Tainter Lake is close to cities but surrounded by nature
Situated around a 1,600-acre lake of the same name, Tainter Lake is a rural Wisconsin community that allows residents to escape the nearby cities while still being within driving distance of city amenities. “It’s one of the few lakes in the area. It’s close to the Twin Cities, Menomonie and Eau Claire,” says Nick Rassbach, the owner and broker of Rassbach Realty LLC, who has over 50 years of experience. “It has water skiing and kayaking. There’s ice fishing in the winter. It’s a very active lake.” Waterfront homes make it easy to get on the lake, while public boat landings and parks offer spots for those who live inland. Tainter Lake is a few miles north of Menomonie and close to Interstate 94, putting residents within a short drive of shopping, dining and other necessities.
The residential expanses across Tainter Lake are usually rural, with the median lot size being almost one acre.
Russina Slough County Park is adjacent to a large wetland.
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A variety of homes on wooded lots near the lake
Custom log homes, cabins and Craftsman houses comprise much of the community. Ranch-style homes are another common style. Waterfront properties often have sweeping views of the lake and private docks offering room for fishing or boating. The area is largely rural, with winding country roads and towering trees providing privacy between the lots. The median lot size is just less than 1 acre. Properties farther away from the lake include farmhouses surrounded by cornfields. Homes typically sell for $250,000 to $560,000, while some outliers can fetch up to $1.2 million. Many homes near the lake are at risk of flooding. Flood maps are available from the state Department of Natural Resources. The community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Homes with manicured front lawns are a common sight in Tainter Lake.
Private docks and views of Tainter Lake are available at waterfront properties with wide ranging styles.
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Fishing, boating and hiking around Tainter Lake
Lake activities are available from several points around the community. Northwest Landing Park, Champney Park and Peninsula Park all have boat launches. Champney Park is about 3.5 acres and has picnic shelters, a playground and 277 feet of river frontage for bank fishing. Walleye is the most common fish species in the lake, but anglers can also catch largemouth and smallmouth bass and northern pike. Russian Slough County Park is a rustic natural area with no amenities. The 90-acre site is a popular destination for fishing in the Red Cedar River or deer hunting. The nearby Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area has over 9 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails through prairies and wetlands. It’s also open for deer season in November.
Fish from the dock at Northwest Landing Park.
Champney Park has a number of picnic tables scattered throughout.
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Dining ranges from lakefront steakhouses to chain restaurants
Locally owned restaurants offer neighborhood bar vibes on the lakeshore. “Jake’s Supper Club is right on the lake. They have a deck, and there’s a tiki bar. They have bands on the weekend. It’s a very popular spot,” Rassbach says. The restaurant has served the community since 2009 and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and steak dinners. Other local watering holes include Pioneer Grill & Saloon and Elk Point Resort. Residents can drive south on Wisconsin Highway 25 to shop at stores like Aldi, Walmart and Marshalls. Dining in Menomonie includes Menomonie Family Restaurant and chains like Applebee’s and Pizza Hut.
Pioneer Grill & Saloon shares its property with Lamb's Creek Disc Golf Course, giving residents more options for recreation in Tainter Lake.
Aldi is a popular grocery option for Tainter Lake residents.
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Menomonie schools blend academics with hands-on learning
Students might attend Wakanda Elementary School, rated a B-plus by Niche. Menomonie Middle School and Menomonie High School each earn a B. The high school offers the Early College Credit Program, allowing students to earn credit through the University of Wisconsin or private colleges. The Start College Now program offers college courses through Chippewa Valley Technical College. Career and technical classes at the high school focus on industries like metalworking, woodworking and automotive.
Wakanda Elementary School serves grades K-5.
Menomonie Middle School is the second school in the pipeline for Tainter Lake residents.
The athletics stadium is on the north side of Menomonie High School.
