Lake Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Wisconsin |
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Aerial view of the Prairie du Sac Dam, which impounds Lake Wisconsin, taken during the June 2008 flood.
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 Lake Wisconsin
Location in Wisconsin
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| Location | Columbia / Sauk counties, Wisconsin, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°18′36″N 89°43′29″W / 43.31000°N 89.72472°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Wisconsin River |
| Primary outflows | Wisconsin River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 9,500 acres (3,800 ha) |
| Max. depth | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Surface elevation | about 774 ft (236 m) |
Lake Wisconsin is a large reservoir (a human-made lake) located on the Wisconsin River in southern Wisconsin, United States. It stretches across parts of Columbia and Sauk counties. You can find it about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Baraboo and 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Madison.
Contents
What is Lake Wisconsin?
Lake Wisconsin is not a natural lake. It was created by building a large dam across the Wisconsin River. This dam holds back the river's water, forming the lake. The lake is a key part of the larger Wisconsin River system, which includes several other reservoirs.
How Was Lake Wisconsin Formed?
The construction of the dam that created Lake Wisconsin began in 1911. It took three years to build and was finished in 1914. This dam is located near Prairie du Sac. When the dam was completed, it effectively stopped large boats from traveling between the Wisconsin River and the Mississippi River through the old Fox-Wisconsin Waterway. However, commercial boat traffic had already mostly ended many years before the dam was built.
Fun Activities on the Lake
Lake Wisconsin is a very popular spot for outdoor fun. It helps control floods, which means it prevents too much water from overflowing the riverbanks. But it's also a great place for people to enjoy themselves. Many visitors come here for:
- Boating: People love to cruise around the lake in their boats.
- Fishing: The lake is known for its good fishing.
In fact, the largest Common Carp ever caught in Wisconsin was pulled from Lake Wisconsin in 1966. It weighed an amazing 57 pounds and 2 ounces!
Interesting Facts About the Area
The area around Lake Wisconsin is also known for its wine. The Lake Wisconsin AVA is a special region where grapes are grown to make Wisconsin wine.
Another interesting feature of the lake is the Merrimac Ferry. This ferry carries cars and people across the lake at Merrimac, Wisconsin. It's a unique way to travel and a fun experience for visitors.
