Lake Guide

WISCONSIN LAKES CLARITY

Now information about the clarity of Wisconsin’s 8,000 largest lakes is as close as your computer. These are satellite-based estimates prepared by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers assisted by volunteers across the state.

The usual way of measuring lake clarity is by using a secchi disc. This disc has a pattern on its top. It is lowered into the water until it disappears. The point where it disappears is the "secchi depth." By correlating the satellite data with secchi measurements of a sampling of lakes, the researchers were able to calculate the clarity of all other lakes.

Lake information is a requirement in a search for a Wisconsin lakefront home.The University of Wisconsin has a web site providing this information for most lakes in the State (occasionally it is off-line for maintenance). Here is the link: http://wms.ssec.wisc.edu/LakesTSI/

This information is available in map form through the following link: http://lakesat.ssec.wisc.edu/documents/wi_lake_clarity_poster.pdf

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is one of the best sources of information on lakes. The link below will take you to an index of most lakes in the state.

TWIN LAKES WATERFRONT $930,000

Bring the whole family! Bedrooms for all! 7000 sq. ft. of lake frontage on nearly 3/4 acre lot. Located on the south end of Lake Elizabeth where privacy is king and wildlife abounds. Enjoy magnificent sunsets from your three seasons Gazebo. Five bedrooms, two master suites - one of which is 1100+ sq/ft. This three level home with full walkout basement leaves nothing out for seasonal or full time living. Extra lighting thru-out, game room, large kitchen with eating counter. Hardwood flooring in the living area.

You can get lake size, depth, kinds of fish present, clarity, location of boat landings along with aerial views, maps, facts and figures, and in some cases boating ordinances. However, the site will warn you that local ordinances may be more restrictive than shown in the State database. The only way to be sure of a water body's current ordinances is to read the signs posted at public boat landings.

http://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/Results.aspx

Another convenient quick reference tool for seeing lake clarity is the University of Minnesota Remote Sensing of Water Resources web site. This link will take you to its satellite images of water clarity. While the map covers primarily Illinois, Indiana and Ohio it also covers most of southeast Wisconsin. Its color coding allows you to quickly compare lakes for clarity.

http://water.umn.edu/nalms/

WISCONSIN LAKES BOOK

Wisconsin Lakes Book is a publication of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Watershed Management. It provides information on lake size, depth, type of public access, availability of lake maps, fish species, etc. The publication is available on line by following this link, then search Wisconsin Lakes Book. http://dnr.wi.gov/

MILL LAKE FRONTAGE $439,275

4 bedroom 2.5 bath walk-out ranch has 81' of sandy level shoreline and sits nestled in the Bay leading out to Mill Lake. Two fireplaces, cathedral ceiling, wrap around deck has access from both upper and lower levels. Extra storage shed can house jet skis or snowmobiles.

OTHER LAKE BOOKS

Life on the Edge, Owning Waterfront Property, a publication of the UW Extension Lakes Program, is a must read for anyone considering the purchase of a Wisconsin lakefront home. It is available at (click Resources, then Bookstore):

http://www4.uwsp.edu/uwexlakes/

WISCONSIN BOATING REGULATIONS and HANDBOOK, 2011/2012 Edition

Download from this link. For those interested in Wisconsin boating, this is a must read. Specific questions should be directed to local law enforcement authorities or Department of Natural Resources personnel. Telephone numbers and web sites are listed in the forward.

This is a comprehensive handbook of Wisconsin boating. It covers registration, required equipment, on the water conduct, accident reporting, navigation rules, aquatic invasive species, etc.

Of particular interest to those considering the purchase of lakefront property are the "no wake" and "no motor" rules.

VIEWS OF GENEVA LAKE $990,000

Experience the gorgeous views of Geneva Lake that you've been hoping for. This 1st time offering is just one home off the water, where only 8 homes share the lakefront park and pier. Spacious year-round 3 bedroom 3 bath all cedar ranch has open concept vaulted great room w/hardwood floors and walls of windows to capture the exceptional view. Two decks for entertaining, or just gazing at the lake. Large finished lower level with bathroom, craft room, egress window and ample storage.

There are Wisconsin lakes called no wake lakes and no motor lakes. Motorboats may not be operated at speeds greater than "slow-no-wake" on lakes of 50 acres or less having public access, except when such lakes serve as thoroughfares between 2 or more navigable lakes. Slow-no-wake is that speed at which a boat moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control.

CAUTION, local units of government may adopt further boating regulations for Wisconsin lakes in their jurisdictions, including the prohibition of motorboats. Local regulations are posted at a lake’s public access point.

http://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/le/le0301.pdf

PUBLIC BOAT ACCESS

Under this site's Public Boat Access button you will see photos of selected public boat access sites in Walworth, Kenosha and Racine Counties, along with posted fees and regulations. More information, such as boat registration, where to boat, safety education, etc. can be found by following the link below to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' page "Boating in Wisconsin".

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/boat/

This is the DNR's entry point into statewide boating information. The "Boat Landings" link will take you to extensive information about each landing, including parking availability.

BURLINGTON AREA LAKEFRONT $495,900

Beautiful Brown's Lake lakefront home on 200' of frontage plus boathouse. Panoramic views, beach and pier. Wonderful updated kitchen with hardwood floors and solid surface counter tops. Large dining area and picture windows. Large living room with fireplace. Finished lower level with 2nd kitchen. Newer windows, roof and siding. Year round or seasonal living.

