Boating In Wisconsin

According to the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission's report to the President in 1962, "Water is a focal point of outdoor recreation. Most people seeking outdoor recreation want water -- to sit by, to swim and to fish in, to ski across, to dive under, and to run their boats over." This statement is as true today as it was in 1962, with even more people participating in water-based recreation.

Wisconsin has over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. With all the available surface water in the state, it is not surprising that recreational boating is a major part of Wisconsin outdoor recreational activities, as well as a significant part of the state's economy and tourism industry.

Know Before You Go -- Take a Boating Safety Course!