Thankful Outdoors: Swimming Alternatives in Central WI

June 30, 2020

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Which way to the water hole? – Swimming options for families in Central Wisconsin

By Scott Hopperdietzel for OnFocus – As we are kicking off the summer, the recent announcement of the Hefko Pool being closed for summer is leaving people wondering, “now where do I get to cool off in the heat?”

Don’t worry, though; you still have plenty of options available to dip your toe in the water and work on that summer tan.

One of the great things about living in the Marshfield area is location, location, location. Being that we are almost in the center of the Badger State, there are many opportunities to enjoy things all within a short drive.

As an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending more time in the boat fishing than I do in the water, I can offer you some options where you can go to cool off and spend the day playing in the water with family and friends. These areas provide unique opportunities outside of just a place to splash in the water, though. Most of these recommendations have hiking trails, charcoal grills, and why not make a long weekend or a week’s vacation by camping there? Of course, each of these areas offers fishing opportunities; I just ask that you leave some fish for me to catch!

These water holes are the beginnings of many of my earlier in life, outdoor trips. These were significant areas as a young outdoor adventurer to start learning how to camp and fish. I had also learned that these areas were great family places. I would often see families enjoying themselves on the beaches, building sandcastles, teaching their young ones how to swim. The joyous screams of laughter and happiness that these areas provided couldn’t help but make you appreciate that life in the rural areas is excellent.

Wellington Lake – Taylor County
Drive time from Marshfield: approximately 62 minutes

Big Eau Plaine County Park – Marathon County
Drive time from Marshfield: approximately 35 minutes

Lake Dexter – Wood County
Drive time from Marshfield: approximately 28 minutes

On your way back from Wellington Lake, take a moment to stop at Hawkeye Dairy located in Abbotsford. That little red building often brings back memories of when Grandpa and Grandma Hopperdietzel would let us grandkids walk down the alley to get our favorite hand-scooped of ice cream.

From the Big Eau Pleine County Park, as you come back into Stratford, take a right-hand turn at the stoplights, and just a couple blocks to the north down Highway 97, you can stop at Lilly’s Soft Serve to enjoy your favorite frosty treat.

Lake Dexter does have the Lake Dexter Drive-In, but it has not reopened yet this year, so you will have to wait to get back into town and stop at Hub City Ice Cream located at the south end of Marshfield.

Don’t let the announcement of the local swimming pool think that you won’t stay cool this summer. Load up the family vehicle with grilling essentials, your floaties, and hit these local water holes for an enjoyable day with the family. With these recommendations, you will be able to spend hours out making memories with your family. You just might find that these trips will turn into family traditions and who knows what other little stops you will find along the way as you take your journey into the outdoors.

Scott Hopperdietzel is the creator of an outdoor blog named Thankful Outdoors. He shares his passion for the outdoors with readers. The focus of the blog is to “Celebrate the Experience” in his stories; you feel what the connection to the outdoors means to him. His goal is to inspire others to get into the outdoors and create their own experience. Along with writing, he is a father to three boys who are often part of the adventures along with the family Weimaraner, Boone. You can find his writings on the website www.thankfuloutdoors.com or follow his social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.