Need a peaceful lakeside escape or a charming small-town adventure? Head to Green Lake! Dive into outdoor recreation, explore quaint shops, and savor classic Wisconsin dining. Whether you're craving a fishing trip, a family vacation, or a romantic retreat, Green Lake offers laid-back fun surrounded by natural beauty.
Green Lake, WI Highlights:
- Green Lake: Wisconsin’s deepest natural lake, perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and scenic cruises.
- Downtown Green Lake: Explore unique boutiques, galleries, cafes, and historic architecture.
- Green Lake Conference Center: Wander trails, enjoy golf, and take in beautiful lake views at this historic retreat.
- Dartford Bay: Launch a kayak, fish from the pier, or relax along peaceful waterfront parks.
- Thrasher Opera House: Catch live music, theater, and performances in a lovingly restored historic venue.
Best Time to Visit Green Lake, WI
The best time to visit Green Lake is during summer and early fall (June through September). Warm weather is perfect for lake activities, outdoor festivals, and colorful autumn foliage.
How to Get to Green Lake, WI
- If you are traveling by car: Green Lake is located off State Highway 23, about 90 minutes from Madison and 2 hours from Milwaukee.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison; rental cars are available for the scenic drive.
Where to Stay in Green Lake, WI
- Heidel House Hotel and Conference Center – Lakeside resort offering modern rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and a marina.
- Green Lake Inn – Cozy, budget-friendly lodging with easy access to the lake and downtown.
- McConnell Inn – Historic bed and breakfast offering charming accommodations and homemade breakfasts steps from the lakefront.
Best Things to Do in Green Lake, WI
- Go boating or fishing on Green Lake – Perfect for water lovers and anglers alike.
- Explore Downtown Green Lake – Shop, dine, and soak up the small-town charm.
- Attend a show at Thrasher Opera House – Enjoy concerts and cultural performances year-round.
- Golf at Lawsonia – Play a round at one of Wisconsin's top-rated golf courses.
- Hike and birdwatch at Green Lake Conference Center – Explore scenic trails and peaceful lakeside vistas.
Where to Eat in Green Lake, WI
⮕ Thrasher Opera House
Visit a historic venue or explore live performances in an intimate setting.
© Thrasher Opera House
Thrasher Opera House is a gorgeous historic theater in the city of Green Lake, originally constructed in 1910 by architect Charlie Thrasher. Throughout the 20th century, the theater presented vaudeville and traveling theatrical performances until its conversion into a movie theater in the 1920s. Following World War II, the theater fell into decline, but was extensively renovated and restored to its historic condition in the 1990s. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a City of Green Lake Historic Structure. Visitors can enjoy a full season slate of performances throughout the year, including live music performances by local musicians.
Thrasher Opera House, 506 Mill St, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone: 920-294-4279
⮕ Town Square Community Center
Go to local events or explore wellness programs and community activities.
© Town Square Community Center
Town Square Community Center is the award-winning central community gathering space of the town of Green Lake, located within the city's restored historic Greek Lake County Courthouse buildings. The center offers a plethora of social, cultural, and recreational experiences for area residents and visitors throughout the year, noted as one of the nation's only completely community-funded recreation centers. Delightful recreational opportunities include a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center stocked with Nautilus and weight equipment, flat-screen televisions, and private showers. Green Lake Kitchens feature a fully-equipped commercially-certified kitchen, offering cooking courses and workshops throughout the year. Working artist galleries and studios are also showcased onsite, along with market spaces like Hangers, which resells delightful women's clothing items. Town Square Tap, overseen by Fox Tale Brewing Company, serves up local craft beers and wines.
Town Square Community Center, 492 Hill St, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone: 920-807-0008
⮕ Green Lake Marina
Explore scenic waters or go boating for a fun weekend trip.
© Green Lake Marina
Green Lake Marina
has been renting personal ski boats, pontoon boats, and watercraft to Green Lake visitors since 2006, known as the region's top full-line Yamaha WaveRunner dealer. The family-operated company is a great choice for visitors looking to hit the pristine waters of Green Lake throughout the year for outdoor recreational opportunities. Customers can choose from a variety of WaveRunner styles, along with pontoon and ski boats, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. Drivers can also be hired by the day or by the hour, great for riders with less experience looking for low-stress rides on the water. The Action Marina Pro Shop sells a wide variety of equipment and apparel, including pieces by Green Lake Apparel.
