Lake Wissota State Park

• In the Area
• Nature
• How to Get There

This park northeast of Chippewa Falls has 1,062 acres of primarily young, rich forests and open prairie on a 6,300-acre manmade lake. The park offers secluded campsites, hiking trails, and a 285-foot swimming beach.

Lake Wissota attracts boaters and anglers after walleyes, muskies, bass, panfish, northern, catfish, and sturgeon.
Photo © Tony Wilder

The lake was created in 1918 when the Wisconsin-Minnesota Power and Light Company built a dam on the Chippewa River. The region's early history goes back more than 150 years to 1836, when Frenchman Jean Brunet built the region's first sawmill at the falls of the Chippewa River. Within a year it was ranked as one of the world's largest sawmills. The Chippewa long since has been harnessed to provide electrical power.

Pine forests, mixed hardwood timbers, prairie, and marshes are found in the park. The park has a permanent fishing pier especially designed to provide easy access for anglers with disabilities.

Nature

Among the wild animals often seen at Lake Wissota State Park are white-tailed deer, badger, red fox, woodchuck, mink, otter, muskrat, and beaver. More than 200 species of birds have been sighted, and geese and other waterfowl often stop on the lake during the spring and autumn migrations. Serious birdwatchers may pick up species checklists at the park office.

"Wonder Walk" packs may 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!

In the Area

Chippewa Falls and New Auburn [exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more

How to Get There

From Chippewa Falls, take State Highway 178 north to County Highway S. Turn right (east) on Highway S. In about 2 miles, Highway S goes over the Chippewa River where it empties into Lake Wissota. About 500 feet after the bridge, turn right (east) on County Highway O. Go about 2 miles to the park entrance, which will be on your right.

From State Highway 27, about 2 miles north of Cadott turn west on County Highway O. Continue on Highway O about 8.4 miles. The park entrance will be on your left.

Geographic coordinates of the park entrance are 44° 58' 51.75" N, 91° 18' 15.32" W.

More Information

Chippewa County Parks [exit DNR]

For more information, ask:

Lake Wissota State Park
18127 County Highway O
Chippewa Falls WI 54729
(715) 382-4574
(715) 382-5187 fax