Need a relaxing small-town getaway with lake views and charm? Head to Lake Mills! Located between Madison and Milwaukee, this quaint Wisconsin town offers lakefront leisure, historic streets, and easy access to nature. Whether you’re paddling on Rock Lake, browsing boutiques, or enjoying local brews, Lake Mills is the perfect low-key retreat.

Lake Mills, WI Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak or paddleboard on Rock Lake – Enjoy crystal-clear water, hidden coves, and scenic shoreline from Sandy Beach or Bartel’s Beach.
  • For History Buffs: Discover the Aztalan State Park ruins – Explore the ancient Mississippian culture with reconstructed earthen mounds just outside of town.
  • For Shoppers: Stroll the boutiques and antique shops downtown – Find gifts, vintage finds, and handmade goods along Main Street and beyond.
  • For Couples: Relax with a pint at Tyranena Brewing Company – Unwind with live music and craft beer in a dog-friendly outdoor beer garden.
  • For Families: Picnic and play at Commons Park – Let kids explore the playground while you relax under shade trees in the town square.

Best Time to Visit Lake Mills, WI

The best time to visit Lake Mills is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Warm weather brings lakeside fun, farmers markets, and community festivals. Fall offers beautiful foliage and peaceful lake views, while winter appeals to those looking for quiet small-town charm.

How to Get to Lake Mills, WI

  • If you are traveling by car: Lake Mills is located right off I-94, about 30 minutes east of Madison and 1 hour west of Milwaukee.
  • By Air: Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison is the nearest major airport, with rental cars available for the short drive.
  • By Bus: Regional bus services run to nearby cities, but car travel is best for visiting Lake Mills directly.

Where to Stay in Lake Mills, WI

  • Recommended for Families: Fargo Mansion Inn – Historic Victorian B&B with family-friendly rooms and walking distance to the lake and downtown.
  • For Couples: The Sweet Autumn Inn – Cozy bed-and-breakfast nestled in a 1910 home with romantic decor and hearty breakfasts.
  • For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Boutique Airbnbs in Downtown Lake Mills – Stylish local rentals offer unique stays close to shops, lake access, and events.

Best Things to Do in Lake Mills, WI

Lewis Station Winery


Savor handcrafted wines and enjoy a relaxed, cozy tasting experience.

Lewis Station Winery

© Lewis Station Winery

Lewis Station Winery is a family owned winery and boutique wine shop located in downtown Lake Mills, Wisconsin, about a 50 minutes from Milwaukee and 20 minutes from Madison. Lewis Station Winery occupies a refurbished old-school gas station and offers daily wine tastings, as well as a small bistro menu. The winery specializes in small-batch, hand crafted premium wines using natural method of wine making with a low sulfite content. .Many of the wines produced and bottled by Lewis Station are winners of Gold and Silver awards in the World Wine Competition and the Finger Lakes Region Wine competition. In 2018, Lewis Station Winery became the first Wisconsin winery to be Certified Craft Winery, with certification from the Craft Wine Association. Lewis Station produces about 25 different wines, most of which are made in 60 to 70 case lots. It is known for its big reds, such as its Lodi California Zinfandel, and its Sangiovese.

217 N Main St, Lake Mills, WI 53551, Phone: 920-648-5481

Aztalan State Park


Explore ancient Native American mounds and admire scenic landscapes.

Aztalan State Park

© City of Lake Mills Community & Government TV

Aztalan State Park in the Town of Aztalan, Jefferson County, Wisconsin was established in 1952 and registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The park covers 172 acres along the Crawfish River. Aztalan Park is best known as the site of an ancient Mississippian settlement that thrived in the period between the 10th and 13th century. The indigenous people built massive earthwork mounds, presumably for religious and political purposes. They were part of a culture that was widespread throughout the Mississippi River valley. They traded with other groups from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, and into the southeast of the today’s United States. The most outstanding features of Aztalan culture are the pyramid-shaped mounds with flat tops and the stockades that probably served both ceremonial and defensive purpose.

N6200 County Rd Q, Jefferson, WI 53549, Phone: 920-648-8774

Glacial Drumlin State Trail


Walk or bike along scenic paths with peaceful countryside views.

Glacial Drumlin State Trail

© Gajus/stock.adobe.com

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a rail trail in the Midwestern United States stretching for 52 miles from Waukesha, Wisconsin to Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. The trail runs through or near the cities of Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Lake Mills, Jefferson, London, Helenville, Sullivan, Dousman, Wales, and Waukesha. It crosses the Rock Lake In Lake Mills on one of its old railroad bridges. The trail, which was opened in 1986, follows the old Chicago and North Western Railway track. The first 13 miles of the trail is paved with asphalt. The remaining 39 miles it is crushed limestone. There are multiple rest stations along the trail. The trail crosses sixteen wooden bridges, two of which are more than 300 feet long. The Big Muck Farm Bridge is about 880 feet long. The trail is used for biking and hiking in the summer and for cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling in the winter.

