A little over three hours north of Chicago, you’ll find a quaint, small town that invites you to slow down and bask in all the changing seasons.
Tucked in south-central Wisconsin, Green Lake has recently earned a spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the best lake towns in America to live in year-round—and it’s easy to see why.
With a serene waterfront and the largest natural inland lake in Wisconsin, Green Lake offers a unique blend of warmth and beauty.
A waterfront town that is worth the trip
While Harbor Country is often referred to as the ‘Hamptons of Michigan,’ Green Lake shares many of the same qualities, attracting summer visitors since the 1800s, when its shoreline was dotted with just a few rustic resorts.
Today, Green Lake maintains a small-town resort feel that embraces a slower pace of life while still embodying a distinctly sophisticated Chicago persona. The lake itself might be the biggest draw: at 236 feet deep, it’s the deepest natural inland lake in Wisconsin and stretches 7 miles, making it ideal for sailing.
Luxury and leisure, no matter the season
In the summer, visitors can head down to Green Lake Marina to rent a fishing boat, pontoon, or enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, or tubing. Gold enthusiasts can also play a round at Tuscumbia Golf Course—one of Wisconsin’s oldest courses.
In the winter, residents can stay active despite snow and frigid temperatures through popular pastimes such as snowmobiling, fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
However, nothing beats the warm community, where residents participate in events like chili cook-offs, festivals, live music, and more.
One of the most cherished is Thrasher Opera House, which hosts live music and showcases talent from across the region. It also features compelling events, such as Eats For The Arts, a magical foodie experience that lets visitors sample flavors from culinary establishments throughout the region and neighboring areas.