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Forget the long lines, large crowds, high humidity and heat Second Summer is back and more beautiful than ever. These are the days in the 70s and lower 80s and crisp, clear nights to open the window to.
Pictured above is Devils' Lake State Park Another sign that normalcy has returned to the Summer vacationing season in Wisconsin, the DNR announces on June 1st a number of changes to its' operations across the state. As the number of daily cases of COVID-19 in the Badger State continues to decline and the number of vaccinated Wisconsinites rises DNR officials are now allowing indoor group camps, with both indoor and outdoor camps returning to their capacity of 350. State park properties and State Natural Areas (SNA) which were closed last summer and now open incliude: Gibraltor Rock, Pewitt's Nest, Dells on the Wisconsin River, and the popular Rock Island State Park. Also, in time for Summer all enclosed shelters are now open, as well as playgrounds and towers such as Lapham Peak State Park and Peninsula State Park. Open air shelters and amphitheaters can have maximum capacity or 350 people, as well o utdoor-only concession activities. However, visitor centers, office buildings, and nature centers remain closed until further notice. Some state park, drive-up windows may be open for admission purchases. If you are not sure where facilities are open or closed you can now visit DNR service centers Fitchburg, Green Bay, Madison and Spooner to purchase a state park sticker or fishing license. The DNR assures that it will continue to operate with safety in mind for all visitors and staff based on the Badger Bounce Back Plan COVID-19 precautions such as encouraging social distancing, and park capacities are still in place. The DNR recommends visitors enjoy parks at off-peak times or other properties less popular. State parks that are subject to capacity limits include: o Copper Falls o Devil's Lake o Governor Dodge o Governor Nelson o Harrington Beach o Hartman Creek o High Cliff o Interstate o Kinnickinnic o Kettle Moraine Southern Unit o Lapham Peak o Perrot o Rib Mountain o Roche-a-Cri o Whitefish Dunes o Willow River The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends you visit those natural areas listed above during non-peak hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. According to the DNR "The majority of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources properties are open, with special conditions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect natural resources."
LIght weight, and relatively inexpensive, teardrop campers offer affordable alternatives for camping in the great outdoors with the little comforts of home.
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s (ODPHP) have created the "Move Your Way" campaign
" O ur goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures," Wisconsin's "conservation governor" Gaylord Nelson said of Earth Day the worldwide event he had founded. On April 22, 1970 the first Earth Day was celebrated by over 20 million Americans. The event brought communities across the country together to support the environment. Today, Earth Day is celebrating its' 51st year and while the mission is the same the message is more clarion and dire than ever before. But in this media landscape of doom and gloom there are signs in Washington D.C. and small towns across the U.S. that people finally understand what Gaylord Nelson's Earth Day truly is. This single day event has brought communities across the globe together to think sustainably, plant trees, save rain forests, prairie and wetlands and foster meaningful legislative action from the world's largest economies to those countries less economically blessed in the global south facing the constant threat of climate change every day. The United Nations Climate Change Conference which will hold COPP 26 in Glasgow this November owes a great deal to Wisconsin's very own, the man from Clear Lake, Gaylord Nelson. In the age of the internet, Earth Day is not only a one day worldwide celebration but a dedicated website https://www.earthday.org/ that nurtures community connections and actions in a Social Media driven context. The website is vast and somewhat daunting for a first time visitor. If you were fortunate enough to visit Earthday.org on Earth Day you were treated to a livestream of dignitaries and every day people speaking up for the environment and highlighting the actions their communities or organizations have taken to make this planet a healthier place for all of us to live. But the Earth Day website outside of April 22nd offers -downloadable toolkits and action plans that even a single individual can take on. There is the "Earth Challenge" which invites citizens around the globe to document point sources of pollution. The Great Global Cleanup (#GreatGlobalCleanup) encourages people to seek out groups in their community that are cleaning up trash around their neighborhoods and parks. Or you can pledge to make your next meal plant based. These are just a few Earth Day actions that you can do every day, whether your at home or on vacation use Earthday.org as your guide to live a greener, cleaner life and as U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelosn succinctly put it, "(create) an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures."