Action Marina, 485 Park Dr, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone: 920-745-2600
Where to Eat in Green Lake, WI
⮕ Christianos Pizza
Visit a cozy eatery or discover delicious wood-fired pizzas made from fresh ingredients.
© Christianos Pizza
Christianos Pizza was founded in 1996 by restaurateur Larry Wise, opening its first location in Wautoma. Today, the restaurant offers several locations throughout Wisconsin, including a location in Green Lake. It is named in honor of the name given by Italians to early Christian apostles and follows Christian philosophies of community and gratitude in serving all its patrons. All the restaurant's breads and doughs are crafted onsite each morning, including its hand-prepared pizza and breadstick doughs, which are crafted with real Italian olive oil and unbromated flour. Gourmet pizzas are served up throughout the day, topped with ingredients like roasted red peppers, Italian sausage, provolone cheese, and creamy barbecue sauce. Classic pasta dishes are also showcased, along with hearty sandwich and calzone options.
Christianos Pizza, W1917 WI-23, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone: 920-294-3200
⮕ Norton's of Green Lake
Explore waterfront dining or go tasting fresh seafood and steaks.
© Norton's of Green Lake
Norton's of Green Lake is a lovely family-friendly dining experience on the banks of Big Green Lake, originally opened by Harry and Bud Norton in 1947. Today, it is overseen by married duo Mike and Jill Havey, offers some of the best views of the lake in the region, serving up casual steak and seafood fare throughout the day at lunch and dinner. Diners can enjoy classic steak selections like sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon, paired with excellent seafood favorites like walleye Almondine, Hudson Canyon scallops, and lobster ravioli. Shareable appetizers range from firecracker shrimp and crab cakes to duck wings drenched in sweet chili sauce and sesame seeds.
Norton's of Green Lake, 380 S Lawson Dr, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone: 920-294-6577
⮕ Goose Blind Bar and Grill
Visit a lively bar or explore tasty pub-style food with great drinks.
© Goose Blind Bar and Grill
Goose Blind Bar and Grill was originally developed in 1949 as part of the property of Green Lake's Lake View Hotel, originally founded in 1891. The tavern was relocated to a standalone building near the hotel in 1962 and has been operated as an independent restaurant under its current name since 1985. Today, it is known for its delicious homemade pizzas, available in unique varieties such as chicken pesto, taco supreme, and Mexican-influenced Azteca. Clever burgers like the Hangover, topped with applewood bacon and a fried egg, pair with entrees like fish tacos, truffle mac and cheese, and North Atlantic salmon in sweet chili glaze. Shareable appetizers include Wisconsin cheddar curds, smothered nachos, and homemade dough knots.
Goose Blind Bar and Grill
, 512 Gold St, Green Lake, WI 54941, Phone: 920-294-6363
If you are interested in local events:
- Green Lake Festival of Music (Summer) – Enjoy classical concerts, jazz performances, and community events.
- Harvest Fest (September) – Celebrate fall with craft fairs, a parade, live music, and seasonal treats downtown.
- Green Lake County Fair (August) – Experience traditional fun with carnival rides, farm exhibits, and fair food.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Green Lake, Wisconsin:
- Ripon (15 min) – Explore historic downtown shops and visit the birthplace of the Republican Party.
- Princeton (15 min) – Shop at Wisconsin's largest outdoor flea market and explore antique shops downtown.
- Berlin (20 min) – Kayak or canoe down the scenic Fox River and visit local parks.
- White River Marsh State Wildlife Area (25 min) – Hike and birdwatch in a vast wetland preserve.
- Fond du Lac (30 min) – Visit Lakeside Park, dine by Lake Winnebago, or tour the historic Galloway House and Village.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Green Lake located?
- Green Lake is a charming vacation destination located on the northern banks of beautiful Big Green Lake.
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What makes Green Lake a popular vacation spot?
- The town is known as a top destination for fishing and outdoor recreation during the summer months.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Green Lake?
- Visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, golfing, camping, and watersports on its gorgeous waterfront.
Plan Your Trip