Lands_Content Page_Eureka Lock and Dam

Eureka Lock and Dam

DNR Fisheries AreasUpper Fox River Public Access

Eureka Lock and Dam is one of several DNR properties included in the Upper Fox River Public Access group of properties along the Upper Fox River.

The Eureka Lock and Dam is one of the widest known fishing areas in the Northeast region. People come from all over the state to fish for walleye, white bass, and catfish.

The DNR maintains a large parking area at the end of a small dirt road heading south from Eureka Lock Road (look for the large Eureka Lock and Dam project sign). The Eureka Lock and Dam currently offers a small boardwalk with two fishing piers (one facing the lock channel and one facing the main river channel below the dam), a boat launch and a large parking area. We are constructing an ADA compliant bridge across the lock channel, to the island and then connect a boardwalk to the two fishing piers.

Interestingly, the Eureka Lock and Dam site have been spared the fate of ceasing full operations and has continued to function and operate after 1958 through a recreational boating club (The Berlin Boat Club) located upstream of the dam in the city of Berlin. The Berlin Boat Club successfully lobbied to get the Eureka lock repaired and the Eureka dam rebuilt in 1958 for continued recreational use on the Upper Fox River. To this day, the Eureka Lock is the last operating lock on the Upper Fox River. Most recently the Berlin Boat Club raised funds ($300,000.00) to fix the lock and reopen the lock in 2012 after the DNR closed the lock in 2003 due to disrepair. The lock is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the summer or by appointment.

Location/Directions

Eureka Lock and Dam is 2 miles west of Eureka, Wisconsin and 5 miles east of Berlin, Wisconsin off Eureka Lock Road.

Activities

Angling opportunities

boat launch and pier fishing.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Trapping
  • Hiking (no designated trails)
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trails)
  • Canoeing
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Bird watching
  • Berry picking

Note: On Upper Fox River Public Access properties there is walk-in access only; no motorized vehicles, no open fires (campfires), and no camping. These rules are intended to preserve the historic and scenic qualities of the river and area.

Objective

The Upper Fox River Public Access properties are managed to protect and enhance the natural resources associated with the Fox River, while providing river access, boat access and fishing opportunities.

Maps

Contacts/Partners

For questions and comments contact:

Property Manager - Vacant
Fisheries Biologist - Vacant