We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Lake McKinley, Wisconsin, USA

Also known as:  McKinley Lake

Located in a region that has been called the “Roads to Relaxation”, McKinley Lake in Washburn County, Wisconsin offers visitors a quiet respite to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods. Called interchangeably Lake McKinley and McKinley Lake, mostly it is just called beautiful. With 105 acres of sparkling clear water and over 2 miles of shoreline, a few lakefront homes and cabins are visible…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake McKinley! Article topics include:

Looking for Lake McKinley cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Lake McKinley, WI

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Wisconsin - Lake Superior Northwoods Region, WI -

    Located in a region that has been called the “Roads to Relaxation”, McKinley Lake in Washburn County, Wisconsin offers visitors a quiet respite to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods. Called interchangeably Lake McKinley and McKinley Lake, mostly it is just called beautiful.

    With 105 acres of sparkling clear water and over 2 miles of shoreline, a few lakefront homes and cabins are visible but that does not deter the occasional bear or moose from rambling along the shore for a drink or quick swim. Whether fishing from the shore, in a boat, or on top of the ice, anglers are always pleased with their catch of the day at Lake McKinley that may include largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, panfish and an occasional walleye. Swimming, beaches, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and waterskiing are all enjoyed here during the warm weather of spring and summer. But during the cold snowy months, visitors enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing while snowmobile trails cross right over the lake. Of course, if pure rest and relaxation are your goal, snuggling up to a warm fire with a mug of hot chocolate as you simply gaze at the winter wonderland is always acceptable.

    Known as the “Crossroads of the North” for its proximity to a junction of major highways, the town of Spooner is just a short drive from Lake McKinley. Here you will find needed supplies for your stay, local restaurants that provide a touch of local color to their specialty dishes, guide services, and equipment rentals. Each summer, residents and visitors look forward to the annual Pro Rodeo that comes to town to entertain and thrill the audience with bronco riding, bull riding, roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and the always entertaining rodeo clowns. While in town, take time to visit and see the operations of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Spooner Fish Hatchery which is the largest hatchery in the state and produces more muskie fingerlings than any other place in the world.

    Besides McKinley Lake, Washburn County has over 960 lakes that provide 31,498 acres of water surface and 866 miles of shoreline to delight all outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, the Namekagon River, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, runs through the county providing a canoeist’s paradise. Mostly undeveloped, the Namekagon River offers canoeists a view of Wisconsin’s abundant wildlife along the undisturbed shores with multiple primitive campsites stretching along the river’s shoreline to provide overnight camping for those adventurers who want to enjoy a longer trek through the Northwoods haven.

    Lake McKinley and Washburn County have gained a reputation as a recreational and retirement location as many past visitors have purchased real estate here to have as a second home for vacationing and eventual retirement. Not quite ready to make the big purchase, then vacation rentals are plentiful throughout the county that include lake front cabins, vacation homes, lodges, resorts, conference centers, bed and breakfast inns, motels, RV parks and campgrounds. With fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, golfing, hunting, wildlife viewing, bird watching, ATVs, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and dog sledding all easily available depending on which season you visit, you will experience all the wonder of the Northwoods’ outdoors.

    Whether your visit is for a family vacation, fishing expedition, romantic get away, or just a quiet retreat, the Northwoods destination of Lake McKinley will meet all of those requirements. And with the reputation as the “Roads to Relaxation”, Washburn County and the great Northwoods are sure to satisfy and delight your weary spirit.

    Things to Do at Lake McKinley

    These are some activities in the Lake McKinley, WI area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Dog Sledding
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake McKinley?

    Lake McKinley has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Muskellunge
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
    • Walleye
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Lake McKinley

    If you’re considering a Lake McKinley lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake McKinley Vacation

    Our interactive Lake McKinley lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Lake McKinley Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 105 acres

    Shoreline Length: 2 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,243 feet

    Average Depth: 12 feet

    Maximum Depth: 23 feet

    Water Volume: 1,250 acre-feet

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Lake McKinley Map
    Local Weather Forecast

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Lake McKinley Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    SHOP NOW
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Lake McKinley news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Lake McKinley forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Lake McKinley photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Lake McKinley article with your fellow LakeLubbers: