| Petenwell Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Adams / Juneau counties, Wisconsin, USA |
| Lake type | artificial lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 23,000 acres (9,300 ha) |
| Max. depth | 42 ft (13 m) |
Lake Petenwell is a man-made lake located in central Wisconsin, in Adams County and Juneau County, next to Castle Rock Lake. It covers over 23,000 acres (93 km2) and is 42 feet (13 m) deep.[1] Lake Petenwell is Wisconsin's second largest lake at 23,040 acres (93.2 km2) or approximately 36 square miles (93 km2). It was created in 1948 by the Wisconsin River Power Company with the construction of a dam across the Wisconsin River near Necedah. It has a maximum depth of 42 feet (13 m) and is excellent for skiing, sailing or fishing. Private lakefront property is very limited as most of the virgin shoreline is undeveloped forest. Wildlife abounds including one of the larger populations of wintering bald eagles in Wisconsin. Game Fish include Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, Panfish, and Musky.
While the area is quite rural and unspoiled in flavor, its amenities are quite cosmopolitan. It has excellent restaurants; community theatre; an 18-hole, par 72 golf course (originally rated among the top 75 public courses in the country) and a choice of two casinos within 30-40 minutes driving time. The lake is located between Adams and Juneau Counties and is approx. 30 miles (48 km) north of the Wisconsin Dells on State Highway 21.