Glacial Pike Lake and Iconic Milwaukee
Pike Lake is a picturesque body of water bordered by an idyllic forest. The northern locale ensures that temperatures stay moderate in summer, making this the perfect retreat from the heat. Or if you are in search of a white Christmas, the area usually sees snow from late November through early March. No matter which season you choose for your visit to a Pike Lake lake house, the scenery will be spectacular, and its close proximity to Milwaukee means that the conveniences and recreations of this historic city are in easy reach.
Glacial Lake and Land
Pike Lake is a glacial lake, meaning that it is a remnant from the last ice age. The lake is 461 acres and 45 feet deep at its maximum, with good fishing prospects. Panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike can all be pulled up here, but the real star of the lake is the abundant walleye population. Three boat landings are available, facilitating easy entry to the lake for boating and fishing, and the beach is the perfect spot for a picnic.
Your Pike Lake lake house will give you amazing views of the crystalline waters and the surrounding Kettle Moraine State Forest. Covering 678 acres, this forested park has hiking trails that wind through the hilly landscape. A portion of the Ice Age Trail runs through the park, marking the route of the last glacial flow in Wisconsin. You can visit the observation tower to get an aerial view of the majestic scenery, and, if you obtain the proper licenses, you can hunt and fish in the park. The park also offers a naturalist program, so you can learn about the native plants and wildlife as you explore the forest.
A Million Milwaukee Sights
When you stay in a Pike Lake lake house, you should take advantage of its close proximity to Milwaukee to see what this great city has to offer. There are a million things to do and see in Milwaukee: the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Basilica of St. Josaphat, Miller Park (where the Brewers play), the Milwaukee Public Museum, Pabst Mansion, and the Historic Third Ward Public Market are just a few of the vast and varied entertainment options here. But there are definitely two headline attractions that you shouldn’t miss—Miller Brewery and the Harley-Davidson Museum. These two legendary brands have shaped the economy and culture of Milwaukee throughout the last century, and no trip to the Milwaukee area is complete without a stop at these landmarks.
Over 150 Years of Beer
Milwaukee has long history linked with brewing companies. The city’s rich beer heritage is rooted in the 1850s, when a large population of Germans immigrated to the Milwaukee area and set up set up breweries. By the mid 1850s, Milwaukee was home to over 20 breweries, and at one time the city boasted four of the world’s largest brewing companies: Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst, and Miller. Of these four, only the Miller Brewery remains today, and it is the oldest operating large brewery in the United States. You can tour the Miller Brewery, learning about the history of the facility and the process of crafting Miller’s fine beer. It wouldn’t be a brewery tour without alcohol, and the Miller Tour is no exception—each tour ends with the opportunity to sample the beer and relax in the Beer Garden or Miller Inn. Since beer has long been the lifeblood of Milwaukee, it should come as no surprise that the craft beer movement is popular here. Microbreweries and brewpubs can be found all over the city, and intrepid beers enthusiast will not shrink from the challenge of visiting them all to find their favorite label—and buying several to enjoy while basking in the lovely view from their Pike Lake lake house rental’s deck.
A Tribute to Biker History
The beverage craftsmanship in Milwaukee is top-notch. But for those who want to enjoy a different category of craftsmanship, the Harley-Davidson Tour is an excellent choice. The Harley-Davidson Company was founded in Milwaukee in 1903, and the museum celebrates not just the history of this famous brand, but the ingenuity of the American engineer. Twenty acres of museum campus pay homage to the products, people, and stories that built this icon, with the jewel of the collection being Serial Number One, the original Harley Davidson motorcycle. You can finish off your trip with some Harley swag in the gift shop and a meal at the Motor Bar and Restaurant, which serves American roadhouse and diner classics, along with unique Wisconsin dishes.
Pike Lake is a quiet, private retreat in the sheltered woods. And while you will relish the peaceful ambiance of your Pike Lake lake house, you can still enjoy the wonders of nearby Milwaukee.
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