CHETEK CHAIN OF LAKES, WISCONSIN • FIELD GUIDE • BLUE HILLS
Your verified local guide for the Chetek Chain of Lakes, Chetek, WI: lakeside pubs, Muddy Paddle, Hydroflites water ski shows, boat launches, fishing, and things to do.
Top Family Attraction: Rice Lake Aquatics Center (indoor pool & slides). Top Saturday Night Spectacle: Rice Lake Speedway (dirt track stock car racing). Top Historic Dinner: Lehman's Supper Club (vintage dining since 1934). Outdoor Trails: Wild Rivers State Trail & Red Cedar Riverway.
As the commercial and recreational center of Barron County, Rice Lake, Wisconsin combines vibrant municipal amenities, historic supper clubs, and an expansive 859-acre lake with deep Northwoods outdoor traditions. Located just 15 minutes north of Chetek on Highway 53, it is the ideal regional day-trip or cabin vacation hub.
[ π TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN RICE LAKE, WI ]
Splash at Rice Lake Aquatics & Rec Center: Modern indoor pool facility with lap lanes, interactive water slides, and zero-depth entry kiddie splash play.
Catch High-Octane Action at Rice Lake Speedway: Saturday night clay dirt-track racing featuring WISSOTA Modifieds, Super Stocks, and Street Stocks.
Boat & Fish 859-Acre Rice Lake: Target walleye, smallmouth bass, and crappie with easy access from the Narrows and City Park boat launches.
Dine at Lehman's Supper Club: A Wisconsin landmark operating since 1934, renowned for sizzling steaks, prime rib, Friday fish fry, and classic cocktails.
Sip Local Pints at Agonic Brewing Company: Downtown craft brewery featuring artisanal IPAs, stouts, and seasonal outdoor patio seating.
Hike or Bike the Wild Rivers State Trail: A 104-mile multi-use trail following an abandoned railroad corridor through timber and river valleys.
Explore Pioneer Village Museum (Nearby Cameron): Immense 35-building outdoor historical village depicting early lumberjack and pioneer settlement.
Stroll Downtown Main Street Shops: Explore locally owned boutiques, antique malls, sports outfitters, and local cafes.
Catch a Movie at Miner Theatre or Cedar Mall 5: First-run Hollywood releases in comfortable, air-conditioned auditoriums.
Paddle the Red Cedar River: Scenic river kayaking with peaceful stretches and wildlife viewing north and south of the lake impoundment.
β LAKE & ACCESS CHART: RICE LAKE & RED CEDARBARRON COUNTY, WI
Top species: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Northern Pike.City docks within walking distance of Main St restaurants.
βΉοΈ Independent Local Field Guide & Affiliate Disclosure: Blue Hills Outpost is an independent visitor guide for Chetek, Barron County, and northwest Wisconsin. When you book boat rentals, lodging, or excursions through verified partner links on this page, we may earn an affiliate referral commission at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are independently verified.
Quick look at upcoming local water ski shows, live music, trail runs, and festivals.
Sundays (June - Labor Day)β SEASON RECAP
Chetek Hydroflites Water Ski Show
π Chetek Hydroflites Aqua Theater, 728 Lakeview Dr (Chetek)
Weekly water ski performances on Lake Chetek during the summer season (traditionally early June through Labor Day weekend, Sundays with 5pm pre-show & 6pm main show). Check official announcements for current schedule updates.
1018 24 1/2-25th Street (Lake Chetek / Mud Lake Channel, Chetek, WI)
Vibe
Lakeside Beer Pub & Outdoor Patio
Water Access
Channel boat docking slips
Trail Access
Custom Snowflyers ramp for Snowmobiles & SxS
Waterfront beer pub and outdoor community hub on the Chetek Chain at 1018 24 1/2-25th St. Home of annual Paddle Fest, live outdoor music, charcoal chicken specials, margaritas, and direct boat, snowmobile, and SxS/UTV ramp access.
Chetek's premier lakeside tiki bar. Features extensive pontoon docking slips, tropical cocktails, sandy beach area, outdoor live bands, volleyball courts, and Friday fish fry.
Aqua Theater, 728 Lakeview Drive (Across from Chetek Airport, Chetek, WI)
Schedule
Sundays (June - Labor Day)
Show Times
5:00 PM Pre-Show / 6:00 PM Main Show
Admission
Free (Bleachers & Concessions)
World-class amateur show ski team performing pyramids, jumping, swivel skiing, and barefooting on Lake Chetek. Free family entertainment with bleachers and concessions during summer Sundays.
Chetek's definitive fishing and sporting goods headquarters. Live bait, crappie tackle, lake depth maps, rods, reels, and insider fishing reports for the six connected lakes.
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Chetek Chain • Barron County • Blue Hills Region
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