Castle Rock Lake, Lake Petenwell, Juneau County area
The Wisconsin River Valley is one of the most beautiful areas of Wisconsin. Though many visitors to Wisconsin Dells are aware of the sights and events of the immediate area, few are not aware of the Big Lakes- Lake Petenwell and Castle Rock Lake. They are the 2nd and 4th largest lakes in Wisconsin covering 23,000 and 13,000 acres respectively, and boast of fantastic fishing of all species as well as many gorgeous and secluded sand beaches to beach your boat and enjoy fun in the sun. In perspective, together they are equal to roughly 7 times the surface area of Lake Geneva!! There are also many restaurants accessible from the water, making this truly a boater’s paradise!
In addition, Lake Petenwell and Castle Rock Lake offer hiking trails, bike paths, protected wetland, glacier sculpted rock formations, wild berries, wooded preserves, walleyes, bass, muskies, eagles, turkey, deer, marinas, boat slips, boat landings, and Buckhorn State Park, that you can boat to or drive to. Very little of the land surrounding the lakes will ever be developed. More than two-thirds of the property owned by Wisconsin River Power Company, which surrounds the lakes, will remain a preserved habitat and protected environment for plant and wildlife.
After you are done enjoying the water, Juneau County is a whole other playground! With thousands of acres of public forestlands including the Juneau County Forest and Necedah Wildlife Refuge, there are opportunities for hiking, biking, hunting, and sightseeing. Necedah Wildlife Refuge is renowned for its waterfowl sanctuary as well as the home base for the endangered Whooping Crane which has made national news by training the flock to migrate by following an ultra light airplane from Necedah to it’s wintering grounds in Florida, and back again. There is also an extensive trail system for both ATV and snowmobiles.
All this, and you are only a 30-45 minute drive from the Wisconsin Dells and all the attractions and activities the Dell’s has to offer.