The Best Lakes To Skinny Dip In Minnesota + Wisconsin
If you're looking to live on the wild side this summer, perhaps sneaking in some moonlight skinny dipping will do the trick.
A study was done last summer to determine the best places to skinny dip across the United States, including Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Now, before I share what they discovered in Minnesota and Wisconsin, I should point out that while these may be great places to drop trou and dive in, that doesn't mean it's legal. If you want to avoid the potentially serious consequences of breaking an indecent exposure law, make sure you are on an official nude beach so any witnesses would simply turn their other cheek.
However, let's assume you have or know someone who has private beach access to these places and nobody would know if you decided to do the naked doggy paddle or, if feeling bold, the backstroke.
RELATED: Is It Legal To Drive Naked In Minnesota Or Wisconsin?
For this study, they evaluated each spot according to its characteristics, creating an index score of 100 points, with each category contributing to the overall score.
The categories included Climate Likeability, Average Summer Air Temperature, Average Summer Water Temperature, Pollution Level, Blue Flag Status, Crime Rate, Average Hotel Cost, Beach Quality Score, Weather Score, Safety Score, and Hotel Cost Score.
The index score was calculated by taking an average of the above categories. After examining each location, they added a summary for visitors and a few words to describe the spot.
Where are the best skinny dipping locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin?
Coincidentally, it's different locations of the same body of water.
In Minnesota, and ranking #23 overall in the United States, it was Lake Superior. Here's their explanation of the high ranking:
With its crystal-clear waters, Lake Superior is ideal for skinny dipping. The lake is surrounded by majestic forests, and visitors can explore the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore or take a dip in the lake’s cool waters.
They add that the area features plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, like hiking trails, fishing spots, and beaches. Just make sure you're fully dressed for those things.
RELATED: Here Are 4 Of The Most Snake-Infested Lakes In Minnesota
Other Minnesota lakes that showed up in the study as the best places to skinny dip in the country were:
- Lake Vermillion in Tower
- Lake Itaska in Park Rapids
- Lake Mille Lacs in Garrison
- Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata
- Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis
- Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
- Lake Waconia in Waconia
- Lake Pepin in Lake City
- Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis
- Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis
- Lake Winona in Winona
- Leech Lake in Walker
- White Bear Lake in White Bear
Where is the best place to skinny dip in Wisconsin?
Coming in at #49 in the country overall is Big Bay State Park. Here's part of their rationale:
Big Bay State Park provides a secluded spot for skinny dipping in Lake Superior. The park contains diverse terrain, from sandstone cliffs to cobblestone beaches and bays.
They go on to say that it is also home "to many wildlife and vegetation, including bald eagles, ospreys, herons, peregrine falcons, white-tailed deer, and wildflowers. Also, "visitors can check out the lighthouse, take a kayak tour to explore the lake and surrounding islands, or hike one of the many trails in the park. It’s also a great spot for fishing, swimming, and sunbathing on the sandy beaches."
Other Wisconsin lakes that showed up in the study as the best places to skinny dip in the country were:
- Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville
- Paradise Springs in Eagle
- Whitefish Dunes State Park in Sturgeon Bay
- Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek
- Rock Island State Park in Washing Island
- Copper Falls State Park in Mellen
- Door Bluff Headlands Park in Ellison Bay
- Big Manitou Falls in Superior
- Lake Geneva in Lake Geneva
- Mirror Lake in Wisconsin Dells
- Amnicon Falls State Park in South Range
- Pewaukee Lake in Pewaukee
- Wazee Lake in Black River
- Devil's Lake in Baraboo
- Lake Michigan in Milwaukee
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Looks like those feeling a bit cheeky have plenty of places to discreetly take an au naturel swim in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Swim at your own risk.
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