Okauchee Lake

Okauchee Lake

Homes for Sale in Okauchee Lake, WI

Located in Waukesha County, Okauchee Lake can be found in the town of Oconomowoc. It is a suburb of Milwaukee with a population of around 4,590, Okauchee Lake lies in southeast Wisconsin, around 30 miles west of Milwaukee and 40 miles north of the Illinois border.

Some people believe that Okauchee Lake is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. It has a rural feel and peaceful atmosphere while also being home to a considerable number of bars and parks. Its public schools are also well rated.

ABOUT OKAUCHEE LAKE, WI

Okauchee Lake is one of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes. It covers 1,210 acres and has a maximum depth of 90 feet. Visitors can access this lake from public boat landings. The water of Okauchee Lake is relatively clear, perfect for swimming and other watersports.

While the neighborhood around Okauchee Lake is placid, the lake itself is a fun place to be. It’s a prime destination for boating, swimming, tubing, and casual strolls along its banks. Thanks to the wonderful bars and restaurants that surround it, which are accessible by boat and car, Okauchee Lake is also a great place to socialize. Okauchee Lake is also one of the few lakes where you can drive your boat up to a restaurant. It’s no wonder that it’s become a popular place to live and vacation in.

Some people believe that Okauchee Lake is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. It has a rural feel and peaceful atmosphere while also being home to a considerable number of restaurants, bars and parks. Its public schools are also well rated.

Climate

If you haven’t been to Okauchee Lake yet, the best time to visit is during the summer months of June, July, and August. The weather is warm and sunny, making it a great time for water activities like swimming and boating. It’s also less crowded compared to other popular tourist destinations. Expect more people during weekends, so if you’re looking for a more peaceful downtime, visit Okauchee Lake on a weekday.

If you’re looking to live here year round, be prepared for freezing, snowy, and windy winters, which is perfect for winter sports including ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ice skating.The cold season lasts a little over three months, from December 1 to March 5, with an average daily high temperature of 38 degrees. In Okauchee Lake, the coldest month of the year is January, with an average low temperature of 15° and an average high temperature of 28°.

History

Okauchee was settled in 1839 by Orson Reed. He built a mill and gave lumber to make the Watertown Plank Road in 1850. Okauchee became a resort destination for Milwaukeeans during the early twentieth century. By 1927, the area was home to 11 hotels and a number of tourist-oriented businesses. Many of the small cottages around Okauchee Lake have now become residences, but tourists continue to flock the area because of the outdoor recreation.

Employment

Over half (59.2%) of the Okauchee Lake working population is employed in executive, management, and professional jobs. The next biggest employment sector (16.8%) consists of those working in sales and service jobs, such as fast food restaurants and sales. Other residents work as laborers and in manufacturing (14.25) while only 9.7% have assistant, clerical, and tech support jobs.

More than half of Okauchee Lake residents drive to work, spending 15 to 30 to get to their destination. The driving time is still shorter than the work commute of the majority of Americans.

HOMES FOR SALE IN OKAUCHEE LAKE, WI

Okauchee lake homes for sale include single-family homes with 3 to 4 bedrooms to townhouses. Popular architectural styles include Ranch, Contemporary, and Colonial. The Contemporary style is a favorite choice for waterfront homes for sale on Okauchee Lake. Many houses for sale on Okauchee lake are custom-built and contain top-notch amenities. They’re designed to make you feel like you’re on vacation.

A lot of Okauchee lake real estate was built between 1970 and 1999, which means that neighborhoods are established, but not old. Some properties were also constructed before 1940.

Around 17% of residences are seasonally occupied, which is common in vacation areas as well as neighborhoods that are popular with college students.

Top neighborhoods

Okauchee Lake is the perfect place for those looking for peace and quiet. According to NeighborhoodScout, this area also ranked higher in terms of security compared to other Wisconsin neighborhoods. This makes it a great place for retirees, families, and those who value their well-being above all else. Okauchee Lake is also an affluent neighborhood, falling within 15% of the highest income neighborhoods in the US.

