Jim Doyle, Governor Scott Hassett, Secretary 18127 County Highway O Scott A. Humrickhouse, Regional Director Chippewa Falls, 54729 Telephone 715-382-4574 TTY 715-839-2786

LAKE WISSOTA - A STATE PARK FOR ALL SEASONS

Thank you for your interest in Lake Wissota State Park. Lake Wissota was farmland until 1917 when the Chippewa River was dammed to create this 6,300 acre impoundment. Varied outdoor recreation activities are available year-round at Lake Wissota State Park which is one of the few facilities offering public access to the lake.

CAMPING

Camping is provided in 81 well-spaced, wooded campsites designed for privacy. Seventeen of the sites have electrical hookups. Reservations are accepted for campsites 10 through 81. Reservations can be made for an additional fee of $10.00 by calling 1-888-WI PARKS (888-947-2757). Flush toilets, showers, and a dumping station are available. A separate walk-in group camping area is also provided at the park for tent units only. A shelter with electricity is available at one of the group sites. Each of the two group sites can accommodate up to 40 tents. Reservations are accepted for these sites as well. Family Camping Fees Resident Non-Resident Group Camping Weekdays/Off Season $10/night $12/night 1-20 people $40/night Weekends/Holidays $12/night $14/night After initial 20 $20 for every 10 people/night Electric Site add $5/night $5/night Electricity in Group Site II $5/night Nonprofit Youth Group $.50/person/night - $10.00 minimum PICNICING/SWIMMING

A spacious picnic area is located adjacent to the 300-foot swimming beach area. A large shelter for group picnics is nearby and can be reserved for a fee of $45.00 by contacting the Park. This is a favorite site for group use while picnicking, swimming, playing volleyball, boating, fishing, or just relaxing. Two other picnic shelters, one located near the Nature Center and the other in the campground, may also be reserved for the same fee. Finally, an overlook picnic site, near the entrance to the park, offers an excellent view of Lake Wissota, and a trail to the water's edge provides access for shoreline anglers. Visitors are required to carry out all waste and recyclables they generate while using the picnic areas, beach, trails and other day use areas in the park.

BOATING/FISHING

The park's boat launch and trailer parking area offer anglers and boaters excellent access to the lake. The 6,300 acre lake allows ample space for anglers, water skiers, and pleasure boaters. Canoe and kayak rental is available at the park office, and a list of area businesses, which rent fishing boats, can be obtained there as well. Basic fishing equipment is available to be checked out at the office for anglers of any age. A permanent fishing pier has been constructed along the shore just west of the boat launch. This facility is accessible to handicapped persons. A few fishing cribs have been installed in front of the pier to help attract the largemouth bass and walleye that are sought by anglers.

Canoe Rental Fees 3 Hour Rental All Day Rental $10 Deposit Plus $8 $15 www.dnr.state.wi.us Quality Natural Resources Management www.wisconsin.gov Printed on Through Excellent Customer Service Recycled Paper

TRAILS

Over 18 miles of scenic trails pass along Lake Wissota's shore and wind through woodland, prairie, lowland forest, and marshland to give hikers and nature enthusiasts opportunities to explore the various habitats in the park. An overlook on the park's Beaver Meadow Nature Trail has also been installed to permit those unable to hike the entire trail to see some of the wildlife in the environment of the beaver pond and meadow. Although the trails are not developed for biking, bikes are permitted on all but three of the trails. For area horse owners, there are also 8.5 miles of horse trail maintained within the park. A state trail pass is required to ride horses in the park, and can be purchased at the park office.

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS

Relaxing interpretive programs are conducted at the park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Evening programs, children’s programs, nature hikes, campfire sing-a-longs, and guest speakers are just some of the features of the summer interpretative program. All of the activities are fun, informal, and designed to acquaint visitors with the plants, animals, geology, ecology, and local history of the Chippewa Valley. Ask for a schedule at the park office or check the bulletin boards in the family campground. Free nature activity books are also available at the office for children in grades K-6. "Wonder Walks" may also be checked out at the park office. These backpacks are full of activities for children and adults alike to learn more about the nature and environment surrounding Lake Wissota. Ask at the park office for more information!

WINTER USES

Winter is an excellent time to visit Lake Wissota. Ice fishing enthusiasts have extensive opportunities to pursue their sport, and cross-country skiers may strike off on 7.5 miles of groomed and tracked trails. The Friends of Lake Wissota, a volunteer organization, sponsor two candlelight night skis each winter. You may call the park office for the dates. Snowshoeing is also permitted in all areas of the park except on trails groomed for cross-country skiing. In addition, nearly 4.75 miles of snowmobile trail connect with the county's elaborate snowmobile trail system of more than 150 miles. Although camping is allowed in the family campground throughout the winter, the sites are not maintained for this type of use.

PETS

Pets are welcome at Lake Wissota, but are not allowed in the picnic or beach areas, or on the Nature Trail, although they are permitted in other areas of the park including the campground. Pets must be kept under control and on a leash at all times.

ADMISSION

Each vehicle entering the park must have an admission sticker. Single day passes may be purchased as well as annual stickers. Annual stickers are honored in all Wisconsin state parks and forests for the full calendar year. There is an additional fee for camping. All fees are subject to change. Sticker Fees Resident Resident Senior (over 65) Non-Resident Daily $7 $3 $10 Annual $25 $10 $35

Regardless of the recreational season, there are many reasons to visit and enjoy this State Park. We hope to see you soon!!! Lake Wissota State Park Staff

Revised 01/06