Tucked away within the coronary heart of Wisconsin is a real hidden gem boasting miles of waterfront magnificence: Waupaca and the Chain O’Lakes, the right weekend getaway for households. Easily accessible off Wisconsin State Highway US 10, this outside lover’s paradise is about two hours’ drive from the Milwaukee or Madison areas. Whether you wish to loosen up and unwind or discover journey and recreation in an important Midwest roadtrip vacation spot, Waupaca and the Chain O’Lakes has one thing for everybody in your loved ones.
Where to Stay
There are quite a few choices in Waupaca County on your weekend getaway lodging. Airbnb and Vrbo provide an abundance of leases, from rustic cabins to luxurious lake houses. Book your lodging prematurely, because the summer season months are typically busier! If you intend to remain at a campground, there are ten totally different campgrounds/RV parks within the county with a wide range of surroundings and facilities.
If you like to remain in a lodge, Par 4 Resort in Waupaca boasts an 18-hole bent grass golf course on web site, in addition to a bistro for informal eating.
The Chain O’Lakes gives limitless choices for boaters, canoers, and kayakers. All images by Leia Cullen
Experience the Chain O’Lakes
There are 22 separate stunning lakes that make up the Chain. Water sports activities fans will discover no finish to leisure choices or waterways to discover. Numerous boat launch websites and fishing docks could be discovered on the multitude of parks within the county.
Families that wish to take to the water in a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard can discover watercraft leases at rental companies like Ding’s Dock or Adventure Outfitters. My household loved renting a pontoon for a day and cruising the Chain. (If you do plan to hire a watercraft be sure that to carry life jackets for any kids age 13 and below, per federal legislation.)
Hartman Creek State Park gives 1,417 acres of nature on the Chain O’Lakes. This stunning respite gives tenting, boating, swimming, mountain biking, picnic areas, a playground and scenic climbing trails surrounded by Midwest nature. If you have got youthful kids, I like to recommend the paved trails for the right household hike; the Dike Trail was the right stage of problem for my two younger kids, providing scenic views of two lakes. There are additionally more difficult trails all through the park for those who’re up for a trek!
There are a wide range of trails on your hike at Hartman Creek State Park.
South Park additionally makes for the right afternoon getaway for households seeking to have a swim on the seaside, forged a line on the fishing dock, or have a picnic. My youngsters liked climbing on the playground and operating on the sandy seaside. Bring sandals!
Picnic tables and swimming docks for a enjoyable afternoon at South Park seaside.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Wolf River Trips & Campgrounds gives tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and tenting all alongside the scenic Wolf River. Spend a day (or extra!) right here experiencing a enjoyable river journey.
Cultural Highlights
If you wish to soak up some native historical past throughout your go to, there are numerous choices accessible in Waupaca County. Make positive to cease by Hutchinson House Museum to glimpse again in time and see Victorian artifacts and furnishings. Kids aged 5 to 12 can take part in photograph scavenger hunts and different actions.
The historic house that’s now the Hutchinson House Museum was initially in-built 1854.
Or if in case you have any practice fans in your loved ones, head on over to the Railroad Depot to take a look at a G-scale mannequin practice show, historic paintings, and a classic baggage automotive.
Local Food
When it’s mealtime, numerous eating places proper on the Chain O’Lakes provide meals and leisure with a view.
Waupaca and the Chain O’Lakes
Clear Water Harbor Waterfront Restaurant & Bar has each family-friendly eating in addition to entertaining nightlife on the lakefront. For a enjoyable household exercise, take a look at their 90 minute narrated historic boat tour of the Chain O’Lakes!
Find boat excursions, leisure and eating with a view at Clear Water Harbor Waterfront Restaurant.
The Wheelhouse Restaurant, additionally overlooking the Chain O’Lakes, is understood for nice pizza and sandwiches; and after your meal, head proper subsequent door to Scoopers for some ice cream. If you wish to choose up some domestically grown produce, Turners Fresh Market & Greenhouse sells a wide range of crops, fruits, and greens.
Turners Fresh Market & Greenhouse gives a wide range of seasonally recent produce and crops.
If you ever end up within the northeast Wisconsin space, Waupaca County and the Chain O’Lakes are effectively value a weekend journey. Start planning your journey by trying out the Waupaca Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Leia Cullen is a content material author and proud mother of two. She is enthusiastic about sharing journey suggestions and data to assist others plan their very own holidays