Blog Post
TRAVELOG WI
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.
Amid a global pandemic Wisconsin families are reconnecting through outdoor traditions like ice fishing
"It's alot more families coming in, people who haven't been fishing in 10 years stocking up their tackle boxes," says Heather Yarrington, co-owner of Bite-Me Bait & Sport Shop in Mondovi. Her store like many in her industry have seen brisk sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People want to get out shake off some of that cabin fever.
Fishing is these modern times of Zoom, and Skype is about that rare, pleasurable moment of waiting. It's a chance for your mind to calm down and reconnect with nature. "What better way to social distance than fishing out on the ice," says Yarrington. She believes that pandemic has "people turning into outdoorsmen." in a big way.
Closer to home, Brian Huser, co-owner of Rock River Bait Box in Ft. Atkinson is seeing the
same trend, "It's exploded if you own a business selling an outdoor product line
your loving life."
Huser whose business was closed for 15 months due to flooding in 2018 was grateful
to see such a high volume of customers coming and buying fishing equipment and bait
spurred on by the pandemic.
Another pandemic trend that has helped local businesses such as Huser's is the growing
movement of customers seeking out small retail over the big box options.
"We'd rather buy from you than big box or go online. People really appreciate
me this business being here," says Huser.
But like many seasonal, outdoor sports the baseline costs for ice fishing gear can get pricey.
Thankfully, many fishing, outfitter businesses like Rock River Bait Box and
Bite-Me Bait & Sport Shop give their customers the option to rent everything from
collapsible ice shanties on sleds to augers, and fishing poles.
In this dire time of sadness and loss brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic it's hard to find a silver
lining. But if there is one it might be that families are reconnecting and enjoying more activities
together.
"I've seen hundreds of more families doing things, young and older, fathers with kids coming into the shop doing outdoor things getting in touch with nature. and hopefully carry on the tradition for
years to come,." says Brian Huser.
Want to give ice fishing a try? Buy a one-day fishing license for $10 online
Before you go you
Safety is paramount. Good ice conditions on open water are determined by how much snow cover is present and the consistent, number of below freezing, night time temperatures. Some tackle and bait shops like Papa's Live Bait and Tackle Shop in Necedah is not opening its' doors until the end of January due to the lack of substantial ice cover on nearby rivers and lakes.. Bite-Me Bait & Sport Shop in Mondovi is open now that the nearby Mississippi river is completely ice covered with minimal snow cover. Less (insulating) snow cover means a thicker sheet of ice able to support the weight of an ATV hauling an ice fishing, shanty.
You don't need a lot of upfront investment to try out the growing sport of ice fishing. Here are a few
suggestions from area bait and tackle shop owners.
Needs
- Fishing pole
- Bait or jig
- ice auger drill adapters.attachment for a cordless drill
- Waterproof boots with good traction
- Layers of clothing
- Thermos of favorite hot beverage
- Canvas, folding chair
Wants
If you find out that ice fishing is not a one time family adventure but a lifetime tradition you might
consider adding this list of wants to your needs.
- Ice fishing pole ($100-200)
- ATV ($3500-20000)
- Ice fishing sled ($55 - 95)
- Shanty ($250 - 600)
- The Artic Fisherman, ice fishing Tip Up made in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin ($25-75)
- Tent heaters ($18-100)
- Power Ice Auger ($200-400)
- GPS/sonar, fish finder ($200)
- Ice cleats ($9-20)
Wanting to know about where to fish and the ice conditions of lakes in our area?
Lakes Edition is excited to announce to our readers that starting the week of January 10
ice fishing season. You will find his weekly review of area lakes over at the Fish
section
here at Lakesedtion.com.
for everything fishing.
Lastly, remember to practice Selective Harvest
when out on the ice
to limit over fishing of native species. and keep the fish populations
viable for the health of our lakes and future anglers.
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.
