With literally thousands of freshwater lakes, the Lakeland area of Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae offer almost unlimited opportunities for water activities. Popular water sports include swimming, jet skiing, fishing, water skiing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and wakeboarding. There’s something for every age group and ability level, from lounging on the beach or around the pool to skiing behind a power boat.

And if you’re not up for water skiing yourself, be sure to catch a Min-Aqua Bats water skiing show. You’ll see amazing tricks and graceful performances at the Aqua Bowl on Lake Minocqua. Shows take place every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, at 7 pm, mid-June through mid-August. The Min-Aqua Bats are the oldest non-profit amateur water ski club in the nation and have been entertaining generations of Minocqua-area residents and visitors since 1950.

There are over 400 named lakes and over 700 unnamed lakes in Oneida County alone for a grand total of over 68,000 acres of freshwater lakes. This is the perfect place to paddle a kayak or canoe in the peaceful waters of a hidden lake or along the Trout River, or cruise around in your power boat and socialize on Lake Minocqua.

Numerous outfitters offer equipment rentals and lessons, as do many resorts. You can also hire a local guide who will help you explore the Turtle Flambeau Flowage or the Tomahawk River area. Outfitters and guide services include BJ’s Sportshop, Chequamegon Adventure Company, Hawks Nest Canoe Outfitters, J & J Sports, Lakeside Rental and Storage, and Minocqua Sport Rental among others.

Check with your hotel, resort, or vacation rental to see what equipment they might offer onsite during your stay, and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, one of the local outfitters surely will. If you love water activities, the Minocqua area has everything you could possibly want.