Lake Minocqua
Lake Minocqua is a natural freshwater lake in northern Oneida County, Wisconsin, between the towns of Minocqua and Woodruff in the Lakeland region. It covers about 1,360 acres, with an average depth of 23 feet and a deepest spot of 60 feet. The surface sits at about 1,585 feet above sea level. The lake is connected to Lake Kawaguesaga to the west, and water levels are controlled by the Minocqua Dam. Water flows into the lake from the Minocqua Thoroughfare and Tomahawk Thoroughfare, and the lake’s outflow goes to the Tomahawk River and nearby lakes. Water in the lake stays about 1.5 years before moving on.
The name Minocqua comes from the Ojibwe Ninocqua and means "noon day rest." The lake has three basins (Northwest, Southwest, and East) and several islands that provide habitat for fish and wildlife. The water is soft.
Development around Minocqua and Woodruff since the 1890s has increased sediment and nutrients in the lake, raising some water quality concerns. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has identified about 15 sites around the lake as important habitats that need protection.
Lake Minocqua is a popular year‑round tourist spot, known for fishing, boating, water sports, beaches, and lakeside shops and restaurants. Snowmobiling, summer activities, and resorts attract visitors from across the country.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:14 (CET).