Minocqua Lake (Oneida County, Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Minocqua |
|
|---|---|
 Lake Minocqua
Location in Wisconsin
Lake Minocqua
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Oneida County, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45°52′16″N 089°41′44″W / 45.87111°N 89.69556°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,360 acres (550 ha) |
| Average depth | 23 ft (7.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Residence time | 1.5 years |
| Surface elevation | 1,585 feet (483 m) |
Lake Minocqua is a beautiful freshwater lake in Oneida County, Wisconsin, USA. Its name, Minocqua, comes from the Ojibwe word "Ninocqua," meaning "noon day rest." It's located between the towns of Minocqua and Woodruff. This area, known as "Lakeland" in Northern Wisconsin, is a popular spot for tourists. Lake Minocqua connects to Lake Kawaguesaga on its west side. The Minocqua Dam helps control the water levels of both lakes.
Contents
Exploring Lake Minocqua's Physical Features
Lake Minocqua is quite large, covering about 1,339 acres in Northern Wisconsin. It's located at 45°52′16″N 089°41′44″W / 45.87111°N 89.69556°W. The deepest part of the lake is 60 feet, and its average depth is 23 feet. The shoreline of the lake stretches for about 15.68 miles. If you include all the islands, the shoreline is even longer, at 19.08 miles!
The bottom of the lake is mostly sand (65%), with some muck (16%), gravel (15%), and rock (4%). Lake Minocqua is a "drainage lake," which means water flows into and out of it. The town of Minocqua is built around the lake, and there's a bridge that crosses over the water on the southwest side.
Water flows into Lake Minocqua from two main places: Minocqua Thoroughfare and Tomahawk Thoroughfare. The lake's water then flows into the Tomahawk River and other nearby lakes, like Mid Lake. On average, water stays in Lake Minocqua for about 1.5 years before moving on. The lake sits at an elevation of about 1,585 feet above sea level. Lake Minocqua is divided into three main sections, called basins, and it has many islands.
How Clean is Lake Minocqua's Water?
The water in Lake Minocqua is considered "soft." This means it has a low amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium. The lake is also known as a "dimictic lake." This means its water mixes completely from top to bottom twice a year, usually in spring and fall.
In the summer, the lake forms a "thermocline." This is a layer where the water temperature changes quickly with depth. It usually happens from late June to the end of September, between 13 and 30 feet deep. The water at the very bottom of the lake stays cool, averaging between 46 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Animals and Plants in Lake Minocqua
Lake Minocqua is home to many different kinds of fish and other creatures.
Native Fish Species
Here are some of the fish that naturally live in Lake Minocqua:
- Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)
- Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
- Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
- Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
- Walleye (Esox lucius)
Invasive Species
Unfortunately, some plants and animals that are not native to Lake Minocqua have found their way in. These are called "invasive species" and can sometimes harm the native plants and animals. Here are some common ones found in the lake:
- Eurasian Water-Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
- Curley Leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
- Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L)
- Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
- Banded Mystery Snail (Viviparus georgianus)
- Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis)
- Rusty Crayfish (Faxonius rusticus)
Protecting Lake Minocqua's Environment
The towns of Minocqua and Woodruff have grown a lot over the years. This growth has affected Lake Minocqua's water flow and how many nutrients enter the lake. Studies have shown that since the late 1800s, there have been more sediment and phosphorus in the lake's bottom. Things like stormwater runoff (rainwater flowing from streets) and new buildings can add more nutrients to the lake, which is a concern.
To help protect the lake, many surveys have been done. These surveys follow guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. They help find special areas around Lake Minocqua that are important for wildlife. These "critical habitats" need careful management to keep them healthy. There are 15 such sites identified around the lake.
Fun Activities at Lake Minocqua
Lake Minocqua is a popular place for many fun activities all year round. You can go fishing, enjoy water sports like boating and tubing, or swim at the designated beaches. There are also restaurants right on the waterfront. Because so many tourists visit, the lake is very important for the local economy.
Images for kids
-
A view of the trestle bridge over Lake Minocqua
