Rest Lake

View of Rest Lake, the 655 acre lake in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin
   Rest Lake is considered one of the nicest lakes on the Manitowish Waters Chain. The clarity of the lake is over 11 feet and the average depth is nearly 20 feet. The lake is over 650 acres and has nearly 7 miles of shoreline to explore. The lake does see quite a bit of boat traffic, but it is large enough to handle it without the feeling of being too busy. The shoreline surrounding the lake is beautiful. There are nearly 5 acres of water per owner and about 20 owners per mile of shoreline. The channel to the rest of the chain from Rest Lake is a little long which adds a little privacy when compared to the other lakes on the chain. Rest Lake is one of the signature lakes of the Manitowish Waters Chain, known for its clear, deep water and its location right next to town. The shoreline features a mix of classic cabins, year-round homes, and wooded stretches with views that feel open and scenic rather than crowded. Because it sits at the heart of Manitowish Waters, Rest Lake sees a healthy amount of recreational boating, yet its size and shape help it handle traffic comfortably. It's one of the best-known lakes on the Manitowish Waters Chain with clear, deep water and shoreline that sits right next to town. It sees a healthy amount of recreational boating, but its size and layout handle traffic comfortably and still leave room for quieter corners. Many buyers see Rest Lake as the ideal blend of chain access, beautiful views, town convenience, attractive water quality, and convenient access to restaurants and shops.
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Rest Lake Specs:

Clarity: 11.2 Feet
Avg. Depth: 18 Feet
Size: 655 Acres
Max Depth: 53 Feet
Shoreline: 6.98 Miles
Water Source: Drainage
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Deep Blue
Time to Town: 2 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 4.82
Owners Per Mile: 19.48

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings

-- Lake Notification --

Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing: Average
Fish Species: Variety
Bottom: Mostly Sand
Boat Traffic: High
Noise Level: Above Average
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads: Okay
Cell Coverage: Spotty
Home Density: Average
Boat Launch:
Lake Grade: Excellent
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Manitowish Waters
School District: North Lakeland
Tax Rate: $7.86 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Rest Lake contour map
Biking/Walking/Ski Trails:
Heart of Vilas County (Manitowish Waters) - This biking and hiking trail is 14.5 miles long and meanders from the Manitowish Waters Community Center past The North Lakeland Discovery Center and towards Boulder Junction.

Heart of Vilas County (Mercer) - A seven mile biking and hiking trail with three asphalted seconds and three road segments. The trail takes you from Manitowish Waters over to Mercer.

North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails - Biking, Hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails that total twelve miles in length. The trails go around Statehouse Lake and along the Manitowish River. This trail system connects to the Manitowish Waters Trail.

Winman Trails - Trail lengths that vary from 4 to 10 miles in length. Biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities on this trail.
Paddling Routes:
No nearby paddling routes, but the Manitowish Chain has miles of shoreline and clear waters. It's great for paddling.
Snowmobile Trails:
The Sno-Skeeters trail system runs along the west and north sides of the lake. The Sno-Skeeters groom twenty five miles of groomed trails that connects to other trail systems that allow full access to the whole Northern WI and Michigan Trail network.
ATV Trails:
No nearby routes
Nearby State Areas:
Manitowish Waters:
5 mins
Grocery Store
 --
Boulder Junction:
20 mins
Grocery Store
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This is a summary based on available information.

Rest Lake benefits from the Manitowish Chain’s strong multi‑species fishery, with walleye, musky, bass, and panfish all available to anglers. Popular approaches include working weed edges, points, and offshore bars with jigs, rigs, and crankbaits while adjusting depth to seasonal movements. Clear water again makes low‑light periods and breezy days particularly productive, especially for walleyes and more pressured bass. Musky anglers often target structural “funnels” and breaks that connect Rest to neighboring chain lakes, treating it as both a destination and a travel corridor for roaming fish.

How big is Rest Lake?

Rest Lake is 655 acres with 6.98 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Rest Lake?

Rest Lake has an average depth of 18 feet and a maximum depth of 53 feet.

Does Rest Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Rest Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Rest Lake from Manitowish Waters?

Rest Lake is 2 minutes from Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Rest Lake?

Rest Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Rest Lake?

Rest Lake has a water clarity of 11.2 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Rest Lake?

The shoreline of Rest Lake is about 6.98 miles.

What type of lake is Rest Lake?

Rest Lake is a Drainage lake.

Is Rest Lake on a chain of lakes?

Yes, Rest Lake is on the Manitowish Waters chain of lakes.

Who would you like to contact?