Rest Lake

View of Rest Lake, the 655 acre lake in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

Rest Lake is one of the premier lakes on the Manitowish Waters Chain and consistently ranks among the most desirable addresses in the area.

At roughly 650 acres with clear water, nearly 20 feet of average depth, and close to seven miles of shoreline, it offers substantial open-water presence while still feeling refined rather than chaotic. Its position near the heart of town adds everyday convenience, yet the longer channel connection to the rest of the chain gives it slightly more privacy than some neighboring basins. Shoreline density remains reasonable for a chain lake, and the combination of water quality, scenery, boating space, and restaurant access makes it one of the most balanced lakes in the Manitowish system. Buyers who want top-tier chain access without sacrificing water quality or aesthetics routinely place Rest near the top of their list.

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Rest Lake Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 18 Feet
Size: 655 Acres
Max Depth: 53 Feet
Shoreline: 6.98 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Deep Blue
Time to Town: 2 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 4.82
Owners Per Mile: 19.48

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings
Get notified of new listings on Rest Lake

Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing:
Fish Species:
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: High
Noise Level:
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Spotty
Home Density:
Boat Launch: Yes (1)
Lake Grade: Excellent
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Manitowish Waters
School District: North Lakeland
Tax Rate: $5.33 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Rest Lake contour map
Biking/Walking/Ski Trails:
Heart of Vilas County (Manitowish Waters) - This biking and hiking trail is 14.5 miles long and meanders from the Manitowish Waters Community Center past The North Lakeland Discovery Center and towards Boulder Junction.

Heart of Vilas County (Mercer) - A seven mile biking and hiking trail with three asphalted seconds and three road segments. The trail takes you from Manitowish Waters over to Mercer.

North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails - Biking, Hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails that total twelve miles in length. The trails go around Statehouse Lake and along the Manitowish River. This trail system connects to the Manitowish Waters Trail.

Winman Trails - Trail lengths that vary from 4 to 10 miles in length. Biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities on this trail.
Paddling Routes:
No nearby paddling routes, but the Manitowish Chain has miles of shoreline and clear waters. It's great for paddling.
Snowmobile Trails:
The Sno-Skeeters trail system runs along the west and north sides of the lake. The Sno-Skeeters groom twenty five miles of groomed trails that connects to other trail systems that allow full access to the whole Northern WI and Michigan Trail network.
ATV Trails:
No nearby routes
Nearby State Areas:
Manitowish Waters:
5 mins
Grocery Store
 --
Boulder Junction:
20 mins
Grocery Store
 --

This is a summary based on available information.

Rest Lake benefits from the Manitowish Chain’s strong multi‑species fishery, with walleye, musky, bass, and panfish all available to anglers. Popular approaches include working weed edges, points, and offshore bars with jigs, rigs, and crankbaits while adjusting depth to seasonal movements. Clear water again makes low‑light periods and breezy days particularly productive, especially for walleyes and more pressured bass. Musky anglers often target structural “funnels” and breaks that connect Rest to neighboring chain lakes, treating it as both a destination and a travel corridor for roaming fish.

I had AI give me the coordinates for the launches I had on file. They are not super accurate, but should give a rough idea of where you can find the landings. If no coordinates were available at all I didn't link to the map.

Rest Lake public landing
Public access on Rest Lake in the Manitowish Waters chain, with a hard-surface ramp and modest parking supporting both fishing and recreational boating.

How big is Rest Lake?

Rest Lake is 655 acres with 6.98 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Rest Lake?

Rest Lake has an average depth of 18 feet and a maximum depth of 53 feet.

Does Rest Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Rest Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Rest Lake from Manitowish Waters?

Rest Lake is 2 minutes from Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Rest Lake?

Rest Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Rest Lake?

Rest Lake has a water clarity of 11.2 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Rest Lake?

The shoreline of Rest Lake is about 6.98 miles.

What type of lake is Rest Lake?

Rest Lake is a Drainage lake.

Is Rest Lake on a chain of lakes?

Yes, Rest Lake is on the Manitowish Waters chain of lakes.

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