Petenwell Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Petenwell Lake |
|
|---|---|
Dam which forms Lake Petenwell
|
|
 Petenwell Lake
Location in Wisconsin
Petenwell Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Adams / Juneau / Wood counties, Wisconsin, US |
| Coordinates | 44°08′06″N 89°58′16″W / 44.134969°N 89.971062°W |
| Type | artificial lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 23,000 acres (9,300 ha) |
| Max. depth | 42 ft (13 m) |
Lake Petenwell is a very large lake in central Wisconsin, USA. It's not a natural lake; it was created by people! This amazing lake stretches across three counties: Adams, Juneau, and Wood. It is located right next to another big lake called Castle Rock Lake.
Lake Petenwell covers more than 23,000 acres, which is about 36 square miles. It is also quite deep, reaching up to 42 feet in some spots.
Contents
How Lake Petenwell Was Made
Lake Petenwell was created in 1948. The Wisconsin River Power Company built a large dam across the Wisconsin River. This dam is located near a town called Necedah. When the dam was finished, it held back the river's water, forming the huge lake we see today.
Fun Activities and Wildlife
Lake Petenwell is a popular spot for many outdoor activities. People enjoy skiing, sailing, and fishing on its waters.
Fishing in the Lake
The lake is home to many different kinds of fish. If you go fishing, you might catch:
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Bass
- Panfish
- Muskellunge
Wildlife Around the Lake
The area around Lake Petenwell is mostly undeveloped forest. This means there's lots of nature to explore. You might even spot bald eagles, especially during the winter months. They often come to the lake to find food.
Things to Do Nearby
Besides enjoying the lake itself, there are other fun things to do in the area. You can find restaurants to grab a bite to eat. There's also a community theater where you can watch shows. If you like golf, there's a golf course nearby. Plus, there are two casinos for entertainment.
About Algae in the Lake
Sometimes, tiny plant-like organisms called blue-green algae can appear in the lake. This was first reported in 2013. Local officials keep a close eye on the situation. The Adams County website stated in 2019 that the beaches were not closed because of algae. They continue to monitor the water to make sure it's safe for everyone.
