Watertown Recreation

A city for all seasons, Watertown offers an abundance of outdoor recreation. Kayakers will enjoy paddling the Rock River Trail which extends the 11 counties of the Rock River. Watertown’s ample park system is sure to impress visitors with 22 parks covering over 263 acres. Wooded walking trails, 21 hole Frisbee Golf course, skate park, fishing areas, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, ice skating, cross country skiing, and playgrounds are among the many amenities offered.

Visit 2 Rivers Bicycle and Outdoor for your bike, canoe or kayak needs, and get outside to play!

Rock River Trail

Kayakers will enjoy paddling the Rock River Trail which extends the 11 counties of the beautiful Rock River (www.rockrivertrail.com). The Rock River Trail is the first National Water Trail in Wisconsin and Illinois to be designated by the US Department of the Interior and National Park Service. Public access to the river can be located at Fannie P. Lewis Park on North Water Street, at Cappie’s Landing on Jefferson Road, at Riverside Park on Labaree Street, and on Willow Street.

Hiking

Tivoli Island is located in the east side of the city on Tivoli

Dr. The island is a unique 4 acre park that has been restored to a natural prairie state. Wood chip hiking trails make for easy access where fishing, bird watching, and hiking can be enjoyed.

Brandt/Quirk Park provides a 3.75 mile trail system for hiking, walking, leashed dog walking, and cross country skiing. See map for details on the hiking trails located at Brandt Quirk Park:brandt-park-layout-2.

Rock River Walkway begins at the Senior and Community Center grounds at the corner of South First and Milwaukee Streets. The walkway follows the river north to the Main Street Bridge. An observation deck provides a picturesque overlook of the lower dam. Park benches, a boardwalk, and a small plaza at Main Street provide an attractive, relaxed setting for a walk along the river.

Fishing

Fishing abounds on the Rock River. Watertown provides 3 fishing piers accessible for all abilities. Two of the piers are found at Riverside Park, while the third is located at Fannie P. Lewis Park. Other popular spots include the Tivoli Island Bridge, Heiden Pond, below the Dam on the River Walkway, and all along the Rock River

especially along the channel by the Island. Abundant fish include walleye, bass, northern, muskie, crappies, catfish and bullheads. The Rock River Rescue Foundation is dedicated to improving the Rock River Ecosystem in the area, stocking over 900,000 game and pan fish since 2002.

Golf

If golf is on the agenda, Windwood of Watertown is a public golf course, which includes outstanding amenities and appeals to a variety of skill levels. Challenging, yet generous, Windwood of

Watertown features rolling hills, beautiful trees, a meandering stream and a few strategically located ponds. Plush bentgrass tees, greens and fairways further define the personality of this outstanding golf course. The course is located on County Road CW.

Aquatic Center

This municipal pool offers a fun-filled day of refreshing activities for the whole family. Swimmers can take advantage of the many

features such as the large zero depth area. This area enables swimmers to enjoy the heated water in a variety of depths from 0′ to 5½ feet in the main pool. Other features include a 12′ Mushroom Waterfall, several floor fountains, and even waterslides for the younger set. Enjoy a wild ride down our 216 foot waterslide and take a plunge on our 24 foot dropslide. There is also a one-meter diving board, and a 25 meter lap lane. The Aquatic Center also features a sand playground area, concession stand with adjacent eating areas, sand volleyball court, sun arbors, large deck and grass area with lounge chairs, and a bathhouse with coin-operated lockers for your convenience. The Aquatic Center is located at 1009 Perry St.

Skatepark

The Watertown Skatepark is located off of Carriage Hill Drive on the city’s north side adjacent to the Watertown High School. The park features a 120’x100′ concrete surface with 20 different obstacles for skaters and bikes.

Disc Golf

A 21 Hole Disc Golf Course is located in Brandt Quirk Park. The course is moderately hilly and lightly wooded. There are concrete pads on the front 11 holes, and rubber pads on the back 10. This course is home to several tournaments including the Midwest Masters Age Protected PDGA B Tier. This is a free course that is open year round. The park is accessible from Endeavor Drive and Carriage Hill Drive.

See map for course layout:

Disc Golf Map

 

About the Author: Robin Kaufmann

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