A brief history

The former East Lake was created when an irrigation ditch was dammed in the 1960s. The two deep holes in the lake are remnants from the Air Force Base construction. They were trying to reach bedrock to support a refueling station.

Vern Wolf Lake was dedicated on August 12th, 1995. East Lake was renamed to honor Vern J. Wolf. Vern Wolf was one of the original volunteers at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. He was a longtime Burlington resident, a journalist, poet and teacher. He volunteered thousands of hours to share the "wonder of nature" with visitors. He also knew the Bong area better than anyone. When Vern died in January of 1994, it was decided that renaming East Lake would be a fitting memorial.

There are many activities you can enjoy in and around the 150-acre Vern Wolf Lake. There is a beach and bathhouse for swimmers as well as a picnic area, playground, ball diamond and horseshoe pits. You may canoe, row or use electric motors on the lake. An abundance of wildlife use the lake for feeding, resting, and raising young. You might spot waterfowl, wading birds, muskrats, turtles and occasionally an eagle or osprey. The Blue and Green hiking trails offer excellent views of the lake and its wildlife.

You may also fish from shore, a boat or from the accessible fishing pier. One of the 18-foot holes is directly off the end of the fishing pier. Fish habitat structures have been added to enhance fishing.

Fish that live in the lake include: Northern Pike, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Goldern Shiner, Green Sunfish, Yellow Perch and Black Crappie.

If you are fishing, please know the bag and size limits and please clean up your used fishing line.