An Overview of Wisconsin's Rivers and Lakes
Largest and Most Famous Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs, and Streams
Wisconsin is home to several prominent water bodies. The largest lakes include Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, which are among the Great Lakes and form the eastern and northern borders of the state. Major rivers include the Mississippi River, which forms the western border, and the Wisconsin River, which runs centrally through the state. Other notable features are Lake Winnebago and the St. Croix River. These water bodies are essential for recreation, wildlife, and the state’s ecology.
Sources of Water for Rivers and Lakes
The rivers, lakes, and streams in Wisconsin primarily receive their water from local sources such as precipitation and snowmelt from nearby areas. The lakes and rivers do not typically draw from distant mountains but rather from regional watershed systems. For example, the Mississippi River collects water from tributaries in multiple states, but local rainfall and snowmelt are significant contributors to Wisconsin’s water systems. Overall, local precipitation plays a crucial role in sustaining these water bodies.
Types of Rivers in Wisconsin
Wisconsin features a variety of river types. Perennial rivers like the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers are active year-round and crucial for the state's ecology and economy. Exotic rivers, such as the Bois Brule, offer unique habitats and scenic landscapes. Tributary rivers, including the Kickapoo River, feed into larger rivers, while distributary rivers are less common in Wisconsin. Man-made canals and aqueducts serve irrigation and transportation needs, and winding rivers such as the Chippewa provide recreational opportunities.
Types of Lakes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's lakes are diverse in origin. Glacial lakes, such as Lake Mendota and Lake Geneva, were formed by retreating glaciers during the Ice Age. Fluvial lakes like Lake Poygan are found along river floodplains. Anthropogenic lakes, such as Lake Wisconsin, were created by damming rivers for various purposes including flood control and hydroelectric power. Additionally, solution lakes like Crystal Lake and cirque lakes such as Devil's Lake provide unique ecological and recreational environments.
River Flow Directions in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, rivers generally flow towards either the Mississippi River or Lake Michigan. For instance, the Wisconsin River flows southward towards the Mississippi River, while the Fox River flows eastward into Lake Michigan. This directional flow affects the state's water management and environmental planning. Rivers in Wisconsin thus contribute to both regional and state-wide hydrological systems.
Natural vs. Man-made Lakes in Wisconsin
Most lakes in Wisconsin are natural, primarily formed by glacial activity. However, some lakes are man-made, created by damming rivers for purposes such as flood control, power generation, and recreation. Lake Wisconsin, for example, is an artificial reservoir created by the damming of the Wisconsin River. State and federal agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, have been involved in the creation and maintenance of these lakes.
Rivers and Transportation
Rivers in Wisconsin are not heavily used for major transportation compared to other states. However, rivers like the Mississippi do play a role in transporting goods, though not to the extent seen in larger river systems like the Missouri or Ohio Rivers. The state’s rivers are more often used for recreational boating and local transportation. Specific data on cargo transported by river barges is limited but reflects minor involvement in large-scale commercial shipping.
Dams on Rivers and Lakes
Wisconsin has numerous dams on its rivers and lakes, serving multiple functions. These dams are primarily used for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and sometimes recreation. Examples include the dams on the Wisconsin River and the Mississippi River. They help manage water flow, provide energy, and create recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing.
Recreational Use of Rivers and Lakes
Many rivers and lakes in Wisconsin are popular for recreational activities. Fishing, boating, and house boating are common on bodies such as Lake Michigan and the Wisconsin River. Popular spots include the Mississippi River for boating and Lake Geneva for fishing. Recreational activities contribute significantly to the state’s tourism and local economies.
Flooding Issues and Levee Problems
Wisconsin experiences seasonal flooding, particularly in wet years, affecting rivers and lakes. Flooding can lead to issues for properties near levees and floodplains, with high water levels sometimes impacting homes and infrastructure. The state manages these risks through flood control measures and planning. Areas along major rivers like the Mississippi and Wisconsin River are particularly prone to such issues.
Support for Agriculture
Several lakes, reservoirs, and rivers in Wisconsin support the state's agriculture industry by providing necessary water for irrigation. The Wisconsin River, for example, is crucial for irrigating crops in its surrounding areas. Lakes and reservoirs also offer water for agricultural uses and contribute to local farming productivity. The availability of water resources is vital for sustaining agricultural operations in the state.
