This summer, grab your gal pals and escape to Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes for the perfect day or weekend off. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or thrilling adventure, there’s a Wisconsin water getaway for every kind of girlfriend group.
For the Workout-Lovers All the yogis out there will delight in the newest trend to hit Wisconsin’s lakes: stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) yoga. Combining two zen workouts into one, SUP yoga is a balancing act and absolute blast. There’s nothing like striking a warrior pose in the middle of a lake.
You and your girlfriends can take a private class or join a group class to try this water workout. SUP yoga is available on lakes in Madison, De Pere and Waupaca.
Wisconsin also offers excellent kayaking excursions. Ladies looking for a leisurely experience can rent kayaks at the deservedly-popular Mirror Lake State Park near Wisconsin Dells. For a lengthier trip, take your girls kayaking in Door County to explore caves and shipwrecks. The Apostle Islands at the top of the state also offer magnificent views of sea caves and sunken vessels, but are best for the gals who want to spend a full day or weekend paddling.
For the Cocktail Crowd In Wisconsin, you and your girlfriends can hop on a captained boat for a cocktail cruise unlike any other.
For the ultimate lounging experience, bring your girls on the Pontoon Porch in Madison. Think house boat meets comfy backyard barbecue. Put up your feet, let the wind brush your face and raise a glass to the gals as you glide around Lake Mendota.
If your group would rather taste test drinks, try the Riverwalk Boat Tours' pub crawl on the Milwaukee River. The boat stops at three different riverside pubs, where you can sample the brews that made Milwaukee the beer capital of the world.
For the Beach Bums Ditch the spa and relax instead on one of Wisconsin’s picturesque beaches. North Beach in Racine is rated one of the top beaches in America with 2,500 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. You can sunbathe on white sand, read and listen to live music with the ladies. Further north in Two Rivers, Point Beach State Forest is a less populated but equally beautiful beach option, ideal for girlfriends who want to add camping to the trip.
Don’t want sand in your shoes? Float down a natural Wisconsin “lazy river” for a little R&R. S&B Tubing facilitates trips on southern Wisconsin's Sugar River, letting your girl group focus on the fun.
For the Adrenaline Junkies If your girlfriends have a wild side, schedule a group surfing lesson at EOS Surf in Sheboygan. Surfing in Wisconsin is mostly a cold weather sport, but you can still catch some big Lake Michigan waves in late August and September.
Another heart-thumping adventure is white water rafting on the Wolf, Menominee, and Pestigo rivers through. With some sections reaching Class III and IV rapids, your group will never forget this girls’ weekend. You’ll have many options for outfitters that combine camping with rafting, with Kosir’s being the most established.