Things to do
EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF LAKE MILLS, WI DURING YOUR STAY AT BARTEL'S BEACH COTTAGE!
Keep scrolling to discover our favorite local spots, outdoor adventures, dining options, and must see attractions in Lake Mills and the surrounding areas, just a short drive from Madison and Milwaukee.
Outdoor & Nature Activites
Outdoor & Nature Activites
Outdoor & Nature Activites
- Rock Lake: Boating, kayaking, paddle boarding fishing, and sunset views
- Bartel's Beach & Sandy Beach: Swimming, picnic areas, and playgrounds
- Aztalan State Park: Historic Native American mounds, hiking trails, and scenic views
- Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Biking, hiking, and walking along a scenic crushed-limestone trail
- Lake Mills Golf Club: 18-hole public golf course overlooking Rock Lake
- Zeloski Marsh Wildlife Area: Birdwatching and nature trails
Shopping & Downtown fun
Outdoor & Nature Activites
Outdoor & Nature Activites
- Downtown Lake Mills: Shops, galleries, and boutiques
- Antique shops & specialty stores throughout Lake Mills
- Johnson Creek Premium Outlets: Outlet shopping (9 miles away)
- Lake Mills Farmers Market (May-Oct): Fresh produce, artisan goods, live music
- Concerts
- Art Festivals
- Holiday Events
***Check local calendars for dates and events
Local restaurants & Cafés
Outdoor & Nature Activites
Nearby Attractions/ day trips
- Cafe On the Park: Breakfast & brunch (downtown)
- Lake Mills Family Restaurant: Classic diner meals
- El Mariachi: Mexican cuisine (downtown)
- The Grist Bar and Table: American fare & craft beer
- Tyranny Brewing Company: Local brewery with rotating taps
- Sunshine Brewing Company: Belgian-style beers and casual eats
- Patrick's Arcade Bar: Games, drinks, and casual dining
- The Hub: Cocktails & relaxed bar atmosphere
- Aztalan Inn Bar & Grill: Classic Wisconsin bar & grill
- Sportsman's Pub On the Park: Burgers and casual dining
Nearby Attractions/ day trips
Nearby Attractions/ day trips
Nearby Attractions/ day trips
- Octagon House Museum: Unique historic home in Watertown, WI (17 miles away)
- Madison Children's Museum: Interactive exhibits for kids (28 miles away)
- Milwaukee Public Museum: Natural history & cultural exhibits (53 miles away)
- Kettle Moraine State Forest: Hiking, trails and scenic views (45-60 miles away)
Water & Adventure
Nearby Attractions/ day trips
Water & Adventure
- Kayaking: Rock Lake
- Canoeing: Rock Lake
- Paddle boarding: Rock Lake
- Fishing (summer: bass & walleye) (winter: ice fishing seasonally)
- Sunset cruises
- Pontoon rentals (seasonal)
Winter activities
Nearby Attractions/ day trips
Water & Adventure
- Knickerbocker Ice Festival: Ice sculpting, snowshoeing, and winter games (early February)
- Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
- Commons Park: Ice skating (seasonal)
- Snowmobiling on designated trails (weather permitting)
Directions to us
From Madison
Take I-94 E to the Hwy. 89 Exit, turn
Right off the exit ramp into Lake Mills.
(Approximately 20 miles from Madison)
From Milwaukee
Take I-94 W to the Hwy. 89 Exit, turn
Left at the end of the exit ramp.
Lake Mills is just past the overpass.
(Approximately 55 miles from Milwauke
From Chicago
Take I-94 N to Hwy. 894. Take 894 to I-94 West. Take I-94
West to the Hwy 89 Exit, turn Left at the end of the exit ramp.
Lake Mills is just past the overpass.
(Approximately 125 miles from Chicago)
From Lake Mills
Start out going South on WI-89. (.9 miles)
Turn Right onto W. Lake Street. (.2 miles)
Turn Left onto S. Ferry Drive.(<.1 miles)
End at 124 S. Ferry Drive.