Indigenous roots
Long before the resorts, these waters were home to Native communities of the Northwoods. Ojibwe people lived, fished and traveled across the chain — a heritage still reflected in local names like Watersmeet.
Eagle River, Wisconsin · The Chain of Lakes
Come and ride on the Lazy Loon Pontoon.
Relaxed, captain-guided private boat tours on the world's largest freshwater chain of lakes. Bring your cooler, your crew and your playlist — we take care of the rest.
28Lakes on the chain
50+Miles to explore
100%Private & custom
The Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Twenty-eight lakes, one remarkable waterway
Often called the largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world — 28 connected lakes winding through roughly 50 miles of Wisconsin's Northwoods. Here's a look at the water you'll be exploring, and a little of its story.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Open larger map
The logging era
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, logging shaped the chain. Dams were built to move timber and manage water levels — including the Otter Rapids dam around 1906. Local lore even gives "Burnt Rollways" its name, from the logging days when stacked logs at the portage were said to have caught fire.
The tourism era
When the railroad reached Eagle River in the 1880s, visitors followed — and the Northwoods became a getaway. Today the chain draws boaters from all over to its islands, sandbars and dockside stops.
Not a tour. Your day.
Leave the stress on the dock.
We're not a structured tour company. We're here to give your group a custom day on the water — scenic and slow, lively and loud, or anywhere in between.
Not sure what you want to do? Leave it to us. We've got the local knowledge to make it fun, interesting and entirely yours. There's so much to see on the chain that you can easily spend the whole day out — and plenty of folks do.
FriendsFamilies
Bachelorette & bachelor partiesCompany outings
There's a whole day out here
So much to do and see
The chain is big, beautiful and full of places worth pointing the boat toward. Pick a few — or let your captain plan the route.
Sightseeing
The big views and the hidden corners only locals know.
Nature viewing
Loons, eagles, herons and the call of the Northwoods.
Islands to visit
Pull up, explore, and find your own slice of shoreline.
Bars & restaurants
Dockside spots scattered all across the chain.
Sandbars
Drop anchor, wade in, and soak up the sun.
Parks & history
The stories and landmarks that shaped these waters.
Pick your adventure
Tours & pricing
Every tour is private and built around your group. Prices are per boat, not per person.
Full Day
$850
9:00–5:00 · 9:30–5:30 · 10:00–6:00
- A full day to roam the chain
- Plan the route together
- Stops for food, swims & sandbars
Half Day
$475
Early 9:30–1:30 · Late 2:00–6:00
- Four easy hours on the water
- Morning calm or afternoon sun
- Perfect first taste of the chain
Sunset Cruise
$275
6:30–8:30
- Two hours into the evening light
- Loons, calm water, big skies
- The easygoing way to end a day
Over the Lift
$875 lift fee included
Full day · 9:00–5:00 · 9:30–5:30 · 10:00–6:00
- Cross the Burnt Rollways hoist
- Onto the Three Lakes Chain
- An excursion all its own
Custom Location
$995
Full day · 9:30–5:00
- A different lake or chain in mind?
- Within 40 miles of Eagle River
- We bring the boat to you
Want more time? Depending on the schedule and the captain, tours can often be extended by the hour — just ask. Tours are private to your group from start to finish.
For the adventurous side
Over the lift, onto the Three Lakes Chain
At Burnt Rollways Dam, a boat hoist lifts the whole boat high into the air and carries it from one chain to the next — an adventure in itself.
The Eagle River Chain connects with the Three Lakes Chain to the south, giving boaters 28 lakes and miles of shoreline to explore. On the Over-the-Lift day we ride the hoist across and open up a whole new side of the water. The lift fee is included in the price.
Book the lift adventure
Make it easy on yourself
Just bring the good stuff
Your cooler
Stock it with food and drink. There are bars and restaurants on the chain, but food waits can run long — sometimes up to two hours. Drinks are quick.
Your playlist
It's your day and your soundtrack. Cue it up and we'll set the pace to match.
Charged devices
You can charge on board, but it's best to arrive fully charged so the camera's ready all day.
A little flexibility
No bathroom on board — but there are plenty of friendly places to stop along the way.
Good questions
Frequently asked
Can we extend our time?
Yes — depending on the schedule. If there are no tours booked after yours and the captain is willing, time can be extended on an hourly basis.
Are there bathrooms on the boat?
No, but there are plenty of places to stop for a bathroom break throughout the chain.
Do we need to bring our own food and drink?
It's highly recommended. There are bars and restaurants spread across the chain, but food waits can get long — sometimes up to two hours. Drinks are usually quick.
Can I charge my phone on the boat?
Yes, but we recommend arriving with your devices fully charged.
What happens if the weather turns?
Severe weather — strong storms, high winds, lightning or heavy rain — may mean a cancellation at the captain's discretion. We try to make that call the day before, but sometimes it comes the morning of. If you've been cancelled you'll get a full refund or a voucher to reschedule, your choice. And if we're already out on the water when weather forces us in, you're refunded for the unused portion of your time. Tours still run in cool weather and light rain.
Is there a code of conduct?
We're very easygoing and not here to be the fun police. That said, belligerence, dangerous behavior or excessive intoxication won't be tolerated, and the captain may end a tour at their discretion.
The fine print, kept short
Booking & cancellation
Cancellations
- $50 non-refundable admin fee on any cancellation.
- 10+ days before: full refund minus the admin fee.
- Within 10 days: credit voucher, if cancelled at least 24 hours ahead.
- Within 24 hours or no-show: reservation is forfeited, no refund.
Weather
- Severe weather may cancel a tour at the captain's discretion.
- We try to make the weather call the day before, but it may come the morning of.
- Weather cancellations: full refund or reschedule voucher — your choice.
- If weather forces us off the water mid-tour, you're refunded for the unused portion of your time.
- Tours operate in cool weather and light rain.
On board
- Tours are private to your group, start to finish.
- Extensions possible by the hour, schedule permitting.
- Easygoing vibes — within the code of conduct.
Let's get you on the water
Book your tour
Pick your date and time and pay securely online — it only takes a minute.
Prefer to ask a few questions first? Send a request and we'll follow up.