Wisconsin's Largest Man-Made Lake Is A Scenic Gem With Fishing And Fun Coastal Vibes

Near the center of Wisconsin lies the state's largest man-made lake, which has become a vacation spot for lovers of the water and the outdoors. Petenwell Lake stretches over 23,000 acres across the counties of Juneau, Wood, and Adams. It's a scenic destination for swimmers, boaters, and sunbathers. For those who fish, the lake's large collection of species, including largemouth bass, sturgeon, and panfish, makes it an attractive destination throughout the year.

Petenwell Lake was formed in 1948 following the completion of Petenwell Dam on the Wisconsin River, which still provides hydroelectric power and flood control to the region. It gets its name from Petenwell Rock, located just downriver from the dam, a crest said to once be owned by early settler Peter Wells. Wisconsin is full of must-see, iconic tourist attractions, and Petenwell Lake has become a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the warmer summer months.

The easiest way to access the waters of the lake is through Petenwell County Park, which is open year-round and sprawls across 160 acres. This county park, the second largest in the state, connects to a designated swimming area, a large boat launch area, playgrounds, and restrooms with shower facilities. A campground within the park provides access to the lake via walking paths, and an expansion project completed in 2018 connects directly with the Adams County ATV trail system.

Situated about 100 miles north of Wisconsin's charming capital city of Madison, Petenwell Lake is the state's second-largest lake. And while it does have areas dedicated to swimming, the lake's gravel bottom and limited visibility make it more popular for boaters than swimmers. Its position in the north also means the waters are cold, especially when they thaw in the spring. Early-season fishermen take advantage of the lack of boat traffic on the lake during this time of year, despite the still-chilly weather. Bundled-up kayakers can also hit the lake during the early spring. It's prime time to see wildlife along the shores and bald eagles overhead.

Warmer days make for excellent hiking weather, where visitors can access the trails to the bluffs and be rewarded with panoramic overlooks. Petenwell Lake may not be as well known as Devil's Lake, one of Wisconsin's best state parks for hiking and outdoor adventures, but the Petenwell Bluff Trail leads to some of the best views of the lake. The trail stretches for just under a mile, but AllTrails users warn that it is not clearly marked and can be difficult to follow. Proper footwear is recommended for anyone deciding to make their way to the overlook, no matter the time of year.

Petenwell Lake is about 100 miles west of Appleton International Airport (ATW), which is utilized by multiple major airlines and provides nonstop service to over 20 cities. Since Petenwell Lake is far from the big cities, the most convenient way to reach it is by car. Fortunately, Appleton's airport has several rental car companies on site.

Petenwell County Park is open 12 months a year, and an entry fee is required per vehicle. For those looking to spend a few days (or longer) near the lake, accommodations are available. Rental cabins on platforms such as Airbnb are among the most popular accommodations and are available along the waterfront, as are the campsites in Petenwell County Park. Hotels and motels of different sizes are also conveniently located within a few miles of the water, meaning a short drive to and from the waterfront would be required to enjoy the recreational facilities.

Since the lake is open all year, planning a visit depends on individual interests. The warm summer months are attractive for those looking to enjoy boating, hiking, or swimming. Fishing is also a popular activity in the summer months and extends into the fall, when the forest around the lake turns vibrant colors. In the winter's coldest months, the lake freezes over and becomes popular for ice fishing and snowmobiling.