Protect. Preserve. Participate.

The Deer Lake Improvement association is Committed to the long-term preservation of Deer Lake through education, collaboration, and sustainable environmental practices.

Over a century of lakeside living, preserved and protected for those who call it home.

Nestled in the heart of western Wisconsin, just five miles east of the scenic and historic St. Croix River Valley, Deer Lake is a place of natural beauty, geological wonder, and community spirit. Formed by glaciers over 12,000 years ago, the landscape between the lake and the river features dramatic rock formations known as dalles—deep, narrow gorges carved into the earth, some reaching more than 100 feet in depth. Spanning over 840 acres and reaching depths of 46 feet, Deer Lake is spring-fed from both within and around, ensuring clean, refreshing waters. The shoreline is rich with natural beauty with towering evergreens, majestic oaks, and vibrant seasonal color add to the lake’s charm. Since the first cabin was built here in 1903, Deer Lake has grown thoughtfully, preserving its unique character and pristine environment. Today, it remains one of Wisconsin’s most sought-after lakes—a treasured place to live, relax, and connect with nature and each other.

  • Preserving Deer Lake – A Shared Commitment

    The Deer Lake Improvement Association’s dedication to maintaining high water quality directly benefits all property owners. Beyond environmental stewardship, the Association actively engages with local officials to promote fair taxation and ensure that zoning regulations are enforced equitably.

    In one major conservation effort, the Association led the successful initiative to bury utility lines around the lake—preserving thousands of mature trees and protecting the scenic beauty of our shoreline. Working hand-in-hand with the Deer Lake Conservancy, the Association also played a key role in defeating a proposed cement plant that would have posed a serious threat to the lake’s water quality.

    While DLIA focuses on safeguarding the lake itself, we proudly support the Conservancy’s vital work to protect the surrounding watershed that feeds Deer Lake.

    Below are photos from our Annual Clean Up Deer Lake Day, held each spring, and the Flagstad Farm Event, co-hosted by DLIA and the Conservancy every July.

    Interested in Getting Involved?
    The DLIA Board of Directors is made up entirely of dedicated volunteers. If you'd like to learn more about serving on the board, please reach out to any current board member—we’d love to have you join us.

  • Protecting Lake Water Quality

    Preserving the exceptional water quality of Deer Lake is a top priority. The Deer Lake Association collaborates closely with the Deer Lake Conservancy, Polk County, and the Wisconsin DNR to actively monitor the lake for runoff issues, invasive aquatic plants, and harmful species like zebra mussels. When concerns arise, prompt and effective action is taken to safeguard the lake’s ecosystem. Thanks to these ongoing efforts, Deer Lake continues to be recognized as one of Wisconsin’s most pristine and desirable lakes.

    Water Quality Video

  • Click here to view the plan.

  • Location: Polk County, Wisconsin

    Coordinates: 45.4027° N, 92.5227° W

    Lake Type: Drainage

    Hydrology: Spring-fed, both internally and externally

    Surface Area: 786 acres

    Maximum Depth: 46 feet

    Mean Depth: 26 feet

    Shoreline Length: Approximately 7.5 miles

    Bottom Composition:

    • 75% sand

    • 15% gravel

    • 10% muck

    Fish Species

    • Muskellunge (Musky) – Common

    • Largemouth Bass – Common

    • Panfish – Common

    • Northern Pike – Present

    • Walleye – Present

    Recreation & Access

    • Public Boat Landing: One public landing located on the northwest side of the lake, accessible via Highway 35

    • Recreational Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, and hiking on nearby nature trails

    Environmental Stewardship

    Invasive Species Present:

    • Zebra Mussel

    • Curly-Leaf Pondweed

    • Rusty Crayfish

    • Chinese Mystery Snail

    • Japanese Knotweed

    • Yellow Iris

    Conservation Efforts: The Deer Lake Improvement Association and the Deer Lake Conservancy actively work to monitor and manage the lake's health, including efforts to control invasive species and maintain water quality

  • Enjoying All That Deer Lake Has to Offer

    On a warm summer day, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear, spring-fed waters of Deer Lake. Anglers might find themselves chasing the elusive muskie, or simply enjoying time with children and grandchildren reeling in the ever-abundant bass and sunfish.

    For those who love being on the water, options abound—whether it’s a leisurely cruise on a pontoon, the quiet glide of a canoe or kayak, the thrill of a powerboat ride, or the peaceful rhythm of a paddleboard or sailboat.

    Prefer to stay on land? Take a stroll along one of the lake’s scenic, well-maintained nature trails—or settle into a favorite chair at the end of your dock with a good book and let the beauty of Deer Lake surround you.

  • Deer Lake is a large lake that can accommodate various boating activities if we all respect other boaters and follow the distance rules. The official WI Boating regulations can be found here:

    (https://widnr.widen.net/s/0vw8hwrae3).

    The following information is a simplification of the WI Boating regulations. This information is a conservative guideline for the use of various watercraft.

    First a definition: “Slow No Wake Speed“ is defined as a speed at which a vessel moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steering.

    Important numbers to remember: 100 / 200 / 700 feet.

    Water Ski Boats / Power Boats: (100-foot rule)

    Adhere to Slow No Wake Speed within:

    100 ft from another boat/ PWC, dock, raft, skier/tuber/swimmer

    100 ft from the shoreline

    Personal Watercraft (PWC) (Jet-ski): (200-foot rule)

    Adhere to Slow No Wake Speed within:

    200 ft from another boat/ PWC, dock, raft, skier/tuber/swimmer

    200 ft from the shoreline

    There are no current rules on Wake Boats from WI (under review), the following are recommendations from the U of M.

    Wake Boats: (Recommended 700-foot distance)

    Adhere to Slow No Wake Speed within:

    200 ft from another boat/ PWC, dock, raft, skier/tuber/swimmer

    700 ft (about two football fields) from any shoreline

    Note: Currently, wake boats and PWC’s should be used only in the large central part of Deer Lake

    Please respect these distances and let’s make Deer Lake safe and fun for all boating enthusiasts.