Healthy to go meals for your day trip adventures through Southern Wisconsin
From London To Rome Spring Break Staycations In Southern Wisconsin's Unincorporated Towns unexpected treasures to visit.
11 Great, Free Daytripping Attractions In Southern Wisconsin offer a safe way for building family traditions.
Enjoy your local animal friends before it's too late. We have to appreciate what we have now because they may not be around in the future.
(Photos courtesy of Cave of the Mounds) Where in Wisconsin can you venture outdoors in a relatively balmy 50 F in the middle of February? The Cave of the Mounds of course.. Awe inspiring and educational this geological wonderland has all the ingredients of a great, family field trip and more. The Cave of the Mounds's designation as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1987 recognizes the site's historic, geological and educational significance to Wisconsin and the Midwest. In these pandemic times, parents must find a balance between virtual learning and safe options for childhood learning and development outside the home. From up-close and personal moments with 400 million years of Earth history to the geological process of how Speleothems like stalactites and stalagmites are formed, the Cave of the Mounds truly lives up to their nickname "Wisconsin's Oldest Classroom." The cave staff also provides a number of science experiments and curriculum's to meet the inquisitiveness of any budding earth scientist or geologist. Kids can crack open a geode, or sift sand for gemstones on site or download one of many, educational activities from the Cave of the Mounds' website . The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to all of us as we navigate our family's lives with their safety and health at the forefront. The Cave of the Mounds, in accordance with Dane County's COVID-19 guidelines, has put a number of new safety measures in place for their visitors and staff. Gone is the traditional tour with a guide, unless you reserve a VIP package online or in person. The Blue Mounds' area cave like Mammoth Cave National Park has implemented self-guided tours to better manage group sizes for social distancing. Additionally, the cave has added back lit signs to highlight educational moments along the route to help guide the self-paced tours. The cave's tour route is configured in a one-way loop to control foot traffic, and guides are now stationed at two locations in the cave to answer all questions.. Other facility-wide safety measures at the cave include hand sanitizing stations, frequent cleaning of all railings, door handles, cash registers and credit card pads. Mask wearing is mandatory for all staff and visitors both in the gift shop and the cave itself. "We have received lots of calls from visitors pointedly approving what precautions we have taken," says Jan Okeson, Operations Manager at Cave of the Mounds. Okeson also noted for the most part visitors have complied with mask wearing requirements and that only a handful of Instagramers posing for selfies have taken off their masks while inside the cave. Fortunately, there are cave guides stationed throughout the 1/2 mile tour so that help is always nearby. Lastly, if you want to have "Wisconsin's oldest classroom" all to yourself Okeson recommends visiting Tuesdays through Thursdays which tend to be the slowest days of the week. If you visit remember to mask up, maintain your social distance of 6 feet at all times. Take care and stay safe! HOURS Weekdays: 9 am to 5 pm Last tour entry at 4 pm Weekends: 9 am to 5 pm Last tour entry at 4 pm CONTACT Phone: 608-437-3038 DIRECTIONS From Madison exit 258 off the Beltline (Hwy 12/18.) to merge onto to Hwy 18W/151S. Take Hwy. 151 south for 25 miles and exit onto Cave of the Mounds Road. The Cave of the Mounds is located at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road. 511 Wisconsin For up to the minute winter driving conditions in southern Wisconsin visit the Wisconsin DOT's 511 Wisconsin or call 511 or (866) 511-9472.
Five Offbeat Places to Hike, Snowshoe, and Cross-Country Ski in Southern Wisconsin this Winter
You don't have to visit a popular, snow covered, state park to clear the mind, burn some calories and accumulate K's (cross-country skier' slang for kilometers.) Winter is also a season when many area attractions are closed which is good news for those of you that seek quieter more personal alternatives to the usual fare of famous seasonal destinations such as Kettle Moraine State Forest or Devil's Lake. Here a handful of unusual places in southern Wisconsin that might ignite creativity, foster an appreciation for our state's history, all while getting your heart rate up.
