Plenty of rock formations to see up close                                                                        Observation tower                                                      I saw people walking through gaps in the rocks below

Highground Veterans Memorial Park

The Highground Veterans Memorial Park has grown to a 155-acre Park whose mission is to Honor, Educate, and Heal our Veterans, their families, and all who visit. The layout and tribute monuments are spectacular. Veterans of all The Tributes include WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and Afghanistan. They also include Tributes to women who flew as service pilots in WWII, nurses, Native Americans, and more.

                                          Persian Gulf Tribute                                                             Vietnam Memorial - “Fragments”                                                                          WWI Veterans

Horicon Marsh

Horicon Marsh is the site of both a national and a state wildlife refuge. It is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. I found it intriguing to drive and walk around the marsh. I enjoyed observing professional and amateur bird watchers at their work. They seemed to concentrate their efforts on the southern section of the marsh, which is run by the state. Their example soon caused me to look around to see what I could see. I tried to track Pelicans with my camera. It was fun.

The boardwalk into the marsh                                                                 The only tree in the marsh                                                                            A goose frozen by my presence

Interstate Park

The Interstate Park straddles the Dalles of the St. Croix River in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. As the Ice Age ended, huge glaciers melted, and the water carved the deep, steep-walled gorge known as the Dalles of the St. Croix River.  The river cut through basalt by meltwater drainage from Glacial Lake Duluth. Erosion, frost, and gravity acting on the bedrock have resulted in vertical cliffs, unusual pinnacle forms, and rocky talus slopes. The site is well known for its cylindrical potholes, which were formed by the grinding action of sand and small stones swirling in strong currents. Some of the potholes are quite spectacular in size . 

        Dalles of St. Croix River                                                                                                                   Long, narrow, rocky channel                                   Pothole formed by the currents 

Kohler Andrae State Park - Dunes Cornwall

The Wisconsin Explorer has an excellent description of this park: “The Dune Cordwalk Trail is a 1.3-mile linear footpath through the Kohler Dunes State Natural Area at Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan. This unusual trail is surfaced with a string of cordwood planks pinned into sand dunes. The strange landscape of shifting ground makes walking this trail feel like exploring a distant planet.” I walked the trail. The cord walk, as I recall, is not difficult, but it is weird, especially when it goes up and down the dunes. You do get a bit of a workout — maybe more mental than physical. It’s hard to explain, but definitely worth the visit.

  took these photos from the cord walk and did not venture down into the brush, but I suppose you can.

Ledge Park

 Ledge Park lies along the Niagara Escarpment in Dodge County. Hiking trails wind along the ledge. You can hike and see rock formations amidst heavily wooded areas. The park also provides a fabulous view of the Horicon Marsh. The Ledge Park Trail is a 1.3 mile-out-and-back trail to view the marsh. I was at the park in April. The trees had not yet blossomed so I got some good views of the rock formations that might otherwise be hidden in summer.

Lion’s Den

The Lion’s Den Nature Preserve is one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from Mequon up to Port Washington. I was taken aback when I walked through it.  The bluffs are beautiful, as are the beaches on Lake Michigan below. From what I saw, this is a favorite place to park your RV and camp out. Many people use this park for nature walks, educational tours and photo shoots. 

Happily surprised to see the bluffs                                                          Wide variety of physical surroundings                                             Terrific paths and walkways

Lime Kiln Park

Grafton, in Ozaukee County, is home to Lime Kiln Park. I was astonished when a friend introduced me to this park. So, what is a kiln? It is a kiln, which is a  thermally insulated chamber, used for the calcination of limestone (calcium carbonate) to produce the form of lime called quicklime (calcium oxide). In the early 20th century, Wisconsin was ranked third nationally in lime production. Lime was used to whitewash buildings, condition soil, treat animal hides and leather, and for plaster and mortar, and crushed limestone was used for roadbeds. The Milwaukee Falls Lime Co. operated a limestone quarry in Grafton. Cordwood was used as the fuel, and placed in the bottom of the kiln.  Limestone was crushed, often by hand. When heated to over 1800 degrees F. The fire might burn for several days, carbon dioxide escapes leaving lime. Carts would be drawn to the top of the kilns by rail. The limestone would then be dumped into the kiln, and the heat would do its magic.

Oakfield Ledge

 Oakfield  Ledge exposes one of Wisconsin's best views of the Niagara Escarpment. The Niagara dolomite has resisted erosion but is characterized by deep crevices and long fractures. I found it hard to find the Oakfield Ledge on my first visit. Go to the town of Oakfield southwest of Fond du Lac on Hwy 151 and CH D. This will bring you into town. Take Main St. south to CH B, W. Waupun St. Stay alert for Breakneck Rd. and turn left to the east. Shortly after you pass Center Line Rd., the Oakfield Ledge State Natural Area will be on your left. Even then, the park is not well marked. There is a small gravel parking lot adjacent to a field. Walk on the worn path through the field and into the treeline. The Niagara Escarpment is there, waiting for you. I was thrilled to find it and explore it on foot. You must peer through the foliage.

