New Glarus may not sit directly on a major lake, but some of southern Wisconsin’s most overlooked water escapes are close enough for an easy afternoon drive.

For families, anglers, paddlers and anyone looking for a quieter outdoor getaway, the area around Green County, Dane County, Lafayette County and the Driftless region offers plenty of lakes that do not always get the attention they deserve.

Some are small community lakes. Others are state park destinations. All of them offer a reminder that some of the best things to do near New Glarus are hiding in plain sight.