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!

As we head into the busier and warmer spring season, it's time to think about all of those great things we can do outside in the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Wherever your travels happen to take you, one thing you can count on is breathtaking scenery along the way.  Wisconsin is home to over 2,500 miles of hiking trails, which include some of the better known statewide "rails to trails" pathways, a variety of state and local parks, and plenty of lesser known, but equally beautiful, hiking trails. These lesser known hikes are the ones we consider to be the hidden gems of the state, found in places where Wisconsin's true character is on display. Many of them also happen to be near at least one of our member Bed and Breakfasts! Search for your favorite Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast by region, then start planning your hiking adventures in Wisconsin today. 

8 Great Hidden Gem Hiking Trails in Wisconsin

It's easy to find hiking trails in Wisconsin. They are practically everwhere. You've likely already heard of the most popular places to hike, including Devils Lake State Park, Kettle Morraine State Forest, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the Ice Age Trail. But what about those lesser known hikes; the ones that usually aren't crowded with people from start to finish? Those are the hikes that truly show off the best of Wisconsin. And better yet, many of them are located near at least one of our member Inns, making it easy for you to enjoy the state's unspoiled beauty, wilderness, and wildlife while on vacation. The next time you want to get out and explore Wisconsin, consider one of these 8 great hiking trails:

• For an amazing view of the Mississippi River, head to Buena Vista Park near Alma. This hiking trail is accessible, and offers a great view of the river year-round. It also happens to be a spectacular location for birding, especially if you're looking to spot a majestic bald eagle.
• Up in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin, hikers will enjoy the Ed Lakes National Recreation Trail. This trail follows old railroads from the 1900's through the forested hillsides.
• Another popular Northwoods Trail is the Oxbo Trail near Fifield. The trail is located within the Flambeau River State Forest, and offers quintessential views of Wisconsin's unspoiled Northwoods territory.
• South of Milwaukee, you'll find Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha. This park is exceptionally beautiful during peak fall foliage season.
• Just north of the Wisconsin Dells, you'll find a spectacularly underappreciated portion of Wisconsin's Driftless Area that is perfect for hiking; the Quincy bluff and Wetlands Natural Area. One of the more popular places here is Lone Rock, which features 100 ft. tall Cambrian sandstone cliffs, and a diverse array of plant and wildlife. Look in any direction from the top of Lone Rock, and you won't see any traces of human habitation. Instead, you'll experience the wild beauty of Wisconsin as it was meant to be seen.
• If you find yourself in the Madison area, there's a hidden gem right in the city that is the perfect respite from urban living, and a great place to spend the afternoon hiking. The arboretum on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is a beautiful section of restored prairie, forest and wetlands, and is definitely worth exploring.
• If you're looking to do a little urban hiking, then you can't miss the Hank Aaron State Trail in Milwaukee. This 12 mile path connects Milwaukee's lakefront to the city's west side, passing by some of the city's top attractions along the way.
• In the La Crosse area, discover 10 miles of hiking trails in the Hixon Forest. The trails are beautiful and also connect up to other city parks, such as Grandad Bluff Park, which boasts stunning views of the Mississippi river valley.

After a tiring day on the trails, you'll be ready for the restful accommodations of a local Inn. Thankfully, the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association has members all over Wisconsin, each of which have passed our inspection standards and are eager to supply you with exceptional hospitality and service. Our Inns range in style and ambiance. Whether you'd prefer to stay in one of Wisconin's cities or on a farmstead, vacation in a lakefront home or historic estate, you're certain to find a Bed and Breakfast that fits your needs pefectly. Better yet, our friendly and knowledgeable Innkeepers will offer plenty of insights and tips when it comes to making the most out of your stay at their Inn. Depending on where you want to go, you can browse through our diverse selection of Inns by region or city. We look forward to seeing you on the hiking trails around Wisconsin this spring and summer!

  Did you know it’s the 80^th anniversary of The Great River Road, that ribbon of highway that hugs the Mississippi River? Now that you do, do make plans for a road trip to end all road trips. The GRR, for short, has loads of B&Bs along the way. The Great River Road may be turning 80 this year, but its ability to deliver an awesome scenic tour along the Mighty Mississippi never gets old. If you’re looking for an epic road trip, this is it. First, a little background. The route was formally established in 1938 by stringing together existing roads, auto tours and state trunks. It is Wisconsin’s only National Scenic Byway. There are 33 historic river towns along the 250-mile Wisconsin stretch, with some of those communities dating back to the 1600s. [caption id="attachment_2523" align="aligncenter" width="202"] Mississippi River Bluffs along The Great River Road[/caption] O.K., now on to a couple of recommendations on what to see and where to stay: Tritsch House B&B in Alma, WI is in an area that hugs the beautiful river banks of the Mississippi. The B&B itself is nestled into the river bluffs with wonderful views of the river. Nearby, you will find walking paths, rivers activities such as boating, fishing, canoe or kayaks, art galleries and wonderful shopping. Just imagine sitting out with a glass of wine while you watch the beautiful Alma sunset with that someone special. Another B&B you will find nearby to The Great River Road is Rainbow Ridge Farms located in Onalaska, WI, where you can relax in their turn-of-the-century farmhouse and 35 acre working hobby farm. As their guest, you are invited to feed animals, milk a goat, bottle feed a "kid", or collect eggs. In this area, you can enjoy antiquing, visiting Amish farmsteads, or participate in one of the area's many festivals like Oktoberfest, the Great River Folk Fest, Jazz Fest, Art Fair on the Green, and Riverfest. Some of the tallest bluffs along the Great River Road are located around La Crosse. La Crosse is the largest city you’ll pass through on your Great River Road journey. Castle La Crosse B&B and Four Gables B&B are the places to be if you're stopping to enjoy the variety of great restaurants, stores, museums and historic attractions that the city has to offer!  

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?