Information
Landmark: Big Cedar LakeCity: Milwaukee
Country: USA Wisconsin
Continent: North America
Big Cedar Lake, Milwaukee, USA Wisconsin, North America
Overview
Big Cedar Lake, a well-known freshwater spot in southeastern Wisconsin, stretches across Washington County, where sunlight glints off its clear, rippling surface.At roughly 937 acres, it’s the biggest lake in the Cedar Lakes watershed, its shoreline winding for about 10.2 miles and plunging as deep as 105 feet.The lake’s glassy water, framed by rolling green hills and alive with diverse wildlife, draws both locals and outdoor lovers year-round.Big Cedar Lake sits about 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee, close enough for a quick drive into the city yet far enough to hear only the wind in the trees.Thousands of years ago, glaciers carved the lake’s basin into a deep, uneven floor, where shadowy hollows and sunlit shallows now shelter a wide variety of aquatic life.Around you, patches of dark pine give way to glistening wetlands, and beyond them, soft hills roll toward the horizon.This rich habitat teems with life, from the flash of a mallard’s wings over the pond to the trill of songbirds and the quiet rustle of native creatures in the grass.The lake sits within a sprawling watershed of 15 linked lakes, each feeding the others and helping keep the water clear and the region’s ecosystems in balance.Big Cedar Lake teems with fish, from glinting bass to feisty northern pike, making it a favorite spot for anglers.You’ll often find largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, and walleye-sometimes shimmering just below the rippling surface.The lake shelters the rare, protected lake sturgeon, though few are born here in the wild.Local fishing clubs team up with Wisconsin’s DNR to keep the fishery thriving, regularly releasing tiny walleye fingerlings into the lake’s cool, rippling water.By staying hands-on, we keep fish populations thriving-plenty for the next quiet morning with a line in the water.Big Cedar Lake is a favorite spot for fun on the water, whether you’re skimming across the surface on water skis, carving turns on a wakeboard, bouncing along in a tube, or just cruising slowly past the pine-lined shore.You can set out from several public boat launches, whether you’re steering a motorboat, hoisting a sail, or firing up a jet ski with the smell of fresh lake water in the air.Anglers fish the lake all year, slipping in at boat ramps or leaning over the weathered planks of shoreline piers.You can fish the lake day or night, and when winter freezes the water solid, locals drill holes through the ice to drop their lines.Around the lake, well-kept trails wind along the shore and into the surrounding wild, where visitors can spot native plants and watch herons glide by, no matter the season.In the warmer months, you can swim in the lake’s designated areas, then spread a blanket in the nearby park for a picnic, a lazy afternoon, or catching up with friends under the shade of tall trees.Big Cedar Lake sits alongside several small towns, among them West Bend, Slinger, and Allenton, each with its own charm-like West Bend’s quiet main street lined with old brick storefronts.These towns offer everything from cozy cafés and small shops to comfortable inns and everyday services, welcoming locals and travelers alike.Being so close to Milwaukee makes the lake even more inviting, a quick drive that swaps city noise for the sound of wind rustling through the trees.Local groups, including the Big Cedar Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District, work hard to keep the lake healthy-testing the water, pulling out invasive weeds, and teaching neighbors why it matters.You can reach the lake by taking Wisconsin Highway 45 or winding along smaller local roads, where a few marked spots let you launch a boat or simply step onto the shore for an afternoon of fishing.To keep the lake’s waters clear, its habitats intact, and its shoreline steady, officials have launched initiatives that balance recreation with conservation.Strict seasonal rules and hands-on care from the community keep the lake’s ecosystem healthy, so Big Cedar Lake stays a prime spot for casting a line, skimming across the water, or simply watching the sunset-now and for years ahead.Big Cedar Lake blends scenic shorelines, lively recreation, and a deep respect for conservation, creating a rich outdoor escape in southeastern Wisconsin.With clear water you can see straight to the pebbled bottom, rich fishing grounds, and views that stretch to the horizon, it’s a favorite for anglers, boaters, hikers, and anyone craving a quiet escape just minutes from the city.
