Visitors to Three Lakes have long enjoyed our lakes and forests, spending entire days on the water or hiking the trails. But did you know there are family farms growing fresh produce locally? Take an afternoon off the water and dive into an immersive local agriculture experience! Whether you’re looking for a local farmstand to pick up veggies to grill, salad greens to enjoy or starts to plant in your own garden, a morning picking your own berries under the summer sun, or an immersive cranberry experience, let this be your guide to local agri-tourism experiences in Three Lakes!
Once full of commercial potato farms, Three Lakes is now home to Wisconsin’s largest organic cranberry grower and the second largest in the US—James Lake Farms. This family-owned farm harvests approximately 2 million pounds of cranberries each fall. The marshes date back to the 1940s, with some of the original beds still in use. Cranberries are perennials, and one of the original vines from the 1940s continues to thrive. Alongside these legacy vines, James Lake Farms cultivates 14 other cranberry varieties, including native selections and hybrids.
Cranberries, one of three native fruits grown commercially in the United States, flourish in the region's naturally acidic soil. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and process of cranberry farming, from planting to harvesting. In early summer, pollinator tours showcase the efforts to support the entire ecosystem. During the harvest season, guests can witness the vibrant cranberry bogs, observe the packaging process, and even participate in picking cranberries. Experience a day at James Lake Farms, where the fruit benefits both people and the land.
Follow the story of the cranberry downtown to the Three Lakes Winery. Established in 1972, this family-owned winery is famous for its cranberry wine. The story behin
d the winery’s signature wine is rooted in the passion and innovation of its founder, John McCain.
Back in the 1960s, John made various wines as a hobby. His cranberry wine, in particular, received rave reviews from friends, which encouraged him to turn his hobby into a profession. "John made various wines as a hobby, and when he had friends over to try them, the honest feedback was always raving when it came to the cranberry wine," says a representative from the winery. This dream led John to move his family from California to Wisconsin, where 2 out of 3 cranberries in the US are grown.
Today, Three Lakes Winery offers tastings of their unique fruit wines seven days a week. Unlike other fruit wineries, this wine is made using whole fruit without additional flavorings or juices—a difference you can taste! Built in 1880, our historic tasting room is located within the Chicago and Northwestern train depot in Downtown Three Lakes. During tastings, you can sample up to six wines for free, although choosing a favorite may be challenging! The friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with a variety of award-winning wines, cute gifts, and specialty foods, make every visit special.
The growing season in Three Lakes may be short, but that doesn’t stop our local family farms from growing an abundance of produce! Head just north of town to Clearwater Farms where you pick your own strawberries, honeyberries, blueberries and raspberries. The Leach family also offers grass fed and finished beef. Located just a short drive from Three Lakes in Sugar Camp, Evergood Farm practices organic growing methods and offers a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In the spring, purchase seed starts for your garden. All summer, visit the roadside farm stand, open each Friday, for the season’s best bounty. Want to get even more involved at Evergood? Stay in the farm apartment, volunteer your time, or book a tour! Also in Sugar Camp, Camp Four Farm offers a truly picturesque pick your own experience. You’ll find organically grown blueberries and aronia berries in the summer, apples in the fall and Christmas trees in the winter.
Whether you’re tasting a glass of cranberry wine, picking fresh strawberries, or exploring the life of a cranberry bog, Three Lakes offers a rich and diverse agritourism experience. Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature, support local farmers, and savor the flavors of the Northwoods.