(Photo above of sign at the Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds)
1. Visit the historic, sacred grounds of Lake Koshkonong Effigy Mounds, near Ft. Atkinson. The 11 remaining mounds here were built by people living the region between 700 - 1100 A.D. Wisconsin has the highest number of effigy mounds of state in the U.S. and the World for that matter.
2. Tour the grounds of Wisconsin's First State Capitol, Belmont. On April 20, 1836 President Jackson signed a bill creating the Wisconsin Territory. Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin comprised of this territory governed by Henry Dodge. Find two remaining structures (the Council House, where the legislators met, and the Supreme Court House,) under the purview of the Wisconsin State Historical Society in what remains of Belmont. Belmont is located Northeast of Platteville just off of Hwy 151.
(Magnolia Bluff pictured above courtesy of Rock County)
3. Hike Rock County's second highest point, Magnolia Bluff, for a great view of Southern Wisconsin. Trails range from beginner to intermediate with some steeper grades along the south face arching down the bluff to the parks lower level parking lot at the entrance. Please note that there are trails are for horseback riding, those are mostly concentrated on the eastern edge of the bluff. Horse parking is located off the upper level parking lot at the top of Magnolia Bluff.
Located, just south of Evansville go south on Old 92 for about three miles, then west on Highway 59 1 mile, then south on N. Croak Road 0.5 miles to the park entrance.
4. Stroll the two block, river walk and historic downtown Janesville. The city of Janesville is home to more than 80 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) spread across four historic districts, Lakes Edition has created a tour of Janesville most notable architectural gems.
(historic, abolitionist's institution, Milton College pictured above)
5. Wander the historic grounds of one of America's great abolitionist institutions Milton College, Milton. often overshadowed by the Milton House (the only standing structure of Wisconsin's role in the Underground Railroad) Milton College was established in 1844 as an academy by abolitionist, Joseph Goodrich. Goodrich owned and ran the Milton House, and was a founding member of the town's Seventh Day Baptist Church. Notable Milton College graduates include former NFL, quarterback Dave Krieg
and Hollywood actor, Kerwin Williams. Visit Lake's Edition's Milton bio of sights.
(The Beckman-Howe Mill pictured above)
6. Travel back in time with a visit to the historic Beckman-Howe Mill, Beloit. A great winter destination for cross country skiers and snowshoeing.
7.. Bird watch at the University of Wisconsin's world renowned, Arboretum, Madison. Located in the heart of the city, this 1200 acre park, is the oldest, experimental forest preserve in the world.
8. Tour an entire town listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Cooksville Ever dreamed of visiting a quaint, New England town without leaving Wisconsin? You don't need to wander far Historic Cooksville is just a quick drive from downtown Edgerton.
9. Visit an active fish hatchery, near downtown Lake Mills
10. Hike the enchanting wilderness of Wisconsin's famous Kettle Moraine State Forest (KMSF), Southern Unit, Whitewater. At over 22,000 acres of forest, KMSF's Southern Unit offers bountiful
opportunities to recreate and stay safe.
11. The Wisconsin State Capitol and Monona Terrace - Two great free attractions just two blocks from each other in downtown Madison. 1st, start with the Wisconsin's State Capitol, at 284.4 feet in height the 2nd largest governmental dome in the U.S. just behind the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. The existing structure is impressive built of White Bethel Vermont Granite at 105 years old is the third structure to exist on this site the other two burned to the ground. Make sure to ask for the Capitol tour as you will be able to get outside on the building's mezzanine level affording views of both Lake Mendota, State Street, and Lake Monona. Next, walk two blocks south on MLK Bvld. to the Monona Terrace. This building is a living breathing connection to Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural legacy in Madison and Wisconsin for that matter. Wright designed the building in 1947 but because of 5o years of political debates and stunts the convention center was not constructed until 1997. No need to visit Wright's studio in Spring Green, Taliesin at over $50/person Monona Terrace is a great free way for the whole family to get up close and personal with the architectural genius's esthetic and last major commission. The convention center terminates the street with a commanding view of Lake Monona. Don't forget to take the elevator or ramps to the rooftop terrace which affords visitors with great lake views and the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Julia M
Tony W
Lily S