When thinking of the best places to swim in Wisconsin, Wazee Lake likely comes to mind. One of several Wisconsin quarry lakes, the 146-acre lake formed after an abandoned quarry began filling with water. These days, it boasts a beach and water that’s crystal clear, making it one of the most popular of all the abandoned quarries in Wisconsin. And while there’s no denying that Wazee Lake is incredible, it’s just one of many Wisconsin swimming quarries. There are actually quite a few swimming quarries in Washington that belong on your summer bucket list, including the Wisconsin swimming quarries listed below.
1. Redgranite Quarry Park (Redgranite)
This quarry was closed in the 1920s and designated a park in 1995. Over the years, Redgranite Quarry Park has become a favorite of scuba divers as well as those seeking some fun in the sun.
2. Quarry Lake Park (Mt. Pleasant)
At Quarry Lake Park, you’ll find a limestone quarry that’s been transformed into an amazing spring-fed lake – complete with a white sand beach. A great place for some on-the-water fun, the lake offers swimming, scuba diving, and fishing. The park also includes picnic areas and a large boathouse, which can be reserved for private events.
3. Sheboygan Quarry Park (Sheboygan)
At the center of Sheboygan Quarry Park, you’ll find an 18-acre lake, which, of course, was once a quarry. And while the lake is the focal point of the park, it’s not all the park has to offer. There are also inflatables, kayak and paddleboard rentals, bike trails, and a Frisbee golf course, making it easy to see why it's touted as the perfect place for a summer adventure in Wisconsin.
To see what you can expect, check out this awesome video by Visit Sheboygan:
4. Duck Creek Quarry Park (Green Bay)
The highlight of the 30-acre Duck Creek Quarry Park is definitely the limestone quarry, which was in use from 1827 until 2001. Since closing, the quarry has become a popular spot for water-related fun, including swimming, fishing, and boating.
5. Fox Brook Park (Brookfield)
Spanning 223 acres, Fox Brook Park has a lot going for it. However, its most popular feature is definitely its man-made lake, which was formed as a result of mining. Thirty feet at its deepest point, the lake is suitable for swimming and scuba diving – but those aren’t your only options for getting out on the water. High Roller Fun Rentals is on-site and carries canoes, kayaks, peddler boats, and more. Fox Brook Park is open year-round.
6. Fireman’s Park (Verona)
One of the most popular of all of Wisconsin swimming quarries, Fireman's Park is a summertime must-visit. In addition to a limestone-quarry-turned-swimming-hole, Fireman's Park boasts a beach, waterslides, and a splash pad. It’s open seasonally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
7. Menomonee Park (Menomonee Falls)
A Menomonee Falls favorite, this park boasts 464 acres of rolling fields, maple woods, marsh, and wetlands – all of which can be easily explored thanks to miles of hiking and biking trails. But the highlight of the park is definitely the 16-acre quarry lake surrounded by a beach. Not only is the park revered as one of the best places to swim in Wisconsin, but it’s also touted as one of the most unique parks in Wisconsin.
Check out this awesome birds-eye view of this awesome park in Washington!
So, did you know about these Wisconsin quarry lakes? Did we mention your favorite quarry-turned-lake? Know of any other abandoned quarries in Wisconsin? Tell us!
Wisconsin quarry lakes aren’t the only option for staying cool during summer. There are so many options for on-the-water fun, including these lazy rivers in Wisconsin.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!