1. Historic Public Square, Cooksville/Town of Porter
Like a scene from a postcard of a snow covered, New England village, Cooksville's Historic Public Square
is trip back in time and worth a visit even if you don't plan to burn calories. Created in 1846 by Massachusetts' transplant, Dr. John Porter after his purchase of the lands from prominent Senator Daniel Webster. Dr. Porter had named his land purchase, he subdivided into 14 blocks the "Village of Waucoma" after locally named creek (current day Bad Fish creek.)
Developing around the same time and bordering the Village of Waucoma (Porter) was the town of Cooksville, founded by brothers John and Daniel Cook in the early 1840s. And true to the history of many, small towns across Wisconsin the U.S. post office played a role in the final naming of the town. The post office originally established in 1849 resided in Cooksville until 1903 served both towns.
At over 175 years old, Cooksville's Historic Public Square is one of the oldest parks in Wisconsin! Modeled after New England, "village greens' Cooksville's Historic Public Square gives visitors a glimpse of early town settlements with delightful views of the town's 160+ year old homes nestled on snowy, wooded lots to the .south along Rock Street (Hwy. 59) and west along Webster Street. While, the eastern edge of the square you cross the quiet, Quincy Street. and get close up with the town's historic Schoolhouse
now home to the Cooksville Community Center,
According to Cooksville's National Park Service application for historic designation, "The public square is entirely open on the south half but on the north side is covered with a grove of oak trees. At the northernmost side, the heavy, undisturbed undergrowth around these trees completely obscures the street on the north side of the square—a portion of Dane Street—quite effectively isolating the two houses in that block."
2. Milton House, Milton
Yes you can snowshoe step into the hallowed grounds of history The Milton House, a hotel and one of the best preserved and remaining vestiges of the Underground Railroad which ran right through downtown Milton thanks in part to its' abolitionist, founder Joseph Goodrich. Equally impressive is the most prominent element of the old stagecoach hotel, the hexagonal, shaped structure dating back more than 175 years. Like Dr. Porter in Cooksville, Goodrich was an East-coaster with a vision of building a new community from the ground up in the sparsely populated, rural "territory" of Wisconsin. Ironically, Goodrich set about to establish his town of Milton (1841), abolitionist rooted and strict Baptist doctrine on U.S. government land essentially, forcibly taken away from the local populations of Sauk, or Ho-Chunk. In 1998 the Milton House Museum was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Not only can you traverse around the Milton House property and hotel in solitude but if you're really ambitious the Ice Age trail is nearby which connects Milton to Janesville.
3. Beckman Mill, Bill
Situated among a 50 acre park of wetlands, woods and garden the Beckman Mill is the ideal setting for outdoor active, families to time travel back to winter in mid-19th century, southern Wisconsin. Built in 1868, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places the Beckman Mill property is comprised of several buildings including an 1840s cooperage, creamery, and blacksmith What's more, the Beckman Mill does not open its' doors to the public until May 2021 meaning you have many uncrowded opportunities to be up and close to all the historic structures on the property.
Beckman Mill County Park is open year round to the public.
4. Airport Park, Janesville
Just 10 minutes from I-39/I-90, this tiny park a mere 2 acres in total, offers a thrill like no other park. Get close up and personal view of planes taking off and landing at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport.while you traverse the snow or stop for sip of hot chocolate from your thermos.
5. Leonard Leota Lake Park, Evansville
In the heart of downtown Evansville, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Leonard Leota Park is a quirky, fairyland or fancier, miniature golf-esque collection of small canals, and bridges with wooded overlook of Leota Lake. The lake itself is 40-acres and may offer hiking, snowshoeing opportunities as well, but check with the locals first. Know where the soft spots, or flowing water is, and what the fisherman are putting out there this time of year. If the anglers are getting ATVs out there chances are the ice is safe but still use caution and search for common used entry points to the lake which are generally the safest.
Lastly, good news the park is closed for the season so you will have even more room to spread out in and explore.You'll notice a number of fisherman's pickup trucks parked along Andres St just off Madison Street as they use the Leonord Leota Park's main entrance (closed) to bring their fishing gear in. This is a great access point to park and unload your gear from. Or you can go one block west to Grace Street where other trucks are parked and access the park from the top of the wooded hill on the west side.
Have fun and stay safe!
