It's no wonder folks come from as far away as Southern Illinois, Central Indiana and Wisconsin, even Michigan to own or use property in this beautifully natural part of Southeastern Wisconsin. Known by its residents and its many friends as "Lake Country" because of its large number of lakes, the northwestern corner of Waukesha County includes Pewaukee, Delafield, Hartland, Merton, Nashotah, Chenequa, Okauchee Lake, Oconomowoc, Summit, and Lac La Belle.

A drive through Waukesha County's Lake Country communities uncovers evidence of the great glaciers that once covered the area. Lush rolling hills, abundant lakes and limestone quarries are just some of the natural wonders. Many of the area's numerous parks feature the lakes and hills created by the glacier.

Logn ago, Waukesha County was home to prehistoric Indians, including the Effigy Mound Builders and Potawatomi people, and was prized by fur traders in the 1700's. When settlers from the east arrived in the mid-1800's, they found 4-6 foot earthen mounds in the shape of birds and turtles, along with conical and linear mounds. Three conical mounds are visible today in front of the City of Waukesha Library. Increase Lapham, considered the founder of the U.S. Weather Bureau, surveyed the mounds. The highest point in Waukesha County is named for him.

As far back as the 1700's, the native people told fur traders about the area's mineral springs. In 1868 Col. Richard Dunbar promoted what he believed were healing properties of Waukesha's water, which launched Waukesha County's “Springs Era”. Through 1910, people traveled cross-country to drink the water. Accounts tell us that up to 25 passenger trains arrived daily. Elaborate “springhouses” were built above the natural springs. Today's visitors can see the last of the original springhouses on the Moor Downs Golf Course, Frame Park and Springs Park.

In the late 1800's, many cities experienced devastating fires that destroyed early wood frame buildings. Waukesha County's quarries provided the stone for rebuilding, and railroads transported the stone to Chicago and other cities with fire damage.

This area, once dubbed “Cow County USA”, has long since developed a diverse industrial base. Some of the world's leading manufacturers and businesses have corporate facilities located in the area, providing jobs, activities, cultural events and economic stability to the region.

Enjoy recreational activities? Like to hunt, fish, ski, swim, hike, sight-see, shop or just chill? Recreation opportunities abound in Lake Country and the surrounding Waukesha County countryside including:

• 77 lakes offering fishing, swimming, and boating
• 21,000 acres of public parks (state, county, and municipal)
• 129 miles of hiking and biking trailsover 70 miles of cross country ski trails nearly 200 miles of snowmobile trails.
• 10 campgrounds

Every year in autumn, Waukesha's Lake Country is ablaze with color. Residents and guestsl enjoy a moderate climate with temperatures reaching the 70s throughout September and October, but by the end of November, you’ll feel winter’s chill with 30° days and the first frost. Precipitation averages a little over 8 inches for the season, but it is not unheard of for the little ones to Trick or Treat in the snow.

Winters in Wisconsin's Lake Country are generally quite moderate but there have been years where it snows 40-50 inches for the season, while other years will see as little as 4-1/2 inches. (The record for December, January and February is an unbelievable 90 inches so keep that shovel handy!) On average, one Christmas out of every three is white. The region's average temperature is in the 30s but it has been known to dip to -26F. This is truly the stuff legends are made of.

Of course, Spring is always a favorite time in Lake Country, bringing warmer temperatures that range from 40° to 70°. Temperature and precipitation vary most in Spring, which makes life quite unpredictable but adventuresome. Precipitation of 8-9 inches is normal and thunderstorms are very common. The best advice is to keep winter boots, umbrella and sunscreen handy during Spring. But Summer in Waukesha County's Lake Country grassy and active communities is what residents and guests live for. Usually sunny and warm, daytime temperatures are in the 80s, with evenings cooling down to a comfortable range of 60s and 70s. Although precipitation averages 10 inches, Waukesha Lake Country's summer weather is definitely a most pleasant experience.

Whether your aim is relaxation or action, family outings or friendly romps, hiking over tall rocks or diving under deep waters, golfing or baseball or fishing, shopping or sightseeing, one thing's certain -- Southeastern Wisconsin's Lake County is a great place to be any time of year!

For more information on activities in and around Lake Country Wisconsin, visit: