The area just north of Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast includes the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. This gem gives one the feel of being “way up North” without the travel and cost of driving another 200 miles.
Long Lake hosts a state park and at 417 acres in size and 47 feet in depth, is one of the largest lakes in Fond du Lac County. Watercress Creek, at the very north end of the lake, serves as the headwaters of the east branch of the Milwaukee River and is an excellent trout stream with high water quality. The creek empties out in what is locally known as Tittle Lake then connecting to Long Lake by a short channel.
Long lake has an impressive fishery that thrives in the fertile water of the lake. The primary species are bluegill and largemouth bass which both have a high average size. There is also an impressive population of northern pike and yellow perch, and a small, but growing population of walleye. The lake has an active sportsman’s club and fishing club that improves habitat and works to improve the fishery. For those who like to fish, the time before 10:00 AM or after 6:00PM are the best, when slow-no-wake rules are in effect making for a relaxing experience.
Long lake serves the area as an excellent boating lake. As the name implies, it is a long body of water, running north/south for over about miles. It is not uncommon to drive a boat or personal watercraft in a straight line for a mile or more on this lake, which is somewhat of a rarity on lakes in this area.
For the swimmer, there are two beaches on the eastern shores of the lake, both part of the Long Lake Recreation Area in the Long Lake State Park. There are also beach houses for changing.
Before heading back to Hidden Serenity for a great night sleep, you may wish to visit the Hamburger Haus located in Dundee, near the corner of Hwy 67 and Hwy F at the southern most end of the lake. They have excellent hamburgers and are also know for their ice cream, serving the popular Cedar Crest Ice Cream. Many locals travel miles just to stop in for a treat here.
Just behind the Hamburger Haus history buffs may want to take a look at the old mill, which has been restored partly with the help of “Extreme Home Makeover”, yes, the popular TV show. A house nearby was totally redone for the program in 2006.
For more information on Long Lake can be found at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kmn/
