This Pristine Midwest Lake Was Just Named the Cleanest in America

If you’re craving wide-open water, crisp northern air, and views so clear they look filtered, you’ll find it at Lake Superior, officially named the cleanest lake in America by a new Lake.com study.

Stretching across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and even brushing the edge of Ontario, this freshwater giant scored a flawless zero out of ten on the pollution scale.

Explore Wisconsin’s Sparkling North Shore

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The Wisconsin side of Lake Superior offers some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, just off the coast of Bayfield, features rugged cliffs, forested trails, and sandstone sea caves that glow amber when sunlight hits the water just right.

MORE: Wisconsin Spot Named Best ‘Hidden Gem Destination’ in the State

Things to Do Around Lake Superior

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Start with a scenic boat tour from Bayfield for a panoramic view of the islands and historic lighthouses. Adventurers can kayak through the sea caves, camp under the stars on Stockton or Madeline Island, or hike the Lakeshore Trail for views that rival any postcard. Prefer something slower? Bayfield’s charming shops, art galleries, and berry farms make for the perfect low-key afternoon.

Why It’s Worth the Drive From Rockford

At about a seven-hour drive, Lake Superior feels like another world… pure, peaceful, and perfectly Midwest. Whether you’re chasing adventure or quiet shoreline moments, it’s a trip that proves some of America’s greatest treasures are hiding right in our own backyard.

READ MORE: A Wisconsin Paradise Just Crowned ‘Most Beautiful in US’