Here’s a Sneak Peek at Dubuque County’s Newest, Largest Public Lake in Cascade

I'm sure by now you've heard about the new public lake project near Cascade. Are you wondering what it looks like? Well, I had the chance to check it out firsthand this weekend, and it did not disappoint. My wife, son, and I recently spent an afternoon exploring what will soon become the Locher Recreation Area, and even in its early stages, it already feels like a place people will love to visit.

It was one of those early spring days where the weather does not fully cooperate. The trail was a bit soft and muddy from all the recent rain, and a steady wind kept things feeling cold. Still, we laced up our boots and made the roughly mile-and-a-half loop around the future rec area.

Even without fully finished trails or amenities, the natural layout already gives you a good sense of what is coming.

The wildlife did not seem to mind the conditions at all. We spotted geese settled in along the shoreline, and one had already built a nest with eggs tucked inside.

That alone made the trip worth it. At one point, we even saw a fairly large fish jump out of the water to grab a bite, which got me thinking about how good the fishing could be once everything is complete. Overhead, barn swallows skimmed the water, picking off early spring bugs and adding even more life to the scene.

Even in its unfinished state, the area feels peaceful and obviously has loads of potential. Plans call for a completed loop trail, fishing access, and opportunities for kayaking, and it is easy to picture families, hikers, and anglers all sharing the space. It has the same kind of appeal that places like Ringneck Ridge and Hale Wildlife Area offer, just with the bonus of a large lake at the center that's much easier to access.

Another important piece of this project is that the community can still help shape what it becomes. Dubuque County Conservation is currently updating its long-term parks and open spaces plan, and they are asking for public input. With outdoor use increasing so much in recent years, feedback from people who actually hike, fish, and explore these areas will help guide what improvements come next across Dubuque County.

That means you can have a say in things like trail design, access points, and how the space balances recreation with conservation. Opportunities like this do not come around often, especially for a project of this size.

From what I saw, the Locher Recreation Area is already off to a great start. Once it's fully finished, it will be a go-to spot for relaxing walks, a fishing trip, or paddling on the water. If you are curious now, it is worth keeping an eye on. The best part is that you can help decide exactly what it becomes.