Balsam Lake, WI

Travel Guide

A lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees and a clear sky.
A lakeside beach with people swimming and sunbathing, surrounded by dense forest.

Head to Balsam Lake for picturesque lakes, wine tasting, and charming shops nestled in a backdrop of natural beauty.

Balsam Lake is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can enjoy the natural beauty at Balsam Lake, a prominent local lake, as well as explore nearby Loveless Lake and East Lake for additional picturesque views. For those seeking recreational activities, the St Croix National Scenic Riverway offers a range of outdoor options, while nearby attractions like Dancing Dragonfly Winery provide opportunities for wine tasting. Shopping enthusiasts can visit Trap Rock Ridge Plaza and Heritage Mall, both located in the surrounding area.

You can also explore Balsam Lake's nearby areas, each offering unique experiences. St Croix Falls is known for outdoor scenery, featuring Interstate State Park, Chateau St Croix Winery & Vineyard, and Regal Park. Centuria shares a similar outdoor focus, with attractions like Long Lake and Long Lake Park. Likewise, Luck is recognized for its lakes, including Little Butternut Lake, Round Lake, and Rainbow Lake, providing a variety of recreational opportunities.

The best time to visit Balsam Lake is from June to September, when the weather is mild and mostly dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. During these months, the area tends to be a bit busier, particularly from June to August. In contrast, the months of October to December are generally quieter, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Regardless of when you visit, Balsam Lake offers a consistent outdoor appeal throughout the year.

Where to stay in Balsam Lake

Find the best Balsam Lake areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Balsam Lake
Learn more about Balsam Lake

Balsam Lake Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Balsam Lake Village and surrounding area, you can visit Balsam Lake and Little Bass Lake.

Lumberjill Lodge

Lumberjill Lodge

501 W Main St Balsam Lake WI
$112 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$119 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Balsam Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Balsam Lake and Little Bass Lake are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (52 reviews)
"The room was clean and comfortable. The location was conveniently located close to downtown."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Lumberjill Lodge
Balsam Lake Lodge

Balsam Lake Lodge

2 out of 5
264 County Rd I Balsam Lake WI
$126 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$133 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Balsam Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Popular attractions Balsam Lake and Wild Goose Lake are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (75 reviews)
"The biggest issue was no WiFi and tv not work."

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

Balsam Lake Lodge
All seasons cabin getaway

All seasons cabin getaway

Balsam Lake WI
Stay at this cabin in Balsam Lake. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Balsam Lake and Wild Goose Lake are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Clean. Good communication. Location was perfect. Boat launch and town close and walking distance to a bar/restaurant."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026

All seasons cabin getaway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
All seasons cabin getaway

All seasons cabin getaway

Balsam Lake WI
Stay at this cabin in Balsam Lake. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Balsam Lake and Wild Goose Lake are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Clean. Good communication. Location was perfect. Boat launch and town close and walking distance to a bar/restaurant."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026

All seasons cabin getaway
Get away from it all and relax on the lake!

Get away from it all and relax on the lake!

Balsam Lake WI
Stay at this vacation home in Balsam Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Little Blake Lake and Big Blake Lake are located ...
Get away from it all and relax on the lake!
Cabin w/ Dock & Porch Across from Balsam Lake

Cabin w/ Dock & Porch Across from Balsam Lake

Balsam Lake WI
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Balsam Lake. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Balsam Lake and Wild Goose ...
Cabin w/ Dock & Porch Across from Balsam Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Balsam Lake attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Balsam Lake worth visiting?
Balsam Lake is worth visiting for its natural beauty and serene environment. Travelers can explore the namesake Balsam Lake and also enjoy the tranquil waters of Half Moon Lake, both offering peaceful settings for outdoor enjoyment.
When is the best time to visit Balsam Lake?
The best time to visit Balsam Lake is from June through August, when the weather is typically warmer. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, with cooler temperatures.
What is a good itinerary length for Balsam Lake?
A good itinerary length for Balsam Lake is two to three days to enjoy Balsam Lake and Half Moon Lake. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to also explore Wild Goose Lake and fully experience the natural beauty of the area, perhaps trying some local North American, Italian, or African cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake offers travelers serene natural beauty with several picturesque lakes to explore:

  • Visit Balsam Lake, the main body of water in the area.
  • Explore Half Moon Lake for its tranquil setting.
  • Discover Wild Goose Lake, another beautiful natural lake.
  • See East Lake, perfect for enjoying peaceful views.

How do I plan a trip to Balsam Lake?
To plan your trip to Balsam Lake, book flights and a rental car in advance. Search for places to stay and plan to enjoy nature at Balsam Lake, Half Moon Lake, and Wild Goose Lake. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility, and explore local North American, Italian, or African cuisine.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Balsam Lake?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Balsam Lake by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Balsam Lake with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Balsam Lake trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Balsam Lake?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Balsam Lake can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Balsam Lake trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Balsam Lake trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Balsam Lake trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Balsam Lake trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Balsam Lake?
If it's your first trip to Balsam Lake, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Balsam Lake hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Balsam Lake hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Balsam Lake

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