Home › Things to Do › Boating & Watersports
Long Lake's size is its superpower. Nearly nineteen miles long with a big open main basin and dozens of quiet bays, it has room for fast-paced watersports and slow, scenic paddling at the same time. Whether you want to pull the kids on a tube, anchor on a sandbar, or slip out at dawn in a kayak, this is a lake that delivers a classic Northwoods summer.
Ways to play on the water
Pontoon & cruising
The relaxed way to see the lake — load up friends, family and a cooler and watch a Northwoods sunset from the water.
Skiing, wakeboarding & tubing
The open main basin gives you room to ski, board and pull tubes — best in the calm of early morning.
Kayak, canoe & paddleboard
Quiet coves and a wild shoreline make for excellent paddling and wildlife watching, no motor required.
Because the lake is big, conditions can change fast. The main basin can build a real chop when the wind comes up, so paddlers should hug the shoreline and protected bays, while skiers and tubers will find the smoothest water early and late in the day.
Boating safety & rules
- Carry a properly fitted life jacket for every person aboard, and have kids wear theirs.
- Follow Wisconsin boating regulations, including slow-no-wake rules near shore, docks, swimmers and other boats.
- Know your boat's capacity, check the weather before you launch, and keep an eye on building wind on this large lake.
- If you operate after dark, use proper navigation lights and slow down.
- Clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Confirm current Wisconsin boating laws, registration and any local ordinances with the Wisconsin DNR before you head out, and never boat under the influence.
Getting on the water
Launch from any of the four public boat landings, or stay somewhere with a private dock — many cabins and resorts on Long Lake, including the lakefront cabins at The Landing, put a boat or paddle craft right at your doorstep. When you work up an appetite, you can even cruise over and tie up at The Landing for lunch.
Boating & watersports FAQ
Is Long Lake good for watersports?
Yes — with nearly nineteen miles of water and a big open main basin, Long Lake has plenty of room for pontooning, water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing, with the calmest water usually early and late in the day.
Can you kayak or paddleboard on Long Lake?
Absolutely. The quiet bays and undeveloped shoreline are ideal for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Stick to protected coves when the wind picks up on the main basin.
Where do I launch a boat?
Use one of the four public boat landings on Long Lake, or stay at a cabin or resort with a private dock. See our boat launches guide for locations and tips.
What boating rules apply?
Wisconsin boating laws apply, including life-jacket requirements, slow-no-wake near shore and swimmers, and registration. Always check current Wisconsin DNR boating regulations before you go.