Locals Love This Crystal-Clear Swimming Hole in Wisconsin (That Doesn’t Feel Like the U.S.)

If you're like me and grew up swimming in Midwestern lakes, you don't expect to wade into crystal-clear water on a hot summer day. Often, the best we can hope for is a sandy bottom with few weeds and a surface with no algae. When it's hot enough, we'll take whatever we can get, even if it's a mud-bottomed, milfoil-choked pond. But what if I told you that there's a hidden swimming hole in Wisconsin with water that's as clear as the Caribbean—and it stays that way all summer long? As it turns out, that is exactly what I'm going to tell you, and the spot I'm talking about is Wazee Lake, near Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

Why Locals Love This Hidden Swimming Hole

For starters, Wazee Lake isn't really near any of the state's larger population areas, which helps keep things local. Eau Claire and La Crosse are the two nearest cities of size, and they're both more than an hour away—chances are, folks aren't going to make the trip. Another thing to love is that only electric motors are permitted on the lake, so swimmers don't have to deal with wake or noise. Finally, when Wazee Lake Recreation Area opened in the mid-1990s, a gorgeous, sandy beach area was included in the infrastructure. Now folks can head to the lake and enjoy a sandy-bottomed swim or splash in what's most likely the clearest swimming hole in Wisconsin.

What Makes the Water at Wazee Lake So Clear

Wazee Lake isn't a natural lake; rather, it's a former iron ore mine that closed in the 1980s and was subsequently flooded by underground springs. The result is the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. The lake's 355-foot depth, spring-fed water, and a general lack of sediment contribute to its remarkable clarity—the type of crystal-clear water in Wisconsin that's rare to find in an inland lake. In fact, visibility of up to 40 feet is possible here, which makes Wazee a magnet for scuba divers, who enjoy several dedicated access points along the shoreline.

What To Expect During Your Visit

Because of the lake's clarity and the beach at the recreation area, I think Wazee offers the best quarry swimming in Wisconsin—no need to scramble over rocks or worry about finding a bathroom here—there are restrooms, as well as pit toilets, and fresh water available. You'll even find a concession stand at the beach. If you want to stay near the lake, the park has 12 rustic campsites available to reserve. On cooler days, there's still plenty to do in the park. In addition to picnic areas and hiking trails, you'll also find bike paths and a disc golf course.

Tips Before You Visit Wazee Lake

For the best beach day, visit on a hot, sunny afternoon. The high sun really makes those deep blue and emerald colors pop. Remember: Wazee is a deep, spring-fed lake in a northern state, so the water will be chilly for much of the year. Even by the time the surface warms up in mid-to-late summer, deeper water is still going to be cold.

You'll need to buy a parking pass on the way into Wazee Lake Recreation for swimming and general recreation. Additional fees are required for diving and, of course, camping. Check out the Jackson County Forestry and Parks website for reservations and additional information. I don't think you'll be disappointed when you visit the crystal-clear waters of this pristine Wisconsin summertime destination.