Pollution Issues
Wisconsin has faced pollution problems in some of its rivers and lakes, often caused by agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban development. These issues have led to water quality concerns and have impacted ecosystems and recreational activities. Efforts are ongoing to address these pollution sources through regulations and cleanup programs. Addressing pollution is crucial for maintaining the health of the state's water bodies.
Future Reservoir Construction
Wisconsin is considering further development of reservoirs to meet future needs for water management and recreational purposes. New reservoir projects are evaluated based on environmental impact, utility, and community needs. While specific plans for new reservoirs can vary, state and federal agencies continually assess the potential for additional water storage solutions. Future reservoir development will depend on balancing ecological concerns with the benefits of additional water resources.
Wisconsin Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Apple River, Polk Co, Wisconsin
Apple River, Saint Croix Co, Wisconsin
Bad River, Ashland Co, Wisconsin
Bagga Marsh,Lincoln Co, Wisconsin
Baileys Harbor Swamp, Door Co, Wisconsin
Balsam Lake, Polk Co, Wisconsin
Baraboo River, Columbia Co, Wisconsin
Baraboo River, Juneau Co, Wisconsin
Baraboo River, Monroe Co, Wisconsin
Baraboo River, Sauk Co, Wisconsin
Bear Lake, Barron Co, Wisconsin
Bear Lake, Washburn Co, Wisconsin
Beaver Dam Lake, Dodge Co, Wisconsin
Belden Swamp, Douglas Co, Wisconsin
Bibon Marsh,Bayfield Co, Wisconsin
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, Marathon Co, WI
Big Rib River, Lincoln Co, Wisconsin
Big Rib River, Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Big Rib River, Taylor Co, Wisconsin
Big Saint Germain Lake, Vilas Co, WI
Big Sand Lake, Burnett Co, Wisconsin
Big Sand Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Black Ash Swamp, Door Co, Wisconsin
Black Ash Swamp, Kewaunee Co, Wisconsin
Black River, Clark Co, Wisconsin
Black River, Jackson Co, Wisconsin
Black River, La Crosse Co, Wisconsin
Black River, Monroe Co, Wisconsin
Black River, Taylor Co, Wisconsin
Black River, Trempealeau Co, Wisconsin
Blueberry Marsh,Iron Co, Wisconsin
Bogus Swamp, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Bois Brule River, Douglas Co, Wisconsin
Bone Lake, Polk Co, Wisconsin
Branch River, Brown Co, Wisconsin
Branch River, Manitowoc Co, Wisconsin
Brule River, Florence Co, Wisconsin
Brule River, Forest Co, Wisconsin
Buffalo Lake, Marquette Co, Wisconsin
Buffalo River, Buffalo Co, Wisconsin
Buffalo River, Trempealeau Co, Wisconsin
Castle Rock Lake, Adams Co, Wisconsin
Castle Rock Lake, Juneau Co, Wisconsin
Cedarburg Bog,Ozaukee Co, Wisconsin
Chequamegon Waters Flowage,Taylor Co, WI
Chippewa River, Buffalo Co, Wisconsin
Chippewa River, Chippewa Co, Wisconsin
Chippewa River, Dunn Co, Wisconsin
Chippewa River, Eau Claire Co, Wisconsin
Chippewa River, Pepin Co, Wisconsin
Chippewa River, Rusk Co, Wisconsin
Chippewa River, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Clam Lake, Burnett Co, Wisconsin
Cooperstown Swamp, Brown Co, Wisconsin
Cooperstown Swamp, Manitowoc Co, Wisconsin
Crawfish River, Columbia Co, Wisconsin
Crawfish River, Dodge Co, Wisconsin
Crawfish River, Jefferson Co, Wisconsin
Crawling Stone Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Crystal Swamp, Washburn Co, Wisconsin
Dairyland Reservoir, Rusk Co, Wisconsin
Deer Tail Creek, Rusk Co, Wisconsin
Delavan Lake, Walworth Co, Wisconsin
Dewey Marsh,Portage Co, Wisconsin
Duck Creek, Brown Co, Wisconsin
Duck Creek, Outagamie Co, Wisconsin
Duvall Swamp, Door Co, Wisconsin
Duvall Swamp, Kewaunee Co, Wisconsin
East Branch Pecatonica River, Iowa Co, WI
East Branch Pecatonica River, Lafayette Co, WI
East Fork Black River, Clark Co, Wisconsin
East Fork Black River, Jackson Co, Wisconsin
East Fork Black River, Wood Co, Wisconsin
East Fork Chippewa River, Ashland Co, WI
East Fork Chippewa River, Sawyer Co, WI
East Twin River, Kewaunee Co, Wisconsin
East Twin River, Manitowoc Co, Wisconsin