You can choose to live in:

• Downtown Okauchee

  If you want to be where the action is, rent or buy a home in Downtown Okauchee. This way, you’ll enjoy easy access to restaurants, shops, and bars.

• Lakefront

  If you prefer a more peaceful vibe and want to be nearer the lake, look for properties in Lakefront. There are many luxury homes, cabins, and cottages that offer stunning lake views and immediate access to the water.

LIVING IN OKAUCHEE LAKE, WI

Shopping

While Okauchee isn’t a shopping mecca, the stores in and around the area will delight you. The top-rated Mayhouse Collection sells women’s clothing, gifts, and home decor. It also has a makeup counter and a coffee bar. Customers love the comfortable atmosphere and the prices of luxury items.

For home decor, furniture, and gifts, the Decore Adore Boutique in Hartland sells well-curated items.

Finally, kids will love The Smiley Barn in nearby Delafield, a specialty toy store and retro candy shop. Located in a distinctive yellow smiley barn, this store also offers games, treats, and books for all ages.

Dining and drinking

What Okauchee lacks in shopping, it more than makes up for in dining. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the many options available.

A lot of restaurants offer Fish Fryday, so make the rounds on this day if you want a bite of the freshest catch.

• Weissgerber’s Golden Mast Inn

  Boasting stunning views of Okauchee Lake, the Golden Mast Inn has been a top restaurant for over 50 years. Since it opened in 1967, it has been run by the Weissgerber family. The restaurant offers a full service menu, Sunday brunch, wedding specials, and live bands. Diners rave about the thick ribs and salmon, as well as the attentive service. Other menu items to try include the popular fishy fry, which consists of fried or boiled cod served family style with sides of potato salad, coleslaw, french fries, and potato pancakes.

• Bryant’s on the Round

  This is a cozy restaurant helmed by Chef Bryant Johnson, who has had years of experience in restaurant management.The chef serves up beer cheese soup, risotto, and chocolate Guinness peanut butter cake. Other favorites include the Thai chicken skewers, brussel sprout cakes, mac and cheese, salmon, and burgers.

• Gondola Bistro

  Patrons of Gondola Bistro will recommend the calamari steak with capers, saltimbocca over mushroom risotto, special stuffed chicken, and Alfredo gnocchi. Save room for the delectable desserts, which include amaretto tart and chocolate rollo (fresh caramel surrounded by a decadent chocolate crust). Plus, the urban vibe and the artwork make Gondola Bistro a trendy spot.

• Smoke on the Water

  Enjoy the weekly specials at this happening place – steak night every Tuesday, the famous fish fry every Friday, “Pull My Pork” bingo night most Tuesdays, and Badgers Football programs from September to December. Diners love this restaurant’s French onion soup, salmon, bang bang shrimp, and brisket. For dessert, order the raspberry cheesecake and bread pudding.

• Foolery’s in Okauchee Lake

  The award-winning wings aren’t the only things at Foolery’s that have won plaudits. Foolery’s also won the Best Restaurant, Best Steaks, and Best Seafood at Okauchee Lake from Restaurant Guru in 2023. If you’re lucky enough to reserve an outside table, enjoy your nachos and BLT with fries while taking in the lake view. Other notable entrees include the beef filet and pan-fried walleye.

• The Hideaway Bar and Grill

  The Hideaway Bar and Grill’s amazing sandwiches include the tenderloin steak, the Reuben, and the salmon BLT. Customers also love the mac & cheese, shrimp scampi, and steak dinner. The Hideaway Bar and Grill has a patio that overlooks the lake, providing what some patrons argue is the best lake view.

• Whisky Waters

  Looking for a fun and friendly bar with a great atmosphere? Head to Whisky Waters, which has been around for a decade. Patrons love the cold beer, DJ nights, and the knowledgeable bartenders.

Outdoor recreation

Before you chow down, you’ve got to work up an appetite. Good thing Okauchee Lake is a mecca for outdoor recreation.

• Fishing

  Okauchee Lake teems with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, panfish, northern pike and walleye. It’s a dream for avid fishermen – just find a peaceful spot and spend a whole day casting your line.

