Destination Quarrys

[ehuber]

In Black River Falls, WI there is a decent quarry with some good depth. Although it is no Florida Keys, it --at least-- provides a nice resource for divers at a reasonable price ($10/day or yearly fee) in a nice location. Only one hour from La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Winona... and not far from Madison, it is nicely centrally located. Not sure where the nearest chamber is, but I know the Mayo Clinic has one 90 miles away.

There are excellent ATV and snowmobile paths, a couple campgrounds, and two dive shops. I don't recall the names, but Marineland is one. There is a little motel in town that offers a solid diver's discount, an old micro-brewery that gives weekend tours, and the quarry is only 5-6 miles from downtown.

There is a decent quarry in Northern Minnesota as well, near Brainerd. Expect decreased visibility and drysuit diving, for the most part.

 

[do it easy]

The one in Black River Falls is Lake Wazee- I believe it used to be a mine and is currently the deepest inland lake in Wisconsin. The other dive shop is Wazee Sports Center.

It's certainly draws a lot of divers, but it is run by the county- it's more like a diveable park than a quarry. They did sink a boat in there as a dive attraction and there are a few things to see deeper.

The other places listed are private quarrys, although France Park might be a county/state park as well.

 

[ClayJar]

Spoken like a true cajun. I don't think it'll work for my fear though ... spiders. Yukkkkk!!!!

Funny thing is, I'm a cheesehead. (Now, as for the spiders... the key is in the breading.)

LOL! I'm always up for a game or two (or three!) of ScubUNO! Can't stand the taste of catfish though! It's "too" fishy! But I love cod, grouper, tilapia, etc.!!

You've not been having the proper catfish, then. The farm-raised catfish around here is light, flaky, and delicious, with not a bit of the fishy overtones. You know, that explains the irrational fear, I think.

You'll have to stop by some good catfish places in Louisiana on your way to the new destination quarry, [thread=178023]Mammoth Lake[/thread]. (It's supposed to open in August, I believe. It's about an hour south of Houston, IIRC.)

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Funny thing is, I'm a cheesehead.

You've gotta be an adopted cajun then for sure.

 

[Eileentk]

I dive Bluestone quarry a lot since I'm only 40 minutes away (was there last Saturday for some 51-56 degree dives in 5-15 ft viz, gotta love it!). The owner added a helicopter about 3 weeks ago to the multiple boat and car wrecks already there. I also really like Fantasy Lake in Rollesville, NC especially since the viz issue seem to have cleared up finally. F.L. has a huge rock crusher in it that was left there when the quarry flooded back in the 50's.

 

[spectrum]

Thanks for all of the input so far. If I find myself traveling it'll be nice to know what's around. I've bookmarked the thread.

Pete

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Thanks for all of the input so far. If I find myself traveling it'll be nice to know what's around. I've bookmarked the thread.

Pete

Pete ... if you're ever in Indianapolis be sure and give me a PM. I'd love to introduce you to our local (well, 45 minutes away ... but close enough) "destination quarry" Blue Springs. It's pretty much open 24x7 all year long ... as long as you slide your money through the slot in the door! If you're here for a weekend your options expand even further. Also, if you ever get the chance, be sure and get up to the Great Lakes for some outstanding wreck diving.

 

[erparamedic]

Funny thing is, I'm a cheesehead. (Now, as for the spiders... the key is in the breading.)You've not been having the proper catfish, then. The farm-raised catfish around here is light, flaky, and delicious, with not a bit of the fishy overtones. You know, that explains the irrational fear, I think.

You'll have to stop by some good catfish places in Louisiana on your way to the new destination quarry, [thread=178023]Mammoth Lake[/thread]. (It's supposed to open in August, I believe. It's about an hour south of Houston, IIRC.)

I'll remember that, Clay! I'll have to try some "southern catfish" if/when I make it down to your neck-o-the-woods!

 

[Ice9]

Don't forget Millbrook Quarry, the pride of NoVA!

 

[LakeScubaDiver]

Be sure and check out our site for local dive locations. We try our best to keep the map updated. If you find a location that is not on the map let us know and we will get it on there.

Http://www.lakediver.com