Castle Rock
Petenwell Lakes
Wisconsin
807 Division St.
Mauston WI 53948
608-847-1904
Juneau and Adams County in Wisconsin Juneau and Adams County in Wisconsin
Wisconsin River Adventures
Whether you're partial to tubing, canoeing and motorized watercraft, the Winsconsin River is loads of FUN!
Majestic Castle Rock rises on the west bank of the river. It is a remnant "Sea Stack" of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin which once covered this entire area. For your tubing adventures contact Sandy Shores Resort. They offer a chance to kick back and enjoy the calm water, secluded beaches and magnificent scenery the Wisconsin River has to offer. The Hwy 82 bridge spans the river at approximately the halfway point on the trip south. Before the bridge was built in the early 1950's, a ferry crossed the river at this point.
Another 2 miles downstream on your right the Lemonweir River flows into the Wisconsin River. Two Rivers Public boat landing is a short distance downstream. Watch for your first Rock outcropping and access the inlet to reach the landing site. The landing provides free auto parking and bathrooms. River Bay distance from this location is another 7 mile route. In this section you will see a bluffs, a wooded island and a channel section without bluffs.
Castle Rock Petenwell Lakes Sites
River Bay Premier Camping Resort - one of a kind - located at this beautiful Wisconsin River location. Pontoon or row boat rentals are available. Enjoy a relaxing meal at the Bayside Bar and Grill. The Princess Kay Paddle Wheel Riverboat is ready to take you on a cruise to view the dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs and the stunning beauty of the Wisconsin River shoreline.
Only 4 miles from River Bay there is a nice landing on the West side of Black Hawk Island. Black Hawk Island to the Dells is approximately 2 miles.
Paddle or motor your watercraft pass the HoChunk RV Resort (formerly called Crockett's). It is owned by the HoChunk Nation and is a seasonal resort from April 15 to October 15. There are very large, spacious sites, many wooded, walking and golf cart riding trails, including one along the Wisconsin River and a private boat launch onto the Wisconsin River.
Castle Rock Petenwell Lakes Kayaking Sunrise
Castle Rock Petenwell Lakes Vista
Louis' Bluff is 1/3 mile N of River Bay Campground which offers very photogenic opportunities. Louis' Bluff is also known as Fox Mound, Hay-Wa-Kha-Chunk, first given by the Native Americans, McEwen Bluff and Lewie Bluff. It is a large highland bluff, which was also named after the Frenchman Louis Dopless who settled there in l846. Many of the stories surrounding the Bluff have come from legends, word of mouth stories, owners of the bluff and the Dells Historical Society. Information about the bluff can be found at: louisbluff.com
During your float and off to your left you see Holiday Shores RV Park/Landing (this is a private landing). Further downstream also on your left are massive bluffs with an inlet named Witches Gulch.
Coming up soon on your right, look closely for the inlet, to River Bay. It is the Town of Lyndon Boat Launch located at the end of River Bay Road off County Road N. This is the last Juneau County take-out before the Wisconsin Dells dam. You may obtain further information by contacting: townoflyndon@gmail.com
Castle Rock Petenwell Lakes Beach
The river becomes lake-like which offers awesome towering rock formations, the Palisades, that have been eroded by wind and water. This signals the beginning of the Upper Dells. This section of the river can be extremely dangerous, especially at high water, but never should be used by inexperienced paddlers. Experienced paddlers are cautioned to only experience the paddle when the route is not being used by the tour boats or other motorized craft which oftentimes create hazardous wakes in the last 4 miles of this section.
For skilled paddlers it is advantageous to paddle both sides of the river. Much of the land is owned by the Department of Natural Resources which has been preserved to keep the natural beauty of the land.
If you planned your adventure to Wisconsin Dells you can take out at the public boat landing before you reach the bridge. This was your Upper Dells Adventure. If you planned your adventure to take out prior to the Dells we're certain this was and enjoyable, scenic and memorable experience as well.
After your exploration you may want to explore some of the famous landmarks in the Dells. Many of the landmarks can be accessed by side roads for a minimal fee. This is a very frugal alternative to purchasing more expensive alternatives.
In addition you're WELCOME to also enjoy the many area attractions in the Castle Rock Petenwell Lakes area. Have a Wonderful Wisconsin Experience!
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