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Adventure on the Water

Summer is the time to let loose and spend as much time as you can on the water. Luckily, the Chain O’ Lakes holds many opportunities for water adventure-seekers on its many lakes and rivers. 

Becker Marine and Ding’s Dock are both located on the lakes and offer boat rentals. If you don’t have your boating license, you can always rent a kayak or paddleboard from Loon Paddle Shop or Adventure Outfitters.

Looking for a less tourist-heavy option? Spend the day on the Crystal River, either lazily tubing down the river or testing your balance through a difficult, but well worth it, canoe adventure. Both trips are provided by Ding’s Dock and are a Waupaca summer staple.

South Park Beach is a public beach, equipped with lifeguards during operating hours, a beach house, a playground and shelters for picnicking. Children and those young at heart will be entertained by the swimming docks, diving boards and slides.

From Shadow Lake, home of South Park Beach, to Hartman Creek State Park, to the Chain O’ Lakes, Waupaca is a fisherman’s dream paradise. Stock up at The Minnow Bucket for all of your fishing supplies. 

Action on Land

On-land activities are also abundant throughout the Waupaca area. Hartman Creek State Park offers about 10 miles worth of hiking trails which are suitable for beginners. The biking paths are unpaved and often combined with the hiking trails, but are a great alternative to a straightforward trek. 

The Ice Age Trail is over 1,000 miles long and runs alongside Ice Age formations showcasing how glaciers have formed the Earth. There are many different segments of the Ice Age Trail. In Waupaca, the trail runs 24.2 miles long and partially runs through Hartman Creek State Park. The trail is for hiking, walking, snowshoeing or skiing. 

Swan Park is the largest park in the city and includes a large playground, ball diamonds, sledding hill, skate park and much more. There are walking trails that also run throughout the park and link to Brainard’s Bridge Park, best known for the iron bridges over the Waupaca River that allow access to two small islands.

Tom Thumb Mini Golf has been a part of the Chain O’ Lakes since 1959 and the charm still holds strong today. Relive your childhood and challenge your friends and family to the fun, but not as easy as it looks, 18-hole course. Afterward, stop at the Snack Shack and game room. Play at night and get swept up in the wistfulness, complete with outdoor lights. If you are looking for a more life-sized version of golf, all golfers will want to visit Foxfire Golf Club. It is an 18-hole course that blends Scottish links and Midwestern elements into one exciting course. As challenging as the course is, it is just as beautiful and water areas are featured throughout. 

Visitors love exploring Quadrangle Park at Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. The long term and rehabilitative care facility caring for veterans is 130 years old, spans over 320 acres and is located on beautiful Rainbow Lake. On site, Quadrangle Park has 12 features — memorials, mini golf, a chapel, trails, cottage district and more. Enjoy the day walking around and honoring those who served us. Afterward, take the 4-mile Wau-King Trail — a paved path for pedestrians and bikers — to make your way back towards town. 

Selfie Spot: Chain O’ Lakes

What better place to take a selfie than in the middle of one of Waupaca’s many lakes? Paddleboard out to the middle of McCrossen or Sunset Lake — both of which are no wake zones — stand up and snap your selfie. Just make sure your camera is fully water protected. No paddleboard? No problem! Rentals are available through Loon Paddle Shop or Adventure Outfitters for half or full days. If you plan on staying in the area longer, you can also rent for three days all the way up to a full week from both shops. Adventure Outfitters also offers guided night tours with paddleboards equipped with underwater LED lights. Besides their shop located on Main Street, Adventure Outfitters is now renting kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or pedal boats at Hartman Creek State Park.