How Wide Is Lake Pepin?

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Published: December 3, 2023
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States such as Minnesota and Wisconsin are no strangers to beautiful lakes. One of the largest lakes you’ll find bordering these two Midwestern states is Lake Pepin. It serves as an essential water filter for the region that lessens the amount of sediment and pollutants that flow downstream. 

Records show humans have enjoyed all that this lake has to offer for at least 12,00 years! Artists, authors, and other creative people have used this stunning natural landscape as inspiration for their work.  

Size of Lake Pepin

Lake Pepin

The maximum depth of Lake Pepin is 60 feet.

©iStock.com/juliannafunk

This lake is roughly 21 miles long and approximately 1.7 miles across at its widest point. 

Lake Pepin covers 29,295 acres across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The surface area of this huge lake is about 40 square miles! 

It has an average depth of 21 feet.

Where Is Lake Pepin?

There are several towns and cities around Lake Pepin. Lake City is the largest in the region. Maiden Rock, Stockholm, and Reads Landing are a few of the others. The end of the last Ice Age created this lake, as it’s located within a valley. 

The widest point of the lake is near Bay City, WI. Frontenac State Park is a popular location on the Minnesota side of the lake for outdoor enthusiasts. 

How Long Would It Take to Swim Across Lake Pepin?

Golden retriever dog swimming in river

Many people bring their dogs to swim in most lakes in the area.

©Zheka-Boss/iStock via Getty Images

The length of time it would take to swim across Lake Pepin can vary based on a variety of factors. First, you’ll want to consider your age and overall physical abilities. If you’re in the prime of your life and physically fit, you may be able to accomplish this task in less time. 

You’ll also want to consider the natural elements. A windy day can make the water choppy and much harder to traverse. In an ideal situation, it should take roughly an hour to swim across this body of water. 

How the Size of Lake Pepin Compares to Other Lakes

Au Sable Light in Autumn

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world.

©Kenneth Keifer/iStock via Getty Images

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 lakes even though there are thousands more! So, how does this lake compare? The largest lake that borders both Minnesota and Wisconsin is Lake Superior

This massive Great Lake is over 20 million acres in size! Red Lake, Mille Lacs Lake, and Leech Lake all consist of over 100,000 acres. Lake Winnibigoshish is 58,544 acres and Lake Vermillion is 40,557 acres. 

This places Lake Pepin next and within the top 10 largest lakes in Minnesota.

Things to Do at Lake Pepin

Ice fishing cabins on Lake Champlain

Fishing is a popular sport in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

©PhotoArtStudio29/Shutterstock.com

There is no shortage of things to do in and around this lake all year round. If you love the outdoors, you’ll feel like you’ve reached nirvana! Hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling are just a handful of activities you can enjoy here. 

The region also hosts many events throughout the year. If you have an avid cyclist in your life, consider taking part in the Tour de Pepin. The World Walleye Championship takes place here as well. 

You can rent kayaks, canoes, pontoons, sailboats, and more.

Wildlife Near Lake Pepin

White-tailed Deer

Deer hunting typically occurs in autumn.

©Christopher Roth/iStock via Getty Images

The area surrounding Lake Pepin has a plethora of beautiful wild animals. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin are havens for critters such as white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse. Speaking of, this region is a birder’s paradise! 

You’ll likely spot eagles, raptors, and hawks on any given day. The lake is stocked with various bass, pike, and sauger fish. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © John Brueske/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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