We had a family reunion here on one of the hottest, stickiest days of the summer. It was one of…read morethose days when an afternoon picnic outside doesn't sound the most appealing and you ask yourself what your family would think of you if you show up in a swimming suit, carrying a bucket of ice water. The shelter we reserved is on the northeast side of the lake (though I question how this qualifies as a lake - more like a pond in my mind) and with a hillside just to the east of it, the shelter was as good as air-conditioned! Hallelujah! There was a cool breeze thanks to the lake and since the shelter was shaded for half of the day, it wasn't until 3pm when the space finally started feeling too warm. The proximity of the shelter was also great as the Monticello Public Pool is right across the road and the kids were able to go enjoy a pool day once they were finished chasing toads around the pond (sorry Freddie the Toady Toad. Also, sorry the kids couldn't decide on a better name).

The Memorial Union Terrace is the place to be. As a Badger Alum, this is where you ought to be when…read moreyou're skipping class when the weather is nice: I know I certainly was. Don't tell your parents if you're thinking of attending from out of state, you know: $$$$, :O Live music, and food-places either from on the terrace itself or from inside the Memorial Union to bring meals out on a tray (Pro-tip: eastern-inside spots are generally better) Warning: Operations are *seasonal* - this year: 4/17/2026 to 10/27/2026 There's a not so subtle Madison, WI weather subtext message here

Highlight of the University of Wisconsin Madison tour! The view of the lake from this patio is…read moreamazing. No wonder it is the heart of the student cultural experience. We also loved their iconic colorful patio furniture.

I've been on the hunt for solid paddle boarding spots that aren't too far from Milwaukee…read more We tried the pond at Veterans Park on the lakefront in Milwaukee, but I was so worried about falling in the water (it's not clean...at all) that I didn't enjoy it. We tried Pewaukee Lake, but there was a bit too much motor boat action to enjoy paddle boarding. I was flummoxed, until I spoke to someone who lives in Delafield. She recommended Lower Nemahbin Lake. Yahtzee! With free parking and easy access to a kayak/paddle board dedicated dock, Lower Nemahbin Lake is the perfect lake for us! Clean lake water flanked by lush green without too much motor boat activity (it isn't a wake-free lake but boaters are respectful and aren't abundant), we couldn't ask for a better location for paddle boarding. It has an anchored dock in the middle of the lake that we love paddling out to for an afternoon picnic on the lake (and to let the kiddo get some dock jumping/swimming in). It's also kinda fun to paddle under the overpass. Last time we went through, we were able to see a birds nest with peeping baby birds. All in all, a great spot to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon. Get to it!

Easy access: ***** Boat traffic: ***** (not a lot)…read moreWater quality: ***** Free access: ***** Lower Nemahbin Lake is located in Waukesha County in the Village of Summit. This review is for the lake in general for kayaking or paddle boarding. We have been kayaking and paddle boarding for three years now and been to 6 different lakes. I've lived on Okauchee Lake and grew up boating on many of these lake. The public access is down Sugar Island Road just off of I94 provides quick and easy access to the lake which is a bonus. Parking is limited but many cars don't seem to follow the signs which limits 10 cars to the parking lot. Without DNR manning and charging people this will happen. Still plenty of room to unload your gear and a short 100 feet walk or so to the kayak launch area with a short 20 feet pier. There is a public launch for boats but is for small fishing boats as it is a shallow launch and very shallow water for a long way past the island. The shallow water way has a sandy bottom so very little to no weeds and warmer water. Lower Nemahbin Lake is a 239 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 36 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. Overall a Great Lake to kayak, canoe or paddle boarding.

Beautiful hiking trails. They are well kept all year long. It's one of our favorite places to go…read more Great place to picnic or spend the day!

A pretty nice state park with a great fire tower that affords an awesome view of the surrounding…read morecountryside (including Holy Hill). We came here to find the oldest Geocache in the state of Wisconsin and other caches too. We hiked a number of trails on a finally nice spring day - sunny and warm! There are some good hills. We picnicked down by the lake where there is a nice beach. Not a huge park but worth a visit.

If you asked AI what an ideal state park should look like, it would describe Mauthe Lake. Full…read moredisclaimer-I have been coming here off and on for over 50 years and the nostalgia is strong. And now with a lake home only a few minutes away, while I don't need to visit, I still do at times just to take in the memories. It checks off all the boxes-water, beach, walking trails, camping, concessions, and fishing spots. The Kettle Moraine started with the purchase of land surrounding the lake and it does a great job representing. I enjoy seeing the different geological formations and landscapes (marshes, pine, deciduous). A beautiful space.

The camp hosts and rangers constantly monitor campsites. I do not see them clean or do anything…read moreelse that would be helpful. They just drive around, waiting for someone they can scold. It makes me feel unwelcome on the grounds, like a prisoner in a panopticon. Also the woods in this area are infested with buckthorn and autumn olive.

I recently visited Lake Potawatomi and really enjoyed my time there. It's a peaceful place to relax…read moreand take in the scenery, whether you're going for a walk, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors. The lake is well maintained, and the surrounding area is clean and inviting. One of my favorite parts was how quiet and relaxing it felt. There are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view, and it's a great place to spend some time in nature. The walking paths around the lake make it even better, and I saw plenty of wildlife while I was there. Overall, Lake Potawatomi is a beautiful place to visit if you're looking for a relaxing outdoor escape. It's well worth a stop, and I'll definitely be coming back.

Horrible place. The forest preserve across the street is always open, yet this place is closed on a…read moresaturday, with no repairs going on, on a beautiful day. Our tax money is being used to pay these employees NOT to do their jobs. Lake County Forest Preserves are ALWAYS open.