Date(s): Friday, June 13 - Monday, June 16, 2025
Event Coordinator: Russell Block
Location: Lake Mohawksin, Tomahawk, WI
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Category: Weekend camping/paddle trips
Details: Not my normal Hidden Gems lake trip. But, definitely unknown to most of us Illinoisans. Lake Mohawksin. This 1,500+ acre man-made lake is named for the convergence of the Somo, Tomahawk, and Wisconsin Rivers. Four dams regulate the depth of the water year-round. There is never a water level issue here. One of my favorite places to kayak and fish, I have been paddling this lake for almost 40 years.
Like my Hidden Gems lake trips, this is usually a slow and easy flat-water paddle, with much wildlife to see.
Unlike my Hidden Gems lake trips, this lake is a HUGE. There are extremely large open-water areas. And, the lake is usually very busy with motorboat traffic, water skiers, and fishermen in the Summer. As such, and for safety, we will be following the shoreline around the lake for most of our paddles.
We will base camp at the Sara Park Campground, in Tomahawk Wisconsin, right at the edge of the Wisconsin River, with the put-in only steps away.
This is about a 4 to 5-hour drive from Chicago, depending on your location. Reservations have been made in advance for 3 nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As such, I am requesting $20 each to help cover the cost of the campground (due at the time of booking).
We have been given camping sites 3 & 4. Each camp spot is allowed 6 adults, has electric and running water, with nearby bathrooms and showers.
We will arrive at the campsite Friday afternoon/evening to setup. Over the course of 2 days, Saturday & Sunday, we plan to circumnavigate the lake and parts of the Wisconsin, Tomahawk, and Somo Rivers. We will paddle to and back from 3 of the 4 old logging dams that make up the lake. Each day we will paddle roughly 10 miles, with a lunch break around midday.
As this is scenic trip, and depending upon our stamina, I figure we will be on the water for about 4, or 5 hours each day.
In the evenings, we can have our pick of local restaurants. Many of which are within walking distance of our campsite.
Paddlers MUST bring their own boat, paddle(s) and PFD. Plus, a tent, food and any other gear you feel you may need to spend 3 nights at the campground, and 2 days on the water. I highly recommend a hat, sunscreen and an extra set of clothes to be carried with you in a dry-bag while on the water.