Straight Lake State Park
On April 19, 2005, Governor Jim Doyle dedicated the purchase of the 2,780-acre Straight Lake parcel of land near Luck in Polk County.
The long, narrow Straight Lake is surrounded by woods .
DNR Photo
Governor Doyle speaks as DNR Secretary Paul Hassett listens.
DNR Photo
"Straight Lake is one of Wisconsin's best places-- a pristine natural area with beauty that is second to none," Governor Doyle said. "For years, this lake and the surrounding ponds have been special destinations for swimmers and fishermen, and at one time the lake even was the site of a Boy Scout camp."
The acquisition completes the largest missing gap in the Ice Age National Scenic Trail system in Western Wisconsin.
Planning
The first-phase purchase includes a state park and part of a state wildlife area to the north for which additional land will be purchased later. State officials envision much of the land to be used for silent sports, including hunting, fishing, hiking, non-motorized boating and primitive camping. The wildlife area will be open for deer, small game, waterfowl and turkey hunting in fall 2005.
The lake is open to canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.
DNR Photo
In the coming months a master plan outlining the management goals of the land will be developed with the public's assistance.
The State of Wisconsin is contributing $8.8 million through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund to the $10.6 million project. The remainder of funding will come from the Federal Ice Age Trail-LAWCON Fund.
How to Get There
Straight Lake is about 12 miles northeast of St. Croix Falls. Take State Highway 35 north through Luck or south from Frederic in Polk County. Straight Lake is about 3.5 miles east of Highway 35 via 270th Avenue.
In the Area
Ice
Age National Scenic Trail
Interstate State Park
For more information, ask:
Paul Kooiker
Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
PO Box 367
Grantsburg WI 54840-0367
(715) 463-2897
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