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Wisconsin State Parks

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Lake Wissota State Park
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LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK
LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK
18127 County Highway O
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin   54729

Phone: 715-382-4574
Reservations: 715-382-4574
Email: park email button icon
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. It attracts hikers, campers, recreational boaters and anglers after walleyes, muskies, bass, panfish, northern, catfish, and sturgeon. The park offers secluded campsites and a 285-foot swimming beach.

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 of the Area
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!
Passes
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas, please visit the VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKERS web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Campers will find 81 wooded, secluded family campsites; 17 have electricity. There are showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dumping station. Two tents-only group campgrounds can accommodate up to 100 people each. Reservations are accepted for both individual group campsites.
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. There is a permanent accessible fishing pier along the shore just west of the boat launch. A few fish cribs in front of the pier help attract the largemouth bass and walleye that are sought by anglers.


Location
Lake Wissota State Park is located near Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire

Picnicking
Lake Wissota State Park's has four picnic shelters, of which two are available for day use rental. These are perfect for family gatherings, reunions, company picnics, etc. There is a rental fee, and each vehicle needs a sticker, but special group rates can be arranged. Please check with the park office for more information. The other two shelters are for use by campers. The one in the family campground is reservable by camping groups.
Trails
Hikers will enjoy the 17.4 miles of scenic hiking trails within the park. Among the park's most scenic trails is the 1-mile self-guided Beaver Meadow Nature Trail. A trail overlook allows visitors to view the environment and wildlife found in a beaver pond.

Check out the self-guided Prairie Wildflower Trail for an up-close view of tall grasses and a variety of other plants.
Nature Programs
Lake Wissota State Park offers a selection of interpretive programs between Memorial Day and Labor Day, including weekend nature hikes, bike hikes, and evening programs in the park amphitheater or nature center.

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Area Campgrounds
Pine Harbor Campground
7181 185th Street
Chippewa Falls, WI
715-723-9865
O'Neil Creek Campground
14912 105th Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI
715-723-6581
Nearby Hotels
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Wisconsin
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Wisconsin State Parks

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