Lake Wissota State Park

Activities and recreation:

Hiking
There are more than 18 miles of hiking trails at Lake Wissota State Park. Some trails are shared with off-road bicyclists. There are two, self-guided, scenic, nature trails. More than 200 species of birds often stop on the lake during the spring and autumn migrations. Birdwatchers may pick up species checklists at the park office.

Pets must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter and under control at all times.

Biking
Bicycling is a popular activity. While most of the park is level, there are over 11 miles of park trails open to off-road bicycling. Bikers can access the Old Abe State Trail and ride this paved railroad grade trail 20 miles to Brunet Island State Park in Cornell.

Horseback riding
Horseback riders have nine miles of trails available in the park for riding. Horse rental is not available in or near the park and there is no overnight horse camping at Lake Wissota.

Camping

Family campground
Campers will find 116 wooded, secluded family campsites; 58 have electricity. There are showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dumping station. The family campground also has a large play area in the middle of the campground loops.

Group campground
The group campground in the southern part of the park has two tent-only group sites that can accommodate up to 100 people each.

Swimming
There is a swimming beach and bath house at Lake Wissota State Park. Remember to use caution, no lifeguards are provided.

Boating, canoeing and kayaking
Boating, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing are popular summer activities on 6,300-acre Lake Wissota. Lake Wissota State Park offers excellent access to the lake with a boat launch and trailer parking area in the southern part of the park.

Canoes can be rented at the park office from the Friends of Lake Wissota State Park. The office also has a list of area businesses which rent fishing boats.

Picnic areas and playgrounds

Lake Wissota State Park has four picnic shelters, two of which are available for rental. There are picnic areas along the lake and near the beach and fishing pier. A large play area is in the family campground and there is a ball diamond and a volleyball court in the park.

Fishing

Lake Wissota has several species of fish, including walleyes, muskies, bass, panfish, northern, catfish and sturgeon. A Wisconsin fishing licenses is required. Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment at the park office.

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 largemouth bass and walleye.

Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment free of charge at the park office. This equipment was donated by the Tackle Loaner Program. Call the park office to find out what equipment is available.

Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties.

Winter activities
About eight miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed for both traditional stride and skate skiing. The park also has about 10 miles of trail open for snowshoeing. There are 5 miles of snowmobile trails within the park that connect to the extensive Chippewa County snowmobile trail system.

The opening and closing of snowmobile trails is at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails which cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails is done on a county-wide basis, however localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails

Ice fishing is popular. Please remember that the park does not monitor ice conditions on the lake. Ice thickness can vary from day to day and from location to location. Use your best judgment about the safety of the ice.