Lake O The Dalles
Dresser, Wisconsin · on Lake O' the Dalles · Interstate Park-Iansr
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Yes, see below
- SEASON
- Varies by conditions
About Lake O The Dalles
Lake O' the Dalles is a 23-acre lake inside Interstate State Park near Saint Croix Falls/Taylors Falls, Wisconsin's oldest state park, sitting alongside the St. Croix River's dramatic Dalles gorge. The Wisconsin DNR designates a swimming beach with a beach house on the lake, a sanctioned swimming hole distinct from the St. Croix River itself, where swimming and cliff jumping are restricted.
The lake sits within Interstate State Park along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, known for its steep-sided gorge (the Dalles of the St. Croix) carved into ancient volcanic rock. A 1.0-mile trail loops the 23-acre lake, linking the beach, a picnic area, and an accessible fishing pier, with connecting trails (River Bluff, Echo Canyon) along the north shore.
Swimming at Lake O The Dalles
Swimming takes place at a designated DNR beach on Lake O' the Dalles (not the adjacent St. Croix River, where swimming is restricted upstream of the boat launch and cliff jumping is banned entirely). The lake has a beach house but no lifeguards, and the DNR warns that water depth can change abruptly, suggesting a mix of shallow and deeper sections suited to cautious waders and swimmers rather than a groomed, uniform-depth pool.
The hike in
Lake O' the Dalles Trail
Difficulty: The optional lake loop is rated moderate by the DNR due to stone stairs and uneven terrain, but no hike is required to reach the swimming beach itself.
The beach sits directly in the day-use area (no hike needed to swim). A separate 1.0-mile loop trail circles the entire 23-acre lake, connecting the beach, the River Bottoms Picnic Area, and an accessible fishing pier, and ties into the River Bluff and Echo Canyon trails; per the DNR hiking page, about 40 yards of the loop runs along the park road where it crosses a bridge over Dalles Creek.
Swimming access is drive-up/day-use, not hike-in. The lake-loop trail is a bonus walk for visitors who want to see the whole lake and connect toward the Dalles gorge trails, not a requirement to swim.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
DNR designates a swimming beach at Lake O' the Dalles but provides no lifeguards and explicitly warns that water depth can change abruptly, so young or inexperienced swimmers should be watched closely; the lake itself (vs. the adjacent St. Croix River) is the safer, calmer option since river swimming/cliff jumping is restricted.
Parking
Paid
A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the park; exact daily/annual sticker prices were not found on the pages reached (DNR fee schedule page returned 404). No source specifies whether the day-use lot serving the beach is paved lot vs. roadside pullout.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms are part of the day-use picnic area facilities at Lake O' the Dalles (along with picnic tables, fireplaces, grills, and water); the beach itself has a beach house.
Hours
Park open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. year-round (per Wisconsin DNR Interstate State Park page).
On the water
Restrictions: Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on Lake O' the Dalles (per Wisconsin DNR water-recreation page); a boat launch is present on the lake. Motorboats and jet skis are not allowed.
The adjacent St. Croix River (a National Scenic Riverway) does see canoe/kayak/tube traffic, but that is a separate, larger waterway from the swim-designated lake; no source found stating small craft rules specific to the river frontage inside the park.
Backstory
Interstate State Park, established in 1900, is Wisconsin's oldest state park, situated along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Lake O The Dalles: FAQ
Does Lake O The Dalles charge a fee?
A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required to enter; specific fee amounts were not found on the fetched pages.
Is Lake O The Dalles kid friendly?
DNR designates a swimming beach at Lake O' the Dalles but provides no lifeguards and explicitly warns that water depth can change abruptly, so young or inexperienced swimmers should be watched closely; the lake itself (vs. the adjacent St. Croix River) is the safer, calmer option since river swimming/cliff jumping is restricted.
Do I need to hike to reach Lake O The Dalles?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Lake O The Dalles?
A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the park; exact daily/annual sticker prices were not found on the pages reached (DNR fee schedule page returned 404). No source specifies whether the day-use lot serving the beach is paved lot vs. roadside pullout.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Lake O The Dalles?
The adjacent St. Croix River (a National Scenic Riverway) does see canoe/kayak/tube traffic, but that is a separate, larger waterway from the swim-designated lake; no source found stating small craft rules specific to the river frontage inside the park.
What are the rules at Lake O The Dalles?
No lifeguards on duty at the Lake O' the Dalles beach. Swimming is restricted upstream from the boat launch on the St. Croix River side, and cliff jumping is prohibited on the entire St. Croix River within the park. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Lake O' the Dalles. Pets must be leashed (8 ft or shorter) on park trails.
What water body is Lake O The Dalles on?
Lake O The Dalles is on Lake O' the Dalles, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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