Pretty lake Vacation Lake country rentals

The Cabbage stands out from other vacation rentals because it offers something rare in Southern Wisconsin — seemingly private lake and woods vacation paired with iconic natural beauty. Nestled directly on Pretty Lake’s lagoon, guests enjoy peaceful water views, direct lake access, and the kind of quiet that’s hard to find at larger, busier destinations.

Just minutes away, the breathtaking trails and rolling glacial landscapes of Kettle Moraine State Forest invite hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and year-round exploration. You’re also perfectly positioned to enjoy the charm of Lake Country’s nearby towns, golf courses, orchards, supper clubs, and local shops — all while returning to your own private lakeside retreat.

The Cabbage isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a true Lake Country experience with the feel of “up north” and proximity to the city. 

The Cabbage is located on the shores of Pretty Lake in Wisconsin’s scenic Lake Country, offering a peaceful waterfront setting with convenient access to major cities. Just 35 minutes from Milwaukee and about one hour from Madison, it’s an easy escape without a long drive. Chicago is approximately two hours away, making it an ideal weekend retreat for city dwellers.

Nestled near the Kettle Moraine State Forest, guests are minutes from miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails while still being close to the dining, shopping, and amenities of nearby communities like Delafield and Oconomowoc

Amenities at “The Cabbage” include Wi-Fi, fully equipped updated kitchen, walk-in shower, linens, towels, private lake access with kayak use, dock and more. Please refer to the VRBO property listing for details.

Boating Rules & Restrictions on Pretty Lake

1. Slow-No-Wake Hours

• All motorized watercraft must operate at slow, no-wake speed before 11:00 AM and after 6:00 PM daily.
  “Slow-no-wake” means the minimum speed needed to maintain steerage, with no appreciable wake.  

2. Traffic Direction

• All power boats must travel counter-clockwise around the lake at all times.  

3. Distance & Speed Zones

• No motorized boat may travel faster than slow-no-wake within 100 feet of:
   
  • Shoreline
  • Docks or piers
  • Rafts or anchored boats
• Boaters must keep safe distance from swimmers and other watercraft.  

4. Safety & Equipment Requirements

• Every person aboard a watercraft must have a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
• Water skiing or being towed (e.g., tube, wakeboard) has additional observer requirements and must comply with safety rules.  

5. Operating Behavior

• Reckless, careless, or unsafe operation is prohibited.
• Skiers are not permitted to travel between rafts and shorelines.
• Riding on bows, gunwales, or other unsafe positions while the boat is underway is unlawful.  

6. Age & Certification (State Boating Law Applies)

• Wisconsin law governs minimum age and certification requirements for operating motorboats and personal watercraft — typically requiring a boating safety certificate for certain age groups.  

7. Public Access Rules

• Parking at public lake access points is limited (e.g., 4 vehicles), and overnight camping or parking is prohibited.
• Vehicles are not allowed to park or drive on Pretty Lake Road shoulder or exposed beach areas.  

💡 Quick tip: Pretty Lake is a smaller, mostly shallow body of water. These rules help protect shoreline, water quality, and safety for all users — kayakers, swimmers, anglers, and boaters alike. 

Yes. Pretty Lake is a popular recreational lake, and swimming is common throughout the summer. Guests typically swim from private piers, rafts, and shoreline areas.

Locals also swim from the sandy public access spot known as “Turtle Rock,” and many boaters anchor in the middle of the lake for a swim on warm days. “The Cabbage“ is located on the east side of the lake in what is referred to the lagoon.  While several of the residents on the lagoon do swim, swimming in the lagoon can be limited based on the time of year and annual weeds. Cabbage visitors should plan to walk to other public access points or kayak from the lagoon to the main lake to swim where the water is beautifully clear. 

Good to know:

• Early mornings and evenings (slow-no-wake hours) are the calmest times for swimming.
• The Lagoon is shallow with natural vegetation.
• Always stay visible and be mindful of boat traffic.

The bottom of Pretty Lake is mostly soft and natural, with a mix of sand, silt, and aquatic vegetation. There are weedy areas in shallower sections like the lagoon, and pockets of clearer, softer bottom near maintained swim lanes or deeper spots. locals love swimming off the west public access point “Turtle Rock” where the bottom is sandy, and very swimmer-friendly.

Pretty Lake is considered one of the cleanest lakes in southern wi.  Very swimmable water typical of Lake Country lakes in summer. Water quality is monitored locally, and most days the clarity and conditions are pleasant for swimming and boating.