Eau Claire River, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Eau Claire River, Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Eldorado Marsh,Fond du Lac Co, Wisconsin
Embarrass River, Outagamie Co, Wisconsin
Embarrass River, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Embarrass River, Waupaca Co, Wisconsin
Fence Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Flambeau Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Flambeau River, Ashland Co, Wisconsin
Flambeau River, Iron Co, Wisconsin
Flambeau River, Price Co, Wisconsin
Flambeau River, Rusk Co, Wisconsin
Flambeau River, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Fox Lake, Dodge Co, Wisconsin
Fox River, Brown Co, Wisconsin
Fox River, Green Lake Co, Wisconsin
Fox River, Marquette Co, Wisconsin
Fox River, Outagamie Co, Wisconsin
Fox River, Waukesha Co, Wisconsin
Fox River, Waushara Co, Wisconsin
Fox River, Winnebago Co, Wisconsin
Gardner Swamp, Door Co, Wisconsin
Gile Flowage,Iron Co, Wisconsin
Grant River, Grant Co, Wisconsin
Green Bay,Brown Co, Wisconsin
Green Bay,Door Co, Wisconsin
Green Bay,Kewaunee Co, Wisconsin
Green Bay,Marinette Co, Wisconsin
Green Bay,Oconto Co, Wisconsin
Green Lake, Green Lake Co, Wisconsin
Grindstone Lake, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Hay River, Barron Co, Wisconsin
Hay River, Dunn Co, Wisconsin
Hayton Marsh,Calumet Co, Wisconsin
Hayton Marsh,Manitowoc Co, Wisconsin
High Falls Reservoir, Marinette Co, WI
Holcombe Flowage,Chippewa Co, Wisconsin
Holcombe Flowage,Rusk Co, Wisconsin
Horicon Marsh,Dodge Co, Wisconsin
Horicon Marsh,Fond du Lac Co, Wisconsin
Ike Walton Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Jordan Swamp, Portage Co, Wisconsin
Kickapoo River, Crawford Co, Wisconsin
Kickapoo River, Monroe Co, Wisconsin
Kickapoo River, Richland Co, Wisconsin
Kickapoo River, Vernon Co, Wisconsin
Kidrick Swamp, Taylor Co, Wisconsin
Koshkonong Creek, Dane Co, Wisconsin
Koshkonong Creek, Jefferson Co, Wisconsin
Lac Courte Oreilles,Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Lac Vieux Desert,Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Lake Alice,Lincoln Co, Wisconsin
Lake Butte des Morts,Winnebago Co, WI
Lake Chetac,Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Lake Chippewa,Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Lake Du Bay,Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Lake Du Bay,Portage Co, Wisconsin
Lake Eau Claire,Eau Claire Co, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva,Walworth Co, Wisconsin
Lake Kegonsa,Dane Co, Wisconsin
Lake Koshkonong,Dane Co, Wisconsin
Lake Koshkonong,Jefferson Co, Wisconsin
Lake Koshkonong,Rock Co, Wisconsin
Lake Mendota,Dane Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Door Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Kenosha Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Kewaunee Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Manitowoc Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Ozaukee Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Racine Co, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan, Sheboygan Co, Wisconsin
Lake Mohawksin, Lincoln Co, Wisconsin
Lake Monona, Dane Co, Wisconsin
Lake Nokomis, Lincoln Co, Wisconsin
Lake Nokomis, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Lake Noquebay, Marinette Co, Wisconsin
Lake Owen, Bayfield Co, Wisconsin
Lake Poygan, Waushara Co, Wisconsin
Lake Poygan, Winnebago Co, Wisconsin
Lake Saint Croix, Pierce Co, Wisconsin
Lake Saint Croix, Saint Croix Co, Wisconsin
Lake Superior, Ashland Co, Wisconsin
Lake Superior, Bayfield Co, Wisconsin
Lake Superior, Douglas Co, Wisconsin
Lake Superior, Iron Co, Wisconsin
Lake Waubesa, Dane Co, Wisconsin
Lake Wausau, Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Lake Winnebago, Calumet Co, Wisconsin
Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac Co, Wisconsin
Lake Winnebago, Winnebago Co, Wisconsin
Lake Winneconne, Winnebago Co, Wisconsin
Lake Wisconsin, Columbia Co, Wisconsin
Lake Wisconsin, Sauk Co, Wisconsin
Lake Wissota 5548,Chippewa Co, Wisconsin
Lipsky Swamp, Kewaunee Co, Wisconsin
Little Eau Pleine River, Clark Co, Wisconsin
Little Eau Pleine River, Marathon Co, WI
Little Lake Butte Des Morts, Winnebago Co, WI
