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
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