Three Lakes
Three Lakes is a classic Northwoods resort community on the south end of the Eagle River-Three Lakes Chain, often described as part of the world's largest chain of inland freshwater lakes. The town was voted "best town in America" a few years back in an online competition—while it was just an online poll, it does speak to how nice of a little town this is. Three Lakes is steeped in history and has a really comfortable mom and pop feel to it. The town borders the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and is surrounded by additional lakes and woods, so cabin owners can move easily between time on the water, trail outings, and simple in-town errands without long drives. Most people in Three Lakes are in town to grab a bite to eat, fill up with gas, or check out some of the specialty stores. The town itself has a quieter, more close-knit feel than bigger hubs, with a mix of traditional resorts, vacation homes, a craft winery, nostalgic ice cream and dining spots, and a walkable small-town main area. For vacation-home buyers who like the idea of the full chain-of-lakes experience but prefer a more laid-back home base, Three Lakes offers a good balance of access and calm. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all Three Lakes listings) as well as some featured lakes around Three Lakes (also with a link to all Three Lakes lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in Three Lakes.
Recent Homes for Sale:
This superb 4 BR, 4 BA, 3900+ sq ft. home on premier Island Lake of the Three Lakes Chain has been lovingly designed with a keen eye on detail. Inspired by Nature & modeled after Midwest Living's 2006 Idea Home, featuring soaring ceilings & inviting interior sp…
Rare opportunity on the Three Lakes Chain of interconnected lakes! This property features 400+ feet of sandy swim frontage on 845 acre Big Lake, 3+ private wooded acres, and two charming year-round Northwoods homes, each with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The ful…
Experience classic Northwoods living on this level, wooded acre with frontage on the highly sought-after Three Lakes Chain of interconnected lakes. This 3-bedroom, 2 bath home offers an open-concept kitchen and dining area featuring tongue-and-groove ceiling, h…
View All Three Lakes Homes >>
Recent Lots for Sale:
View All Three Lakes Lots >>
Recent Condos for Sale:
Tired of waiting for the perfect chain property to come up for sale? It's time to get creative and turn what is currently a restaurant into your lakefront dream on the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes. Located just feet from the shoreline, you are sure to enjoy the b…
View All Three Lakes Condos >>
GoldBar Lakes in Three Lakes:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Fork Lake | Public | 663 | Drainage | 17 min | 17 ft | 4.0 ft | Three Lakes |
| Big Lake | Public | 865 | Drainage | 10 min | 13 ft | 3.8 ft | Three Lakes |
| Lone Stone Lake | Public | 171 | Seepage | 20 min | 15 ft | 12.6 ft | -- |
| Planting Ground Lake | Public | 1010 | Drainage | 6 min | 16 ft | 5.8 ft | Three Lakes |
| Whitefish Lake (3L) | Public | 199 | Drainage | 13 min | 16 ft | 8.5 ft | Three Lakes |
View All Three Lakes Lakes >>
The Three Lakes Experience:
On The Water
Three Lakes is all about the chain and surrounding waters, with 28 interconnected lakes stretching north toward Eagle River plus additional nearby lakes that support boating, paddling, and multi‑species fishing. Cabin owners can spend full days exploring new stretches of shoreline, docking at resorts or restaurants, or anchoring near islands and sandbars, while smaller side lakes and forest‑rimmed bays offer quieter paddling and early‑morning fishing runs. Since the chain combines classic cabin‑style resorts, individual homes, and some quieter corners, buyers can choose between being in the heart of the action or on a calmer stretch while still enjoying the convenience of shared landings, marinas, and guide services that serve the broader Three Lakes area.
Trails
Off the water, the standout is the Three Eagle Trail, a 12.7‑mile four‑season route connecting Three Lakes and Eagle River for biking, walking, running, and winter skiing through wetlands and mixed forest. Forest roads, nearby county lands, and regional silent‑sports trails add options for casual hikes, birding walks, and longer bike rides, so it is easy to build a varied day even when you are not on the boat. The Three Eagle Trail and surrounding routes tie Three Lakes into a larger non‑motorized network, active cabin owners can treat town as a quiet trailhead while still enjoying access to more ambitious loops and connections without giving up the small‑town feel they came for.
Winter
Three Lakes has a strong snowmobile identity, with over a hundred miles of local and state‑funded trails that connect to neighboring communities and run through forest and along the chain. Winter visitors also find access to cross‑country ski and snowshoe opportunities in nearby county forest systems and along parts of the Three Eagle Trail, plus outfitters and rentals that make it easier for guests to join in. For cabin owners, that mix of groomed snowmobile routes, silent‑sports options, and a social winter scene means the cabin can see real four‑season use instead of going dark once the boat comes out of the water.
