Expand the Adventure...

Below are only a few of the local dive sites in the Twin Cites and out-state Minnesota and Wisconsin area.  Where you find water, you find diving.

If you have a favorite water hole, take some photos, draw a map of the dive site and provide some directions from the Twin Cities area and we will publish your watering hole below.  Don't forget to check back often for updates to this list.  With air available in Brainerd, we would love to have someone expand on the Crosby Mines area with some details, maps, accommodations and 'stuff' to add to this page.  Anyone been to Bonne Terre Mine in Missouri?  Anyone been to Ginnie Springs in Florida?  Anyone been to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?   Let's expand the fun beyond Minnesota and Wisconsin!

Dive Site

Location

Crosby Mines

Crosby, MN

Lake Wazee

Black River Falls, WI

Perch Lake

Somerset, WI

Round Lake

Hayward, WI

Shipwreck Ely

Two Harbors, MN

Shipwreck Hesper

Silver Bay, MN

Shipwreck Madeira

North Shore, Lake Superior

Shipwreck Niagara

North Shore, Lake Superior

Square Lake

Stillwater, MN



400 Second Street
Hudson, WI 54016-1510
(715) 381-5300
(651) 436-2511

Tues - Fri: 11am to 7pm
Sat: 10am to 5pm

 
Email:
Copyright © 2011. Privacy Policy
Quicklinks:

Crosby Mines

Site Description: The Crosby mines consist of a large group of open-pit mines that filled with water after mining ended there. The lakes contain submerged trees, mining roads, and mining equipment. They are a popular dive location because of their good visibility (20 - 40 ft) and excellent wall dives. The lakes provide a wide variety of diving; from shallow dives for beginners to extremely deep dives for advanced and technical divers.

Facilities:
- campground
- air fills within 15 miles (Brainerd)
- public recreation area
- public parking
- biking & hiking trails

Directions: From Brainerd, MN take Highway 210 Northeast to Ironton. In Ironton, follow county 30 approximately one mile to the group of lakes.

Crosby-Ironton Lake & Mine Map

http://www.cuyunarange.net

[Top of Page]

Lake Wazee

Site Description: A developed dive location. Depths from shallow to 300 plus feet. Many underwater sites to see. 1 1/2 hour drive from Hudson. Excellent diving. Good viz.  Generally lots of fish

Facilities:
- county park
- required fee to drive
- parking abundant
- air fills within 5 minutes

Directions: East on Interstate 94 to Black River Falls. Exit #116.  Turn left (north).  Go 1/2 mile to Bauer Road, Go right, follow Bauer Rd approx. 3.8 miles to stop sign.  Go right only 0.2 miles to park entrance.  The 2010 entrance fees are $10.00 per diver and $3.00 per car.

Wazee Lake Map Page.jpg (63070 bytes)

http://www.co.jackson.wi.us/html/forestry/scuba.htm

[Top of Page]

Perch Lake

Site Description: Perch Lake is a spring fed lake near Hudson, WI. Visibility ranges from 2 to 20 ft, depending on rainwater runoff. Perch is a popular dive location due to its proximity to the Twin Cities and its depth which exceeds 60 ft.  A dive along its shallow weed beds will provide regular fish sightings and an occasional turtle or two.  A new county park is open on this lake and provides excellent lake access, parking and picnic facilities. The Dive Site Diagram below shows the location of a few interesting items on the south side of the lake.   On the north side of the lake in the county park area there are multiple dive platform and artifacts underwater for the unsuspecting diver!

Facilities:
- county park - north side of lake
- public parking lot
- air fills within 15 miles (St. Croix Scuba)

Directions: For directions, see the Map to Perch Lake shown below.

Map to Perch Lake      Perch Lake Dive Site Map

[Top of Page]

Round Lake

Site Description: Round Lake is near Hayward, WI. It is in the middle of some serious fishing country. As such, it provides an abundance of fish life. If you dive the fish cribs found in the lake, chances are very good that you will find large Northern, Bass, and Panfish in large numbers. Visibility varies from 2ft to 30ft, depending on recent rainfall.

Facilities:
- public beach
- satellite bathrooms
- picnic area
- public landing

Directions: Up North don't cha know!

[Top of Page]

Shipwreck Ely

Site Description: The schooner S. P. Ely is the oldest accessible wreck on the north shore. She was a 200 foot, three masted sailing ship built in 1869. A storm caused the Ely to sink in 1896 while being towed by the Hesper. The wreck is still intact and provides a pleasant view of history. This is a nice dive for beginners since it sits in less than 40 feet of water.

This wreck is easily accessible with a small boat. Since it sits behind a breakwall in the harbor, it is also accessible in most weather conditions.

For more information, checkout this website --http://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/shipwrecks/ely/ely.html

[Top of Page]

Shipwreck Hesper

Site Description: The Hesper is a 250.3 foot steamer that sank in May of 1905. During a Spring snow storm, she ran into a reef in Beaver Bay. She now lies next to the breakwater inside the harbor of Silver Bay. The wreck is mostly broken up, but it is easy to locate. It starts at about 30 feet deep and goes down to the stern at 45 feet. It is accessible by small boat. For more information, checkout this website -- http://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/shipwrecks/hesper/hesper.html.

Facilities: - public boat landing

Directions: Follow Highway 61 north into Silver Bay, MN. Park at the public access.

Shipwreck Hesper Dive Site Map

[Top of Page]

Shipwreck Madeira North Shore

For more information, checkout this website --http://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/shipwrecks/madeira/madeira.html

[Top of Page]

Shipwreck Niagara North Shore

For more information, checkout this website --http://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/shipwrecks/niagara/niagara.html

[Top of Page]

Square Lake

Site Description: Square Lake is a local spring-fed lake that provides visibility better than most area lakes. It is a popular dive site because of its close proximity to the Twin Cities. For underwater adventure, it includes a couple of small submerged boats, an airplane tail, and training platforms. Most of the sunken objects are connected by rope for easy discovery. Because of the nice public park on the lake, this is the perfect place to bring family and friends for a day of diving, having a picnic, and relaxing on the beach.

Facilities:
- public park with beach, bathrooms, picnic tables, and grill areas
- campground
- air fills within 20 miles (St. Croix Scuba)

Directions: Follow Hwy 95 north out of Stillwater, MN for about 7 miles. Take a left on county 59. Follow the signs to Square Lake County Park.

[Top of Page]

Home   :   Vacations   :   Training   :   Rental/Service   :   Online Store   :   Contacts
 
 
Designed by Wojo's Designs