Lake Country, WI Lake Homes
SeaRch By Lake Search By Listings
Lake Country is home to 11 major lakes, each with its own character. Some are large and busy with public boat launches and weekend crowds. Others are entirely private, limited to property owners only. Entry-level lakefront starts around $800,000 on smaller lakes, while premium properties on private lakes can exceed $5 million.
This page covers every lake in the region: what makes each one different, typical price ranges, and which lakes suit different buyers. Use the comparison insights below to narrow your search, then explore individual lake pages for detailed information and current listings.
Search Waukesha County Lake Homes For Sale:
Large, Active Lakes
These lakes support skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and full recreation. Public boat launches bring weekend traffic, but the size handles it. If you want maximum water activity, start here.
Pewaukee Lake is Lake Country's largest at nearly 2,500 acres. Two public launches, walkable village with restaurants and shops, strong sailing community. The busiest lake in the region and the most social. Best for buyers who want to be where the action is.
Okauchee Lake covers 1,210 acres with 90-foot depths and excellent water clarity. Active yacht club with racing, waterfront dining at Golden Mast. Slightly less traffic than Pewaukee but still fully recreational. Best for sailors and buyers who want activity without peak intensity.
Lac La Belle spans 1,100 acres near downtown Oconomowoc. More limited public access keeps traffic moderate. Connected to Fowler Lake via channel. Best for buyers who want a large lake with easier access to town amenities.
Nagawicka Lake covers 981 acres within Delafield city limits. Exceptional water quality with 90-foot depths. Many lakefront homes are walking distance to downtown restaurants and shops. Best for buyers who want clean water and walkable amenities.
Private, Exclusive Lakes
No public access. No boat launches. Only property owners use these waters. You pay a significant premium for that privacy.
Oconomowoc Lake is entirely private with no public access. Estate-level properties, established community, quiet waters. Lake Country's most expensive lakefront market. Best for buyers who prioritize privacy and exclusivity above all else.
Pine Lake is a private lake in Chenequa. Similar exclusivity to Oconomowoc Lake at slightly lower price points. Deep water, excellent clarity. Best for buyers seeking private lake living without the absolute top-tier pricing.
Smaller Lakes and Entry-Level Lakefront
These lakes offer true lakefront ownership at lower price points. Trade-offs include smaller size, less watersports capacity, and quieter lake communities. Good options for fishing, kayaking, pontoon cruising, and buyers who want to be on the water without the premium.
- Nemahbin Lakes includes Upper and Lower Nemahbin connected by a channel, 410 combined acres. Public access, decent fishing, family-friendly. Located in Summit near Delafield.
- North Lake covers 440 acres with good depth. Quiet residential character in Merton. Solid middle-ground option between busy and private.
- Beaver Lake spans 229 acres with good fishing and a relaxed atmosphere. Entry-level lakefront for buyers testing the waters.
- Lake Keesus covers 236 acres in Merton. Similar profile to Beaver Lake. Affordable entry point to Lake Country lakefront.
- Nashotah Lakes includes Upper and Lower Nashotah, the smallest lakes on this list. Quiet, secluded, lowest price points. Best for buyers who want lakefront ownership on a budget.
How to Choose the Right Lake
- Start with activity level: Do you want jet skis and boat wakes every summer weekend? Pewaukee and Okauchee. Want recreation without the chaos? Nagawicka and Lac La Belle. Want quiet and privacy? Oconomowoc Lake and Pine Lake.
- Set a realistic budget: Entry-level lakefront starts around $800,000 on smaller lakes like Beaver and Keesus. Mid-range runs $900,000 to $1.5 million on lakes like Nagawicka and North Lake. Premium lakefront on Pewaukee starts around $1.2 million. Private lake properties on Oconomowoc Lake rarely come to market under $1.7 million.
- Consider water quality: Nagawicka and Okauchee offer the best clarity among public-access lakes. Pine Lake and Oconomowoc Lake maintain excellent quality with their limited use.
