PerchLake is a spring-fed lake east of the
Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area just inside the Wisconsin border. Around half of PerchLake is Homestead Parklands, a park
operated by St. Croix County, Wisconsin. It includes a parking lot, a
swimming beach, picnic areas, canoe and boat rentals, playground, and trails
for hiking and cross-country skiing. The lake depths include dive platforms
as well as boats. The land area includes steep slopes covered by oak
woodlands and pine plantations, as well as open areas of restored prairie
and small wetland areas.
Depths
to: 90 feet (27 m)
Visibility:
20-30 feet (6-9 m)
Water
temperature: A dry suit is recommended.
Aquatic
life: Perch, of course, plus bluegill, brook trout, and largemouth bass.
Fees:
Daily passes cost $5; annual passes, $25.
On-site
amenities: Fishing pier for handicapped anglers, and education and
interpretive facilities are provided at four kiosks throughout the park.
More
info: Visit
or call the park superintendent at (715) 549-6515.
Open:
From May 1 to November 1.
Getting
there: From the Twin Cities (about 21 miles), take Interstate Hwy 94 east 10
miles to Minnesota Highway 95. Proceed north on M-95 six miles to Stillwater. In Stillwater take Minnesota Highway 64 east
one-half mile to County Highway E. Travel east on Highway E four miles to Perch Lake Road. Proceed north on Perch Lake Road
three-fourths of a mile to the park.
Perch