If memory serves, we had Good Morning Aztlán playing as we left Castle Mound. Having worked up a sweat hiking there, The Dulcinea and I took a short drive over to Wazee Lake. "Wazee" is a Ho-Chunk word meaning "tall pines". The lake's name is rather odd because the convention with which I am used to is, if you are using an Indian word in the name, you put it second. For instance, here in Madison we have Lake Monona. But, a short trip down the Yahara River, you end up at Mud Lake. Perhaps Wazee's name deviates from this pattern because it is a man-made lake of recent vintage.
In 1982, the Jackson County Iron Mine closed after having been a source of ferrous taconite goodness since 1967. After the pumps, which moved 8,000 gallons of water per minute(!), were turned off, the mine began to flood. Two year later the folks of Jackson County had themselves a new lake.
Some sand was strategically placed for a beach on the shallow end which was littered with people enjoying the sun when we arrived.
The water is very clear and is kept that way with a ban on motorized water craft. I think the entire state had its coolest July on record last month so the water was a bit chilly but all the better after walking a couple miles. Personally, I enjoy floating on my back and just looking up at the clouds. When there's no raucous teenagers nearby, it is incredibly serene.
On the opposite side of the lake lies the mine shaft. Depths of 350+ feet make Wazee the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin and a popular site for divers. There are also lookout points which afford a dramatic view. You can just make out the beach off in the distance in this first photo.
Having cool down to a comfortable level, The Dulcinea and I headed into town to check into our hotel and grab some dinner.
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