Have You Been To Wolske Bay? Menomonie's Sweet Spot For Skates & Community
City of Menomonie partners downtown organizations, volunteers to offer free events and skates to residents
On the shoreline of Lake Menomin, one bay transforms into a truly sparkling winter scene this time of year. Beyond the available walking and biking trails (or picnic tables and grills for summertime fun at Wolske Bay (900 Wolske Bay Rd., Menomonie)), the lakefront makes for the perfect spot to ice skate.
Zaria Whitacre, communications specialist for the City of Menomonie, shared the city has actively placed value in access to outdoor recreation for residents.
Wolske Bay – among other neighboring natural resources – aids physical and mental well-being, along with helping residents stay invested in their community networks, she added.
“Wolske Bay is one of those places that holds a lot of shared memories for Menomonie,” Whitacre said. “From learning to skate as kids to spending winter evenings by the water, it’s been a year-round gathering spot for families in the area.”
Over the past decade, city staff, Mayor Knaack and local volunteers have collaborated to clean up the bay, Whitacre said – an effort which reflects the city’s emphasis to elevate outdoor spaces and foster collaboration.
The same values are true of Wolske Bay today, as much behind-the-scenes work is done across several city departments to ensure the bay and its surrounding trails or bike loops are accessible for all.
“At the end of the day, it really takes city staff, volunteers and community partners working together to make these spaces possible,” Whitacre said. “These spaces exist because the community shows up to care for them.”
This winter, the City of Menomonie will continue to offer free ice skate rentals; 18 new pairs – made possible by funding from American Edge Real Estate – have been added to expand sizing and replace any worn skates. Wolske Bay’s hours are between 7am-10pm; any visitor can enjoy the ice, at no cost to them, with skates available in a warming shack during this window.
In due time when the annual spring thaw begins, Wolske Bay becomes a popular destination for fishing and other recreational activities along Lake Menomin, Whitacre said.
Until then, residents and visitors can look forward to events in February, which capture the essence of Wolske Bay’s winter activity. From 2-6pm on Feb. 14, the City of Menomonie will host a “Valentine’s Skate & Cocoa” event on the bay to feature the free skating amenities.
Guests can look forward to hot cocoa and treats along with free shuttle rides from Lakeside Park, provided by Menomonie Transportation.
As you plan your holiday and winter celebrations with loved ones, consider adding skates to your date-night attire.
To learn more about Wolske Bay (900 Wolske Bay Rd., Menomonie) and other outdoor recreation events in Menomonie, visit the City of Menomonie webpage online at menomonie-wi.gov, or online through Facebook (@CityofMenomonie).
