Bill Schierl

Find Your Spirit at One of Wisconsin's Clearest Lakes!

Bill Schierl
Find Your Spirit at One of Wisconsin's Clearest Lakes!

Northern Oasis Spirits was founded on our memories of being at the lake, enjoying time with family while enjoying nature with signature crafted cocktails. Wisconsin might not be known as 'the land of 10,000 lakes', but we have our fair share - and many of them are breathtaking! Nothing beats gliding over a clear, glass-like lake in a canoe surrounded by pristine Wisconsin wilderness. While we enjoy lakes of all shapes and sizes here in Wisconsin, some stand out for their incredible clarity.

Join us for a quick overview of Wisconsin's clearest lakes, and you might just find your next favorite vacation spot!


Black Oak Lake, Vilas County, WI

Visibility: 30.8 feet

Black Oak Lake is located in Northern Wisconsin and is considered the clearest lake in the state, with 30.8 feet of visibility from the surface. This lake, like many others in Wisconsin, is popular for fishing, swimming, or boating in the summer. In the winter, you can enjoy snowmobiling, ice fishing or cross-country skiing on the many nearby trails. This lake is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the reflection of the calm, glass-like water. We suggest making a refreshing Shorewood Old Fashioned to relax and enjoy the pristine sunsets Black Oak Lake has to offer.


Blue Lake, Oneida County, WI

Visibility: 29 feet

The appropriately named Blue Lake is located near Minocqua, WI with 29 feet of visibility. Considering Blue Lake is close to Minocqua, there are endless possibilities for activities whether you want to spend a day on the lake or do some shopping! Blue Lake is home to Panfish, Big and Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. If you love the outdoors but fishing isn’t your thing, the nearby Bearskin State Trail has beautiful scenery and excellent opportunities to witness wildlife while getting some exercise!


Bardon (Whitefish) Lake, Douglas County, WI

Visibility: 26.3 feet

This 848-acre lake is located just 15 miles north of Minong, WI. This lake boasts roughly 26.3 feet of visibility from the surface and is home to many fish including Trout, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Bardon Lake is perfect for swimming as it has little vegetation, allowing you to practically see forever underwater! Its clear, glass-like water reflects the colorful sky, making this lake a truly magical place to relax.


Lee Lake, Oneida County, WI

Visibility: 26.1 feet

Lee Lake is a 65-acre lake located in Hazelhurst, WI which means you can get a taste of beautiful outdoor recreation as well as taste of the town. This lake has 26.1 feet of visibility and is a great fishing spot that includes your basic Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass. The implementation of no wake and slow wake areas helps maintain the serenity of its glasslike surface. Perfect for kayakers!


Upper Eau Claire Lake, Bayfield County, WI

Visibility: 25.3 feet

The Upper Eau Claire Lake is in Barnes, WI and is a part of the Eau Claire Lakes Chain. We could talk about the spring-fed 11-lake Eau Claire Lakes Chain for days! For now, we’ll just say Upper Eau Claire Lake is 1,024 acres with 25.3 feet of visibility and is well known for a wide variety of outdoor recreation options. The Eau Claire Lakes Chain provides opportunities to hike, bike, observe wildlife, boat, fish and in the winter months, even offers a wonderful place to cross-country ski or snowmobile! These lakes have an abundance of Musky, Panfish, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye!


The next time you are looking to enjoy a cocktail in the beautiful Wisconsin outdoors, consider making the trek to one of these must-see lakes. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, kayaking, or just gazing out over the serene, crystal-clear surface at a beautiful sunset, the clearest lakes in Wisconsin are an unforgettable experience made even better with a Northern Oasis Spirits cocktail!