Just 3.5 Hours From Chicago—This Dreamy Lake Town Is Still a Hidden Gem, Beloved for itsSophisticated Charm and Feels Like a Year-Round Resort

A little over three hours north of Chicago , you’ll find a quaint, small town that invites you to slow down and bask in all the changing seasons. Tucked in south-central Wisconsin , Green Lake has recently earned a spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the best lake towns in America to live in year-round —and it’s easy to see why. With a serene waterfront and the largest natural inland lake in Wisconsin , Green Lake offers a unique blend of warmth and beauty. A waterfront town that is worth the trip -------------------------------------------- While Harbor Country is often referre d to as the ‘Hamptons of Michigan,’ Green Lake shares many of the same qualities, attracting summer visitors since the 1800s, when its shoreline was dotted with just a few rustic resorts. Today, Green Lake maintains a small-town resort feel that embraces a slower pace of life while still embodying a distinctly sophisticated Chicago persona. The lake itself might be the biggest draw: at 236 feet deep, it’s the deepest natural inland lake in Wisconsin and stretches 7 miles, making it ideal for sailing. Luxury and leisure, no matter the season -------------------------------------------- In the summer, visitors can head down to Green Lake Marina to rent a fishing boat, pontoon, or enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, or tubing. Gold enthusiasts can also play a round at Tuscumbia Golf Course—one of Wisconsin’s oldest courses. In the winter, residents can stay active despite snow and frigid temperatures through popular pastimes such as snowmobiling, fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. However, nothing beats the warm community, where residents participate in events like chili cook-offs, festivals, live music, and more. One of the most cherished is Thrasher Opera House , which hosts live music and showcases talent from across the region. It also features compelling events, such as Eats For The Arts, a magical foodie experience that lets visitors sample flavors from culinary establishments throughout the region and neighboring areas. Source: https://secretchicago.com/top-lake-town-to-live-in-year-round-2025-green-lake-wisconsin/