Whitewater Lake, located in the rolling glacial terrain of the Kettle Moraine, borrowed its name from the Potawatomi "Waubegannawsocat", which described the dazzling white sands found in the creek bed. Two ancient tribes, the Mound Builders and the Potawatomi, had long worshiped, harvested and nurtured the fertile beauty of this region. In fact, the Potawatomi named the area "Minneiska", or "the city beautiful". With the rolling hills, springfed lakes, forests and prairies, it offers a wealth of wildlife and diverse recreational activities including boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming, fishing and more.

The Minneiska Water Ski Team performs on the south shore weekly throughout the summer. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy some of the best trail riding, mountain biking, Nordic skiing and hiking in the Midwest, including a 30-mile segment of the world-renowned Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Bikers can tackle the challenging John Muir and Emma Carlin Trails or for those who prefer a more relaxing ride, there is the Glacial Drumlin Trail. Hikers can explore the Indian Mounds Park to relive history. You can discover the thrill of soaring through the skies above Whitewater in a hang glider, gazing at the scenic landscape or take a ride through the Kettle Moraine by car. Or you can escape from the fast-paced world by stopping at the Whitewater Historical Museum for a unique glimpse of a Victorian-style train depot.

A unique destination in the area is Adam Channing’s Well on Clover Road between Whitewater and Whitewater Lake. The "ever-flowing well" has been producing water, non-stop, for 101 years. Folks who have tasted its icy cold waters claim that this is the best tasting water in existence. The pool created by the spring-fed well is 96 feet in depth.

Whitewater is a charming and thriving community with small town friendliness and all the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. Rejuvenate your spirit through world-class musical and theatrical performances at the outstanding University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Irvin L Young Auditorium. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing evening by the lake, pull up your blanket for a summer Concert In The Park. Spend a lazy afternoon lakeside at either Cravath, Tripp , Rice or Whitewater Lakes and reel in one of the native fish whether it be northern pike, walleye, small and large mouth bass or panfish. These waterways have it all!