In the process of driving indirectly to this year's MOM, we were smitten with the lake country. Such a change from the desert. Anyway, we have decided that we should give some thought to spending 3 or 4 days on one of those lakes on some future summer trip. Since several EA members are from that area, I was wondering if somebody could suggest a lake for us. We really did more than enough driving this year. Another time we would like to go someplace and hang out for a couple of days. Said lake should have a beach, a town, boat rental, etc. (enough to keep a family occuppied for a couple of days). Any suggestions from you local guys?

Arab Nights (imported) wrote: Wed Aug 11, 2010 7:53 pm In the process of driving indirectly to this year's MOM, we were smitten with the lake country. Such a change from the desert. Anyway, we have decided that we should give some thought to spending 3 or 4 days on one of those lakes on some future summer trip. Since several EA members are from that area, I was wondering if somebody could suggest a lake for us. We really did more than enough driving this year. Another time we would like to go someplace and hang out for a couple of days. Said lake should have a beach, a town, boat rental, etc. (enough to keep a family occuppied for a couple of days). Any suggestions from you local guys?

About 5,000 to choose from in MN. Big ones would be Lake Mille Lacs or Leach Lake. Otherwise would need to know preferences a bit more closely - for MN. Other states, I can't help - I have no idea...

I know there are about 5,000 to choose from. That is the problem. I think part was just the coolish summer weather and beauty of the blue water and the trees. I would think a largish beach would be good for a family to splash around in. Also a lake large enough that one can tool around a bit and not be instantly bored. Maybe do some fishing. While resorts can be nice, I like having a town that one can walk around and have a choice of restaurants, maybe a saddle and tack place to buy some toys to help pass the time (sorry, couldn't resist).

That'd be my basic list.

A lake large enough to engage my interest exploring it.

A reasonable beach for everybody to splash around.

Boat rental. Fishing. Perhaps water skiing.

A small town with a variety of restuarants with condom / fishing lure dispensers in the men's room.

Is that asking too much?

I would suggest Minaqua WI. It would fit your desires very well. Its kind of touristy but it seems that is what you're looking for. I haven't stayed there in summer, just for a snowmobile event on the lake and a couple times for my kid's hockey but have driven through numerous times in summer and it looks perfect. A bit less touristy would be Eagle River WI on the chain of lakes where I'm guessing the fishing would be better in some of the areas provided by the lakes and river chain. Chambers of commerce in both areas should give you plenty of info.

My Good friend Clysmaniac has made an excellent choice But it will be easier to find if you use the correct spelling. LOOK for "MINOCQUA" Wisconsin. In some ways a typical tourist trap but a beautiful area, dozens of lakes within a few miles, lots of woods, deer, fishing etc. The town itself sits on an island in the middle of Lake Minocqua, a rather large lake. Been there many times and have always enjoyed it.