• Water sports

  If you don’t enjoy fishing but would still like to be out on the water, there’s no shortage of other activities. Boating, kayaking, water skiing, and paddleboarding are just some of them. Don’t have a boat? Just rent one. Choose a pontoon boat or go on a boat tour.

• Hiking and biking

Out on dry land, there are several hiking and biking trails which traverse the surrounding forests. Drink in their natural beauty and be on the lookout for wildlife. Picnic areas found along the trails invite you to take a break and refuel.

Other attractions

While Okauchee Lake is mostly known for outdoor recreation and dining, it also has other attractions. Here are two of them:

• Oconomowoc Arts Center

  For a dose of art and culture, head to the Oconomowoc Arts Center. It was built for the students of the Oconomowoc Area School District, the communities of greater Oconomowoc, and the Lake Country region. The center hosts live musical performances, dance recitals, student plays, art exhibits, concerts, musicals, and so much more. Check out their schedule here.

• Homestead Animal Farm

  From spring to fall, you can visit the Homestead Animal Farm in Hartfield. This farm has been in the Harmann family for over 140 years. Now run by Mark, Barbara, and Brittain, Homestead Animal Farm has featured miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, dairy goats, alpacas, sheep, pheasants, peacocks, turkeys, ducks, rabbits, geese, chickens, cats, and dogs. It also had a grass-roofed barn for the goats and a grass-roofed chicken coop. Drop by and see the animals in the barn and pasture and pet the miniature donkeys.

Local events

Okauchee Lake is a tight-knit community, as evidenced by its local events. Many activities start in April, just as it starts to shed the winter chill.

• April

  The much-anticipated Okauchee Lions Easter Egg Hunt is held during this month, along with the Bock Bier Fest, which celebrates German culture.The fest features beer tapping, dance performances, and music from the biggest German brass band in the region.

• May

  This month marks the beginning of the beloved Okauchee Farmers Market, which runs every Wednesday until October, and the Badgerland Ski Show, which runs twice a month until September.

• June

  In June, the Okauchee Lions hold their annual free event, the Okauchee Lions Days, where food vendors gather in the park for a special family fun day. Kids will love the lawn games, face painting, and balloon artists.

• July

  Okauchee residents and visitors look forward to the Okauchee Lake 4th of July Fireworks, as well as the Badgerland Ski Show, summertime fun in Okauchee Lake, and the Okauchee Farmers Market.

• August

  Exciting activities in August include the Okauchee Street Dance and the Festival of Food & Art.

• September

  Summer fun bleeds into the cooler months with the ongoing Badgerland Ski Show at Okauchee Lake and the Okauchee Farmers Market.

• October

  Continue to shop at the Okauchee Farmers Market but save the dates for the Holy Trinity Fall Festival and the Okauchee Halloween Parade.

• November

  Holiday tree lighting begins in the last days of November.

• December

  The Mint Christmas Market Night kicks off, along with a Santa Claus event and the Foolery’s Annual Holiday Craft Fair.

FIND THE BEST OKAUCHEE LAKE HOMES FOR SALE WITH THE SPHEERIS TEAM



With all that it has to offer, it’s no wonder that Okauchee Lake homes are in high demand. Need help finding Okauchee Lake homes for sale? Look no further than the Spheeris Team. They are led by Jon Spheeris, a top Realtor who has been in the business for over 40 years.

The Spheeris Team is a proudly family-owned firm that provides excellent, sophisticated, and client-focused service, thanks to their deep knowledge of properties at Okauchee Lake. Jon Spheeris provided such an excellent example of white-glove real estate service that both his sons Alex and Matt chose to join him in the business. Trust Jon, his wife Lucine, and their sons to provide high-end service with sincerity and integrity. Thanks to their efforts, you’ll be able to find the best Okauchee Lake homes for sale.

Find out why clients commend the Spheeris team for their great listening skills and proactive communication. Make the team’s local knowledge, resourcefulness, and friendliness work for you. Call the Spheeris Team today at 262.490.8874 or drop them a message here