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!

For just about every traveler to Wisconsin, the state’s name is synonymous with beer, brats and cheese. Let’s focus on the beer part, shall we, with a look at anniversaries at two breweries paired with nearby B&Bs.

  [gallery ids="1876,1648,1877"] Just about every city, town and village in Wisconsin has at least one of the following: a historic brewery, a new microbrewery, historic taverns, beer festival, or all of the above. Some major anniversaries this year point to the state’s proud brewing heritage. [caption id="attachment_1889" align="alignleft" width="400"] Dreams of Yesteryear[/caption] In Stevens Point, the Stevens Point Brewery turns 160, making it one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the country.  It even provided beer to Civil War soldiers and survived prohibition by brewing soda. After your brewery tour, stay at Dreams of Yesteryear located in the historic downtown district. Tip: Each room has a binder-full of stories about the house as researched by a local historian.           The youngster by 10 years, the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, is the big 1-5-0 this year. To mark their sesquicentennial they’ve  collaborated with Hofbräuhaus Munchen to brew a special anniversary lager. [caption id="attachment_1890" align="alignright" width="300"] Overlooking Lake Wissota from Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast[/caption] Both breweries are using the same recipe with hops from Germany & malt from Wisconsin.  Spend the night at the Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast on the shores of Lake Wissota where you may want to enjoy a Leinie’s as you watch the sun set.           A few more brew favorites: [caption id="attachment_1891" align="alignleft" width="450"] Artha Sustainable Living Center[/caption]

• In Amherst, Central Waters Brewing Co. is known not only for its artisan beer, but for being one of the most environmentally sustainable breweries in the nation. Which makes a stay at the nearby Artha Sustainable Living Center a perfect pairing, given this B&B is a sustainable oasis set on a lush 55-acre plot.

The innkeepers at Canyon Road Inn in Turtle Lake shared their favorite microbrewery finds in the area – Valkyrie Brewing Company in Dallas (Dallas, Wisconsin, that is), a small family owned and operated brewery where the beers are cold fermented and aged to cut back on fusel alcohols (the stuff that gives you headaches); and Barley John’s Brewery in New Richmond, where the spring Maibock has just been released. It’s an especially nice accompaniment to their “Nibbles and Dips” food menu. Hike the wooded trails on the inn’s property so you can enjoy these brews guilt-free.     This is just a sample of the many Wisconsin breweries that have either popped up recently or have been around for generations. They have an impact on their local economy, providing jobs, and many of them use local ingredients, giving other businesses in the community an opportunity to share in the wealth of the craft brewery boom.  All of these breweries attract tourists, especially those who are interested in experiencing the local community.  These breweries offer people a chance to visit the brewery, and get to know the folks who run it.  Incorporating your brewery tour with a WBBA Inn is a great way to immerse yourself into a community, giving yourself a chance to live like a local, eat local cuisine, and drink local beer. As always, all WBBA members are licensed, inspected and insured.  So rest assured, you will get a good night's sleep when you stay at a WBBA B&B, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated the next morning.

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?