Past and Present
In 1917, Louie and Jesse Volsch dedicated land for a public road around the south end of the lake. This public dedication included a sandy strip of land which had been used as a private beach. The newly constructed road allowed the public to access the lake and the beach emerged as a popular swimming area. When Wall Lake Township transferred the road to the county to improve as a highway, the county also became owner of the beach. Early photos show the lake's popularity.
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Historic Photos
Click on photos to enlarge
The Wall Lake shoreline developed with seasonal homes that have since been replaced or remodeled into year-round residences. An example of the "summer cottage" of years past can be found at Wall Lake Park. The park encompasses property that was willed to Minnehaha County in 1949 by the estate of Winona Axtell Lyon.
Her will directed that the property be used for public park and recreational purposes. Two stone pillars mark the old driveway entrance to "Lyon Lodge", a stone structure that occupies a prominent site on the bluff above the lake. The pillars and lodge have been renovated to preserve their historical significance.
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