Adventure Locations

Located in Richfield, WI, just south of Holy Hill, Little Friess and “Big” Freiss lakes are connected by a narrow channel. Little Friess Lake is a 16-acre lake with a max depth of 34ft, and “Big” Friess Lake is a 121-acre lake with a max depth of 48 ft. Little Friess DNR Site “Big” Friess DNR Site 

This adventure offers you a unique kayaking and canoeing experience great for all ages! Two lakes and a river experience all in one! From our main launch point, you paddle a short distance down the marshy channel that opens to gorgeous Little Friess Lake. Few boats roam here, and you can often enjoy a calm paddle throughout. A shallow stretch of the Oconomowoc River branches off to the south and (water-level permitting) will lead you on a secluded journey full of beautiful views and opportunities to spot some wildlife. The channel to “Big” Friess Lake starts from the northeastern shore of Little Friess. Head on over to enjoy views along the shoreline, including homes, restaurants Glacier Hills County Park (part of the Washington County Parks System) lines the western shoreline. You can dock here to explore for a bit or cool off with a brief swim! Motorized boats/ Jet Skiers are often active here during the day in this area, so paddling near the shoreline is a b. There are many great opportunities for pictures and fishing throughout! Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.

After your paddle, you may want to head back to the Park to enjoy the numerous trails or visit one of those great lakeside restaurants! Glacier Hills County Park (Park Map Directions) offers the following amenities (you will need either a Washington County Park Sticker ($30) or Daily Pass ($5) to enter):

             • Playground Equipment

             • Historical Site

             • Basketball Court

             • Fishing

             • Hiking Trails

             • Reservable Shelter / Chapel

             • Ranger House Rental

             • Heated Flush Restrooms

             • Sand Volleyball Court 

             • Swimming

             • Rustic Cabins Rentals 

             • Dock

Little Cedar Lake - Ackerman's Grove County Park

We access Little Cedar Lake at Ackerman's Grove County Park (part of the Washington County Parks System) in West Bend, WI. Little Cedar covers 246 acres, has a shoreline of 4.5 miles, and reaches a max depth of 56 feet.  DNR site – Drone Footage – Park Map

Little Cedar Lake is an excellent lake for teen and adult paddlers to explore and fish. Paddle north from our launch point to enjoy views of the many beautiful homes lining the shoreline on the largest area of the lake. Motorized boats and Jet Skiers are often active here during the day in this area, so paddling near the shore is the best practice. If you travel over the sandbar to the northwestern section of the lake, you can explore a less populated shoreline with areas of cattails and lily pads along the western banks. Towards the southern tip of the lake, you will experience a marsh-like area that passes by the beach and eventually narrows to a slow-moving creek. When water levels permit, you can go on a secluded journey down and back. There are countless opportunities to take great pictures, go fishing, and even spot wildlife throughout the lake. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. You will need either a Washington County Park Sticker ($30) or Daily Pass ($5) to enter the Park. When you need a break on land, the Park offers these great amenities to enjoy:

• Lakefront Picnic Area

• Playground Equipment

• Heated Flush Restrooms

• Sand Volleyball Court 

• Fishing Pier

• Hiking Trail

• 3 Reservable Shelters

• Swimming Beach (no lifeguard provided)

Mauthe Lake - Mauthe Lake Recreation Area

Located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit in Campbellsport, WI. Mauthe Lake is a 70-acre lake with a max depth of 23 feet. DNR site – Park Map

Mauthe Lake is an excellent location for all ages to kayak and canoe! You get to explore the lake and take a journey up the Milwaukee River and back! Your adventure begins right as you launch. No motorboats or jet skiers are allowed on the water so that you can enjoy a peaceful paddle clear across the lake. The south shoreline includes a beach, boat launch, and fishing pier, while the remainder of the lake’s shoreline is uninhabited. Heading north leads to the East Branch of the Milwaukee River, which is wide enough to paddle side-by-side while taking in views of the scenery and wildlife along the way. There are excellent fishing and photo opportunities throughout. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. You will need either a Wisconsin State Park Sticker ($28) or Daily Pass ($8) to enter. When you are ready for a break on land, the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area includes the following amenities:

             • Playground Equipment

             • Fishing Pier

             • Hiking/Biking Trails

             • Reservable Shelter

             • Parking Areas

             • Flush Restrooms

             • Beach/Swimming Area

             • Campground

Silver Lake - Henschke Hillside Lake Access

We access this lake at Henschke Hillside Lake Access in West Bend, WI. Silver Lake (Paradise Valley) is a 122-acre lake with a maximum depth of 47 feet. DNR site

Silver Lake is a fun lake to paddle and fish in for all ages! From the launch point, you enter the northern “bowls” of the lake separated by an island and sandbar. These are perfect areas to fish and enjoy a calm paddle without boats speeding past as this part of the lake is “no wake”.  As you paddle south down the channel to the larger area of the lake, you will find gorgeous views of the homes along the lakeshore. Boaters and Jet Skiers are active in this area, so sticking along the shores is a best practice during prime hours. If you head southwest about ¾ of the way across the lake, there is a “sunken island” that can provide some exciting fishing along its edges. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. You will often see boaters parked in this area enjoying a swim, although in a kayak or canoe, please do not attempt this. Keep an eye out for turtles and birds, and take some pictures as you enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout. There is no park attached to this lake, but the parking area includes bathrooms. After your adventure, nearby West Bend has many restaurants to enjoy a meal and numerous shopping opportunities.

Smith Lake - West Bend WI

Located just outside of West Bend, WI. Smith Lake is an 85-acre lake and has a max depth of only 5 feet. DNR site

Smith Lake is a hidden gem that teen and adult paddlers can enjoy! It is a fun spot to fish or just paddle around and explore. The entire lake is “no wake,” and there are very few if any boats roaming the lake. At only 5 feet at its deepest point, you can see clear to the bottom in most areas. Along your journey, you may see cranes, turtles, muskrats, and even fish in the clear water! Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike. Great opportunities for photos throughout the lake! There is no park attached to this lake and no bathrooms.