Eau Galle Flood Control Project

Copyright: - US Army Corps of Engineers Eau Galle Flood Control Project

Attractions - The 150-acre Eau Galle Flood Control Project resulted in numerous recreation opportunities and valuable habitat for native plants and animals.

The Main Day Use Area offers ample facilities for picnicking, playing and access to the lake. For the younger visitor there is a large playground area with a variety of equipment. Hiking is offered along the West Ridge Trail taking about 40 minutes to complete. The popular Overlook Trail gives picnickers access to the West Overlook and to the top of the dam via a half-mile hike. Some of the best water and sand in the area for swimming or sunbathing can be found at the beach in the Main Day Use Area. Three sand volleyball courts are provided.

The Highland Ridge Campground is located at the north end of the lake offering electric, non-electric and walk-in tent campsites. Reservation information is listed below. Interpretive programs are provided on weekends throughout the summer months. Access to the lake is limited to foot trails. The Lousy Creek Trail, from the campground, winds through woodlands and wetlands and is approximately a 45-minute hike. For easy access to the lake from the campground, drive to the Lousy Creek Landing, just down the road from the Highland Ridge Campground on County Road NN. There is also parking for horse trailers and access to the equestrian trails.

From the campground it is just a short hike down to the Northwest Day Use Area on the Ox Trail. This area is best known for its impressive scenery. It is nestled between the Eau Galle River, Lake and a wooded hillside. Bring your fishing pole; there is great fishing from shore. Parking for horse trailers and access to equestrian trails is also available.

The Stilling Basin / Outlet Works has excellent fishing from shore and is especially interesting to visit after heavy rains. An abundance of largemouth bass, crappies, bluegills, and sunfish provide plenty of action for the angler year round. Eau Galle Lake is open to non-gasoline powered boats only.

Recreation - Recreation opportunities solicit boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, water sports, winter sports, and wildlife viewing. Pets permitted.

Climate - Southwest Wisconsin has four distinct seasons with warm summers and long winters. January's average temperature is above 16 degrees F (-9 degrees C). Average July temperature is 85 degrees F (29 degrees C). During summer, temperatures can climb to above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). The area's average yearly precipitation ranges from 32-34". Annual snowfalls in the Southwest Region can range from 20 - 40". Dressing in layers is a good way to remain comfortable in Wisconsin.

Location - Eau Galle Lake is located just north of Spring Valley, 50 miles east of the Twin Cities and 40 miles south of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Main Day Use: Travel Interstate 94 to exit 24. Go approximately 6 miles south on County Road B. Take 890th Ave (Pierce-St. Croix County line Road) east. 890th turns south onto 250th Street. Follow 250th until sign directing left turn heading east into the park.

Northwest Day Use: Travel Interstate 94 to exit 24. Go approximately 5 miles south on County Road B. Follow highway signs east on Boston Road. Northwest Day Use is at the end of Boston Road.

Highland Ridge Campground: Travel Interstate 94 to exit 24. Go 2 miles south on County Road B to County Road N. Turn east on County Road N and go 2 miles to County Road NN. Proceed 2 miles south on NN to campground entrance sign - turn right.