Eagle River / Three Lakes Chain in WI

[Struc]

Billed as the longest chain of lakes in the world, this is where I spent my family vacation for the past 2 years. Last year I just had my fishing boat, and while it did the job, the trip was the motivation to get a bigger / faster boat for water sports. This year, I had my 20' Sea Ray, and felt much more "at home" on these lakes. We rent a house that is on the Deerskin River, just up from Scattering Rice Lake. I've been on every lake on the Eagle River side.

I guess I'm just looking for others that vacation or often boat the chain, and what activities you've done. Next year I plan on heading back for my 3rd year (I live about 5 hours south), and want to enter the Three Lakes side of the chain. I went all the way down the river and to the Dam on the Eagle River side this year, and watched a couple of boats do the lift transition from one side to the other. It was pretty cool to watch.

We spent most of our time on Scattering Rice and Eagle Lakes, as those were the closest to where we were staying. There was plenty of space for tubing and water skiing / wakeboarding. I really like Catfish and Cranberry for cruising around.

So, what's the best attractions / lakes on the Three Lakes side? Anything I should absolutely not miss?

Open discussion for everyone interested.

 

[Struc]

Re: Eagle River / Three Lakes Chain in WI

Wow... I expected at least a couple people have boated the chain. OH well...

Well, for anyone interested, we did some swimming on the shallow sands at the north end of Catfish Lake.

Another nice stop if you have kids is Pirate's Hideaway ice cream shop on Duck Lake (there is also a tiki bar for adults). They also have boat rides on a pirate ship (some kind of tri-toon barge or something made up to look like a pirate ship - it's pretty cool!).

Be careful if you're heading all the way west on the chain to the dam. The southwest end of Watersmeet Lake is dangerous. There is an area there before you get to the bridge where 70 goes across that looks like a open lake. It is filled with stumps that are just under the water surface, and they ARE NOT MARKED. You need to stay on the north and west sides of that area while going through to avoid them.

There are many restraunts on the water you can dock at and get lunch / dinner, etc. The Chanticleer is a old standby that has been in the area forever, and is right at the passage between the south end of Eagle Lake and Voyageur Lake. Nice beer garden too!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Eagle River / Three Lakes Chain in WI

could always go to Weasel's, however not a family place

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Eagle River / Three Lakes Chain in WI

Didnt it burn down, Along with another one?

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Eagle River / Three Lakes Chain in WI

Didnt it burn down, Along with another one?

Yes...On New Years Eve...Gotta keep heading down 45 to the "Northern Exposure" for another "Gentlemans" club!lol!

While you're in "Buzzard Creek"(Eagle River), hit the "Fitz" downtown. Good BBQ.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Eagle River / Three Lakes Chain in WI

tells you how long its been since I have been up to Eagle River.