Offering something for everyone, Wisconsin's quarries are surrounded by beautiful woodlands, marshes, rolling fields, and more. They're home to a wealth of fish and bird life, plus they feature great diving, sometimes year-round. Let's take a look at just three of the very best.
Red Granite Quarry
A favorite destination for divers from all over the mid-west, Red Granite Quarry is located in downtown Redgranite. Discovered in the 1880's, and attracting stone cutters from as far away as Europe, the quarry yielded tons of beautiful red granite. Designated as a village park in 1995, the water-filled quarry is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Maximum depth is 238 feet, near the cement wall by the Post Office. While rumors abound of cranes, carnival equipment, and deep mine shafts, the truth is that there are railroad tracks with old ore cars here, plus there are old Model A Ford auto parts at the west end, where there was once a garage. Local officials monitor the quarry site; no alcohol or glass containers are allowed. While there are no on-site amenities, the town of Redgranite has a motel and a few restaurants and taverns; in addition, there is a campground nearby.
Lannon Quarry
A former stone quarry which has been transformed into a 16 acre lake, Lannon Quarry features a series of walls and flat ledges that are fun to explore. Home to trout, bluegill, crappies and perch, the lake is a popular place to fish; while no boating is allowed here, you'll often find lost fishing line; be careful, and carry a knife. Bring a bag for the lures you'll find - some of them are very nice.
Maximum depth here is just 55 feet, and visibility is usually between 5 and 25 feet. Surrounded by beautiful Menomonee Park, the quarry is popular with local divers. You will need a permit from the Waukesha County Park System to dive here, and there are separate fees for parking and diving. Onsite concessions are available during the summer, plus there are bike trails and a swimming beach. Camping is also available. The park is open from sunrise to 10 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Quarry Lake Park
An 18 acre lake fed by natural springs, Quarry Lake Park is used for a number of recreational purposes including fishing and swimming. Visibility tends to be fairly poor, rarely exceeding 20 feet and more often being in the 5-10 foot range; maximum depth is 100 feet. The lake is home to carp, crayfish, trout, and freshwater snails.
While there is a small registration fee, the park boasts plenty of amenities, including an air conditioned beach house, bathrooms and showers, changing rooms, lockers, grills, picnic tables, and a swimming beach. Quarry Lake Park is open all year.
As at other mid-west dive sites, Wisconsin's quarries have cold water temperatures. Be sure you're prepared - a drysuit is recommended during spring and fall, and while a heavy wetsuit will work during the summer months, be prepared for water temperatures around 40-50 degrees, even on the hottest days. Last but not least, bring a good light and a knife with you, and dive with a reliable buddy.