Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca: Ultimate Guide
The Chain O’ Lakes is such a great spot for a day trip, getaway, or an afternoon on the water! Growing up I lived only 30 minutes from these beautiful lakes in Central Wisconsin & many summers were spent on the Chain – soaking up the sun & having fun!
So, I have created the Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca: Ultimate Guide for you to enjoy!
Where is the Chain of Lakes in Wisconsin?
Chain O’ Lakes is located in Waupaca which is in the central part of the state. In proximity to major cities: 111 miles from Milwaukee, 98 miles from Madison, 190 miles from Chicago, & 216 miles from Minneapolis.
What is Waupaca Known for?
Waupaca is known as a “Haven for Visitors” specifically because of the Chain O’ Lakes & the wonderful amenities it provides Waupaca. Bringing visitors from near & far to visit these lakes created by glaciers, Chain O’ Lakes is a great place to relax, unwind, & enjoy your Midwest summer.
Background Information
The waters of the lakes are translucent; their greenish-blue color comes from the reflection of unique materials at its bottom. Varying levels of limestone, clay, alkaline and glacially deposited organic material create different tints on surface these beautiful bodies that range in hue between dark emerald to light turquoise blue!
How Many Lakes are in Waupaca, Chain?
There are approximately 20+ interconnected lakes that make of Chain O’ Lakes, Wisconsin. Ranging in different depths, sizes, & great for a variety of activities. Here are the lake names:
Pope Lake, Knight Lake, Manomin Lake, Orlando Lake, Marl Lake, Young Lake, Bass Lake, Beasley Lake, Long Lake, Dake Lake, Miner Lake, Columbia Lake, Limekiln Lake, Round Lake, McCrossen Lake, Nessling Lake, Rainbow Lake, Sunset Lake, George Lake, Taylor Lake, & Otter Lake.
Waupaca Chain of Lakes Map
A map of all 20+ lakes & their brief description can be found on the Explore the Chain O Lakes website.
Check out more about Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca in with this ultimate guide to help plan your next Midwest getaway!
Waupaca, Chain of Lakes Boat Tour
Clearwater Harbor Water Restaurant offers private charters & public tours on their Double Decker Authentic Sternwheeler named Chief Waupaca or their smaller charter/tour on the Lady of the Lakes yacht.
Their tours are an hour & a half long narrated by the captain with informational facts about the Chain O’ Lakes & other history.
Chain O’ Lakes Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to see the Chain & to get near areas & lakes that you may not see otherwise. There are even some lakes that are only accessible to ‘silent sports’ where the entire lake is no wake & you will usually only see paddle boards, kayaks & canoes used.
No worries if you don’t own a kayak as there are several places to rent from (listed below).
Boat Rental Waupaca
Here are four businesses you can rent boats from as well as other water activities:
- Ding’s Dock – Ding’s dock rents: kayaks, paddle boards, aluminum canoes, Maui Mats, & pontoon boats at hourly rates.
- Becker Marine – Becker Marine rents: canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, ski boats, 20 foot pontoons, & 24 foot pontoons, & row boats with & without motors at hourly rates.
- Adventure Outfitters LLC – providing kayak & paddleboard rentals. They also offer other outdoor activity rentals such as bikes, snowshoes, & more.
- Loon Paddle Company – offering aqua mat, kayak & paddle board rental with local delivery, pick up drop off times.
Is the Chain of Lakes No Wake?
Some of the smaller lakes are no wake 24/7 but the larger lakes that are great for tubing & skiing have regulated hours during different days of the week for safety & to reduce the wear & tear on the lakes & their surrounding.
Water Skiing & Tubing Hours
Take your boat to the Chain to explore the lakes, park at a beach, pull up to grab a bite to eat, tube, ski, & so much more! The Chain is a great place to spend some family time. Also, it is important to note that there are skiing and tubing restrictions on the lakes, please click the link to take a look at days of the week & times here: Regulations & Hours.
