Safest Lakes to Swim Near Rhinelander
Wisconsin
3 lakes within driving distance of Rhinelander, Wisconsin pass our swim-safety screen — grade A/B water, low algae, and public access. 3 have direct bacteria (E. coli) testing on record. Filtered for grade A or B water quality, low algae (chlorophyll-a under 15 µg/L), and public access. Always check local advisories on the day you swim.
Lakes near Rhinelander are sparser (3 graded lakes within reach), so the choices are limited. Mole Lake (A) is the standout.
The swimming-specific ranking layered on top of the letter grade is what produces the list below: a grade-good lake that does not also support the swimming use case is less useful than a grade-decent lake that does.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Swim Safety | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mole Lake | Forest | A | Bacteria A | 23.7 mi | 8.5 ft | 17 ft |
| 2 | Bug Lake | Forest | A | Bacteria A | 28.6 mi | - | - |
| 3 | Devil'S Lake | Forest | A | Bacteria A | 28.6 mi | - | - |
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Where to stay near Rhinelander
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Top-rated places to stay near Rhinelander
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.