Richfield Lakes
Washington County, Wisconsin, USA

Lakes in the Township of Richfield number four: Amy Belle Lake, Bark Lake, Fries Lake and Lake Five. There are several other bodies of water but not large enough to be considered a lake.

Up to and into the early part of the 20th century, these lakes were used to harvest ice. In the later winter months, the ice was cut into blocks and stored in ice houses. These would be wooden facilities without outside openings other than a door. The ice would be stacked inside and then straw used between the ice and the walls as insulation. We have the makings of a home made freezer. Come warmer months, the ice was sold for cooling purposes.

For the most part up to the 20th century these lakes were mostly private. At that time lots surrounding the lakes began to be parceled out to be used primarily as summer residences.

Please be mindful, we are talking lakes here, not communities.

On your left is a selection list of the different lakes. Selecting a lake will bring up specific information about that lake.