Uptown Balsam Lake

Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, is a hidden gem brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or a peaceful retreat, Balsam Lake has something for everyone. Discover the best ways to experience our charming lakeside community with our curated list of top things to do:

Lake with a small sandy beach, red picnic table on grassy area, people swimming and a dock with forested shoreline in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Park scene with grassy field, trees, and people by a lakeside beach.

    Balsam Lake Beach + Boat Landing

    Great little spot that is less than 3 minute drive from the motel and about 15 minute walk. They have a nice roped off beach, a swimming platform, picnic shelter, bathroom and playground.

    This is the nearest boat landing to the motel. Washing station for exit and places to park if you want to spend a day on the lake!

    More info here

  • Street view of Balsam Lake Brewery & Market, a blue building with red trim, located at a corner with a crosswalk. Outdoor seating is visible, along with a four-wheeler parked nearby. Hanging plants are displayed at the entrance.

    Balsam Lake Brewery + Market

    Great housemade brews, a light food menu, some fun activities on the weekend (Music Bingo anyone?) and a little market attached to stock up on a few grocery items.

    Website

  • Small cafe exterior with wooden benches, green roof, flower pots, and large windows displaying Balsam Lake Cafe signage.

    Balsam Lake Café

    Looking for a lovely breakfast or lunch? This is the spot! Great specials. Amazing breakfast and sandwiches.

    Website

  • Exterior of a black brick retail building with a wooden trim, featuring a large window display with clothing. An "OPEN" sign and a chalkboard with information are near the entrance. There are potted plants with red flowers beside the industrial-style door. The sky is clear, and trees surround the building.

    Balsam Lake Trading Co

    The Cutest little boutique shop that you should pop into when you’re in town!

    Website

  • A restaurant exterior featuring signs for a pub and eatery. A banner indicates a patio bar in the back. "Now serving breakfast" is displayed next to the entrance. The building has brick and siding with green and brown accents.

    Docs Pub

    Great patio with live music on the weekends (check their facebook page for dates + Times). Full menu of food that includes pizzas and chicken as well as lots of other things.

    Website

  • Historic red brick courthouse with tower and American flag, surrounded by greenery and parked car in foreground.

    Historic Court House Museum

    Free Polk County museum. Stop in to read all about the history of Polk County and the area!

    Website

  • Outdoor seating area of a café with red umbrellas, American flags, and customers sitting at tables. The building has a white facade with black awnings and a sign at the entrance.

    Hopsack

    Great coffee shop and boutique with numerous Balsam Lake stuff AND more. Their coffee, tea and lemonade is jammin!

    Website

  • A small brick building with outdoor seating, surrounded by greenery. The building has a porch with various signs and a "Welcome" sign. Tables and chairs with colorful umbrellas are set up outside. A marquee sign indicates the establishment is open. A playset is visible to the left.

    KJ’s New North

    Great sandwiches and lunch specials. The best spot around to fill up on ice cream!

    Website

  • Outdoor clothing rack with assorted garments in front of a log cabin-style storefront, featuring a wooden bench and a glass door with a business sign.

    Shine Boutique

    A great spot to explore with cute clothes and wares.

    Website

  • A two-story building with a dark exterior, featuring metal siding and glass block accents. It has a white door and a hanging sign above the entrance displaying an abstract design. The sidewalk in front leads to the entrance.

    The Barred Owl

    Great local bar. Check their website for food hours and fit it into your schedule. This place has a great changing menu. The food is so good!

    Website

  • Outdoor restaurant patio with pergola and pink flower baskets

    Top Spot

    Best patio drinking in Balsam Lake! Check their signs or facebook for live music days + times.

    Website

  • Outdoor area of La Vash restaurant with a sign reading "VIVS," featuring a covered patio with seating, surrounded by plants and a sidewalk.

    Viv’s

    Great spot to grab a bite to eat. Limited hours but if you’re here on a weekend check them out. They have wraps, flat breads and pitas!

    Open seasonally

    Website

  • Waterfront property with a large house, a landscaped lawn, and a wooden dock extending into the water, surrounded by trees and greenery under a blue sky.

    Balsam Lake Lodge

    Great patio on the lake and their food is great!

    Website

    Photo credit

  • Rustic dining room with log walls, white tablecloths, red napkins, green chairs, stone fireplace, and decorative chandelier.

    Indianhead Supper Club

    Experience the old school supper club vibe in Wisconsin. Plan to sit down for a couple hours for this one. Make sure to get an Old Fashioned with your steak!

    Website

    Photo credit

  • Outdoor patio area with tiki statues, a thatched roof structure, and plants. The background features autumn foliage and a log cabin-style building.

    The Thirsty Otter

    This is one of our go to spots for dinner. Great menu mixed with bar food plus some other Wisconsin staples. We love the patio and the lake views.

    Website

    Photo credit