Why Green Lake County Wisconsin Should be Your Next Vacation Destination
It may still be chilly outside, but many people are beginning to plan their summer trips. For those looking to experience a nature holiday, Green Lake County is the ideal spot for vacationing.
Green Lake County is one of the top Wisconsin travel destinations. There are plenty of activities that are sure to please every member of your family. From hiking, biking, water sports, and spa services plan your next vacation retreat in Green Lake.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite things to do and where to stay in Green Lake. If you’re looking to start planning your next vacation, read on for more information.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Hiking or biking is the perfect outdoor activity to do as a family. Green Lake boasts many trails whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride or something more intense.
Head over to the Green Lake Conference Center to bike along Shore Drive. Soak in the beautiful lakefront views and historic houses, or bike along a tree-lined path.
For a 24-mile bike route, peddle over to Loop the Lake. This trail follows the perimeter of Green Lake and will take you through the picturesque scenery that surrounds the lake.
Check out Dawson Prairie to stretch your legs. It’s 54 acres of restored lands, with mowed trails winding through native grasses and wildflowers. For peak bloom season, go during late spring through September and keep an eye out for other wildlife, such as birds, deer, and butterflies.
For a short hike, Hammers Trail is just over half a mile and features five bridges over several springs and creeks. The Norwegian Bay Boardwalk is around the same length and is a trail through the largest area of wetlands in Green Lake. If you’re wanting to explore an area, Pool’s Hill Nature Preserve offers free exploration of the wetlands.
Water Activities
A
s the deepest lake in Wisconsin, Green Lake is perfect for water skiing and any type of boat. Rent a pontoon or fishing boat to spend the day out on the water. If something not motorized is more your style, grab a stand up paddleboard to explore the lake.
Green Lake offers many places to rent a kayak or canoe. They will provide you with everything you need, including instructions and life jackets.
Little Green Lake is the ideal place for fishing for muskies and smallmouth bass. At Big Green Lake, bluegill are aplenty. Before you head out on either lake to fish, make sure you get a fishing license from either the county clerk’s office or one of the outdoor stores.
Arts and Culture
For a look at the history of Green Lake County, visit their historical societies. Each museum features printed materials, photographs, and artifacts that are significant to the area and its history.
If you’d like to take in a play or other performance arts while you’re visiting the area, check out the Thrasher Opera House, Shops of Water Street Concerts, Green Lake’s Summer Concert Series, and the Green Lake Festival of Music. There is something for every taste to be found in the blossoming arts community of Green Lake.
Even as a visitor, you can partake in locally offered cooking classes, art workshops, sewing groups, and reading clubs. For children, Green Lake offers yoga classes, chalk walks, movie nights, and Lego clubs. There are countless creative offerings for every member of your family.
Shopping
For those looking to get in a little shopping in between outdoor activities, Ripon offers a variety of choices no matter what you’re looking for. American Alchemy features products from locally owned businesses, including accessories and unique clothing items. Support the small businesses of the area while shopping at this store.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, visit Dear Prudence Shoppe. Located in the Watson Street Historic District, this boutique offers classic and eclectic women’s clothing and accessories. Pick out something for a fun night on the town.
Hart Merchantile features handcrafted and vintage goods for inside your home, as well as outdoor goods. With over 7,000 square feet of vintage accessories and home furnishings, visit Farrell’s Fine Furnishings on Watson Street.
Dining
No matter what style of cuisine you prefer, Green Lake offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to cure your appetite.
Big Johns Shark Shack sits on the shore of Green Lack, featuring great views and even better food. The cheese curd and Root Beer floats are some of the local favorites offered.
For something a little more upscale, make a reservation at Chops Fine Cuisine. The chic and elegant atmosphere is the perfect spot for an anniversary or birthday dinner. Enjoy a calamari entree for dinner and close the night with a dessert cocktail.
If you’re hankering for an afternoon snack, head over to All in Good Taste in Princeton, an ice cream shop in a gas station. They feature over 16 flavors of ice cream, as well as their fresh-baked bread and cheese curds.
Where to Stay in Green Lake County Wisconsin
Adeline’s Retreat is one of the most popular destinations for a mini-vacation or weekend retreat. Known as Adeline’s House of Cool, this vacation spot boasts a large indoor pool, countless amenities, and spacious grounds for you to explore and enjoy.
The resort has direct access to Lake Puckaway and its own private pier, giving you plenty of options for outdoor activities. If you’re wanting a cozy night in, check out the jukebox, pool table, vintage pinball machine, or slot machine. The three wood-burning fireplaces will keep you and your friends warm during the cold winter nights.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or a fun girls weekend, Adeline’s House of Cool has everything you need for a memorable vacation.
Plan Your Next Trip to Green Lake County Today
A trip to Green Lake County has everything you need – high-quality shopping, a variety of outdoor activities, and wonderful places to stay. No matter what your interests are, there is something for every person in your traveling group that will ensure they have their best vacation yet.
Make Adeline’s Retreat in Markesan your next vacation destination. Contact us today to check our rates and availability.