Balsam Lake (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balsam Lake |
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![]() Balsam Lake sunset.
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Location | Polk County, Wisconsin, U.S. |
Coordinates | 45°27′54″N 92°26′13″W / 45.46500°N 92.43694°W |
Basin countries | United States |
Surface area | 2,054 acres (8.31 km2) |
Max. depth | 37 ft (11 m) |
Shore length1 | 65 mi (105 km) |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Balsam Lake is the largest lake in Polk County, Wisconsin. It has a long shoreline, stretching over 65 miles (105 km). The lake covers a big area of about 2,054 acres (831 hectares). You can easily get onto the lake from public boat ramps. These are located on the northwest, southwest, and east sides. Balsam Lake gets its water from natural springs and wetlands. The deepest part of the lake is about 37 feet (11 meters).
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Discover Balsam Lake!
Balsam Lake is a popular spot for many fun activities. People visit all year round to enjoy its beauty. It is a great place for families and friends to spend time outdoors.
Fun Things to Do
Balsam Lake is famous for its excellent fishing. You can catch many types of fish here. These include panfish like bluegill, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch, and bullhead. Sport fish are also common, such as largemouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.
During the warmer months, the lake is perfect for water sports. You can go boating, canoeing, or swimming. Water-skiing is also a popular activity. When winter arrives, the fun doesn't stop. People enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. There is also a long trail nearby called the Cattail State Trail. It is about 17.8 miles (29 km) long.
Businesses Around the Lake
Many businesses are located around Balsam Lake. There are over fifty different shops and services. These include places to stay, like resorts and motels. You can also find bait and tackle shops for fishing. Grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations are available too. These businesses help visitors and locals enjoy their time at the lake.
The Lake's Name
The original name for this area came from the Ojibwe Indian people. They called it "Innenehinduc." This name means "Place of the Evergreen." The town and village of Balsam Lake were later named after this large lake.
Balsam Branch
Balsam Lake has a main outlet called Balsam Branch. This is where water flows out of the lake. It is an important part of the lake's natural system.