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Milwaukee may be a busy, bustling center, but there are plenty of ways to escape the big city without going too far. The suburbs of Wisconsin’s largest city are an escape where you can indulge in small-town charm. Chenequa is a village 30 miles west of Milwaukee, located in Wisconsin’s Lake Country. The village surrounds the 703-acre Pine Lake, including part of Beaver Lake to the east and part of North Lake to the north. Not only is this charming village surrounded by natural beauty, but it’s also the wealthiest suburb in the state, according to Forbes.
This charming village of approximately 817 residents retains a small-town, rural feel despite its proximity to lively Milwaukee. Chenequa is easily accessible from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, which is about 35 miles away, where you can rent a car and be a short drive into town. As for lodging, there are plenty of affordable options nearby, such as the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in nearby Delafield, a city with award-winning cuisine. For something more upscale, try Mon Bijou, a boutique hotel housed in a historic mansion built around 1879 about 10 miles outside Oconomowoc.
Read more: These are America’s wealthiest suburbs in 2025, according to study
Soak up Chenequa’s small-town charm
A picnic table by a lake in Waukesha County, Wisconsin – Jen Tepp/Getty Images
Nestled in Waukesha County, Chenequa’s small-town charm makes it an attractive choice for retirees and families. Founded in 1928, the neighborhood is a family-friendly neighborhood with excellent public schools and a low crime rate, making it a great place to consider putting down roots, according to Niche. Many businesses in and around Chenequa are locally owned, such as the Stone Bank Farm Market, a year-round market with frequent events that bring the local community together. Nearby Hartland is a beautiful village with many local shops and delicious restaurants, such as Kalon Boutique, a stylish women’s clothing store known on Yelp for its friendly and helpful staff.
Chenequa’s small-town charm is maintained through zoning laws requiring larger minimum lot sizes, allowing the area to retain its spacious, rural feel. The community has been named a “Tree City USA” every year since 1985 and is one of the smallest destinations to earn this recognition. While Chenequa itself is primarily residential, it’s a great access point to areas like Nashotah Park, a 444-acre park of beautiful scenery filled with wildlife and nature trails. The park’s unique landscape is the result of glacial advancement more than 10,000 years ago, creating landscapes such as lakes and cedar glades that provide visitors with fishing and hiking opportunities.
Explore Wisconsin’s Lake District
Sunlight shines on a calm lake in Waukesha, Wisconsin – Jen Tepp/Getty Images
Chenequa is located in the heart of Lake Country, a scenic area in northwest Waukesha County known for its many lakes. The village of Chenequa surrounds Pine Lake, with affluent real estate and rare white pine trees along the shore. In fact, the village was named after the Potawatomi Native pine word “Chenequa” because of the prevalence of these white pines. Pine Lake is known for its clear water, making it a great place for swimming and fishing, including pike, pike and bass. It also has a public boat berth for easy water access.
Beaver Lake to the east, a 313-acre lake near the village, offers additional fishing opportunities but is off-limits to non-residents. North Lake is the northernmost lake near Chenequa, located between the village and the nearby town of Merton. This quiet, private lake covers approximately 437 acres with no public boat traffic, providing a special lake for the community of residents. No matter which lake you choose to visit, you’ll encounter stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Although Chenequa has three lakes in close proximity, there is still much to explore in the Lake District. Located in Waukesha County’s Lake District, Chenequa is home to more than 20 lakes, making it a great place to visit this picturesque area. Only about 15 minutes from Pewaukee, a timeless suburb with a lively downtown. There you’ll find Pewaukee Lake, a 2,437-acre lake and the largest lake in the Waukesha Lake District.
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