make a splash

Waseca’s prized lakes welcome visitors at both the east and west ends of town and offer ample opportunity for water sports, fishing, picnics or a quiet walk. Clear Lake, the large 652-acre lake on the east entrance to Waseca, is the place to go for fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. One of Clear Lake’s highlights is a bike trail loved by walkers, joggers and bikers looking for fresh air and exercise. The trail hugs the lake’s shoreline before connecting to trails within the city.

Waseca Community Education teamed up with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in 2018 to offer rental equipment at Clear Lake. Residents and visitors are able to rent yard games, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards or mountain bikes for trail rides. Rentals are available Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. at the Clear Lake Beach House from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Clear Lake is filled with walleye, northern pike, sunfish, perch and largemouth bass. In the winter, Clear Lake is home to a small city of ice fishing houses and snowmobile activities, including the Kruger Memorial snowmobile races each February. On the west side of town is Loon Lake, a quiet 80-acre lake with an historic island. Loon Lake offers a perfect place to fish, canoe, watch wildlife or to picnic on the north side in the tree-filled park equipped with tables, playground equipment and a 2.2-mile walking path. Fish for bluegills, crappies, bass, northern pike and bullheads on Loon Lake. A boat ramp is located on 10th Street Northwest and a fishing pier is within walking distance. Shoreline restoration projects have added native wildflowers and improved water quality and stabilized the shoreline of both lakes.

Southside Marine, now located in Waseca, offers a variety of repair services and parts for boats and motors. The business also has new and used boats, new tractors and new lawn mowers for sale. Visit southsidemarine.com or call 507-835-3032 for more information. Additionally, there are 50 lakes within a half-hour drive: Lake Elysian near Janesville, Reeds Lake west of Waseca, St. Olaf Lake outside of New Richland, Lake Francis in Elysian, and Tetonka and Sakatah lakes in Waterville.

waseca water park

Waseca Water Park is the crown jewel of the community’s recreational facilities. It’s located as part of the city’s Northeast Park on 3.6 enclosed acres. The park includes a 581-person capacity pool with a water surface of 9,561 square feet.

The facility was constructed during the 2006 and 2007 seasons at a cost of $3.6 million, with over $1.5 million coming from private donations.

Follow State Street north to 375th Avenue on the northern edge of Waseca to discover a blaze of bright green and yellow, blue and red silhouetted against the sky. And, if it’s summer, the sound of children laughing and screaming with glee further identifies the Waseca Water Park. The water is kept at a comfortable 81 degrees. The water park is open for swimmers of all ages, weather permitting, each day from June to September.

During the pool season, call 507-833-0210, visit wasecawaterpark.com or find Waseca Water Park on Facebook.