Wissota Hydroelectric Dam
| Company type | Public utility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis , United States |
Area served | Wisconsin, Minnesota, and other states |
| Products | Electricity generation and distribution |
| Website | www |
Lake Wissota is an artificial lake located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States, positioned just to the east of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. It covers an area of 6,210 acres and reaches a greatest depth of 72 feet.
The lake is adjacent to the towns of Lafayette on its southern edge, Anson to the north and east sides, and Eagle Point along the western shoreline.
Separated by parallel bridges carrying Highway X and a railroad, the smaller southern portion—formed by the inundated Paint Creek valley—is referred to as "Little Lake Wissota". The larger northern portion is commonly identified as "Lake Wissota" or "Big Lake Wissota". The lake receives water from several sources: the Chippewa River enters at the northwest and exits at the southwest; Paint Creek flows into Little Lake Wissota from the east; Stillson Creek enters from the southwest into Little Lake Wissota; the Yellow River joins at Moon Bay on the east side; and O'Neil Creek feeds near where the Chippewa River flows in at the northwest.
Serving as a prominent recreational destination in northwestern Wisconsin, Lake Wissota draws visitors for boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, and swimming during warmer months, while ice fishing is popular in winter. The northeastern shoreline hosts Lake Wissota State Park, which offers facilities for camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
From an economic perspective, the lake plays a significant role in supporting local tourism and outdoor recreational businesses that contribute to the area's economic vitality.
Wissota Hydroelectric Dam
Constructed in 1917 by the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light and Power Company on the Chippewa River, the Wissota Hydroelectric Dam led to the formation of Lake Wissota. The lake's name was coined by engineer Louis G. Arnold by blending "Wisconsin" and "Minnesota." Presently owned and managed by Xcel Energy, this dam produces 36 megawatts of electricity.