Explore wild lakes and rivers

There’s a place where lake water is so clear you can see fish swimming, 30 feet below. There’s a place where rapids defiantly roar, taunting and beckoning adventurers. There’s a place where ancient rivers meander through marshes and bogs inhabited by creatures rarely seen anywhere else. For paddlers, this is the land of dreams, and it’s all just a launch away in Land O’ Lakes.

The Land O’ Lakes area has been home to paddlers for hundreds of years. Native Americans first canoed these waters. European explorers, fur traders and pioneers followed. Today, the Land O’ Lakes area lures modern adventurers. You’ll find everything you are looking for. There are quiet lakes and rivers popular with families and fishermen, long-distance routes that provide miles of fun and challenging rapids that quicken the pulses of experienced river runners.

The Headwaters of the Wisconsin River – Lac Vieux Desert – is where many people start a paddling trip. The Lac Vieux Desert is one of the largest lakes in the area, at 4,260 acres. The lake feeds the 430-mile Wisconsin River, which is the state’s largest river and a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The paddling downriver from the lake is tranquil and great for families and nature lovers.

The Middle Branch Ontonagon River is a rare and special river that’s protected as part of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. You’ll find nine miles of paddling before Mex-i-min-e-falls and an 11 additional miles that will take you all the way to the Bond Flowage.

In the Sylvania Wilderness Area, you can launch a paddling adventure via the landing at Clark Lake. After exploring this wild lake, you can reach additional waters via short portages.

There are scores of other lakes and rivers in the Land O’ Lakes area that provide other great options. Grab a paddle and see where the current takes you.

Helpful Resources

Land O’ Lakes Boat Rentals renting canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards.

Land O’ Lakes Recreation renting canoes and kayaks.

The Tacklebox your source for supplies and apparel to make your trip a success.