Lake Winneshiek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Winneshiek |
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Lake Winneshiek from WIS35
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 Lake Winneshiek
Location in Iowa
Lake Winneshiek
Location in the United States
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| Location | Allamakee County, Iowa, Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°19′N 91°04′W / 43.31°N 91.07°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Upper Mississippi River |
| Primary outflows | Upper Mississippi River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) |
Lake Winneshiek is a special part of the Upper Mississippi River in the United States. It's not a natural lake, but a large reservoir created by a dam. This lake covers about 6,000 acres (which is like 4,500 football fields!). It stretches from Lock and Dam No. 9 up to about 4 miles south of Lansing, Iowa. You can find it near Ferryville, Wisconsin, too. Lake Winneshiek is an important part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which is a protected area for animals and plants.
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What is Lake Winneshiek?
Lake Winneshiek is a reservoir. This means it's a lake that was made by people, not by nature. It was formed when Lock and Dam No. 9 was built on the Upper Mississippi River. Dams help control the river's water level. This makes it easier for boats to travel and helps manage floods. The water in Lake Winneshiek comes from the Upper Mississippi River itself. It also flows back into the river, so it's like a wide, slow-moving section of the river.
Where is Lake Winneshiek Located?
Lake Winneshiek is found in the central United States. It sits right on the border between two states: Iowa and Wisconsin. Specifically, it's in Allamakee County, Iowa, and Crawford County, Wisconsin. If you look at a map, you'll see it as a wide part of the Mississippi River. The nearby towns include Lansing, Iowa, and Ferryville, Wisconsin. The lake's location makes it a key spot for wildlife that lives along the river.
Why Was Lake Winneshiek Created?
Lake Winneshiek was created because of Lock and Dam No. 9. This dam is one of many built along the Mississippi River. Their main purpose is to help boats and barges move easily. Before the dams, the river's water level changed a lot. This made it hard for large boats to travel. The dams create deeper, more stable water levels. This allows big boats to carry goods up and down the river. So, Lake Winneshiek helps keep river transportation smooth.
Wildlife and Nature at Lake Winneshiek
Lake Winneshiek is a very important place for nature. It's part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This refuge is a huge protected area. It helps many different kinds of animals and plants.
Birds and Waterfowl
Many birds love Lake Winneshiek. You can see lots of waterfowl here. These are birds like ducks, geese, and swans. They use the lake as a resting spot during their long migrations. Other birds, like eagles and ospreys, also hunt for fish in the lake. It's a great place for birdwatching!
Fish and Aquatic Life
The lake is home to many types of fish. This includes popular fish like bass, catfish, and walleye. These fish live in the lake's waters and backwaters. The lake's different depths and habitats support a healthy fish population. This also attracts other animals that eat fish.
Habitat Improvement Projects
The United States Army Corps of Engineers works to keep the lake healthy. They have suggested building new islands in the lake. These islands would help improve the habitat for wildlife. They would give birds and other animals more places to live and find food. These projects help make sure the lake stays a good home for its many creatures.
Activities at Lake Winneshiek
Lake Winneshiek offers many fun activities for people who love the outdoors.
Fishing and Boating
Fishing is very popular on Lake Winneshiek. People come here to catch many different kinds of fish. Boating is also a favorite activity. You can explore the lake's wide open waters. You can also go into the smaller channels and backwaters.
Birdwatching and Nature Viewing
Because it's a wildlife refuge, Lake Winneshiek is perfect for birdwatching. Bring your binoculars! You might see rare birds or large groups of migrating waterfowl. It's also a great place to simply enjoy nature. You can see different plants and animals in their natural home.
Importance of Lake Winneshiek
Lake Winneshiek is important for several reasons. It helps with river navigation. It provides a vital habitat for wildlife. It also offers recreational opportunities for people. Protecting this lake helps keep the entire Upper Mississippi River ecosystem healthy. It ensures that future generations can enjoy its beauty and its resources.
