fresh air, so you return rejuvenated from your time spent on the water. Lake Superior also happens to provide excellent fishing for musky, northern pike, and trout.

Lake Michigan

The second of the two Great Lakes bordering Wisconsin offers just as many water sports and opportunities for recreation. In northeastern Wisconsin near the Door County Peninsula, sailing is a popular pastime. The Door County Peninsula itself boasts over 250 miles of incomparably beautiful shoreline. See if you can spot the 11 lighthouses that still light the way up north. Further south along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in east-central Wisconsin, especially near towns like Two Rivers or Manitowoc, charter fishing is popular. Two Rivers is a historic fishing port, and once operated the largest fleet of "Mackinaws" on the great lake. Two Rivers also happens to be the home of the popular "Kites Over Lake Michigan" Kite Festival on Neshotah Beach, which takes place August 31 - Sept. 1, 2019.

Travel further south along the coast of Lake Michigan, and you'll continue to find a wide variety of lake towns worthy of exploring, as well as popular beaches and attractions, and many of Wisconsin's finest Bed and Breakfasts.  

Lake Winnebago

Located in the same east-central area of Wisconsin, you'll find the state's largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. Here, not only will you find some of the best walleye fishing in the country, not to mention perch, bass, and sturgeon, but you'll find 138,000 acres of water to explore.  Rent a pontoon boat for the day, and explore these warm, shallow waters. 

Lake Wissota & Chippewa River

Another popular destination in the east-central region of Wisconsin is Lake Wissota and the nearby Chippewa River. Rent a pontoon and take it out on the lake, or paddle around in a canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard. You can also rent tubes, and go floating down the Chippewa River. The river is scenic and slow-moving; perfect for a relaxing day on the water!

Kickapoo River

The Kickapoo River, which meanders along the valley floor of the Driftless Region for over 100 miles, can easily be considered one of the most scenic rivers in the state. It's located in southwestern Wisconsin and is one of the most popular places for canoeing and kayaking in the state. The towering limestone bluffs rising on either side of the river are simply breathtaking.  The most popular section of the river for paddlers extends from Ontario to La Farge, winding its way partially through Wildcat Mountain State Park.

Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi along Wisconsin's southwestern border offers plenty of recreational opportunities.  Travel down the 250 miles of Great River Road, exploring the 33 quaint river communities along the way. It's a wonderful place to go birding and is considered one of the most important bird habitats in the country.  You can also get out on the river to enjoy the scenery and history of the area. The La Crosse Queen River Cruise is a beautiful way to spend a day. There's also a car ferry in Cassville, which is a fun and unique experience, as it's one of the last car ferries of its type on the upper Mississippi.

Waupaca/Chain O'Lakes

It's easy to get out and enjoy water sports in the Waupaca Area of central Wisconsin. Waupaca is part of the Chain O' Lakes, a series of 22 connected lakes that are popular for kayaking, boating, standup paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and so much more. These spring-fed lakes are crystal clear, each tinted varying shades of green and blue thanks to ancient glacial deposits. To say the area is beautiful is an understatement.

You can also rent both pontoon and speed boats to explore the lakes, in addition to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.  You can even take a guided cruise on a paddle wheeler, which takes you through 8 of the 22 lakes. 

Yahara River Chain

In south-central Wisconsin near Madison, you'll find the Yahara Chain of Lakes. It's the perfect place to be if you want to mix water sports and vibrant city life.  The Yahara Chain of Lakes splits the city of Madison in half, providing visitors with miles upon miles of connected waterways, nature trails, parks, beaches, and picnic grounds to explore. Lake Mendota is one of the more popular lakes in the area and is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, standup paddleboarding, fishing, and sailing. Sailboat racing has actually been a part of Lake Mendota's culture since 1839. Races are still held by the local yacht club every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday during boating season.

Relax in Comfort at a Wisconsin Inn

After a busy day on the water, there's no doubt you'll be ready to relax. For the most comfortable night of sleep away from home, choose a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. We're conveniently located in many of the most popular destinations around the state, some with easy access to the popular waterways mentioned above.  Let these water sports be a part of your summer this year. Book your room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today!

Good thing you’re likely sitting down reading this next statement: Guys like B&Bs.  Yes, it’s true, guys will even plan a guys’ getaway, or “mancation” at a B&B if said inn meets their manly criteria.  Pray tell, what could that be?  Technology, for starters.  Guys want to feel plugged in, which means Wi-Fi, no negotiation there.  Big-screen TVS are often mandatory as well.  Being able to move around without bumping into stuff is an interior design strategy that appeals to guys, big time.  Of course, food is high on the list, as in hearty and often.  We reached out to our member inns to see which have offerings that are right on the mark for mancations and landed on 10 that are doing it right.  In this blog installment, the first five.  Next five in blog part II. 1.       The Stagecoach Inn in Cedarburg offers a pub crawl in the city’s historic downtown, with all the pubs located in historic buildings and within walking distance of the inn. 2.       In Manawa, the Lindsay House B&B has a special called “Mancation, Manawa Style.” Included is a night of bowling, bar food and beer; coffee bar and breakfast fit for a king; and easy access to snow activities like skiing and snowmobiling. 3.       Canyon Road Inn with a lake location in Turtle Lake has large rooms with king-size beds, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and welcomes guys who like fishing, biking, hiking and horseshoes. 4.       At Inn at Lonesome Hollow in Soldiers Grove, located on 160 acres in the driftless area of southwest Wisconsin known for its thousands of cold springs, it’s all about trout fishing.  Ride in on your motorcycle to enjoy the winding highways and scenery of the Kickapoo River Valley, then stay in a two- or four-bedroom cabin. 5.       The innkeepers at Eagle Centre House B&B in the southern Kettle Moraine Forest say their rooms with two beds and private bath fit the bill for guys.  Winter mancations here are typically structured around hunting, snowmobiling and skiing, with a hearty breakfast every morning. [caption id="attachment_487" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lindsay House B&B, Manawa"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_486" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Inn at Lonesome Hollow, Soldiers Grove"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_482" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Canyon Road Inn, Turtle Lake"][/caption]