Whitewater Lake (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitewater Lake |
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 Whitewater Lake
Location in Wisconsin
Whitewater Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Walworth County, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 42°45′55″N 88°41′41″W / 42.7653°N 88.6948°W |
| Type | Drainage, pre-glacial valley |
| Primary outflows | Whitewater Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 640 acres (3 km2) |
| Average depth | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Max. depth | 42 ft (13 m) |
| Surface elevation | 869 ft (265 m) |
| Islands | 4 |
Whitewater Lake is a beautiful lake located in Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States. It is found within the amazing Kettle Moraine State Forest. This lake is a popular spot for many outdoor activities and is known for its natural beauty.
Contents
Discover Whitewater Lake
Whitewater Lake is connected to Rice Lake by a flowing stream. This means water moves between the two lakes. The lake is a great place to find many different types of fish.
What Lives in the Lake?
You can find several kinds of fish swimming in Whitewater Lake. These include speedy northern pike, strong largemouth bass, tasty walleye, and colorful bluegill. In the winter, the lake becomes a fun place for ice fishing. Fishermen set up small huts called ice shanties and compete in the Lions Annual February "Fish-A-Ree" event.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Whitewater Lake is surrounded by the Kettle Moraine State Forest and Natureland County Park. This makes the area perfect for lots of outdoor adventures! You can enjoy:
- Biking (both on roads and off-road trails)
- Golfing
- Hiking on scenic trails
- Camping under the stars
- Hang gliding for a bird's-eye view
- Cross-country skiing in winter
- Water skiing and swimming in the warmer months
- Fishing and boating anytime the weather is right
A Look Back: Lake History
Long ago, Native Americans called this area "Minneiska." Today, the local Minneiska Ski Team uses this name.
The current Whitewater Lake was created in 1946-47. Before that, there were smaller lakes and a valley in the same spot. An attempt to create the lake was made in 1927, but it was stopped by legal action.
Heart Prairie Church: A Historic Spot
On the shores of Whitewater Lake sits the Heart Prairie Lutheran Church and Cemetery. This church is over 150 years old and was built by early Norwegian settlers. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning it's a very important historical site. The church still looks much like it did when it was built and even holds summer services using oil lamps for light.
Lake Features and Water Flow
Whitewater Lake is about 2.6 miles long and 0.6 miles wide. Its shoreline stretches for 10 miles. The lake has a north bay, a south bay, and a central peninsula. This peninsula is a long ridge of gravel, like a natural road, about 1.3 miles long. It extends from the north of the lake and has Ridge Road on top of it.
How the Lake Gets Its Water
Most of the water flowing into Whitewater Lake comes from the Whitewater Lake inlet. This inlet is at the south end of the lake, in the south bay, where several natural springs are found. About 15% of the lake's water comes from this inlet. Even more water, about 57%, comes from groundwater right next to the lake. Rain and snow (precipitation) add another 26% of the water. A small amount, 2%, comes from nearby drainage.
Water Leaving the Lake
The lake has a concrete dam, about 10 feet wide. When the water level gets high enough, it flows over the dam and into Whitewater Creek. This creek then drains into Rice Lake, which is to the north and west.
Exploring the Shoreline
Moving around the lake clockwise, starting from the north, you'll find several interesting places:
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit: This forest protects the wooded shoreline. It also has a camping area and part of the Ice Age Trail for hiking.
- Camp Joy: Located east of the park, this is a Baptist summer camp and conference center.
- Scenic Ridge Campground: South of the peninsula, this spot offers camping, a camp store, and hosts summer shows by the Minnieska Ski Team.
- Heart Prairie Church: Near the campground, this historic church is a must-see.
- Natureland Park: A Walworth County park at the southwest corner of the lake. It's at the lake inlet with the springs and has a picnic area, a pavilion, a cabin, and hiking trails.
- Whitewater Lions Club: This club is west of Scenic Ridge.
- JNT's Parkside Marina: Next to a State Park boat ramp and a public beach, completing the circle around the lake.
Lake Rules and Management
Boating on Whitewater Lake has rules set by the Town of Whitewater. These rules include areas where boats must go slow (no-wake zones) and speed limits at certain times of the day.
The lake's water quality and overall management are handled by the Whitewater-Rice Lakes Management District. There is also the Greater Whitewater Lake Property Owners Association, which represents people who own property around the lake. They organize events and share information about the area.
