7 Free Must-See Water Ski Shows in Northern Wisconsin to Check Out This Summer

Home to more than 15,000 lakes, Wisconsin is the ideal place for creative water pastimes. Although it might be hard to believe about a state that boasts such long winters and short summers, Wisconsin is considered the Water Ski Capital of the World!

If you plan to spend time in Northern Wisconsin this summer, you are sure to be close to a water ski show. Expect to be wowed by the feats of balance, agility, and bravery, performed by individuals and groups of water skiers. Here are seven water ski acts in the region that are sure to impress. And, better yet, they are free for you to watch and enjoy!

1. Kwahamot Water Ski Club, Tomahawk.

The talented water skiers of the Kwahamot (that’s Tomahawk spelled backwards) Water Ski Club perform on Kwahamot Bay on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Shows start at 7:30 or 8:00 p.m., depending on the time of year. This club has a long history of success, having been in operation for almost 60 years. Street and lot parking are available. Enjoy snacks from their concession stand, which donates proceeds to Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

For more information, visit the Kwahamot Water Ski Club website, kwahamot.org, and check for updates on Facebook @Kwahamot.

2. Min-Aqua Bats, Minocqua.

This club is the world’s oldest continually running amateur water ski show and recently appeared in an episode of John McGivern’s show, Around the Corner, that featured Minocqua and the Lakeland area. Members hail from as far as Hawaii and Singapore. With a history and roster like that, you can count on quality. The Min-Aqua Bats perform at the Aqua Bowl, located on West Park Avenue on Lake Minocqua. Shows are Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7 p.m., starting in mid-June and continuing to the Friday before Labor Day. Street and lot parking are available. Although this show is free, you may want to bring some cash for “passing the hat” during intermission – and to treat yourself to snacks at the concession stand.

For more information, visit the Min-Aqua Bats website, minaquabats.com, and check for updates on Facebook @minaquabats.

3. Crivitz Ski Cats, Crivitz.

The Crivitz Ski Cats have an impressive track record as the five-time Division II Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Champions! Shows are Wednesday and some Saturdays, from June 19 to August 17, at 6 p.m., on serene Lake Noquebay. Please note that while the shows are free, you’ll need to pay a $5 admission to enter Lake Noquebay Park. The Ski Cats show – and the sandy beach, playground, and picnic area to enjoy before the show – make it well worth the cost.

For more information, visit the Crivitz Ski Cats website, crivitzskicats.org, and check for updates on Facebook @CrivitzSkiCats.

4. Plum Ski-ter Water Ski Show Team, Sayner.

Enjoy a Plum Ski-ters show at Plum Lake in Sayner-Star Lake. This team performs mid-June to late August on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Shows start at 7 p.m. from June 15 to July 31 and start at 6:30 p.m. August 1 to 31.

For more information, check out the Plum Ski-ters website, plumskiters.org, and watch for updates on Facebook @plumskiters.

5. Chetek Hydroflites, Chetek.

Enjoy a show from the brand-new Aqua Theater, on beautiful Lake Chetek, across from the Chetek Airport, and there is abundant parking on-site. The Hydroflites perform most Sundays during the summer, 6 to 9 p.m and other specially scheduled times. While you’re waiting for the show to start, grab some goodies from the concession stand. The Hydroflites perform themed shows, and this year’s show is Chetek’s Got Talent.

For more information, see the Hydroflites website, hydroflites.com, and check for updates on Facebook @hydroflites.

6. Twin Bridge Ski Team, Crivitz.

The Twin Bridge Ski Team performs on the High Falls Flowage, part of the Peshtigo River and home of the new Peshtigo River State Forest. The flowage is a pristine site, noted for its 32 miles of wild shores. Enjoy the shows while you enjoy the stunning views, Thursdays and Saturdays, June 15 through August 12, at 6:30 p.m.

See twinbridgewaterskiteam.com for more information.

7. Badwater Ski-Ters, Spread Eagle.

The Badwater Ski-Ters were the Jump Champions at the 2017 Wisconsin State Waterski Show Championships. Come see their jumps and other tricks on summer Wednesdays and Sundays, at 6:00 p.m. (with some exceptions) at Vagabond Park, on the Menominee River, off US 2, between Florence (WI) and Kingsford (MI). Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair!

For more information, see exploringthenorth.com/ski/ski.html or check Facebook @badwaterskiters.