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. Simply accessible off Wisconsin State Freeway US 10, this outside lover’s paradise is about two hours’ drive from the Milwaukee or Madison areas. Whether or not you need to chill out and unwind or discover journey and recreation in an amazing Midwest roadtrip vacation spot, Waupaca and the Chain O’Lakes has one thing for everybody in your loved ones.
The place to Keep
There are quite a few choices in Waupaca County to your weekend getaway lodging. Airbnb and Vrbo provide an abundance of leases, from rustic cabins to luxurious lake properties. Guide your lodging prematurely, because the summer season months are usually busier! In case you plan to remain at a campground, there are ten completely different campgrounds/RV parks within the county with quite a lot of surroundings and facilities.
In case you want to remain in a resort, 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 offers countless choices for boaters, canoers, and kayakers. All images by Leia Cullen
Expertise the Chain O’Lakes
There are 22 separate lovely lakes that make up the Chain. Water sports activities fans will discover no finish to leisure choices or waterways to discover. Quite a few boat launch websites and fishing docks could be discovered on the multitude of parks within the county.
Households that need to take to the water in a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard can discover watercraft leases at rental companies like Ding’s Dock or Journey Outfitters. My household loved renting a pontoon for a day and cruising the Chain. (In case you do plan to hire a watercraft ensure to deliver life jackets for any youngsters age 13 and beneath, per federal regulation.)
Hartman Creek State Park presents 1,417 acres of nature on the Chain O’Lakes. This lovely respite presents tenting, boating, swimming, mountain biking, picnic areas, a playground and scenic mountain climbing trails surrounded by Midwest nature. When you have youthful youngsters, I like to recommend the paved trails for the right household hike; the Dike Path was the right degree of problem for my two younger youngsters, providing scenic views of two lakes. There are additionally more difficult trails all through the park when you’re up for a trek!
There are a selection of trails to your hike at Hartman Creek State Park.
South Park additionally makes for the right afternoon getaway for households trying to have a swim on the seashore, solid a line on the fishing dock, or have a picnic. My youngsters liked climbing on the playground and working on the sandy seashore. Deliver sandals!
Picnic tables and swimming docks for a enjoyable afternoon at South Park seashore.
In case you’re feeling adventurous, Wolf River Journeys & Campgrounds presents 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 various choices obtainable in Waupaca County. Ensure to cease by Hutchinson Home Museum to glimpse again in time and see Victorian artifacts and furnishings. Children aged 5 to 12 can take part in photograph scavenger hunts and different actions.
The historic dwelling that’s now the Hutchinson Home Museum was initially in-built 1854.
Or you probably have any prepare fans in your loved ones, head on over to the Railroad Depot to take a look at a G-scale mannequin prepare show, historic paintings, and a classic baggage automotive.
Native Meals
When it’s mealtime, various 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, try their 90 minute narrated historic boat tour of the Chain O’Lakes!
Discover boat excursions, leisure and eating with a view at Clear Water Harbor Waterfront Restaurant.
The Wheelhouse Restaurant, additionally overlooking the Chain O’Lakes, is thought for nice pizza and sandwiches; and after your meal, head proper subsequent door to Scoopers for some ice cream. If you wish to decide up some domestically grown produce, Turners Recent Market & Greenhouse sells quite a lot of vegetation, fruits, and greens.
Turners Recent Market & Greenhouse presents quite a lot of seasonally contemporary produce and vegetation.
In case you ever end up within the northeast Wisconsin space, Waupaca County and the Chain O’Lakes are properly value a weekend journey. Begin planning your journey by trying out the Waupaca Space Conference & Guests Bureau.
