Lake Wissota
Welcome To
The Neighborhood
The community surrounding the actual lake of Lake Wissota is also referred to as “Lake Wissota.” Which can cause some confusion regarding whether someone is talking about the lake itself or the surrounding community.
The community of Lake Wissota is actually in the town of Lafayette, but you won’t hear locals refer to it as that. Layfayette has a population of 5,979 according to the U.S. Census in 2018.
Lake Wissota (the lake) is a man-made reservoir located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, USA. The lake was created in 1917 when a dam was built on the Chippewa River to generate hydroelectric power. The reservoir covers an area of approximately 6,300 acres and has a maximum depth of around 70 feet.
Lake Wissota is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, musky, northern pike, bass, and panfish. There are several public boat landings on the lake, as well as a marina and a beach.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Lake Wissota also has historical significance. The construction of the Wissota Hydroelectric Dam and the creation of the lake played a significant role in the development of the Chippewa Valley region. The lake and surrounding area are also home to several parks, trails, and wildlife areas, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, Lake Wissota is a beautiful and popular destination in Wisconsin, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Grab Your
Free Local Guide
on everything happening in and around Chippewa Valley,
I promise not to spam you!
Boundaries
Lafayette is a six by six mile square that was first surveyed in the fall of 1848. It also includes the unincorporated community of Bateman.
Lake Wissota (the actual lake) is located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, USA, and the lakes geographical boundaries are determined by the Wissota Hydroelectric Dam that was built on the Chippewa River to create the lake. The dam is located approximately 6 miles east of the city of Chippewa Falls and forms the northern boundary of the lake.
5 Reasons You'll Love It
Reason 1
Natural Beauty: Lake Wissota is a scenic lake surrounded by lush forests, wildlife areas, and rolling hills. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, especially during fall when the leaves turn into a stunning array of colors.
Reason 2
Recreational Activities: Lake Wissota is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and water skiing. The lake also has several public parks and beaches that offer picnic areas, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities.
Reason 3
History: The Wissota Hydroelectric Dam and the creation of Lake Wissota played a significant role in the development of the Chippewa Valley region. The lake is also home to several historical landmarks, including the historic downtown Chippewa Falls, which offers a glimpse into the area’s past.
Reason 4
Local Culture: Lake Wissota is located in the heart of Wisconsin, a state known for its cheese, beer, and bratwurst. The area has a strong agricultural heritage, and visitors can explore local farms, cheese factories, and breweries to experience the local culture.
Reason 5
Year-round Destination: Lake Wissota offers recreational opportunities year-round, with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing available during the winter months. The lake is also a popular destination for fall foliage tours, making it a perfect year-round getaway for nature lovers.
Lake Wissota is a
Great place to live, work and play.
With its natural beauty, rich culture, friendly community, excellent schools, and strong economy, it’s no wonder why so many people love calling this Wisconsin city home.
5 Reasons You'll Hate It
Reason 1
Limited Job Opportunities: While the area has a thriving tourism industry, job opportunities in other industries may be limited unless you are able to commute to one of the nearby larger communities of Eau Claire or Chippewa Falls.
Reason 2
Limited Access to Amenities: While Lake Wissota offers plenty of outdoor activities, you won’t find other amenities such as shopping malls or entertainment venues in the immediate vicinity.
Reason 3
Lacks transportation: Similar to many small town communities, there is limited public transportation. You really need your own vehicle to get around in this community.
Reason 4
Commute: If your employment is in the Eau Claire area, you will have a short commute of about 20-40 minutes.
Reason 5
Harsh Winter Weather: Wisconsin is known for its cold winters, and Lake Wissota is no exception. The area receives heavy snowfall, and the winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, making it challenging to get around and participate in outdoor activities.
Home Styles in the Neighborhood
Lake Wissota, WI has a variety of home styles available, including:
01.
Cabins
Lake Wissota is a popular destination for cabin-style homes, which offer a rustic, cozy feel. Cabins often feature wood finishes, fireplaces, and outdoor living spaces to take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings.
02.
Ranch
Ranch-style homes are a popular option in Lake Wissota and offer a one-story layout with open floor plans. These homes typically feature large windows to let in natural light and to take advantage of the beautiful views.
03.
Craftsman
Craftsman-style homes are known for their attention to detail, quality materials, and unique architectural features. These homes often feature large front porches, exposed beams, and natural materials such as stone and wood.
04.
Traditional
Traditional-style homes are a common option in Lake Wissota, offering a classic and timeless look. These homes often feature gabled roofs, symmetrical facades, and classic detailing such as shutters and columns.
Places of Interest
There are several places to visit in Lake Wissota, WI, that offer a range of recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Here are some of the top places to visit:
Lake Wissota State Park
This 1,000-acre state park is located on the shore of Lake Wissota and offers several recreational activities, including camping, hiking, swimming, and boating. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and a nature center.
Irvine Park and Zoo
This 300-acre park located in nearby Chippewa Falls is home to a small zoo, playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walking paths. The park also hosts several events throughout the year, including a holiday lights display during the winter months.
Chippewa River State Trail
This 30-mile trail runs from Durand to Eau Claire and passes through Lake Wissota. It offers scenic views of the Chippewa River and is popular for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Leinenkugel's Brewery
Located in nearby Chippewa Falls, Leinenkugel's Brewery is a popular destination for beer lovers. The brewery offers tours and tastings, and visitors can learn about the history of the brewery and the brewing process.
Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard:
This family-owned orchard and winery is located in nearby Chippewa Falls and offers wine tastings, apple picking, and hayrides during the fall months. The orchard also has a gift shop and a petting zoo.
Schools
Lake Wissota, WI is part of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, which serves several communities in the Chippewa Valley area.
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is the largest school district in the area, serving students in grades K-12. It includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
- Elementary Schools include: Halmstad, Hillcrest, Parkview, Southview, Stillson, Jim Falls
Learn More: https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
McDonell Area Catholic Schools is a private Catholic school system that serves students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. It includes one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school.
Learn More: https://www.mcdonellareacatholicschools.org/
Christ Lutheran School
Christ Lutheran School is a private Lutheran school that serves students in kindergarten through grade 8.
Learn More: https://christlutheranschool.org/
Chippewa Valley Technical College – Chippewa Falls Campus
Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public two-year college that offers a variety of programs and courses for students seeking technical and vocational education.
Learn More: https://www.cvtc.edu/experience-cvtc/campuses/chippewa-falls-campus