Boat Landings
There are 5 boat landings located at Taylor Lake, Columbia Lake, Dake Lake, Miner Lake, & Knight Lake. Taylor Lake is the most popular, has the biggest dock, & the most parking space. With that being said, it gets full very fast on the weekends. Plan ahead & be prepared — the parking is on the side of the road ways so the busier it gets the further away you will be parking.
Some docks also require a small fee & may have DNR inspectors sitting watch. Learn more about each boat landing at Explore Waupaca.
Chain O’ Lakes Fishing
You can fish on all 20+ lakes on the Chain. Get your Wisconsin fishing license here.
What Fish Are In The Waupaca Chain of Lakes
Some of the fish species in the Chain are Bass (small & largemouth), Crappie, Sunfish, Yellow Perch, & more. There are a few bait shops nearby & a Fleet Farm located on the other side of Waupaca.
Waupaca Chain of Lakes Restaurants & Places to Eat
Scoopers Ice Cream
Scoopers is a must stop anytime you are near Waupaca. They are open during the summer months & are located right next to the Wheelhouse. Every weekend they have a wide variety of Cedar Crest Ice Cream flavors. Be sure to bring cash when you visit – there is an ATM but there is a small fee. Scoopers also has a game room, two bathrooms, & great indoor, as well as outdoor seating for you to enjoy your ice cream!
Wheelhouse Restaurant
The Wheelhouse in Waupaca has a large menu & wonderful outdoor seating where you can wat the boats go through the bridge. During the summer months they occasionally have pig roasts, live music, & more. They are especially known for their delicious pizza!
Clear Water Harbor Restaurant & Bar
Clear Water Harbor is known for their live music & it’s easily accessible location. You can pull your boat right up to their dock & order your food or head to their seating area. When they have live music you will find many boats anchored out in the lake & listening from a distance while enjoying the sunshine.
Indian Crossing Casino
This restaurant is fairly new, but offers a rather unique layout. With large TV’s, a few docks, & an indoor seating area that can be opened up to the water – as you drive by you can see right in & see how cool their really layout is!
Other Things To Do On The Chain O’ Lakes
Swimming
Unfortunately, there aren’t any beaches on the Chain but you can pull up onto the shore lines on some lakes where it gets shallow & the sand isn’t too squishy. Otherwise you can drop anchor in the no wake lakes & swim in the deeper waters.
Chain O’ Lakes Boat Rental
Don’t have you own boat? No problem, as listed above you can rent boats from Ding’s Dock & Becker Marine. Whether you are looking for a pontoon, jet ski, or a standard boat these two companies got you covered for you Chain O’ Lakes adventure!
Watch the Chain Skiers
The Chain Skiers is a water ski team & show where they perform on Rainbow Lake right near the King water tower & Veterans Home. These shows are only viewable from the water. To check out their schedule & other locations around the area: Chain Skiers Showtimes.
Tom Thumb Miniature Golf
Tom Thumb is located on the edge of one of the smaller lakes which leads to the no wake backwaters. This mini-golf course has been a Chain O’ Lakes tradition since 1959 including 18 mini-golf holes, a picnic area, Snack Shack, & a game room.
Visit Hartman Creek State Park
This park is connected to the Chain through small creeks & they also have an off site location that is a part of the chain. The actual park itself is located about a mile or two for the upper Chain lakes. Hartman Creek State Park is great for camping, kayaking, hiking, biking, & also has some equestrian trails. Not to mention their beach area & playground.
Places to Stay
Unfortunately, there are not any hotels physically on the Chain O’ Lakes but there is a hotel located at the golf course nearby. Comfort Suites at Par 4 Resort offers easy access to, outdoor activities,& restaurants with a swimming pool & continental breakfast.
As always there are also Airbnbs & VRBO stays available when you search Waupaca, Wisconsin. You may even be able to find a stay on the lake with a dock for you boat & swimming.
Overview: Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca
Whether you are looking to cruise the lakes, go water skiing or tubing, kayaking, or making a stop to grab a bit to eat — be sure to add Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca to your summer bucket list & check out these beautiful blue turquoise waters for the perfect Midwest getaway with my Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca: Ultimate Guide!
Thanks for reading!