If you think about it, all water is part of one giant system of lakes, rivers, oceans, clouds, and precipitation. Unfortunately, however scientifically accurate this idea is, it’s super unhelpful if you’re looking for a sweet spot to kneeboard. Lake Wissota and its acres of gentle waves wins first prize for Best Body of Water for Recreation in this year’s poll, followed by the more fishing-friendly Chippewa River. In third place is Big Falls County Park, where young people gather to play records, dance, and pass around a beach ball. —Eric Rasmussen