Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Vilas County, Rest Lake stands as a serene gem within the enchanting Manitowish Waters Chain, a network of 10 mesmerizing lakes, including Manitowish Lake, Little Star Lake, Island Lake, Clear Lake, Fawn Lake, Spider Lake, Stone Lake, Wild Rice Lake, and Alder Lake. Shrouded in natural beauty, Rest Lake beckons with its tranquil waters, cradled by a dam erected in 1887 to serve the logging industry. Reconstructed in 1926 under the guardianship of the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company, this dam now oversees a seasonal drawdown of 5 feet from late autumn until the herald of spring, safeguarding the lake’s underwater ecosystem and averting potential floods. Boasting 808 acres of crystal-clear azure waters in the idyllic Northwoods expanse of Wisconsin, Rest Lake promises a delightful escape no matter the season. A haven for maritime adventures, Rest Lake offers a diverse array of boating pursuits, with an average depth of 18 feet and plunging to a maximum depth of 53 feet. Fishing enthusiasts rejoice in reeling in prized catches such as walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, and bluegill from these prized waters. The embrace Manitowish River flowing through Rest Lake acts as a liquid pathway connecting to other neighboring lakes like Stone Lake, Spider Lake, and Island Lake, enticing outdoor enthusiasts to embark on watery sojourns through canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and tubing expeditions.
Diversifying the experience beyond waterborne pursuits, the environs of Rest Lake offer an enchanting medley of family-friendly activities. Venture to the Northwoods Children’s Museum for an immersive educational journey into realms of science, history, art, and culture, or partake in the delights of summer camps tailored for youthful joy. Seek solace amidst the Frank Koller Memorial Library pages, where panoramic vistas and gripping literary adventures await. For those eager to explore the natural bounty surrounding Rest Lake, the North Lakeland Discovery Center presents a gateway to environmental enlightenment through wooded trails accommodating hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and birdwatching excursions. Embracing its ecological tapestry, Rest Lake proudly boasts the Powell Marsh Wildlife Area, a sprawling expanse spanning 4,300 acres of marshland punctuated by a 1,800-acre wildlife refuge zone, closed from September to December for an animal sanctuary. Embraced by hunters, birdwatchers, trappers, and hikers alike, this wildlife haven teems with natural wonders. Rest Lake Park and Frank B Koller Memorial Park are nestled near the lake, beckoning with picnic grounds, grills, and gentle lake entrances conducive to leisurely boating escapades. As summer draws near, the vibrant atmosphere of water ski shows at Rest Lake Park intertwines with the musical rhythms of the Music in the Park Sunday Concert Series at Koller Memorial Park, enriching the experience for families and friends alike. Embark on a brief journey to discover many outdoor pleasures awaiting your arrival – from premier downhill ski facilities and snowmobile clubs to scenic golf courses and picturesque horseback riding trails. Traverse the enchanting trails of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail, featuring five highway-based guides unveiling exceptional sites for birdwatching and wildlife observation across 80 waypoints. Enveloped by the expansive embrace of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, the Manitowish Waters Chain hosts many recreational opportunities spanning canoeing, hiking, birding, snowmobiling, biking, and hunting excursions. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Cranberry Marsh Tours that unfurl in autumn, offering a sensorial delight through self-guided fall color tours, arts and crafts exhibitions, delectable cranberry tastings, live music temptations from local restaurants, and captivating pontoon cruises along the Manitowish Waters chain. Be it the vibrant hues of autumn or the glistening snows of winter; Rest Lake transcends the boundaries of time and season to cater to every whim and fancy. Find solace in the abundance of vacation rentals and real estate offerings available, beckoning you to transform a fleeting visit into a lifelong respite amidst the tranquil embrace of Rest Lake.