            The path to the Escarpment                                                                                                      Peer through the foliage                                           Incredible formations in there

Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area

Parfrey’s Glen is Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area and among the most visited natural areas in the state.  At its uppermost part, the glen reaches a depth of nearly 100 feet and embraces a mountain-type stream flowing through its floor. The Glen’s walls are sandstone embedded with pebbles and boulders of quartzite. The glen has been ravaged by floods over the past two decades which have destroyed bridges and the trail so beloved by travelers in the 80s and 90s. The area became too expensive for the state to maintain.  Nonetheless, it is a wonderful place to visit. Visitors can still hike the stream to the pool below the waterfall, but must stop there.

       The beauty of the glen is mesmerizing.                                                      Trail’s end, and I did not go further, but you can                      The stream winds its way through

Pattison State Park

Pattison State Park, like Amnicom State Park, is on the Douglas Fault.  Compressional forces within the earth’s crust created this fault. It is an exciting place to visit, because of the Manitiou Falls, which was created by the fault. Manitou Falls is the highest fall in the state, and the fourth-largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. I was pleasantly surprised by how close I could get to the top of the falls. There is a well built lookout at the top. Additionally, you can get a great view of the falls from its other side .

         Manitou Falls and the lookout                                                                                             She drops 165 ft.                                                                    A look from the top, over she goes

Peshtigo Fire Museum

 I am not one to rush off to a museum.  I bumped into the Peshtigo Fire Museum on my way to Marinette. I knew nothing of the history of this community so I went in. I was surprised to receive a warm welcome from two volunteers standing at the door. The Peshtigo Historical Society runs it. On October 8, 1871, a firestorm thundered through the town and surrounding areas and killed 1,500-2,000 people. It also destroyed the entire community. I could hardly imagine such a tragedy. On walking in, you can see a wide set of murals depicting the town before the fire, during the fire, and after.  These murals alone make the visit worthwhile. The museum hosts a variety of artifacts through which you can browse at a leisurely pace.

         Back in the day                                                                                           Mural depicting the rage of the fire                                                       Thompson boat built in 1914

Point Beach State Forest

Point Beach State Forest features 3,000 acres of land and 6 miles of sandy beach along the shores of Lake Michigan. Point Beach offers family campsites, two large group cabins, an outdoor group camp, and a 13-mile out-and-back trail near Two Rivers. A popular feature within the property is the Rawley Point Lighthouse, which has been operated and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard since 1853. The state forest nicely mixes forest, lake and beach.

Sand dunes at edge of forest and beach                                              The beach                                                                                                              Rawley Point Light House

Prairie Dells Scenic Area

When I first visited Prairie Dells Scenic Area, I felt like a French explorer who came upon a once-in-a-lifetime fabulous place.  I still think that. You’ve got to pay attention to find it. Get to Merrill in Lincoln County. Take Hwy 64 east out of the city and turn left on Hwy 17 N. Start paying attention once you pass CH C. Watch for Prairie Dells Rd on the left. Take it until it ends in a parking lot. Follow the worn path to where the land opens up, hag a right, and walk to the Prairie River., I have sat there on the rocks for many an hour, breathing in the freedom and beauty of the area. There is a wonderful river gorge and rock outcroppings. If you explore the area a little, you will find a way down to the river. Just remember you’ve got to come back up!

 I usually sit over here                                                                                    To enjoy the Dells below                                                                                                          I went down to the river here

Raspberry Bay

Raspberry Bay is at the northern tip of Door County, north of Red Cliff, which is north of Bayfield. I took Blueberry Rd north out of Red Cliff. After a while, it will turn to the west. Watch for Campground Lane on your right and turn on it heading north.  I parked on it and found a path to the water and  the beach. The beach does have a raspberry tint to it. I was there in August, and no one else was there. It is a beautiful location and fun driving this circuitous route. 

It is on the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation. Therefore, as it is with any land in the state, it is prudent to treat it with great care.

That’s my puppy Cricket on the beach                                                Marvelous rock formation                                                                           I walked to the end, spectacular!

Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain State Park, just outside Wausau is a premier place to visit. Rib Mountain is the third highest point in Wisconsin at 1,942 ft.above sea level. It is 741 ft. above surrounding terrain so it is easy to spot.  There is plenty to do at this park, including trails, the observation tower, or just sitting in the amphitheater to gaze out at the scenery below. In winter, this area, known as the Granite Peak Ski Area, is a haven for skiers and snowboarders with near 60 runs.

Rib Mountain from 10 or so miles away                                                Metamorphic rock called quartzite                                                   Four-mile long ridge of ancient rock

Rogers Street Fishing Village

It’s fun to visit the Rogers Street Fishing Village, a maritime museum and heritage park, in Two Rivers. It is known as the “French Side Fishing Village Historic District.” French from the motherland and French Canadians from Quebec established themselves here. It is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places.  The 1886 Lighthouse was the first one in the city. It is made entirely of wood. It is known as a Pierhead Light. That means its primary duty was to mark the harbor entrance. It once stood on the north pier of the harbor. The city moved it onto the museum grounds in 1975. There is some great history behind this lighthouse.

