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Rock Lake
(photo of Sandy Beach, Rock Lake Postcard courtesy of Ebay)
Shrouded in mystery Rock Lake has captivated budding archaeologists and locals for decades. What were these elusive pyramids at the lake's bottom?
Were these stone forms, manmade, and part of an ancient trade route that linked Mexico to Cahokia, Illinois and nearby Aztalan, now Aztalan State Park?
The mystery makes for great speculation and in the age of Amazon.com has inspired a number of self-published books with titles like the "Lost Pyramids of Rock Lake," "Underwater Pyramids of Rock Lake," and "Rock Lake's Stellar Pyramids."
A more likely explanation UW archaeologists posit, the shadowy forms in the murky depths of the lake are simply rock debris deposited on the lake's bottom by the glacier that covered Wisconsin over 10,000 years ago.
Mystery aside the lake is a great day trip getaway for sun and surf worshippers, boaters, and of course anglers.
Visitors have access to Rock Lake from public boat landings, public beaches. Boat rentals are available at
Sandy Beach, Bartel's Beach is also a great place to visit for the day. Both beaches are located along the southeastern shore of Rock Lake. If you want something bigger to ply the waters of Rock Lake pontoon
boats are available for rent at Zastrow's Watercraft (W7124 County Hwy V, phone: 1-920-723-7032)
Rock Lake's reputation as an outdoor recreation area is renowned, a popular destination for
vacationers regionally and as far was as Chicago. For Madisonians and the Western suburbs of
Milwaukee a quick trip on Interstate 94 makes the lake and town of Lake Mills a great way to
spend the day.
For anglers, the lake's water is moderately clear. The DNR allows catch and release fishing on Rock Lake
for largemouth and smallmouth bass and is open year round unless otherwise noted. Motor Trolling is
allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits, or lures, per angler.
Ice Fishing Tips:
In late January to mid-February throw in a Tip-up. Action on the lake includes getting walleye, perch,
bluegill. Action at north end of Rock lake find crappies, bluegills, sunfish. Public access points are at:
Sandy Beach at Sandy Beach Rd; Bartel’s Beach at S. Ferry Dr; Lower Rock Lake Park and
Tyranena Park at Cty Hwy B on the north side and access from the west side at Shorewood Hills Road
and Elm Pt Road.
Events
Firefly Night Market
Commons Park, Downtown Lake Mills
Find Antiques , Vintage Clothing, Mid-Century Modern collectibles, '80s collectibles- Architectural Salvage to start. Also discover trendy decor styles like Boho, Gypsy - Farmhouse - Furniture - Home Decor - Yard/Garden Art - Upcycled and Handcrafted Treasures - Jewelry & Accessories - Paper & Novelty - Woodcraft - Purses - Bath & Body - Candles - Plants/Garden. Firefly Night Market will be held at Commons Park in historic downtown Lake Mills. this summer: Jul 5, 2024 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM + Aug 2, 2024 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM + Sep 6, 2024 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Commons Park, Lake Mills 100 N. Main St., Lake Mills. Firefly is brought to you by The Vintage Flip, a unique woman-owned business that was recently recognized by the Wisconsin State Journal and listed as the 'Coolest Place to Shop' by Only in Wisconsin.
Knickerbocker Winter Fest
Commons Park, Downtown Lake Mills
The Knickerbocker Ice Festival is a community event named after a company that harvested ice from Rock Lake in the early 1900’s.The Ice House may be long gone… but each February, Legendary Lake Mills hosts a weekend full of indoor and outdoor events to connect Lake Mills with that icy past. Enjoy activities for the whole family Ice Skating Party in Commons Park, Frozen Ice Golf, Ice Softball, Free Family Games in Commons Park, Live Ice Sculpting, Trivia, and much more.
Rock Lake In Depth
| Lake Info. | Data |
|---|---|
| Area | 1365 acres |
| Max. Depth | 60 feet |
| Median Depth | 15 feet |
| Boat Landings | 4 |
| County | Jefferson |
| Fish | Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye |
Around the Shore
North Shore:
Upper Rock Lake Park - The larger and noisier of the two parks as it borders the southern edge of I-94. Located off County Highway B at W8050 Park Lane Rd.
Lower Rock Lake Park - Hugs the northern shore of Rock Lake and includes ample parking and boat launch. Lower Rock Lake Park is located off County Highway B at W8050 Park Lane Rd.
Tyranena Park
- Compact and lovely woods, filled with many meandering paths some a bit moderate in difficulty that course the steep terrain edging Rock Lake. Worth a trip with a picnic basket or mini hike.
Eastern Shore:
Bartel’s Beach a pocket green space with sandy beach just west of the old Mill Pond
Downtown Lake Mills - Lovely late 19th century architecture line the streets of a central green park. Read more about Lake Mills
Western Shore:
Korth Park - Scenic winding road leads up past new, suburban-style houses, through rolling prairie
to a beautiful overlook of Rock Lake and wooded trails. From County Highway B take County Road S south to Koth Lane.
Southern Shore:
Sandy Beach Park - The destination beach for locals also includes wood shoreline and play
area as well as bathrooms, and also close to one of Southern Wisconsin's handful of true lakeside
resorts, Woodland Beach Resort. Sandy Beach Park is located at 345 Sandy Beach Road.
Lakeside Lodging
Woodland Beach Resort
Downtown Lake Mills
For a real Northwoods cabin getaway experience in Southern Wisconsin look no further than Woodland Beach Resort. Located just steps from Sandy Beach on Rock Lake's southern shore, enjoy a private cottage with plenty of personal space for your family – available to rent by the day or week. As the proprietors state "Our cabins aren't fancy, but they aren't "roughing it." All of their cabins feature full bathrooms, window air conditioners, and stocked kitchens. Woodland Beach Resort is open May 1st to October 15th.
205 W. Woodland Drive. Lake Mills, WI 53551
(920) 648-5513 contact LeRoy Barnes, Manager
Towns Nearby
(photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society)
Lake Mills
Lake Mills is a town and not a lake as visitors often think. Rock Lake is the lake the town of Lake Mills borders. Now that that is cleared up the historic downtown wrapping Village Commons Park contains three areas on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the 19th century architecture is fully restored and occupied by great locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, gift shops and great dining options. Be sure to try out the great burgers at Sportsman's Pub On the Park Check out Lakes Edition's Lake Mills visitor guide.
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