Lake Wissota is in the middle, and easy to get to from both Green Bay and from Rochester. From green bay, take 29 east to Chippewa falls and follow the signs to the lake (there is an exit marked for the state park). From Rochester, come up to Eau Claire and then take 53 north to 29, and then take the same exit for the lake.
Putting in at the state park will give you lot of safe water to work with. You could go out to the main lake and have 6000 acres of relatively hazard-free wter in which to put the boat through its paces. Drop me a PM for more info, directions, and a fishing tip or two.