- Think about walkability: Nagawicka puts you within walking distance of Delafield's downtown. Pewaukee Lake connects to Pewaukee village. Most other lakes require driving for restaurants and errands.
Explore Lake Country Communities
The lake you choose also determines your community, schools, and lifestyle. Learn more about the towns surrounding these lakes:
Delafield wraps around Nagawicka Lake and features a historic downtown district with boutique shops, local restaurants, and the landmark Delafield Hotel. The city also provides residents with direct access to Lapham Peak State Park trails and a quick 30-minute commute to Milwaukee.
Oconomowoc civic life is defined by lake living and water sports, with boating, water skiing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing enjoyed at several recreational lakes in the area. The city also features a walkable downtown, access to nearly 50 city parks, seasonal parades, and major community gatherings such as the nationally recognized Festival of the Arts.
Pewaukee is known as the “City in the Lake,” with most activities centered around outdoor recreation, water sports, and lakeside dining. The city is also home to several trails and parks, such as the 460-acre Menomonee Park and several local golf courses, including the championship Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course.
Hartland is a small town offering a quiet, peaceful atmosphere and is also only a 30-minute drive away from downtown Milwaukee. Parks, trails, and community programming keep residents active year-round, with Pewaukee Lake a 15-minute drive from most parts of the town.
Chenequa is a small village that includes Pine Lake, Beaver Lake, and North Lake, with large lakefront properties that are highly desirable to luxury homebuyers.
Merton is a village surrounded by local lakes and parks, with outdoor recreation defining day-to-day life in the community. Residents also enjoy easy access to shopping and dining in Hartland and Oconomowoc, with the village a 30-minute drive to Milwaukee.
Nashotah is a village located in the heart of Lake Country and bordered by a 440+ acre park and Nagawicka Lake. Besides boating, fishing, and water sports, locals enjoy exploring the local park and dining at local restaurants, including the Red Circle Inn.
Summit is a village in central Lake Country bordered by Silver Lake, Golden Lake, and Upper & Lower Nemahbin Lakes. The community has easy access to several parks and lakes, including 17 miles of hiking trails at Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, fishing and boating at Genesse Lake, and public green space at four local parks within the village.
Brookfield is the third-largest city in Waukesha County with major retail options and cultural attractions, along with several major parks including the 223-acre Fox Brook Park. The city is also a convenient 20- to 25-minute drive to downtown Milwaukee.
Nashotah Lakes, Beaver Lake, and Lake Keesus offer the lowest entry points, with lakefront homes occasionally available in the $800,000 range. These smaller lakes have less watersports capacity but provide true lakefront ownership at accessible prices. Nagawicka Lake and Okauchee Lake consistently rank among Waukesha County's cleanest lakes, with depths reaching 90 feet and excellent clarity. Among private lakes, Pine Lake and Oconomowoc Lake maintain exceptional water quality due to limited boat traffic and no public access. Yes. Oconomowoc Lake and Pine Lake are entirely private with no public boat launches. Only property owners and their guests can access these waters. This exclusivity commands significant price premiums, with lakefront homes typically starting above $1 million. Pewaukee Lake and Okauchee Lake offer the best conditions for wake sports. Both are large enough to handle boat traffic while still providing room to run. Pewaukee is the largest at nearly 2,500 acres. Okauchee offers better water clarity with similar recreational capacity. Prices range widely depending on the lake. Entry-level lakefront on smaller lakes starts around $800,000. Mid-range properties on lakes like Nagawicka and North Lake run $900,000 to $1.5 million. Premium lakefront on Pewaukee typically exceeds $1.7 million. Private lake properties on Oconomowoc Lake and Pine Lake range from $1.7 million to over $5 million.Lake Country Lakes FAQs
What is the most affordable lake to buy lakefront property in Lake Country?
Which Lake Country lake has the best water quality?
Are there any private lakes in Lake Country with no public access?
Which lake is best for water skiing and wakeboarding?
How much does lakefront property cost in Lake Country?