Summer in Wisconsin is just different. The majority of the country does not experience what we go through in winter. Wisconsin consistently ranks in the top 10 for coldest winter temperatures in our country, and based on your weather metric of choice, Wisconsin tends to fall in or near the top 5 of most of those. Unlike the mountain states, we don’t have the same winter activities opportunities. And unlike the northeast (where they also have abundant mountain-ish activities), we don’t have a plethora of large cities to visit to pass the time, or the coast to visit. And lastly, Wisconsin is usually a top 10 state when it comes to winter cloudiness, and all that gray can certainly put a damper on one’s spirits. Minnesota and Michigan might be able to compare, but that’s about it. So when summer finally does come, we need to take advantage of it. That summer heat won’t last forever, so each post in this series we’ll go over the summer must-do’s. At the bottom I’ll share my tips to maximize your experience. For our second post in this series, we’re going to focus on one of our biggest recreation opportunities: the water.
Not just any water though. While we might be known for our lakes (both great and otherwise), it’s the rivers I want to focus on for today. There’s just something special about being on a moving body of water. Don’t get me wrong, any activity on any body of water is always fun, but the opportunities you have on a river are completely different than on a lake. Boating, fishing, water-skiing, tubing, jet-skiing, are all fun on lakes, but you can do those same things on a river, and see more while doing it. But you know what you can’t do on a lake? You can’t float effortlessly on a tube. You’d need to be pulled by a boat to get anywhere. You can’t come around a bend on a canoe or kayak and surprise wildlife (well I mean I guess you technically can, but it’s a lot harder). You can’t fly fish. You can’t traverse dozens of miles of water and end up in a completely new city. Again, everything you can do on a lake, you can do on a river, and more.
The reason why I’m bringing up rivers over lakes is simply the abundance of lakes we have. The overwhelming majority of people in this state are near a big enough lake that doing lake activities is relatively easy. The rivers get forgotten. And that’s easy to do when you know someone with lake access. But try and spend a weekend, or even just a day, once this summer, on a river.
I’ve only been fly fishing once in my life, and it was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. If I had more time, and more money, I think I’d be doing that more often. If you’d like to start, or if you’re already an avid fisherman, go west (western Wisconsin, of course). The driftless region is famous in the state for their fly fishing streams. Wisconsin has over 5,000 miles of Class 1 trout streams, and the majority of them are found in the driftless. Wisconsin in general has over 13,000 miles of trout streams (Classes 1-3), and again, the western part of the state is where you can find the majority of these. The DNR has maps aplenty for those interested in finding any nearby trout streams. Up north… mainly northwest, but the NE part of the state too, has great fly fishing. And while we’ll never be able to compete with the likes of the mountain states (both out west and east), Wisconsin is one of the better midwest states when it comes to fly fishing.
Another fun thing that you cannot do on a lake is lazily float down a river on a tube (or kayak/canoe). Nothing beats just floating down a river, beverage in hand, and just enjoying the water and nature. We have more than our fair share of lazy rivers in this state, and whether thats by tube or canoe, this is an excellent way to spend a day. There’s a certain side to nature that you’re just not able to see without being on the water. The Sugar River and Wisconsin River are my favorite for these activities, but there isn’t a dry spot in our state where you can’t do this. And the best part? Nowadays there are so many tube and canoe rental companies that the only thing you need to do is show up while all the pre and post work is done for you. Western Wisconsin is going to be king for this activity once again, just due to the prevalence of water here being rivers or streams, but really every single county in this state has good water for tubing or kayaking.
You also do not need to go to a mountain state to enjoy some rapids… just head north! The Menominee, Wolf, and Peshtigo Rivers all offer some of the best whitewater rafting you can find outside of the western mountain states. Good luck trying to find a similar activity to whitewater rafting on a lake. Just like with tubing and kayaking, there are plenty of outfitters able to help you out with this so that you don’t have to worry about anything except making sure you show up.
I’ve mentioned this plenty of times on this blog, but it really is mind blowing the variety of things you’re able to do in this state. With the exception of some deep south habitats and any deserts, we really do have it great here. So whether you’d prefer to take it nice and slow with some tubing, or you prefer the thrill of the rapids; the relaxation of fly fishing, or the adventure of kayaking, make some time to get out on a river this summer. You won’t regret it. All factual info for today can be found on the WDNR website. A quick google search for your desired water body will also lead to plenty of outfitters.
Last but not least, here’s some of my tips for making this easier and/or more fun:
-Befriend someone with a boat (unless you’re fortunate enough to have your own). This tip cannot be emphasized enough on how important this is! Most of us without a boat will never be able to get out on the water more than once every other year or so. But if you make friends with a boater… well, you get the point. Oh and by the way, be a good guest to said friend with a boat. It’s their boat. You show up when and where they want, and you don’t question it. You’re on their timeline. Offer up some money for gas. Be courteous.
-The apps “Go Paddling” and “Paddle Ways – Let’s Go Paddling” are perfect for finding spots to launch your kayak or tube. You don’t need to visit a governmental website to find out this info. This app has backwater spots you never would have known about otherwise.
-BE SAFE! I shouldn’t have to remind you, but I am going to anyways. The Wisconsin River is one of the most dangerous bodies of water in our state, river or lake alike. It might look calm and peaceful, but invisible underwater hazards, very fast currents that look unassuming, and just overall unpredictability and rapidly changing conditions due to its size and the amount of dams on it all combine to make this a deadly body of water if you don’t take caution. All rivers and streams have the potential to be dangerous, but the Wisconsin River is in a league of its own. I’m not trying to scare you away from these activities, but just be smart about it. Wear or bring a life jacket. Don’t try to swim in any areas with low visibility of fast currents. Don’t go out alone.
-Lastly, take your time and enjoy the activity you choose. Don’t be in a rush to finish that tubing or kayaking. Slow down and enjoy the moment. After all, life is too short to take the fast way
Life is Too Short to Take the Fast Way 