Big Lake (Iowa)

Big Lake is an open body of water surrounded by marshy islands in Navigation Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River. It lies where the Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin borders come together, just north of Lansing, Iowa. It is part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Aerial view looking north, January 14, 2001, with River at floodstage; the Black Hawk Bridge is visible; Big Lake is the open area in the upper part, click to enlarge (USGS, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center)

Big Lake
Big Lake Show map of Iowa Big Lake Show map of the United States
(United States Environmental Protection Agency)
Location	Allamakee County, Iowa
Coordinates	43°23′57″N 91°13′04″W
Type	Reservoir
Primary inflows	Upper Mississippi River
Primary outflows	Upper Mississippi River
Basin countries	United States
Surface elevation	620 ft (189 m) [1]

The Army Corps of Engineers maintains the lake's integrity as a fish habitat.^{[citation needed]}

Overview

The lake is connected to Gilbert's Pond through a shallow creek that is bridged by Big Lake Road. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout twice a year, in October and February. There is a fishing dock on the lake, and in the surrounding park, there is a playground, walking trails, and a picnic shelter. In addition the park contains one of 5 Iowan Art-in-the-Park sculptures.^[2] The park also serves as a trailhead for the Iowa Riverfront Trail.^[3]