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Beat the heat with a visit to Langlade County beach

July 6, 2022

Author:  
Lisa Haefs

Source:  

We are known as the County of Trails, but for folks looking to beat the summer season, we may be the County of Beaches.

With over 841 lakes and almost 400 miles of streams, Langlade County offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a dip in a refreshing body of water.

Five of the best, with excellent public amenities, are located at Jack Lake, Summit Lake, Mueller’s Lake, White Lake, and, in the far southern portion of the county, Phlox Pond.
 
JACK LAKE
The Jack Lake beach is part of Langlade County’s crown jewel, Veterans Memorial Park, located 15 miles north of Antigo off Highway J.

The lake is pristine and crystal-clear, surrounded by hundreds of acres of county-owned forest, rich with recreational opportunities and wildlife. The park and campground are situated on the lake’s west and south shore, nestled among mature maple, birch, oak, and pine trees, providing a relaxing and peaceful setting.

The sandy beach is located adjacent to the sprawling and popular campground, with plenty of restrooms and changing facilities. There are also several pavilions that may be reserved for larger group events, including the MK Splash-N-Dash mix of running and swimming that takes place in August.

Hike or bike one of the park’s many trails and then jump in the water for a refreshing dip. It’s the perfect way to cool off. There are other amenities available as well, including firewood and ice sales, nonmotorized boat rentals, playground equipment, volleyball, and basketball courts, and a 22-hole disc golf course.
 
SUMMIT LAKE
Just 18 miles north of Antigo and 4 miles south of Elcho, Summit Lake is located in the heart of the county’s lake country, surrounded by nearby bodies of water including Bass, Waterpower and Deepwoods.  The 279-acre lake, known for its tannic “root beer” colored water, is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of 29 feet. Because of its gradual slope and sandy bottom, the lake has a reputation as a very friendly destination for families.

Anchoring public amenities is Summit Lake Park, located directly off Highway 45 in the village of Summit Lake. The sandy beach and large grassy area offer excellent opportunities to relax by the water.  The facility has picnic tables, a playground, changing rooms, restrooms, and a pavilion. Two public boat landings are located nearby.

While you’re at the lake, stop by Summit Lake Gas-N-Go for a sub, pizza, or soda or, after a dip, a refreshing ice cream cone. It will quickly become a family tradition.
 
MUELLER LAKE
Located just a short jaunt east of Antigo off Highway 64, the 88-acre Mueller Lake in Polar is a picturesque spot for boating and swimming.

The lake offers a sandy beach area and swimming area.  Changing rooms and toilets are available.

It has a maximum depth of 34 feet and a public boat landing.

Before or after your swim, visit Elton Mall & Outdoor Café located just a few miles farther east on Highway 64. It offers a wide mix of picnic supplies, ice, hot and cold sandwiches, and of course, ice cream.
 
WHITE LAKE
Eastern Langlade County is rightly famous as the site of the fabulous Wolf River, with its mix of rapids and shallows, and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. But before you hit the river consider a more leisurely stop at the White Lake Beach located off Highway M in the heart of the Village of White Lake.

The lake has quite a history.  The name "White" was given to the lake by the Native Americans who hunted and fished in the area many years ago. It was so named because of the white sand and marl on the lake bottom. In 1876, pioneer Isaac Farrow attempted to drain White Lake and make a hay meadow out of the level bottom. He failed in this venture because he didn't realize the depth of the lake and the fact that it was supplied by springs.

His loss was the community’s gain.

White Lake was reincarnated as a mill pond for the Yawkey-Bissell Lumber Company, fed by the Wisconsin Northern Railroad. The 153-acre lake has a maximum depth of 42 feet and exceptionally clear waters, making it popular with scuba divers looking for relics from the logging and railroad days.

The popular recreational lake has a sandy beach, picnic tables, toilets, Joe Edelman Pavilion, pier fishing, and boat landing.

Just a few minutes walk from the beach is the White Lake downtown, with opportunities for dining, picnic supplies, and ice from vendors including the White Lake Market, where you can even get a bag lunch “to go” for munching in the sand.
 
PHLOX POND
Nestled in the far southcentral corner of Langlade County, the 36-acre Phlox Pond was created by the long-ago damming of the Red River. The picturesque hydroelectric dam remains in operation today.

The pond features a sandy swimming beach located just off Highway 47 at the edge of the village of Phlox in the town of Norwood.

Amenities include picnic tables, shoreline fishing, restrooms, and a boat landing.

The community of Phlox, home to Kuhr’s Kuntry Store, is just steps away. It’s a great place to pick up some picnic supplies.

For more information on these beaches and directions, go to our swimming listing by clicking here.