These Are The Midwest’s 3 Most Underrated Lake Towns For Summer

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I've been all around the world.

As such, when I hear the word “lake”, my ears perk up like a dog at the sound of sizzling bacon.

But that's because I've been fooled too many times growing up in Texas, where people tend to settle for brackish waters and oil-spilled marinas.

The Midwest is a whole different ballgame, though.

Some of the best lakeside getaways are smack dab in the middle of the country with many oases exuding Caribbean blue waters.

Experts at Midwest Living just revealed an insightful list of must-visit summer escapes, so we handpicked the 3 biggest surprises, surely to blow your mind, as they're all equal parts fun and beautiful to visit, especially our top pick, boasting a timeless waterfront castle.

PLUS: We've created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find out which one is your perfect match!

3) Minocqua, Wisconsin

Travel Off Path reminds you to double-check the latest Travel Alerts before your next trip.

Tucked away in Wisconsin's lush Northwoods lies the little-known town of Minocqua, full of summer thrills and hallmark charm both in and out of the city limits.

If you're the type that can't wait to splash around in the summer sun, there's no better place in the “Badger State” as the broader Minocqua area has more than 3,200 lakes, streams, and ponds.

While you might be badgered to visit a more notable lake destination, such as Chicago, tell your pals to give Minocqua a chance for its blissful outdoors and jam-packed calendar.

One must-see event is the Min-Aqua Bats water-ski show, held 3 nights per week like clockwork.

As a very family-friendly getaway, there's no shortage of ways to keep the kiddos busy from a Children's Museum to axe-throwing at the Lumberjack Village.

I wouldn't have trusted 8-year-old me with sharp objects, but then again I wasn't fully potty-trained 'til I was 7, so there's that…

Grown-ups can savor the flavor of many downtown eateries and splurge on themselves at more than 100 shops in town — many of them antiques.

Remember what Wisconsin is known for — majestic lakes and legendary cheese.

Don't skip The Cheese Board, holding an impressive 4.7 stars on Google. When in Rome, right?

2) Okoboji, Iowa

I tried not to sound cheesy about Wisconsin, so now I'll try not to sound corny for Iowa.

With that, I think I failed already..

Seriously, though, it may be hard to fathom, but Iowa is a vacation destination come summertime.

Maybe Des Moines is a snoozer, but Okoboji fits the mold of Lake Titicaca as it's just as fun to visit as it is to say — unless you want to feel local and call it “Boji”.

Set along the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake, part of the interconnected chain of glacial lakes known as the Iowa Great Lakes, this relatively unknown hideaway to most is one of the Midwest's biggest surprises.

We’re talking a lakeside amusement park set to open for summer on May 16th, numerous sandy beaches, sunset boat rides, live music, and the regionally famous Nutty Bar Stand.

Out of all those, Arnold's Park is one you can't miss as there's something for everyone, including a classic wooden roller coaster that's been thrilling lakegoers for almost a century.

1) Charlevoix, Michigan

We kicked off 2026 with a bang, featuring Charlevoix as one of this year's best-kept secrets that won't be held much longer.

Clearly, we meant it because here we are again.

Straddling 3 different beautiful lakes — Lake Charlevoix, Lake Michigan, and Round Lake — those who prefer to avoid elbow-to-elbow crowds on the coast will love all the open space and shoreline scenery this town has to offer.

And yes, as you can see above, this is one of those Midwest paradises where the water looks like it’s trying to out-blue the Caribbean.

But it's not just the Caribbean it attempts to rival; there's a mini slice of Europe too with its mesmerizing “mushroom houses” and a postcard castle offering guided tours when it's not serving as an epic wedding backdrop.

Now take this quiz to find your perfect lake match!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.