Family Fun
Families in Three Lakes can combine classic chain-of-lakes experiences—swimming, tubing, fishing, and sunset cruises—with simple kid‑friendly stops like ice cream shops, campgrounds with activities, and relaxed local events. Town is compact and easy to navigate, so it is straightforward to pair a short trail walk or playground visit with a boat ride or trip into the forest without over‑scheduling the day. Over multiple seasons, kids can build traditions around “their” lake, favorite sandbars, campfire spots, and annual outings, which helps Three Lakes feel like a second‑home community rather than just a place the family passes through on the way to a bigger resort town.
Towns Near Three Lakes:
Eagle River
Eagle River is kind of a sister city to Three Lakes. It is located 10 miles up Hwy 45 and offers some extra modern conveniences (bigger grocery stores, more places to eat, bigger hardware store, etc) that Three Lakes doesn't. With the Eagle River/Three Lakes chain being so big, there are many spots that are almost the same distance to both towns, even if they might be a little closer to Three Lakes on the map.
Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake is the home of Gold Bar Realty, Sorellas restaurant, and to some really nice people. It's basically a map dot on HWY 45 but is located just five miles from both Eagle River and Three Lakes so it is has location working in its favor.
Trails around Three Lakes:
Scott Lake Trail
The Scott Lake Trail is a short loop in the Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest that circles a small, scenic lake a few miles east of Three Lakes on Scott Lake Road. With gentle hills, a natural surface, and simple signage, it works well as a relaxed half-day hike for visitors who want a more secluded forest experience than in-town paths but do not need a long backcountry trek.
Three Eagle Ski & Snowshoe Loops
At the Three Lakes winter trailhead off Highway 45, a dedicated Nordic system offers around 5 miles of groomed skate and classic trails plus a separate, scenic snowshoe loop through a 40-acre parcel of public land. Easy grades, open sightlines, and good grooming make it a friendly place for newer skiers and snowshoers, while still giving locals a convenient after-work or weekend option close to town.
Three Eagle Trail – Three Lakes Segment
The Three Eagle Trail starts near Don Burnside Park and the historic rail corridor in Three Lakes and then heads north about 12.7 miles toward Eagle River on a compacted-limestone surface with multiple bridges and boardwalks. It’s wide, mostly gentle, and well-marked, with parking, restrooms, and bike-repair stations at trailheads, making it one of the easiest ways for families and casual riders to get deep Northwoods scenery without leaving a separated path.
Three Lakes ATV/UTV Routes
Three Lakes sits at the heart of a network of ATV/UTV routes that use town roads, signed highway connectors, and nearby forest trails to create around 60 miles of riding options. Riders can leave directly from town, loop out past lakes and woods, and reach trail-friendly businesses, as long as they follow current local ordinances, maps, and “share the road” signage.
Three Lakes Chain Lakefront Loop
This informal loop starts near Don Burnside Park and downtown Three Lakes, then winds along sidewalks and low-traffic neighborhood streets with short detours to parks, landings, and viewpoints on the Three Lakes–Eagle River Chain. It stays mostly flat, close to shops and the winery, and is easy to shorten or extend, making it a relaxed evening walk or a simple way for new visitors to get a feel for town and water without leaving pavement for long.
Three Lakes Snowmobile Trails
The Northern Lights Snowmobile Club and partners maintain about 186 miles of groomed snowmobile trails around Three Lakes, including 132 miles of state-funded routes and 54 miles of locally funded spurs. Riders can explore everything from forest corridors in the Nicolet National Forest to the 28-lake Three Lakes–Eagle River Chain, using club maps and local reports to time rides and link Three Lakes with neighboring communities.
Three Lakes Attractions & Viewpoints:
Burnt Rollways Dam & Boat Hoist (Attraction)
The Burnt Rollways Dam & Boat Hoist at the north end of the Three Lakes Chain has been lifting boats between the Three Lakes and Eagle River chains since 1911. Visitors can watch the hoist in action, see the water drop, and appreciate how this unique structure links more than 7,600 acres of navigable water and over 100 miles of shoreline into one cruising system.
James Lake Farms Organic Cranberry Marsh (Attraction)
James Lake Farms, just outside Three Lakes, offers seasonal tours of its organic cranberry marshes, giving visitors a look at planting, cultivation, and fall flooding and harvest. During harvest, bright red berries floating on the water create striking photo opportunities and a unique connection to one of the region’s signature crops.
Three Lakes Center for the Arts Theater (Attraction)
The Three Lakes Center for the Arts Theater shows current and classic films, hosts live music, and stages community events in a cozy downtown venue. It’s a good evening option if you want something walkable from restaurants and lodging, and it gives second-home owners a way to plug into the local arts scene beyond peak summer.
Three Lakes Historical Museum Campus (Attraction)
The Three Lakes Historical Museum occupies a small campus of historic buildings, including the more-than-100-year-old Johnson House, a Civilian Conservation Corps barracks replica, and several exhibit halls. Self-guided tours take visitors through displays on logging, lake resorts, cranberry farming, and CCC life, making this one of the richer small-town history stops in the Northwoods.
Three Lakes Winery & Cranberry Marsh View (Attraction)
Three Lakes Winery, just off downtown, offers tastings of cranberry and fruit wines plus seasonal views of nearby cranberry marsh landscapes that helped put the town on the map. It’s a low-key attraction for adults that pairs well with a short downtown walk or a loop to the Chain overlooks at the park, especially in fall when the marsh colors pop.
Three Lakes Winery – Historic Depot (Attraction)
Three Lakes Winery operates out of the town’s historic Chicago & Northwestern depot and has been making cranberry and fruit wines here since the early 1970s. Visitors can sample wines in the old depot building, browse a gourmet gift shop, and learn how local cranberry culture helped shape Three Lakes as a vacation destination.
Bailey Lake Equestrian Trail Overlooks (Viewpoint)
The Bailey Lake Equestrian Trail south of Three Lakes is primarily a horse-riding network, but its glades and small clearings provide quiet viewpoints into the Nicolet National Forest and nearby lakes. Even if you’re not riding, nearby forest roads and small parking areas give drivers and hikers ways to access these subtle overlooks and get away from the busier Chain for photos and birding.
Don Burnside Park & Chain Overlook (Viewpoint)
Don Burnside Park in Three Lakes offers a lakeside pavilion, docks, and open lawn areas that look out onto the Three Lakes–Eagle River Chain, making it one of the easiest spots in town to get wide water views. Visitors can watch boat traffic, snap sunset photos, or let kids play at the park before or after walking into downtown for ice cream or a drink.
Downtown Three Lakes Main Street & Lampposts (Viewpoint)
Downtown Three Lakes is lined with antique-style lampposts, small shops, and historic-looking storefronts that give the main street a classic “up north” feel. Visitors often pair a stroll here with stops at Three Lakes Mercantile, Mind Chimes Bookshop, or ice cream at Lick-A-Dee-Splitz, snapping photos under the lampposts and in front of the depot-turned-winery.
Downtown Three Lakes Streetscape (Viewpoint)
Downtown Three Lakes has a compact, walkable main street lined with historic storefronts, a local winery, and small shops that create simple, charming backdrops for photos without heavy traffic. Many visitors combine a stroll through town with stops at the park, the winery, or a nearby restaurant, making the streetscape a natural “walk and look around” attraction on arrival day.
Sam Campbell Memorial Trail Overlooks (Viewpoint)
The Sam Campbell Memorial Trail, a short loop through forest and around a small lake near Three Lakes, includes interpretive signs about the Northwoods naturalist and several peaceful shoreline viewpoints. Benches and quiet coves make it a favorite spot for contemplative walks, light photography, and introducing visitors to the Nicolet’s softer side without a long hike.
Three Lakes Aqua Devils Ski Show Shoreline (Viewpoint)
Summer evenings on Big Stone Lake bring crowds to the shoreline to watch the Three Lakes Aqua Devils put on their water ski shows, a local tradition since the 1950s. The show site doubles as a great place for sunset photos, loon and eagle spotting, and “this is really the Northwoods” pictures of pyramids and jump acts on the Chain.
Three Lakes Chain Panoramic Pullouts (Viewpoint)
Short drives around the Three Lakes Chain—especially near Big Lake, Big Stone, and Long Lake—reveal several informal pullouts and boat landings with sweeping views across connected lakes and islands. These spots are ideal for quick “world’s largest inland freshwater chain” photos, loon and eagle watching, or simply soaking in the scale of the water without committing to a full boat day.
Events in Three Lakes:
Fourth of July in Three Lakes
Three Lakes’ Fourth of July celebration typically includes a daytime parade through town and evening fireworks over a nearby lake, creating a classic small‑town holiday feel. Cabin owners often split the day between time on the water and in‑town festivities, then watch fireworks from parks, docks, or boats.
Historical Society Museum Season & Events
Each summer, the Three Lakes Historical Society opens its multi‑building museum campus and hosts special programs, talks, and occasional themed days that highlight the town’s logging, rail, and lake history. Second‑home owners can drop in on museum days or time visits around these events to give kids and guests a better sense of the place beyond the water and woods.
Three Lakes Concerts in the Park
Three Lakes Concerts in the Park is a free summer music series hosted by the Three Lakes Historical Society at the gazebo in Cy Williams Park, typically running Tuesday evenings from late June through early August. Locals and cabin owners bring chairs and picnics to listen to Northwoods bands by the lake, turning weeknights into relaxed, family‑friendly mini‑events without leaving town.