Little Wolf River, Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Little Wolf River, Portage Co, Wisconsin
Little Wolf River, Waupaca Co, Wisconsin
Long Lake 82, Washburn Co, Wisconsin
Manitowoc River, Calumet Co, Wisconsin
Manitowoc River, Manitowoc Co, Wisconsin
Marble Swamp, Waupaca Co, Wisconsin
Marengo River, Ashland Co, Wisconsin
Marengo River, Bayfield Co, Wisconsin
Mattoon Swamp, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Mattoon Swamp, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
McMillan Marsh,Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Menominee River, Florence Co, Wisconsin
Menominee River, Marinette Co, Wisconsin
Merriam Swamp, Douglas Co, Wisconsin
Metonga Lake, Forest Co, Wisconsin
Middle Branch Embarrass River, Langlade Co, WI
Middle Branch Embarrass River, Shawano Co, WI
Mill Creek, Portage Co, Wisconsin
Mill Creek, Wood Co, Wisconsin
Million Acre Swamp, Price Co, Wisconsin
Milwaukee River, Fond du Lac Co, Wisconsin
Milwaukee River, Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin
Milwaukee River, Ozaukee Co, Wisconsin
Milwaukee River, Washington Co, Wisconsin
Minocqua Lake, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Minong Flowage, Douglas Co, Wisconsin
Minong Flowage, Washburn Co, Wisconsin
Mishonagon Swamp, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Mishonagon Swamp, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, Buffalo Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, Crawford Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, Grant Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, La Crosse Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, Pepin Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, Pierce Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, Trempealeau Co, Wisconsin
Mississippi River, Vernon Co, Wisconsin
Moose Lake, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Mosinee Flowage,Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Muskego Lake, Waukesha Co, Wisconsin
Namekagon River, Bayfield Co, Wisconsin
Namekagon River, Burnett Co, Wisconsin
Namekagon River, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Namekagon River, Washburn Co, Wisconsin
Navarino Marsh,Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Nelson Lake, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Nickels Marsh,Winnebago Co, Wisconsin
North Branch Oconto River, Forest Co, WI
North Branch Oconto River, Oconto Co, WI
North Fork Eau Claire River, Clark Co, WI
North Fork Eau Claire River, Eau Claire Co, WI
North Fork Eau Claire River, Taylor Co, WI
North Twin Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Oconto River, Oconto Co, Wisconsin
Oconto River, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Pecatonica River, Green Co, Wisconsin
Pecatonica River, Iowa Co, Wisconsin
Pecatonica River, Lafayette Co, Wisconsin
Pelican Lake, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Pella Swamp, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Pella Swamp, Waupaca Co, Wisconsin
Pensaukee River, Oconto Co, Wisconsin
Pensaukee River, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Peshtigo River, Forest Co, Wisconsin
Peshtigo River, Marinette Co, Wisconsin
Peshtigo River, Oconto Co, Wisconsin
Petenwell Lake, Adams Co, Wisconsin
Petenwell Lake, Juneau Co, Wisconsin
Petenwell Lake, Wood Co, Wisconsin
Pewaukee Lake, Waukesha Co, Wisconsin
Pickerel Lake, Forest Co, Wisconsin
Pickerel Lake, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Pine Lake, Forest Co, Wisconsin
Pine River, Florence Co, Wisconsin
Pine River, Forest Co, Wisconsin
Pine River, Richland Co, Wisconsin
Pine River, Vernon Co, Wisconsin
Platte River, Grant Co, Wisconsin
Plover River, Marathon Co, Wisconsin
Plover River, Portage Co, Wisconsin
Popple River, Florence Co, Wisconsin
Popple River, Forest Co, Wisconsin
Post Lake, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Post Lake, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Poygan Marsh, Waushara Co, Wisconsin
Poygan Marsh, Winnebago Co, Wisconsin
Prairie Lake, Barron Co, Wisconsin
