Way down in the southern part of the state, a few miles outside Monroe and a few miles north of the Illinois border, Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is a stellar hidden gem of a spot to cool off on the hottest days. Here you’ll find Zander and Beckman Lakes, actually two reservoirs created by damming a spring-fed creek. Beckman Lakes’ beach is a perfect place to dip your toes in and enjoy this cool, comfortable spot in an area of the state not well-known for many lakes.
The current State Natural Area was created in 1980 when Cadiz Springs State Park was combined with the Browntown Wildlife Area. It's home to two lakes with a combined surface area of 95 acres, and the lakes are popular fishing spots because they are home to both warm- and cold-water fish species.
Unlike most of the rest of the state, this area is not filled with bogs, lakes and marshes. The Driftless Region is unique in many ways, and this area is much more likely to be home to spring-fed creeks and rivers than anything else. In order to create some lakes for this area, one of those spring-fed creeks was dammed to create the two lakes here.
The result is a gorgeous recreation area that invites you to relax on the sandy beach and take solace from hot summer days in its cool, soothing waters. Much less popular than other, more lake-filled parts of the state, this Natural Area and the beach here are a welcome reprieve from the heat.
You and your family will love exploring this gorgeous are and having a ball on the sandy beach. You can swim until your heart's content or just wade in for a quick cool down. Kids can splash and play all afternoon.
Beckman Lake is a rare sight in this part of the state and while locals know where to head when the temperatures climb, this is an underrated spot within the state. Located about 40 miles west of Beloit and eight miles from the Illinois border, Browntown-Cadiz Springs will never be the most popular spot in the state, but it's an incredible local spot you have to check out if you're in the area.
In addition to swimming and enjoying the sandy beach, this is a great area for kayaking, canoeing and even sailing. Take advantage of these two big lakes to have a wonderful time in and on the water in Green County.
Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Natural Area is located at N2241 Cadiz Springs Rd, Browntown, WI 53522. The DNR has more about this park here. You can also learn more from the Friends of Cadiz Springs Facebook page here.
