An easy drive from Milwaukee, Big Cedar Lake in Washington County packs a surprising amount into a day trip or weekend. It's the largest lake in the county, with more than 10 miles of tree-lined shoreline, and it's built for people who like to be on the water: four public boat launches, each with trailer parking, dot the shoreline. The main launch sits off Gonring Drive (daily or seasonal fee applies), with additional access at Paradise Drive, Cedar Park Drive, and South Hacker Drive.
Anglers get a genuine challenge here. The water runs clear, which makes the bass, pike, and panfish warier than in murkier lakes — Travel Wisconsin publishes species-specific tips on bait and locations if you want to tip the odds. Know the rules before you cast: five bass minimum, each over 14 inches, and a three-walleye cap with an 18-inch minimum. Come winter, the lake doesn't shut down — fishing and recreation continue year-round. In summer it's kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, tubing, and wakeboarding, with a backdrop of woods and lake homes.
The trails around the lake are half the appeal. Fox Hill Nature Preserve has over 5 miles of multi-use trails winding through prairie, wetland, and woodland, and it doubles as a snowshoe and cross-country ski spot in winter — the terrain features classic Wisconsin kames and moraines. The Polk Kames Kettle Hills Nature Preserve connects to a 3-mile stretch of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a good pick if you want wetlands and forest in one hike.
Two quieter preserves round it out. Rudorf Farm spans 98 acres of open farmland and black locust trees with views over the lake, and in spring it's a stopover for neotropical migratory birds. Water Spirits Preserve, 101 acres, offers about 4 miles of dog-friendly trails, a frog-filled pond, and reliable bluebird sightings.
When you're ready to eat and sleep, the area keeps things local. Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast markets itself to couples, throwing in a complimentary spa service and a hearty breakfast. For a proper lakeside dinner, book a table at Timmer's Resort — the cherry barbecue ribs are the headline act, and the Friday fish fry does what Wisconsin fish fries do best.
Big Cedar Lake works for several kinds of travellers: anglers chasing a clear-water challenge, families who want an easy boating day from Milwaukee, birders with a spring window, and hikers who'd rather share a trail with sandhill cranes than crowds. It's close enough to the city for a spontaneous Saturday, and there's enough variety — four launches, four-plus preserves, year-round access — to justify an overnight. Pack layers if you're visiting between late fall and early spring, since the trail network is arguably at its best under snow.
