1st Place: Lake Wissota
2nd Place: Chippewa River
3rd Place: Lake Altoona

Among the many bodies of water that surround the Valley, Lake Wissota takes the cake. Located east of Chippewa Falls, this 6,300- acre lake provides two public boat launch sites and a state park on the northeast shore. Avid fishers will be delighted to find Walleye, Musky, and Northern Pike, among others. For a more relaxing and scenic adventure, try the Chippewa River in second place. Float on an inner tube to escape the heat or take a kayak to spot otters, turtles, eagles or even a friendly wolf. Wrapping up the list in third, Lake Altoona is home to a county park, equipped with a boat launch and just miles outside Eau Claire. – Caitlin Heidbrink