Three Lakes Center for the Arts Summer Concerts
Three Lakes Center for the Arts hosts a summer concert lineup that brings regional and touring musicians to its intimate venue in downtown Three Lakes, with shows sprinkled through the warm‑weather months. For cabin owners, these concerts offer a low‑key night out—often walkable from lodging—when they want live music and culture after a day on the lake or trails.
Three Lakes Pumpkin Fest
Three Lakes Pumpkin Fest is a long‑running fall event hosted by the Three Lakes Fire Department Auxiliary at the high school, featuring pumpkin‑themed crafts, vendors, food, and kids’ activities. Cabin owners often pair the festival with color drives, lake walks, and brewery stops, making it an easy anchor for an October weekend in the Three Lakes area.
Three Lakes Pumpkin Fest After‑Parties at The Brew Station
After visitors wrap up at Pumpkin Fest, The Brew Station in downtown Three Lakes often hosts an informal fall gathering with pumpkin beers, seasonal cocktails, and food in its beer garden. It gives cabin owners and festival‑goers a relaxed way to extend the day, catching up with friends and enjoying a fall evening close to the lakes.
Three Lakes Food Scene:
32 South Bar & Grill
32 South Bar & Grill sits just east of Three Lakes by the golf course, serving pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and Friday fish fry in a lively bar‑and‑grill setting. Guides note long hours, TVs for games, and a fun, social atmosphere that makes it a popular stop after rounds of golf, time on the chain, or trail rides.
Black Forest Pub & Grille
Black Forest Pub & Grille has served the Three Lakes community since the 1930s, offering traditional German fare like schnitzel and sausages alongside steaks, burgers, soups, and homemade desserts in a warm, wood‑paneled setting. Guests describe friendly service, generous portions, and a cozy pub atmosphere that feels like a classic Northwoods gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Bonnie's Lakeside
Bonnie’s Lakeside sits on Spirit Lake near Three Lakes, offering burgers, sandwiches, fish fry, and drinks in a casual bar‑and‑grill setting with lake views. Locals and visitors note its relaxed vibe, outdoor seating, and occasional live music, making it a laid‑back stop for boaters and cabin groups.
Clayton's 1881 Room
Clayton’s 1881 Room is an upscale‑casual dining room with a refined yet relaxed clubhouse feel, serving a chef‑curated menu that changes frequently to showcase fresh, seasonal dishes. Diners highlight well‑prepared entrees, an inviting bar, and a stone patio with outdoor fireplace seating that makes it a favorite for date nights and special occasions.
Deja Brew
Deja Brew is a small coffee shop in Three Lakes offering espresso drinks, brewed coffee, and simple breakfast items and pastries in a cozy, good‑smelling cafe space. Reviews highlight friendly service, fresh coffee, and a comfortable place to linger or grab a drink before hitting the lake or trails.
Fika Bakery & Coffee
Fika Bakery & Coffee operates as a bakery and coffeehouse, serving Scandinavian‑leaning pastries, muffins, and baked goods alongside coffee and specialty drinks in a charming space. Visitors mention seasonal items like apple pie and pumpkin muffins and praise the cozy atmosphere as a pleasant stop in downtown Three Lakes.
Lick‑A‑Dee Splitz
Lick‑A‑Dee Splitz is a bright, cheerful treat shop in the heart of Three Lakes, scooping 28 flavors of ice cream and classic sundaes in a friendly, small‑town setting. Visitors mention the fun decor, friendly staff, and generous scoops, calling it a must‑visit after dinner or a day on the chain.
Sorella
Sorella is a stylish, upscale Italian restaurant on US‑45 between Three Lakes and Eagle River, serving house‑made pastas, fresh seafood and oysters, and regional Italian dishes in a chic Northwoods dining room. Diners and local writeups praise the polished atmosphere, attentive service, and extensive wine list, calling it a true “northwoods gem” and a go‑to spot for date nights and special occasions.
Sorge's Daybreak Diner
Sorge’s Daybreak Diner on Superior Street is a cozy, no‑frills diner serving eggs, omelets, pancakes, and classic lunch plates like burgers and sandwiches from early morning through early afternoon. Travelers describe it as a friendly, affordable breakfast and lunch stop with straightforward comfort food and quick coffee refills.
Sunset Grill
Sunset Grill sits on Big Stone Lake of the Three Lakes Chain, offering burgers, sandwiches, baskets, and drinks with dockside views and seating along the shoreline. Reviews emphasize the easy boat‑up access, relaxed lakeside vibe, and great sunsets, making it a prime stop for summer cabin and boating crowds.
Tavern on the Loop
Tavern on the Loop is a casual bar and grill two miles south of downtown Three Lakes on Hwy 45, serving burgers, sandwiches, and fried baskets with views of a nearby lake and marsh. Guides note that it sits right on ATV and snowmobile routes, making it a convenient stop for trail riders looking for drinks and hearty bar food.
