List of lakes of Wisconsin Facts for Kids

Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes! Imagine that many places to explore. About 40% of these lakes have special names. They come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny ponds just one or two acres wide to the giant Lake Winnebago, which is about 137,708 acres. That's huge!

Lakes in Wisconsin also vary in depth. Some are only a few feet deep, while Wazee Lake is the deepest at 350 feet. Lake Winnebago holds the most water and has the longest shoreline, if you don't count the Great Lakes. The biggest lake made by people is Petenwell Lake, formed by building a dam on the Wisconsin River.

Vilas County has the most lakes, with 1,318. On the other hand, Brown and Outagamie counties have the fewest, with only four each. Many lakes even share the same name! For example, there are 116 lakes called "Mud Lake." You can swim, fish, or boat in some of these lakes, but not all.

Wisconsin's Great Lakes
Exploring Inland Lakes
- Some Notable Inland Lakes
- Lakes with Special Features
Images for kids
See also

Wisconsin's Great Lakes

Wisconsin touches two of the five amazing Great Lakes. These are massive freshwater lakes that are shared with other states and even Canada.

Lake Michigan (This huge lake also reaches into Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.)
Lake Superior (This super-sized lake extends into Michigan, Minnesota, and Ontario, Canada.)

Exploring Inland Lakes

Beyond the Great Lakes, Wisconsin has thousands of smaller, inland lakes. These lakes offer many different activities and are important natural areas.

Some Notable Inland Lakes

While there are too many lakes to list them all, here are a few interesting ones from different parts of Wisconsin:

Castle Rock Lake: Found in Adams County, this is one of the largest lakes in the state.
Petenwell Lake: Also in Adams County, this is the largest lake created by people in Wisconsin.
Beaver Dam Lake: Located in Dodge County, it's a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Lake Winnebago: This massive lake, partly in Calumet County and Fond du Lac County, is the largest lake entirely within Wisconsin.
Mendota Lake and Monona Lake: These are two well-known lakes in Dane County, near the state capital.
Devil's Lake: A beautiful lake in Sauk County, known for its clear water and surrounding bluffs.
Shawano Lake: A large, popular lake in Shawano County, great for water sports.
Pewaukee Lake: Found in Waukesha County, it's a busy lake for recreation.

Lakes with Special Features

Some lakes are known for unique characteristics or activities.

Wazee Lake: This lake in Jackson County is the deepest in Wisconsin. It was once an iron mine!
Yellowstone Lake: Located in Lafayette County, this lake is part of a state park, offering camping and outdoor fun.
Lake Pepin: Part of the Mississippi River system in Pepin County, it's a wide, river-like lake.
Turtle-Flambeau Flowage: In Iron County, this is a large, wild area with many islands, great for exploring.