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Menomonie and Eau Claire are quick drives from the lake
Highway 25 is the main road through Tainter Lake, offering a 12-mile drive south to Menomonie. I-94 is nearby, leading about 30 miles southeast to Eau Claire. The Twin Cities are about 74 miles west via I-94, a drive that can take about an hour and 15 minutes. The closest hospital is the Mayo Clinic Health System Red Cedar in Menomonie.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Austin Lewis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Beautiful Lower Tainter 4 BR / 2.5 Bath meticulously maintained home w/226' of LOW water frontage/no stairs to the water. Property includes 12' x 28' boathouse w/ramp for boat storage. You will love the (3) car attached garage 31' x 24', 2 car detached 28' x 24' and heated 24' x 28' workshop space! Great home to entertain with large open KT/DR/LR, spacious family room and wonderful sunroom all on
Imagine waking up every morning to breathtaking panoramic views of sparkling Tainter Lake right outside your windows. This stunning lakehome sits on a quiet dead-end road, delivering the ultimate private lakefront lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. Enjoy your own private dock just steps away, perfect for spontaneous morning fishing trips, sunset pontoon cruises, or lazy afternoons on the water.
Here is the perfect canvas for your custom-built home on this stunning 1.1-acre wooded lot near Tainter Lake in Dunn County. This scenic property is nestled among towering trees and natural beauty- with plenty of space to design and build. It has the perfect blend of privacy and recreation. The hard work has already been done for you - the building site has been cleared and a soil evaluation was
Discover the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty with this 2.22-acre wooded parcel in the desirable Tainter Shores & Ridges community. This peaceful property offers an ideal setting for your future home, with potential for a walk-out design to maximize both space and scenic views. Enjoy convenient access to Tainter Lake via an inlet, perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing, and year-round
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, recreation, and future potential with this stunning 10 +- acre wooded parcel inTainter Township, Dunn County. New Driveway & trails added through-out the property. Ideally located just north of Hwy 170, this property offers a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently close to nearby amenities. This fully wooded tract features a beautiful mix of
Lakefront Living on Tainter Lake. Discover this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home offering 2,074 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space with 100 feet of coveted lake frontage on popular Tainter Lake. Every inch of this property has been meticulously transformed over the past decade, delivering modern comfort in a serene waterfront setting. The main level showcases a
Are you looking for affordable country living on 6 acres? Check out this wonderful fertile land with a bonus mechanic shop, man cave and a vintage farmhouse! This versatile property offers the opportunity to create your own peaceful slice of heaven and enjoy your own hobbies and interests. Full of character and warmth, this welcoming home offers opportunity for personalization and some cosmetic
Year-round 2BR/1BA updated home on river part of Tainter Lake! Like waterfowl, ducks, geese, swans & bald eagles? This could be it! Stainless Steel Appliances, Custom Covered 3-Season Patio w/ Power Slides, Metal Roof, Patio over Boat House! Great swimming and fishing from pier! Perfect for kayaks and small boats! Move in ready! Across street from Champney Park! Must see!
Beautiful 5-acre wooded parcel in Tainter Township, Dunn County, WI. Property is completely buildable with multiple build sites. Not in any government programs. Ideally located just north of Highway 170, this property offers a private secluded setting while still being conveniently close to nearby amenities.This fully wooded tract features a scenic mix of mature timber, including spruce and
Beautiful Lower Tainter 4 BR / 2.5 Bath meticulously maintained home w/226' of LOW water frontage/no stairs to the water. Property includes 12' x 28' boathouse w/ramp for boat storage. You will love the (3) car attached garage 31' x 24', 2 car detached 28' x 24' and heated 24' x 28' workshop space! Great home to entertain with large open KT/DR/LR, spacious family room and wonderful sunroom all on
This 4-Season Tainter Lake Home is such a rare find with Low Elevation on the channel. Stunning back yard, nice dock ready to tie up your boat. The beautiful patio, fire pit area, Tiki Bar, large deck, the perfect yard for entertaining! Just a short walk down to Jakes Supper Club or the Pioneer and listen to the wonder music all summer long or grab a bite to eat. Kitchen redone with trendy
This well-maintained three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom home is situated on just over six acres of land. Recent upgrades include new gutters, siding, and an updated kitchen, complemented by luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. The property features ten-year-old windows and a durable steel roof. Significant improvements have been made to the basement to ensure it is watertight. A third
Beautifully crafted custom home on Upper Tainter Lake, set on 2.51 private, wooded acres with 100 feet of shoreline. This thoughtfully designed residence showcases quality throughout, offering 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a cozy main-level den or office—perfect for remote work or quiet retreat. The inviting living room features a stunning stone wood-burning fireplace, while the bright and airy
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