Rock Lake, Wisconsin: Discover History Just Beneath the Surface
When you travel to lake country for a vacation, you are following in the footsteps of the historic peoples who settled along the waterways that sustained civilization. If you’re a history buff, you likely love learning about the background of your vacation destinations. Often times, North American historic sites date back to early settlers, but in the case of Rock Lake, Wisconsin, the sites are truly ancient. If you are looking for a getaway that combines the luxury of lakeside living with the allure of historic wonders, a Rock Lake lake house is your ideal vacation rental.
Hidden Wonders in Rock Lake
Rock Lake borders the town of Lake Mills, named after the grist and saw mills that used to operate there. When you stay in a Rock Lake lake house, you can indulge in all of the usual lake vacation favorite pastimes, like swimming, boating, and fishing. The 1,365 acres of surface area and 60 feet of depth make this a great location for anglers in pursuit of largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Bartel’s beach and Sandy Beach make up a portion of the southeast shoreline, and both beaches are excellent for swimmers.
But the best part of Rock Lake lies beneath the waves—underwater “pyramids” line the lake’s floor. These hilly structures are said to have been constructed by native locals before the lake formed. You can see other examples of these pyramid-shaped mounds on dry land in Aztalan State Park, just three miles from your Rock Lake lake house rental.
Ancient History at Aztalan State Park
Aztalan State Park is a designated National Historic Landmark. As with the floor of Rock Lake, the park features large earthwork mounds built by an ancient Mississippian culture during the 10th to 13th centuries. These structures are believed to have served religious and political functions. It’s amazing to consider that the people who created the mounds at Aztalan also made the pyramids in the area that is now covered by Rock Lake. As you boat or swim above the ancient constructs, consider the fascinating history resting just 60 feet below.
Excursions Near Your Lake House
Once you’ve indulged your inner Indiana Jones, you can focus on the other adventures that Rock Lake has in store. Rock Lake and Lake Mills are located right in the middle of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail West. This trail covers 52 miles of ground between Cottage Grove and the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha, and it actually passes over a portion of Rock Lake. In addition to the stunning views of the lake, the trail also affords glimpses of a range of wild life including cranes, herons, geese, egrets, buntings, and ground squirrels. Walking and biking are both great ways to explore this scenic byway, and dogs are welcome here, too.
Though your Rock Lake lake house rental will have a kitchen for your use, you may decide to experience some local flavor at the Water House. This bistro and coffee shop prides itself for its menu offering food from local farms. The food is always fresh and made in house. And since Rock Lake is located just off of Highway 94, getting to and from your lake house for day trips is convenient. It takes just under an hour to reach Milwaukee, and Madison lies only 20 miles to the west.
If you’re looking for a unique historical experience to round out your relaxing lake vacation, look no further than Rock Lake. Spending even a few days in this memorable locale will make you glad that you chose a Rock Lake lake house.
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