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!

Ever think of a B&B breakfast as being a buffet?  The Port Washington Inn features their Door County Cherry Bread Pudding, as favorite on their brunch buffet. The innkeepers here emphasize quality ingredients and buffet items made from scratch, no shortcuts, and that makes their full breakfasts second-helping worthy. The dish was a favorite with the Judges of our Innkeeper Cook Off contest...perhaps it will become your favorite brunch dish!

 

We promised to pass along more innkeeper recommendations on nearby hiking trails and here they are! First we invite you to explore the trails close to the Eagle Harbor Inn, in Ephraim. Right in Ephraim there is a path that wanders through the town and up the bluff down small quiet back roads past all kinds of summer cottages and year around homes. The Bay of Green is never far from view. In fact at many places along the way it’s possible to dip your toes into that bay. There is a route that is mapped it takes a couple of hours. But, it is possible to walk small parts of the route at a time.   Also located close by is one of the best state parks in the state, Peninsula State Park. There are trails for all skill levels and they vary in length as well. The park is loaded with so much to see.  If those are trails too traveled for your taste there is Newport State Park a mere a 20 minute drive north. There you’ll find more secluded and rugged trails on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Also Whitefish Dunes State Park is located south of Jacksonport. Along with miles of trails over sand dunes and into the thickly wooded areas of the park, there are dunes along the shore for picnicking and sunning while you try to brave the icy cold waters of Lake Michigan.   A little further south in Appleton Judy Halma of the Franklin Street Inn shared with us that guests often enjoy hiking the Heckrodt Hiking Trail-76 acres of forested wetland, 3+ mile trail system allows access without getting your wet feet, located less than 5 miles from the inn.   Nearby in Oshkosh, Brayton B&B recommends The Wiouwash State Trail is a rail trail just a few short blocks from the inn. Its name is derived from the first two letters of the four counties it traverses: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano. The trail is used by walkers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers during the winter months. The trail is split into two sections. The northern section runs from Aniwa to Split Rock. The southern section runs for 21 miles from Oshkosh northward to Hortonville and offers opportunities for biking, walking, jogging and bird-watching.  As it traverses the countryside, the southern section of the Wiouwash passes through a number of interesting natural habitats. Segments of the trail run through prairie and wetlands, attracting hundreds of species of birds, including sandhill cranes. The trail also crosses Dagget’s Creek, the Rat River and Black Otter Creek. It’s a scenic and relaxing journey, whether you’re on foot or two wheels.  That's all for now! Stay tuned for Part 3 for more hiking recommendations!   [caption id="attachment_1246" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Heckrodt Hiking Trail in Menasha offers great views of the diverse life in the wetlands.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1247" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Peninsula State Park[/caption]

While most of us love the benefits of “springing ahead,” like more daylight as we’re heading out of work at the end of a long day and the promise of warm weather, losing that one hour of sleep is a bummer. With quirky “national” days all the rage, thought you’d like to know that Monday is National Napping Day, to coincide with the return of daylight savings time on Sunday. And, you likely know where this is going, we’re suggesting that some of the best napping to be had is at Wisconsin B&B Association member inns. Innkeepers like Jean Moore and William Mallory at The Lauerman House Inn in Marinette go all out with the beds and bedding, creating a spa resort feel to their guestrooms. All beds are fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down duvets, with two suites having a two-person jacuzzi tub to top it all off.   Be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves when you stay at the Water's Edge, as the inn is located smack dab on the shores of Lake Michigan. So we give you permission to nap on Monday and any time you’re visiting one of our member inns. [caption id="attachment_1082" align="alignleft" width="270"] The Lauerman House Inn, Marinette, offers personalized service and elegant accommodations in each of their seven guest rooms. All beds are fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down duvets. We have two suites each with a two person jacuzzi tub, one with a private wood burning fireplace, and both with an amazing view of the Menominee River.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1083" align="alignright" width="300"] Wake in the morning to a serene sunrise off the lake and the smell of coffee, then end the day by drifting off to sleep listening to the sound of Lake Michigan waves gently crashing on at the Water's Edge's private natural pebble beach.[/caption]

It seems summer temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s are now the norm for Wisconsin.  If you wilt without central air, rest assured there are plenty of cool and comfortable B&Bs in the state that fit the bill.  Another way to chill out is to book a waterfront B&B.  For B&Bs on lakes, try At the Lake House - Lake Geneva, Quiet Cottage on the Lake - Sturgeon Bay, Escape by the Lake - Hudson, Lake Orchard Farm - Sheboygan, Lake Ripley Lodge - Cambridge, and Lakeside B&B - Florence.  We suspect you've picked up on the theme!  Inns with river access include Mecan River House - Coloma, Riverside Manor - Marinette, and Riverview - Neshkoro.  Gee, we’re feeling cooler already! [caption id="attachment_697" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Picture yourself cooled by Lake Michigan breezes while breakfasting at Quiet Cottage on the Lake in Sturgeon Bay (Door County). The French doors of the one private suite - yours - open to the deck and lakeshore. Bird-watching, shoreline stroll, s'mores, in-room massage ... just ask innkeeper Debby!"][/caption]  

Forget snow.  Record high temperatures for the third week of March – we’re talking high 70s to low 80s! - have been set all over the state, from Wausau to Green Bay to Stevens Point to Oshkosh.  According to meteorologists, we can thank the jet stream for the mild readings.  How wonderfully odd to see people out biking, hiking and even golfing.  A great number of the state’s golf courses opened early, so if you’re itching to tee up a combo golf/B&B getaway, you’re in luck.  Many of our more rural member inns have excellent hiking trails on their own acreage or state and county park trails nearby. Dare we predict that summer is just around the corner?     [caption id="attachment_524" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="Cameo Rose Victorian Inn, located in Belleville (less than 10 miles south of the heart of Madison) has four miles of private and beautiful hiking trails. Cameo Rose is a mile from the Badger State Bike Trail, six miles from the Military Ridge Bike Trail and 12 miles from the Sugar River Bike Trail. Daily and annual bike trail passes can conveniently be purchased from the innkeepers."][/caption]   [caption id="attachment_525" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Red Forest B&B in Two Rivers is your home base while biking the Rawley Point Trail or the Mariner's Trail. The Rawley Point Trail, six miles of hard packed limestone trail, connects Two Rivers and Point Beach State Park, winding through pine and hemlock forests, dunes and fields. The Mariner's Trail is six miles of paved lakeshore trail joining Manitowoc and Two Rivers, with lake views and flower gardens along the way."][/caption]