The Three Lakes Chain is the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods—a spectacular 28-lake system stretching from the Town of Three Lakes north to Eagle River. Together, these interconnected waters form the largest inland chain of freshwater lakes in the world, with more than 7,600 acres of navigable water and over 100 miles of shoreline to explore.
Once a thoroughfare for logging operations and dotted with rustic fishing camps, the Chain has evolved into a year-round haven for recreation, family traditions, and lakeside living. Today’s visitors will find welcoming docks, cozy cabins, and endless opportunities to connect with the water.
Each lake has its own personality. Big Fork Lake, one of the largest in the chain, is known for its excellent musky and walleye fishing and scenic bays ideal for tubing and boating. Laurel Lake, smaller and quieter, is a favorite among anglers seeking a peaceful day on the water. Long Lake sits near the southern end of the chain and serves as the gateway to one of the area’s most unique attractions—the Burnt Rollways Dam and Boat Hoist; you may also spot HoneyRock summer campers paddling through as they explore the Chain on an overnight trip.
On Big Stone Lake, summer evenings bring crowds to the shoreline for the Aqua Devils Water Ski Show, a high-energy tradition that’s a favorite for families and a true Three Lakes classic.
Throughout the chain, you’ll spot loons, bald eagles, and herons, and may even catch a glimpse of deer along the shoreline. The Chain’s public boat launches, fuel stops and water-accessible restaurants make it easy to spend a full day cruising, swimming, and soaking up the scenery.
To add a dose of local history to your lake day, the Three Lakes Historical Society offers narrated boat tours for their members each summer. These guided cruises share stories of the area’s early resorts, boathouses, and characters who shaped the lakeside culture of the Northwoods. It’s an experience that blends the beauty of the present with the rich legacy of the past.
A Piece of Living History: Burnt Rollways Dam and Boat Hoist
At the northern end of Long Lake, connecting to Cranberry Lake and the Eagle River Chain, lies the Burnt Rollways Dam and Boat Hoist—a rare and fascinating piece of working history. Built in 1911 and still operated by the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, the dam plays a critical role in regulating water levels for the entire Three Lakes–Eagle River Chain, helping to balance recreational use, shoreline preservation, and flood control.
The boat hoist, located adjacent to the dam, is one of the last of its kind in the country. It lifts boats out of the water and carries them over a narrow isthmus to continue their journey. Whether being lifted The hoist operates seasonally from May through September, costs $15 per boat one-way and will hoist your boat up into the Three Lakes Chain of Lakes, or down into the lower Eagle River Chain below.
The name “Burnt Rollways” comes from an incident in the late 1800s, when loggers—unpaid for their labor—chose to burn a pile of logs stacked on a wooden rollway above Nine Mile Creek rather than let their dishonest employer profit. Their act of protest left a lasting name and a colorful legacy that’s still remembered today.
Whether you’re passing through the hoist by boat or stopping to watch from shore, the Burnt Rollways site offers a rare blend of function, history, and Northwoods character.
From the calm waters of Laurel Lake to the excitement of a ski show on Big Stone or the quiet passage of canoes on Long Lake, the Three Lakes Chain is more than just a collection of lakes—it’s a place where natural beauty and tradition flow together. Whether you’re fishing at sunrise, cruising to lunch, or taking in the stories of those who came before, every bend in the shoreline offers something new to discover.