Lake Leota

Southern Wisconsin Lakes

Centrally located near historic downtown Evansville this artificial lake created from the damming of Allen Creek has provided lucrative fishing opportunities for young kids and older adults since the 1920s. In the 1930s,  the portion of Allen Creek within Leonard Leota Park was straightened and its banks were lined with limestone blocks as part of the WPA federal program. For non-anglers the fairyland-like setting of covered bridges and narrow canals (Allen Creek) of Leonard Leota Park surrounding Lake Leota is captivating.  Park features constructed by the WPA workers include: The Leota Park Bell Tower, Creek Foot Bridge, Horseshoe Lagoon (East and West), Lake Leota Dam Stepped Falls and Warming House and Bandstand among the most notable. These manmade features make the park an ideal backdrop for memorable wedding photos too.


Outside of fishing, recreational opportunities include basketball courts, baseball diamonds disc golf, pickleball/tennis courts, a swimming pool (the Evansville Aquatic Center) and splash pad (The Veteran's Memorial Spraypad.) Leonard Leota Park is a great place for leisure, tour the grounds with a one mile walk across the historic property, hang out at the beach, there are a few shelters for a family gathering or places to picnic.  Leota Lake is also where Evansville's annual Fourth of July celebration is held. Have time to spend the day downtown? Check out ourself-guided tour of downtown Evansville's

historic architecture.


Catch and release fishing on Lake Leota for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year-round unless otherwise noted. Motor trolling is allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits, or lures, per angler.


Directions:


From E. Main Street in downtown Evansville turn left onto N. Madison Street. Head north on Madison Street and turn left onto Antes Dr and then right. to enter Leonard Leota Park.

Local Bite

Most anglers visiting Leota Lake try their luck with a twisting jig or minnow east end of the lake. Catfish, walleyes and walleye's relatives Saugers can be found in the shallows of the rapid moving Rock River. Try for crappies and large mouths near the power station.

  Events

Lake Leota Fest:  Lake Leota Fourth of July


One of Southern Wisconsin's more unique settings for a Fourth of July celebration, Lake Leota Fourth of July takes places in Leonard Leota Park. The park listed on National Register of Historic Place (NRHP) is a magical setting for a festival, overlooking placid Lake Leota. "It is the biggest event of the year," says Jim Brooks, former Common Council Chairman and head of the ECP. ECP puts on the event every year. Brooks estimated close to 10,000 event goers will make their way to Evansville for the three day festival and fireworks show.   Read More

  Lake Leota In Depth

aerial photo of Lake Leota
Lake Info. Data
Area 36 acres
Max. Depth 15 feet
Median Depth 1 foot
Boat Landings 1
County Rock
Fish Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike
Invasive species Phragmites (non-native), Rusty Crayfish

Tour Historic Evansville

Self-Guided Tour Of Evansville Historic Districts


Tour what the Wisconsin Historical Society says is “the finest collection of 1840s to 1915 architecture of any small town in Wisconsin,” welcome to Evansville! What makes this Southern Wisconsin town a must-see architectural destination? To start, Evansville a town of a little over 5,000 people, has three historic districts. Read More