The Village from across the river                                                             Pierhead Light                                                                                                      LeClair Fish Shed

St. Feriole Island Park

St. Feriole Island lies adjacent to the City of Prairie du Chien. There is a lot to see and do at St. Feriole Island Park. It hosted Ft. Crawford during the War of 1812. The historic Villa Louis Mansion is also here, built by people who made their riches in fur trading and land dealings. The old four-story Dousman Hotel is here, having thrived during the railroad boom. The Depot Bar on the Mississippi River serves beverages and food. The depot for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad is on the island as well. Go deep into the island's northern part, and you will see a host of old rail cars. As you can see, I was here during an overcast day.

Villa Louis Mansion                                                                                         Old army blockhouse                                                                                   Dousman Hotel

Timm’s Hill County Park

Timm’s Hill is the highest point in Wisconsin at 1,951 ft. above sea level. When you go to visit, you might say, this doesn’t look so high to me. That is because you are in the Northern Highland Geographic Province of the state, which ranges in height from 980 ft to 1,600 to as high as 1,951 ft.  Much of the region surrounding Timm’s Hill is already quite high for the state, with multiple sections at 1,800 ft. When you visit Tim’s Hill, be sure to stop at Bass Lake and the Highpoint Village resort and walk around the lake enclosed by wonderful forests.  I also recommend you climb the tower and look over the Northern Highland.

          Timm’s Hill above Bass Lake                                                                                 A spectacle in fall                                                                                     A sensation in winter

Wausau Whitewater Park

The Wausau Whitewater Park is said to be the best in the Midwest, maybe in the nation. Whatever the case, if you like to run the rapids, you know about this park, or should. If you might like to watch people trying their hand at the rapids, I commend the park to you. I have done this several times and have some great photos of those in the run fighting it out. The course lies in a side channel of the Wisconsin River below the dam in downtown Wausau. It is in the downtown area, making it even more special. Numerous local, regional, and national events are held here.

He came down and fights to go back up                                              This guy is just fighting to stay upright                                               Two in the canoe coming down the run

Wequiock Falls

Wequiock Falls Park is off Hwy 57N on the northeast side of Green Bay in Brown County. It is a small park, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself there. It contains a large ravine that enables you to get a close-up view of the Niagara Escarpment rock formation. In spring, the flow from Wequiock Creek forms a delightful waterfall. There is a wooden walkway down to the falls. If you are nimble-footed, you can walk on the rocks, some of which have a bit of water on them, so wear rubber shoes. By doing this you can get quite close to the falls. Above the falls, there is a very agreeable picnic area. The entire park is worth a stop to see the falls and have lunch.

Follow the path to the stairs                                                                    Wequiock Falls                                                                                                 Walk out there if you wish

Wisconsin State Fire & EMS Memorial Park

The Wisconsin State Fire & EMS Memorial Park is in Wisconsin Rapids.  To my mind, it is a unique and lasting way to recognize and extend your gratitude to those who serve to fight fires and provide emergency medical services to those in need. It is in a beautiful setting in the Wisconsin River. Many hundreds of firefighters in the state have given their lives in the line of duty. They are memorialized here. The site’s design is emotional, yet gratifying.

                         The signature monument                                                                A place to rest and remember                                                                                    Final alarm bell tower

Whistling Straits

I am not a golfer, and you might not be either. Nonetheless, a visit to Whistling Straits on Lake Michigan north of Milwaukee is worth the visit. It’s on-line website page says,  “ Sculpted into the Wisconsin coastline, the Straits and Irish are throwbacks to the raw freshness of Ireland, offering two courses of dynamic contrast and world-class prestige.” This is quite accurate. My photography cannot duplicate what you’ll see. The contours of the windswept course on the shore are gorgeous, numbing in their beauty, and golfing degree of difficulty. I cannot imagine anyone playing this course. But they do.  Once again, from the website, “Home to major championships and the 43rd Ryder Cup, the Straits is defined by the open, rugged and windswept terrain, sculpted along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.” It is worth a visit.

           The Clubhouse                                                                                                   The contour of the course                                                                             Its place on Lake Michigan’s shore

Wyalusing State Park

Wyalusing State Park is a first-class place to visit to get a view of where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi. But getting that view can be tough. Start with a nice day and good visibility. The park is just south of Prairie du Chien on the south side of the Wisconsin River, in Grant County.I did not go on the trails. My guess is you get the best view of the confluence of these two great rivers from them.  I did my best in my car. Next time I might try a drone!

You can see the confluence, sort of …                                                    Wisconsin River foreground, Big Guy way back there            The Wisconsin River winding its way