Tag Archives: Water Sports

Living in Lake Country

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Mike Miller is a former co-anchor of the evening news on WISN 12.

When the folks at Travel Wisconsin asked me to write about my favorite area of Wisconsin, I had a very tough time narrowing it down. I’m a Badger State native. Never lived anywhere else, and proud of it.

So should I pick the Northwoods, where my family has gone camping with the sweet smell of pine in the air? Maybe it’s Door County, where we’ve explored the rocky coastline and lighthouses. How about the La Crosse area, where I went to college, with the bluffs and little towns along the Mississippi River? Then I realized… my favorite spot in Wisconsin is right where I live.

I was born and raised in Oconomowoc, in southeastern Wisconsin. You can drive east to a Brewers game or a theatre performance in Milwaukee… or west to a Badgers game in Madison… and get there in 45 minutes. But the big draw here is the clean, refreshing water. At least two dozen lakes dot the area. I was lucky enough to grow up on one of them… where I learned to swim, water ski, fish and sail. My wife and I taught our three children to enjoy — and respect — the natural beauty of their surroundings.

I could go on and on. Just visit the charming towns of ‘Lake Country’ — like Oconomowoc, Delafield, Hartland or Pewaukee — and you’ll see what I mean.

Mike Miller co-anchored the weekend evening newscasts on WISN 12 and provided special reports for the weeknight newscasts and local programming specials. As a broadcast journalist for 32 years, he earned numerous awards from the Associated Press, the United Press International and the Milwaukee Press Club.

Whitewater Rafting Adventures with Elizabeth Kay

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Elizabeth Kay is the co-host of The Morning Mix on 99.1 FM.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, I feel like I’ve experienced it all. The state capitol in Madison in the fall, seeing the Green Bay Packers at training camp, getting sunburned at Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells and enjoying some wine during my honeymoon in Door County.

But one of my favorite Wisconsin getaways is going up north camping, rafting and “funyaking” at Kosir’s Rapid Rafts in Silver Cliff (just 30 minutes north of Crivitz).

My brother in-law told us about it and I thought he was crazy to think I’d go whitewater rafting (I have been known to be a scaredy cat at times). Let me tell you, this trip gave me enough memories to last a lifetime.

The first year we went (we’ve been back quite a few times since then) we camped with friends and decided to take on the mighty “Piers Gorge” section of the Menominee River.

Everyone meets at the check-in spot an hour before the scheduled trip to register and to get into your gear (they provide wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, booties and paddles). Then we hop on a school bus to get to the water.

Imagine being in a huge raft with friends in a clear, clean river that allows you to hold onto the side of the raft while you let the warm flow of the water take you down the Menominee. I remember telling my best friend Andrea I was experiencing “heaven on earth.” It was so peaceful and soothing. I didn’t have a care in the world while I drifted in the water and felt one with nature.

About 20 minutes later, our instructors told us to jump back in our rafts, grab our paddles and get ready for the rapids. I’ve never laughed so hard when our group immediately got stuck on a rock. With a Marine and a few firefighters on our team, we thought we would own these rapids. Not so much… We were stuck and had to push our way back into the current. We quickly caught up with the other rafts and started on our rafting adventure. The guides were extremely entertaining, knowledgeable and patient. Even a novice rafter, like me, could get the hang of rafting the Menominee in no time.

We returned to our campsite that night for dinner, a campfire and to sleep. The next morning we were ready to jump in their “funyaks” and take on the Peshtigo River. Funyaks are one-person inflatable rafts that are easier to maneuver than large rafts. I highly recommend checking water levels before you go. Low water means more rocks. We only got stuck a few times, but that’s what funyaking is all about “letting the water guide you” as said by our instructor, Chad.

I have a blast every time we go to Kosir’s and I even learned something during that first trip. In life you hit some rocks and sometimes life is smooth, but if you stay positive and work hard you can make it through anything.

Elizabeth Kay is the co-host of The Morning Mix on 99.1 FM.

Boating Fun in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin has ample options when it comes to boating. With more than 15,000 lakes and 33,000 miles of rivers and streams, get out your speedboats, paddleboats, canoes or kayaks! There’s no shortage of water sports and great spots, here are some of our favorites:

When people talk about a classic Northwood’s vacation, they’re talking about the Eagle River and St. Germain area. Located on a chain of twenty-eight lakes – the largest freshwater chain in the world – Eagle River is famous for its clear, cool lakes filled with game fish. It’s also a great spot for anyone looking to water ski or tube.

Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes is another popular boating destination. As the name implies the twenty-three connecting lakes range in size and offerings. Among the best lakes for tubing, skiing or just plain boating include Rainbow, Round and Long Lake. Many of the lakes don’t allow a wake, so be sure to check out the lake information before you make your plans.

If you’re more of the spectator type, be sure to catch a jaw-dropping performance by the Muskego Water Bugs, a Wisconsin Division II Champion ski show team. Or check out the Badgerland Water Ski Show team in Waukesha. They were the 6th best team in the nation in 2010!

National Camping Week

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Grab your fishing pole and pack the tent, the last week of June is National Camping Week!

There’s no question Wisconsinites love the great outdoors, and camping is a summertime tradition.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stake your tent, look no further than Perrot State Park and Rock Island – some of the best camping spots in the state.

With over 1,200 acres of land surrounded by bluffs, Perrot State Park is the perfect setting to set up camp. The park offers a multitude of activities and amenities including hiking, biking and canoeing. You’ll even find one of the best views of the Mississippi River. The nearby Great River State Trail, a rail bed route, is great for biking and the village of Trempealeau has great food and an excellent series of summer concerts to enjoy.

Door County’s Peninsula State Park is perfect for a truly rustic camping experience. Complete with sandy beaches and high bluffs, it’s a breathtaking view. Go off the beaten path to Rock Island, just a ferry-ride away from Washington Island and you’ll find even more opportunity for campaign. Bikes or cars are not allowed on the island and with 40 campsites, 10 miles of hiking trails and 5,000 feet of beach, Rock Island is a truly immersive nature experience. Of course, once you’re ready to get back to society, catch a play at the family friendly American Folklore Theatre. This critically acclaimed professional theater showcases original musical comedies and more, all under the stars.

Go on, book your campsites then get out and enjoy!

Whitewater Rafting Right Here in Wisconsin!

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Author: Travel WIThe snow has melted. Ski hills, snowmobile trails and snowboarding jumps are shut down until next winter. You need an adventure fix. Well, we have the answer, Wisconsin whitewater rafting! Trust us, it’s a good time.

Each spring Wisconsin’s rivers swell from melted snow and April showers, priming the waters for the truly adventurous. Excitement, water splashing in your face and adrenaline pumping through your body. What’s not to like?

In northern Wisconsin, the Peshtigo River, beginning near Crandon and running to Green Bay, features one of the longest stretches of active whitewater in the Midwest. Northeast of Crivitz, several outfitters in Athelstane rent equipment and run organized rafting trips on both the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers.

The Wolf River, starts as a trickle about 25 miles south of Wisconsin’s northeastern border and flows 223 miles to Lake Winnebago. It provides exhilaration for even experienced paddlers with a reputation for being wild and unpredictable with its legendary Class II and Class III rapids. Several outfitters in Langlade, White Lake and Keshena offer equipment rental, and some organize rafting trips that range from one-hour excursions to daylong adventures.

To find suppliers of all the gear you’ll need to hit the rapids in northern Wisconsin, take a look at our directory on TravelWisconsin.com.

Have fun out there!

Snag your Wisconsin Fishing License!

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Author: Travel WIWith more than 15,000 lakes and 33,000 miles of rivers and streams, Wisconsin lures avid fishermen from all over every year.  Relax amid the simple pleasures of boat, water, and something tugging on the end of your line. One visit and we know you’ll be hooked.

Weekend getaway, or visiting from out of town? You’ll want to take advantage of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ new one-day fishing license. Available for purchase beginning April 1st, it’s a thrifty $8 for Wisconsin residents, and $10 for non-residents and allows you to fish for everything except premium species of trout, salmon and sturgeon. You can use it anywhere in the state and it’s a great way to introduce newcomers to this long-standing Wisconsin tradition. Purchase online at www.dnr.wi.gov or buy it in person from the more than 1,000 DNR vendors.

Once you’ve got your license, get out and fish. Luckily, we have some suggestions for picking out the perfect location to catch the “big one.” And if you need boat access info, the DNR has you covered.

Everyone’s got a great fishing story, right? We’d love to hear about yours below.