History of Pike Lake Unit
Pike Lake is in the middle of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, a strip of glacial landforms which extends through southeast Wisconsin. The forest is named after the 522-acre, spring-fed kettle lake. Powder Hill, a large glacial kame, provides terrific views of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, picnicking and more.
The idea for a state run recreation area on Pike Lake began to take shape back in the early 1960’s. In 1963, the Wisconsin State legislature gave its approval. Shortly thereafter, several key parcels of land along the east shore of the lake, the Frank farm and the Eiche farm specifically, were purchased. Additional land purchases soon followed.
Development of the campground, picnic areas, roads and trails occurred during the late 1960’s. The area opened officially to the public as Pike Lake State Park in 1971. In 1997, the Wisconsin DNR changed the designation from its inaugural Pike Lake State Park to the Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest in recognition of the importance this area plays in the totality of the Kettle Moraine region of southeastern Wisconsin.