Prairie River, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Prairie River, Lincoln Co, Wisconsin
Puckaway Lake, Green Lake Co, Wisconsin
Puckaway Lake, Marquette Co, Wisconsin
Rainbow Flowage, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Red Cedar River, Barron Co, Wisconsin
Red Cedar River, Dunn Co, Wisconsin
Red River, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Red River, Menominee Co, Wisconsin
Red River, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Rhinelander Flowage, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Rock Lake, Jefferson Co, Wisconsin
Rock River, Dodge Co, Wisconsin
Rock River, Jefferson Co, Wisconsin
Rock River, Rock Co, Wisconsin
Root River, Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin
Root River, Racine Co, Wisconsin
Round Lake, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Rush Lake, Fond du Lac Co, Wisconsin
Rush Lake, Winnebago Co, Wisconsin
Rush River, Pierce Co, Wisconsin
Rush River, Saint Croix Co, Wisconsin
Saint Croix Flowage, Douglas Co, Wisconsin
Saint Croix River, Burnett Co, Wisconsin
Saint Croix River, Polk Co, Wisconsin
Saint Croix River, Saint Croix Co, Wisconsin
Shawano Lake, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Sheboygan River, Calumet Co, Wisconsin
Sheboygan River, Manitowoc Co, Wisconsin
Sheboygan River, Sheboygan Co, Wisconsin
Shell Lake, Washburn Co, Wisconsin
Sinissippi Lake, Dodge Co, Wisconsin
South Branch Embarrass River, Marathon Co, WI
South Branch Embarrass River, Shawano Co, WI
South Branch Little Wolf River, Waupaca Co, WI
South Branch Oconto River, Langlade Co, WI
South Branch Oconto River, Menominee Co, WI
South Branch Oconto River, Oconto Co, WI
South Fork Flambeau River, Price Co, WI
South Fork Flambeau River, Sawyer Co, WI
South Fork Jump River, Price Co, Wisconsin
South Fork Jump River, Taylor Co, Wisconsin
Spider Lake, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Spirit River Flowage, Lincoln Co, Wisconsin
Squirrel Lake, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Star Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Sugar River, Dane Co, Wisconsin
Sugar River, Green Co, Wisconsin
Tainter Lake, Dunn Co, Wisconsin
Thornapple River, Rusk Co, Wisconsin
Thornapple River, Sawyer Co, Wisconsin
Thunder Lake, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Tichigan Lake, Racine Co, Wisconsin
Tomahawk Lake, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Trempealeau River, Buffalo Co, Wisconsin
Trempealeau River, Jackson Co, Wisconsin
Trempealeau River, Trempealeau Co, WI
Trout Lake, Vilas Co, Wisconsin
Turtle Creek, Rock Co, Wisconsin
Turtle Creek, Walworth Co, Wisconsin
Turtle Flambeau Flowage, Iron Co, WI
Upper Hay Creek Flowage, Burnett Co, WI
Wapogasset Lake, Polk Co, Wisconsin
Wautoma Swamp, Waushara Co, Wisconsin
Wayne Marsh,Washington Co, Wisconsin
White River, Ashland Co, Wisconsin
White River, Bayfield Co, Wisconsin
Willow Reservoir, Oneida Co, Wisconsin
Willow River, Polk Co, Wisconsin
Willow River, Saint Croix Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Adams Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Columbia Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Crawford Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Dane Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Grant Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Iowa Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Juneau Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Portage Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Richland Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Sauk Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River, Wood Co, Wisconsin
Wisconsin River Flowage, Portage Co, WI
Witt Flowage, Taylor Co, Wisconsin
Wolf River, Langlade Co, Wisconsin
Wolf River, Menominee Co, Wisconsin
Wolf River, Outagamie Co, Wisconsin
Wolf River, Shawano Co, Wisconsin
Wolf River, Waupaca Co, Wisconsin
Yellow Lake, Burnett Co, Wisconsin
Yellow River, Barron Co, Wisconsin
Yellow River, Chippewa Co, Wisconsin
Yellow River, Clark Co, Wisconsin
Yellow River, Juneau Co, Wisconsin
Yellow River, Taylor Co, Wisconsin
Yellow River, Washburn Co, Wisconsin
Yellow River, Wood Co, Wisconsin