YOUR OWN LAKEFRONT OR WATER ACCESS HOME

Tired of crowded public boat ramps with no place to park? Not all lakefront and water access homes cost millions of dollars. As the chart below shows, homes with lake frontage start as low as $300,000. Those at the low end or below often need work or have less desirable frontage, but they will get you on a lake. Also, these are the larger lakes. I regularly follow properties on 67 lakes or more. Many of them have lower prices, or better homes in the same price ranges

*Name of Lake*	*County*	Price Range of Most	Highest Sale Since 7/1/09*
Ripley	Jefferson	$400,000 to $700,000	$182,175
Rock	Jefferson	$500,000 to $800,000	$750,000
Powers	Kenosha	$600,000 to $1,200,000	$1,795,000

AFFORDABLE LAKEFRONT HOME $399,900

Affordable Lakefront home. This home sits on the water's edge with a large deck and beautiful views of sunsets over Lake Como. A large home with 5 bedrooms including Master Suite. Close to all the fun that lake living offers. Move in condition. Nice large pier.

Twin Lakes	Kenosha	$500,000 to $1,000,000	$1,400,000
Browns	Racine	$500,000 to $850,000	$182,175
Tichigan	Racine	$300,000 to $700,000	$600,000
Wind	Racine	$300,000 to $500,000	$539,000
Beulah	Walworth	$600,000 to $2,000,000	$1,295,000
Como	Walworth	$500,000 to $1,000,000	$1,020,000
Delavan	Walworth	$600,000 to $1,500,000	$1,500,000

ON WIND LAKE CANAL $255,000

Fall season is here & almost winter season for ice fishing! This 4 year old, 3 bdrm, 2 bath home located on 85' frontage along the Muskego Wind Lake Canal leading to Wind Lake. Patio pavers lead the way to the private dock where you can enjoy peaceful mornings & nights by the dock before heading out to beautiful Wind Lake. This home features vaulted ceilings, ceramic tile flooring in the foyer entrance, kitchen & baths. Call today to make your appointment to view. Make an offer on your new four season home.

Geneva	Walworth	$1,500,000 to $3 Mil.	$3,575,000
Lauderdale Lakes	Walworth	$600,000 to $2,000,000	$1,220,000
Whitewater	Walworth	$500,000 to $1,000,000	$625,000
Keesus	Waukesha	$400,000 to $900,000	$860,000
Lac La Belle	Waukesha	$700,000 to $1,400,000	$1,520,000
Little Muskego	Waukesha	$400,000 to $1,400,000	None
Lower Nashotah	Waukesha	$800,000 to $1,500,000	$1,510,000

SILVER LAKE FRONTAGE $219,900

At Rustic Shores on Silver Lake, you're buying a lifestyle. There's plenty of time to move into this open concept 3 bd condo to enjoy the 4th of July festivities on the lake! You'll never get bored here w/so many things to enjoy: private sandy beach, boat docks, fishing pier, fire pit, picnic area, tennis court, outdoor pool & hot tub! You don't want to be the last to see how great this gated community is - whether for a vacation getaway or permanent residence - call today!

Lower Nemahbin	Waukesha	$500,000 to $700,000	$670,000
Nagawicka	Waukesha	$600,000 to $1,200,000	$1,120,000
Okauchee	Waukesha	$400,000 to $1,500,000	$1,077,500
Pewaukee	Waukesha	$500,000 to $1,500,000	$2,000,000
Upper Nenahbin	Waukesha	$800,000 to $1,000,000	$505,000
*SOURCE: Wisconsin Department of Revenue transfer tax return filings July 1, 2009 through July 20, 2010.

CLOSE TO BEACH $217,000

Immaculate condition! Upgraded second floor unit across from the pool. Cathedral ceilings, skylight, all appliances, screened-in porch, in-unit laundry room, fireplace, custom window treatments, attached garage, ceramic tile and more! Only minutes to downtown Williams Bay and the lakefront beach!

Those seeking lower prices should consider homes on channels leading to lakes, or with water access through lakefront parks owned by property owners associations. These homes often have rental or deeded piers or buoys.They can be found in most price ranges. I will be happy to tell you what is available in your price range, as well as send you new listings as soon as they are put on the MLS. Just call me at 262-880-7121, or fill out the email form on this site.

If you prefer to do your own search, go to the Property Search tab and follow the link under MLS SEARCH. If you find something interesting, just call or email and I will send you the complete MLS listing.

INFORMATION IS SUPPLIED BY SELLERS AND OTHER THIRD PARTIES AND HAS NOT BEEN VERIFIED

DETAILED MLS LISTINGS

of these properties, and others appearing in this web site, listed by the Lake Geneva office of Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell, can be found by following this link:

Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell Office Listings

FORECLOSURES, ESTATE PROPERTIES, ETC. WITH WATER FRONTAGE Periodically I search the Multiple Listing Service and compile lists of properties in Wisconsin, with water frontage, that are foreclosures, bank owned, offered "as is", as short sales or properties in other unique situations. These lists are updated every 10 days or so. The search method is not perfect, and some may be missed. If you would like to see the results of the latest search, click on the following link:

Foreclosures, Estates

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