Lake Mills, WI

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Ephraim Pottery


Admire handcrafted ceramic art and explore unique, creative designs.

Ephraim Pottery

© Ephraim Pottery

Ephraim Pottery is an art pottery company established in 1996 in Deerfield, Wisconsin, currently operating in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. The company makes art pottery collectively made by nine artists in the Arts and Crafts Movement tradition, with matte glazes over earthenware sculptures, in no more than 500 pieces per edition. Ephraim produces mostly vases, but also bowls, candleholders, lidded boxes, pitchers and lanterns. A recognizable Ephraim Faience piece is a vase finished in a matte green background color, embellished with decorative representations of plant or animal life. Each piece is marked with a date, the company logo and an artist signature.

130 E Lake St, Lake Mills, WI 53551, Phone: 920-648-3534

Rock Lake


Enjoy boating, fishing, and relaxing by calm, scenic waters.

Rock Lake

© alexkich/stock.adobe.com

Rock Lake is a 1365-acre lake located in south central Wisconsin, at Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin about 20 miles from Madison. The lake’s maximum depth is 87 feet and is fairly clear. The lake is shaped as figure eight, with several distinct areas - Bean Lake State natural area, a protected marsh, the area often covered in tall aquatic vegetation that spreads out of the water and a sandy area where boats can anchor and swimming is possible. Visitors have access to the lake from several public boat landings and public beaches. The fishermen come to the lake for panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail runs across an old rail road bridge across the southern portion of the lake.

Jefferson County, Wisconsin

Lake Mills Golf Club


Play a round of golf and enjoy beautiful course views.

Lake Mills Golf Club

© Lake Mills Golf Club

Lake Mills Golf Club in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, opened in 1927, and is one of the oldest courses in the area. The original nine-hole course was shaped from softly rolling farmland. It eventually expanded to a full 18 holes. It has undergone other major renovations since, while managing to retain the traditional character of the original course. At just over 6,700 yards, the course has several holes favored by long hitters. The occasional water hazard as well as several strategically placed bunkers play their part as well. Mature trees line the fairways, forcing players to be accurate, but also providing shade. While the Lake Mills Golf Club offers a significant amount of challenges, beginners should not feel intimidated about approaching it, especially since it has four different sets of tees. The golf club has a popular restaurant Muligan’s at Lake Mills.

800 S Main St, Lake Mills, WI 53551, Phone: 920-648-5013

Where to Eat in Lake Mills, WI

  • Recommended for Families: Blue Moon Restaurant – Cozy spot serving American comfort food, burgers, and Friday fish fry.
  • For Italian Food: Carp’s Landing – Italian-American dishes with great pizza, pasta, and lake views.
  • For a Casual Meal: Cafe Brûlée – Local coffeehouse with sandwiches, baked goods, and small-town vibes right downtown.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Summer Fun: Knickerbocker Ice Festival (February) – Celebrate winter with ice sculpting, games, and family events on frozen Rock Lake.
  • For Music Fans: Concerts in the Park (Summer Wednesdays) – Bring a lawn chair for free live music in Commons Park.
  • For Foodies: Fall Festival of the Arts (September) – Regional artists, food vendors, and live entertainment in downtown Lake Mills.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Lake Mills, WI:

  • For Outdoor Lovers: Korth Park (10 min) – Nature trails, lake views, birdwatching, and picnic shelters just outside of town.
  • For Families: Rotary Splash Pad in Jefferson (15–20 min) – Water fun for kids on warm summer days.
  • For Culture and History: Hoard Historical Museum (Fort Atkinson) (25 min) – Learn about local and Native American history in a charming small-town museum.
  • For Wine Enthusiasts: Lewis Station Winery (Watertown) (25–30 min) – Local winery with tastings, wine pairings, and gourmet nibbles.
  • For Nature Walks: Rose Lake State Natural Area (20–25 min) – Peaceful hiking trails and native plant species in a quiet conservation area.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Lake Mills located?
    • Lake Mills is a city in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, on the east shore of Rock Lake.
  • What is unique about Lewis Station Winery?
    • Lewis Station Winery and tasting room occupies a refurbished old-school gas station.
  • What historical site can be visited in Lake Mills?
    • Aztalan State Park protects an ancient Mississippian settlement that thrived between the 10th and 13th century, featuring massive earthwork pyramid-shaped mounds.
  • What is the Glacial Drumlin State Trail?
    • The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a 52-mile-long rail trail in the Midwestern United States that runs through Lake Mills among other Wisconsin cities.
  • What are the features of Rock Lake?
    • Rock Lake is a 1,365-acre lake shaped like the number eight, with a marshy area on one side and sandy beaches on the other.
  • What is special about Lake Mills Golf Club?
    • The Lake Mills Golf Club opened to the public in 1927 and is one of the oldest courses in the area.

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