Lost Lake, Wisconsin, USA

Lost Lake is a sparkling 541-acre lake just north of Saint Germain in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Bordered on the south by the American Legion State Forest and to the north by the Northern Highland State Forest, Lost Lake’s ideal Northwoods location offers visitors ample opportunity for hiking, camping, cross country skiing, wildlife observing, and some of the best fishing opportunities in the state. Lost Lake is part…
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    • All About Lost Lake, WI

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Wisconsin - Lake Superior Northwoods Region, WI -

    Lost Lake is a sparkling 541-acre lake just north of Saint Germain in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Bordered on the south by the American Legion State Forest and to the north by the Northern Highland State Forest, Lost Lake’s ideal Northwoods location offers visitors ample opportunity for hiking, camping, cross country skiing, wildlife observing, and some of the best fishing opportunities in the state.

    Lost Lake is part of the Saint Germain group of lakes which are a cluster of crystal clear lakes with a wide variety of sport fish lurking beneath their tranquil surfaces. Many of the lakes are completely surrounded by state or county land, creating a perfect wilderness setting. Saint Germain is a thriving, four-season resort community in the heart of Vilas County where fun, yet relaxing vacations can be found year round. The Saint Germain fishing area covers 100 square miles, with over 1,300 lakes, streams, and rivers to choose from.

    With a maximum depth of 22 feet, Lost Lake is home to a variety of fish including musky, northern pike, walleye, perch, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Abundant weed cover can make catching these fish a challenge, but muskies up to 30 pounds and northern pike in the five to 10 pound range are common in the lake. A public boat launch offers access to the lake, and a number of resorts around the shoreline have boat rentals and boat launches for their visitors. Lost Lake’s sandy shoreline, which gradually slopes into the lake, makes it great place for sunbathing, swimming and sandcastles.

    Finding accommodations on and near Lost Lake is easy, as there are private vacation rentals and several lodges and resorts located on the lake’s nearly five miles of beautiful shoreline. Vacation rentals can also be found at nearby pristine lakes and in the cities of Saint Germain, Minocqua and Boulder Junction. A number of area resorts, lodges and rental cabins cater to anglers, making planning a fishing adventure fun and convenient. Real estate for sale or rent is also plentiful in the area.

    Unlike some vacation areas which slow down during the colder months, visitors to Lost Lake can enjoy the very best of every season. There is never a shortage of snow or ice for favorite winter activities. Lost Lake is located near an incredible snowmobile trail system with over 700 miles of groomed trails. Cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding and ice fishing are also popular pastimes. Spring, summer and fall are the perfect seasons for fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. With over 1,000 area lakes, lots of beautiful beaches and many boat launches, paddlers could spend a lifetime exploring the area. If a large public beach perfect for kids and summer activities is what you are looking for, Crystal Lake is just west of Lost Lake and is a great place for families to enjoy the day. The lake warms up quickly and stays weed free throughout the summer.

    Golfing opportunities near Lost Lake are fantastic in spring, summer or fall. Whether you are looking for a challenging round of 18 holes or a fun par three for the entire family to enjoy, there are several golf courses within minutes of the lake. The surrounding area also offers a fantastic variety of wilderness trails for bikers, hikers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Road bicyclists will find miles of quiet routes and paved trails throughout Vilas County. Bikes can be rented at many gas stations and local stores.

    Located on the edge of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, the Lost Lake area is an oasis for wildlife, sparkling bodies of water, and solitude. Over 900 lakes dot the surface of the 225,000-acre forest. Nearly 40 miles of remote and challenging bike and hiking trails and many more miles of old forest roads are open to the outdoor enthusiast. Wildlife in the area ranges from timber wolves to soaring bald eagles. Over two million people visit the forest every year to experience the peace and tranquility of the woods and enjoy hunting, lake fishing, fly-fishing, camping, wildlife watching, nature study, boating, canoeing, and countless other outdoor activities.

    For shopping, dining, kids activities, and entertainment, towns near Lost Lake such as Sayner, St. Germain, Eagle River, and Minocqua offer their own mix of unique shops and restaurants. Twenty miles north of Lost Lake, anglers will be delighted to find the official Musky Capital of the World. Boulder Junction has long been noted for its excellent musky fishing with more than 50 Class A musky lakes and an additional 194 recreational lake within a few miles of town. Boulder Junction offers all kinds of accommodations, restaurants and shops, and is well known for its well-groomed snowmobile trails and cross country skiing trails.

    The Lost Lake area is an excellent choice for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you enjoy canoeing, swimming, fishing, or just watching the sun set over a tranquil shoreline, Lost Lake and its immediate vicinity has what you are looking for. From relaxing wooded campgrounds to cozy lakefront vacation rentals, it is no wonder this area has become a very popular vacation destination.

    Things to Do at Lost Lake

    These are some activities in the Lost Lake, WI area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Ice Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Ice Skating
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Forest
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lost Lake?

    Lost Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Lost Lake

    If you’re considering a Lost Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lost Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Lost Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lost Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 541 acres

    Shoreline Length: 5 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,594 feet

    Maximum Depth: 22 feet

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

    Lost Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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