WHAT TO DO
The Crystal River and famous Chain O’ Lakes, a string of 22 spring-fed, pristine lakes, offer an ideal setting for all sorts of water activities. Whether you are looking to Boat, Paddle Board or Kayak, the opportunities are endless.
Explore
EXPLORE, RELAX AND EXPERIENCE....
The wonders of the Chain O' Lakes in Waupaca, Wisconsin.
INDIAN CROSSING
Only a kayak away or 5 minute walk from Lake Life Lodge, we can't get enough of this place. Stop in and play bean bag toss in a beautiful pavilion or in the summe enjoy cocktails in an open air bar, craft cocktails for $6 and delicious food awaits.
WHEELHOUSE
The Wheelhouse is open seven days a week all year long. They are famous for their Pizza and Sandwiches. Everyday there is a different special ranging from Prime Rib, Fish Fry, Smoked Ribs, Pasta Night, Smoked Brisket and The Famous Pizza Buffet. The Wheelhouse offers more than great food. There are seven great events during the summer, and more throughout the year. During the summer you can enjoy outdoor seating with a great view of the Chain O' Lakes. (image courtesy of Central Brewing Co.)
CLEARWATER HARBOR
Clear Water Harbor in Waupaca, WI is a lakeside hub for summertime fun. Owned and operated by the Meighan family for two generations, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy some live music, or take in the beauty of the Chain O’ Lakes. Pat and Mimi started Clear Water Harbor in 1975 after restoring the Chief Waupaca Sternwheeler. They decided the Chief needed a “Harbor” and the Clear Water Harbor restaurant and bar was born! That continues to this day, as the Waupaca community and the greater Central Wisconsin area continue to enjoy excellent spot on the Chain.
SCOOPERS
If you want the most gigantic scoop of Wisconsin dairy, Cedar Crest ice cream, then look no further than Scoopers. This is one of the highlights of every evening in Waupaca where you pay very little for the entire family to eat the best ice cream around! Oh yeah, and when you walk in... it smells like fresh waffle cones!
BOAT TOURS
Join the Clear Water Harbor historical hour and a half narrated tours through Waupaca’s crystal clear Chain O’ Lakes. For private charters, or public tours, choose from either our Double Decker Authentic Sternwheeler: Chief Waupaca, or the Lady of the Lakes Motor Yacht. From brunch cruises to special events, your Chain O’ Lakes cruise is sure to be a unique experience, filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and unforgettable memories. In addition to public and private boat cruises, Clear Water Harbor is home to a lakeside restaurant as well as a private event venue, The Boathouse.
KAYAK THE CRYSTAL RIVER
Adventure Outfitters is your one-stop resource for outdoor fun and activities at three locations in Waupaca. Self-guided kayak trips, outdoor gear sales and rentals, outdoor adventures and full service bicycle shop with rentals. Guided snowshoe, XC ski, winter bike adventures and SUP Night Glow Tours. Fitness and training equipment. They offer different kayaking tours depending on what you are in the mood for. Take the Waupaca River Adventure, Crystal River Adventure or Upper Chain ‘O Lakes Tour.
FOXFIRE GOLF RESORT
The acclaimed 18-hole bent grass course is a blend of traditional Scottish links and its bent-grass fairways meander through mounds, ponds and natural grasses. Past host of Wisconsin PGA and amateur golf events. Rated "4 Stars" by Golf Digest Magazine for customer service.
MARL LAKE & HARTMAN STATE PARK
Located on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes, Hartman Creek State Park is a quiet and friendly, natural gem and a popular destination in central Wisconsin. The park offers camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding and mountain biking opportunities, the historic Hellestad House log cabin, and four picnic areas including Whispering Pines along crystal-clear Marl Lake, just a short 1.5 mile walk from Lake Life Lodge for a lovely daytime swim in turquoise clear waters. For information on hunting, look here (Licensing and other restrictions may apply).
RIVER RIDGE TRAIL
The Waupaca River Ridge Trail is part of a plan to preserve urban natural areas or “greenspace” in a non-motorized trail system that winds throughout the Waupaca area. The first trail segment, a scenic loop of 1.6 miles, opened in fall of 1996. Since then, over 26 miles of trails have been designated. Bikes are allowed only on limestone or blacktopped surfaces.