A Four Season Escape to Nelson Lake

Nestled in the tranquil Northwoods region, Nelson Lake is a dreamy four season escape. Nelson Lake, at the heart of Sawyer County, not only offers serenity in the scenery, but also endless adventure in all seasons. Whether you love lake life, land adventures, or downtown gems, Nelson Lake has it all. Follow along as we tour this Northwoods escape.

Lake Life

Looking for a dreamy lake life experience? Nelson Lake is the perfect place for you, no matter the season. The idyllic lake makes a tranquil escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. 

Summer

Offering the perfect blend of relaxation and fun, Nelson Lake is a family friendly destination. Bring the whole family or group of friends for a summertime adventure pontooning around the lake. With almost 3,000 acres that adjoins county land, beach the boat and make a splash in the shallow water.

Want to reel in a little friendly competition? Embark on a fishing excursion. Nelson Lake is a popular fishing lake, home to trophy pike, walleye, and prime bass fishing. All you need are a few leeches and nightcrawlers… Let the competition begin!

Fall

While summer offers pure bliss and bobber fun, the fall brings unmatched beauty. Bundle up and plan a pontoon ride in October–the prime month for vibrant views. After cruising around the lake, make a stop dockside at one of the many cozy and delicious restaurants. 

Snag a lake map here.

Land Adventures

Keep the fall fun rolling from the wavy waters to Nelson Lake’s vast county lands. From hunting and hiking to high speeds and off roads, buckle up for a wild ride! Many resorts and campgrounds are nestled near public lands, creating bountiful adventures throughout the seasons. 

Given the vast, surrounding county forest, Nelson Lake not only provides countless public hunting opportunities, but also gated walking trails. For high speed adventures, Nelson Lake is also a hotspot for ATVing and UTVing. All you have to do is pull up, park, and hit the trails!

Winter

As the winter months arrive, turning the trails into a picturesque winter wonderland, start your snowmobiles! Sawyer County offers over 200 miles of trails that weave throughout the secluded forests. Thanks to the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance, the trail system is maintained to pristine conditions. 

Spring

When spring begins to bloom, more off road adventures are right around the corner, such as gravel road biking! Gravel road biking is similar to road biking, but without the traffic. Instead, as you ride, take in the beautiful, blooming scenery of Nelson Lake. From lakeside trails to trails in the woodlands, every route showcases the area’s beauty. Need a bike? New Moon Ski and Bike Shop has got you covered. 

The best part? All levels of bikers are welcome, from beginners to experts. For hard core biking enthusiasts, Nelson Lake may just be your dream come true. These trails allow for 100 mile days, with campsites scattered along the way.

Downtown Gems

No matter what time of year, Nelson Lake is ready to accommodate, extending a warm welcome into the tight knit community. 

Home to 30 daily campsites, 30 cabins, several condos, and motels, Nelson Lake Resort Association offers a place of comfort for any and everyone. From quiet sites and family friendly amenities, your relaxing getaway awaits. 

Offered at many of the campgrounds within the Nelson Lake Resort Association, there are daily sites, seasonal sites, playgrounds, swimming areas, and even pontoons for rent! In addition, they are nestled near public lands, supporting every year round adventure, from ATV/UTVing to snowmobiling. Nelson Lake is also in very close proximity to downtown Hayward, just 6 miles away. The best part? You can ride the trails right there!

While these accommodations grant a cozy stay, the local community gives visitors an inviting ambiance with spectacular foods. In Nelson Lake, there are 5 bars and restaurants, each with dock space. Good times and great food are now accessible by water or land. 

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Your four season escape to Nelson Lake awaits! This treasured Sawyer County hotspot offers both serenity and adventure in all seasons. With lake life, land adventures, and downtown gems, it’s all here.

Get a sneak peek at the year round adventures by watching Discover Wisconsin’s episode, ‘Wisconsin’s Northern Treasures: Sawyer County Spotlight’ now:

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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.