Sprinkman Spotlight: Lake Kegonsa + Agent Lori Schilling
There’s lake life, and then there’s Lake Kegonsa lake life. At the southeastern edge of Dane County’s chain of lakes, Lake Kegonsa offers something increasingly rare: the pleasures of waterfront living without quite so much lake traffic. It’s peaceful, community-driven and wonderfully unhurried — yet still just 20 minutes from Dane County International Airport and steps away from the amenities of nearby Madison, Stoughton and McFarland.
For Sprinkman agent Lori Schilling that balance is precisely the point. She and her husband, Nic, have called Lake Kegonsa home for the past six years, choosing it not as a second home or weekend escape, but as their primary residence. Both grew up with a version of the two-home lifestyle, spending weekends driving to a family lake house, tackling the inevitable list of chores, enjoying a day on the water and then packing everything up for the drive home.
But when embarking on their life together, Lake Kegonsa offered a better idea: why not make every day feel like a vacation and call the lake home?
Here, Lori shares what makes Lake Kegonsa such a special place to live — and why having a local real estate expert in your corner matters when buying or selling on the water.
For someone who has never spent time on Lake Kegonsa, where exactly is it?
We’re roughly equidistant between McFarland and Stoughton, so you really get the best of both of those communities at just ten minutes away, plus we’re less than a half hour from Madison. Lake Kegonsa is the final lake in Dane County Yahara Chain of Lakes – after Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa – connected by the Yahara River and the waterways of Upper and Lower Mud Lake.
That location at the end of the chain is actually one of our biggest advantages. The entire chain isn’t typically navigable every day because of lake levels, weeds and other conditions, which means Kegonsa tends to be quieter. But you can still waterski, pontoon, kayak, paddleboard, fish and sail — Lake Kegonsa Sailing Club is right on the lake. You have all the fun of lake life without feeling like you’re dodging boats every second you’re on the water.
What makes the real estate market here so interesting?
There’s a wonderful range of homes on Lake Kegonsa. It’s about the same size as Lake Monona, and you’ll find everything from small cottages in original condition to mid-sized bungalows to spectacular lakefront estates — Sprinkman Real Estate recently had its first Lake Kegonsa sale over $3 million. There really isn’t a single type of “Lake Kegonsa house” and that’s what I love about it. You can find a charming lake cabin, a year-round primary residence, a multigenerational vacation property or a true luxury retreat. There’s great flexibility in both the homes and the price points, which makes this lake appealing to a broad range of buyers.
Is there such a thing as affordable lake living anymore?
I think Lake Kegonsa makes a pretty compelling case. The Towns of Dunn and Pleasant Springs have lower tax rates, so you can enjoy a genuine lake lifestyle at a cost that can be surprisingly approachable relative to some other Dane County waterfront communities. And the lifestyle itself is very accessible — you basically have the lake as your road to get places. On any given day you can boat to Stoughton Country Club for golf, events or dinner, or head to Springers and tie up at their piers for a low-key meal and drinks on the water. Lake Kegonsa State Park is right here, too, and the Capital City Trail opens up even more opportunities for biking and outdoor recreation.
And what about land living around the lake?
Stoughton is a huge part of the appeal of this area. Its vibrant, historic downtown has a charming small-town feel – with rich Norwegian heritage and a beautiful brick-lined Main Street – but it also has everything you actually need like gyms, yoga studios, shops, pubs, restaurants and entertainment. You could spend time enjoying elevated cuisine at The Feiring or casual fare at the Nordic-inspired Viking Brew Pub, coffee and pastries at famous Fosdal Home Bakery, live music at nationally-known historic Stoughton Opera House, or browsing independent art galleries like Overt Space Gallery and locally owned shops like Dune Gift and Home. The Yahara River runs right through downtown, which makes the whole area feel connected to the water. It’s easy to park, easy to walk around and easy to feel like a local. You’re close enough to Madison for everything a larger city offers, but when you come home, it feels like you’ve left all of that behind.
Is there a sense of community on the lake?
Yes, there definitely is. I’m very involved with the local community and I love every minute. I recently established a social group, “Ladies of the Lake,” as a way for women around Lake Kegonsa to actually get to know one another. We started with a monthly happy hour — just a chance to meet neighbors, tour homes and build relationships. The response was incredible, and I’ve received so much positive feedback. It’s grown into friendships, and other outdoor groups, and there’s a better sense of connection around the lake now. It’s really that interest and community spirit that makes Kegonsa feel different. People walk and bike the lake loop. Neighbors help each other after storms. If someone needs something, people show up. There are families who have multiple generations living around the lake. It feels neighborly in the very best sense of the word.
What do you bring to your role as a real estate professional that sets you apart?
I think my experience as both a Realtor and a real estate investor gives me a broader perspective for buyers and sellers. I’ve been licensed since 2016, but my interest in real estate began much earlier through my grandfather, who owned property. That eventually led me into multifamily investing, and today I own a portfolio of apartments and multifamily properties in addition to helping clients with their real estate journey. Having been on both sides of the transaction allows me to understand the opportunities, challenges, and decisions that come with owning property, not just buying it. I joined Sprinkman in 2021 and it’s a great fit for me. And when it comes to waterfront property – and specifically homes on Lake Kegonsa – I believe that experience, combined with strong local knowledge and relationships, is invaluable to my clients.
What would you share with potential buyers looking at Lake Kegonsa?
Waterfront property has its own language. It’s not enough to fall in love with the view. You need to understand everything that comes with the lake — the water depth, what kind of boat makes sense, piers and lifts, weed maintenance, lake conditions and the practical details that come with owning a home on the water. Those things can be enjoyable when you understand them, but very stressful when you don’t! A lot of Realtors sell lake property, but Lake Kegonsa is its own market. Having an experienced agent who understands the lake is important, and having an agent who actually lives here is even better.
What are you seeing on the horizon for the area?
There’s some really exciting development happening. I’m working with a local Stoughton builder on new-construction homes, including one that’s completed, plus another one coming down the line. I also have a 12-unit condominium community in development on the dry side of the lake. These will offer lake views without lakefront pricing, and they’re close to a boat launch and the Town of Dunn’s private lake park. For someone who wants to enjoy the lake without taking on a traditional waterfront property, that will be an exciting option.
Finally, what advice would you give someone thinking about buying or selling this fall?
Don’t assume you have to wait until spring. The final quarter of the year can be a very lucrative window for buyers. There’s often more inventory and sellers can be more motivated, which creates opportunities to negotiate that may not exist in a competitive spring market. And there’s something pretty appealing about moving in before the holidays and knowing that when summer arrives, you’re already home and ready to enjoy all lake life has to offer.
Thinking about making Lake Kegonsa home? Whether you’re searching for a waterfront retreat, considering selling a property or simply want to learn more about life on the lake, we’re here for you. Our seasoned team of Sprinkman agents live where they work, bringing firsthand knowledge of the area — and the local real estate market. Reach out to start a conversation and discover what Greater Madison real estate has to offer. We can’t wait to hear from you.
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