Wisconsin Tourism

Lambeau Field – Green Bay, Wisconsin

Editor — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:14:43 +0000

Undoubtedly, your first experience at Lambeau Field will be a memorable one. The stadium tour can be appreciated for its football history, architecture and, where else can you walk through the tunnel, head to the field and hear the crowd roar with excitement? Make sure you yell “GO Pack GO” as loud as you can! After the tour, stop inside the atrium at Frozen In Time Ice Cream for a cool treat.

The tour allows you to see several behind-the-scenes areas. The tour guides will lead you through the Lambeau Field Atrium, up to the exclusive Club Level for a look at the Legends Club, then down through the players tunnel and learn about the Green Bay Packers. Tickets are sold on a first-come first-served basis for each day’s available tours. Tickets go on sale at 9 AM Monday – Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday. During Training Camp the tickets go on sale at 8 AM.

Stadium Tour Ticket Prices

Adult Combo (18-61): $19 for Stadium Tour & Hall of Fame Admission
Adults (18-61): $11
Seniors (62+): $10
Military (with valid military ID): $10
Youth (12-17): $10
Student (with college student ID): $10
Children (6-11): $8
Children (5 and under): FREE
Lambeau Field will host its 54th season of football in 2010. The stadium had a facelift in 2003 expanding the only true retro-look in the entire league. The stadium can be used all year, not just during the games. Enjoy the Packets Hall of Fame and other functions.

Just outside the Atrium in the Robert E. Harlan Plaza, named in honor of the former team CEO (1989-2007), are bronze statues of team founder Curly Lambeau and legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

If you are lucky you can get tickets to the Miller Lite End Zone where you have a fabulous view of the field, open seating, beer vendors with little or no lines and heating for cold weather games. Along with that there are live radio broadcasts during the game. The Miller Light End Zone Party Deck holds up to 300 Packers fanatics. Only those 21 and older are allowed into the area.

Parking

Game Day Access Map (PDF)

The Lambeau Field parking lot opens four hours prior to kickoff. With the exception of a limited number of first come, first served parking for people with disabilities, the entire stadium lot is sold out to holders of season parking passes. Reserved season parking customers must enter the lot at the entrance indicated on their parking pass and follow the directions given by the parking attendants. No busses, R.V.’s or oversized vehicles are allowed in the Lambeau Field lot. For information on season parking, or to be added to the waiting list for season parking passes in the Lambeau Field lot, please contact the Packers Ticket Office at 920-569-7501.

Tailgating Tailgating is a time-honored tradition at Lambeau Field and while we encourage you to have a good time, please do so responsibly. Those utilizing the Lambeau Field parking lot will be permitted only one parking space per vehicle and we ask that you limit the space used for tailgating to allow for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Grill cooking with charcoal or L.P. gas is allowed; however, all grills must be supervised while in use and be fully extinguished before being left unattended. Separate containers are available in the lot for hot charcoals, recyclable items and trash.

Location:

Green Bay Packers, Inc.
Lambeau Field Atrium
1265 Lombardi Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54304

Phone: Main Switchboard 920.569.7500 Tickets: 920-569-7501

NEW Zoo – Green Bay, Wisconsin

Editor — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:57:09 +0000

The kids will love a trip to the N.E.W. Zoo where giraffes eat crackers from your hand and the prairie dogs put on an intriguing show. Ride the wildlife merry-go-round and the miniature zoo train. See the rare albino alligator “Lucky” and the playful young lions.

The opportunity to feed the giraffes is between 10 AM and 1 PM and again from 2 PM to 5 PM. It costs $1.00 for 2 giraffe crackers and is available at the giraffe stand.

The NEW Zoo is located 10 miles northwest of downtown Green Bay, within the Brown County Reforestation Camp. Together they sit on 1560 acres which serve over a half a million visitors each year. The NEW Zoo occupies 43 acres of this land. There are hiking trails, biking and nature trails that will have every outdoor enthusiast so pleased they will come back time and again.

There are 92 exhibits with over 215 live animals. The NEW Zoo is divided into several themed areas including the North American Plains, Wisconsin & Northern Trails, Africa, Australia, a Children’s zoo and an education building. The Zoo offers self-guided tours through dozens of animal exhibits as well as the educational programs for your enjoyment.

If you visit in the winter you can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the miles of unbroken forest land.

The miles of trails, picnic areas, trout ponds, and animal exhibits provide fun and enjoyment for the whole family. Visit the observation tower to see a good portion of the animal exhibits and lush habitat.

The NEW Zoo is open 7 days a week. Here you can escape the everyday life and have a fun day in nature and looking at the variety of animals in the zoo. You can take the KC Stock Safari Train around the grounds for just $2 per person, weather permitting. The train runs from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Zoo Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM

Admission: Children 2 years and under are FREE, 3 – 15 $3; Adult (16 and over) $5; Seniors (62 +) $3; Families $15.

Location: 4378 Reforestation Road
Green Bay, WI 54313

Phone: 920.434.7841

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary – Green Bay, Wisconsin

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:08:02 +0000

Those who would like to get up close and personal with animals should visit the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and its Nature Education Center. The sanctuary is a beautiful 700-acre urban wildlife refuge that is open to the public year-round. There is NO admission feeto visit the sanctuary. Green Bay’s largest city park features diverse forest, field, marsh and open water habitats. Bridges, boardwalks and seven miles of nature trails provide year-round access to wildlife. See deer, otters, wolves, cougar, snakes, wild turkey and more from the sanctuary’s observation tower.

You will probably want to visit the Observation Building/Resch Conservation Wing to be able to see live birds of prey, live songbirds, fruit bats, a boa constrictor, native fish in their tank, the animal nursery window (a favorite of everyone), and use the public restrooms that are available there. You can buy corn to feed the ducks and geese for $1 a bag but please, only feed them the corn, nothing else!

In 1935 the Sanctuary began as a waterfowl rehabilitation site and today it continues to receive over 4,000 inured, orphaned and sick animals each year. All those that can be released back into the wild are released. Those that cannot survive in the wild may be used by the staff as wildlife education ambassadors.

In the Nature Education Center you can participate in hands-on exhibits, see the Whistling Wings Art Gallery, the Estuary Room, spend some time in the library and again there are public restrooms available here.

When you are on the Wildlife Habi-Trek trail you will get to the Woodland Building and grassland Habitat where you will be able to witness wolves, cougar, bobcat, fisher and otter in the outdoor environment. Indoors you will see flying squirrels, mice and voles, mink, opossum, turtles and snakes. Then on to the Grassland Habitat where you will see White-tailed deer, wild turkey, coyotes, crows and ravens, be able to climb the observation tower and more.

There are a number of nature programs that you can participate in while you are in the area so check to see what will be going on while you are visiting.

Location:
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary
1660 East Shore Drive
Green Bay, WI 54302

Phone: 920.391.3671

Hours: April 15 – Sept. 15 8 AM – 7:30 PM at the Nature Center; Observation Building, Animal Care, Injured Animals 8 AM – 6:30 PM daily (call 920-391-3685); hiking trails from 8 AM to 4:30 PM daily; Woodland Building and Habitrek 9 AM – 6 PM daily.

From September 16 – April 14 hours are Nature center 8 – 4:30 daily, Observation building 8 – 4:30; hiking trails 8 – 4:30, Woodland Building and Habitrek 9 – 4:30 daily.

Bay Beach Amusement Park – Green Bay, Wisconsin

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:35:25 +0000

Bay Beach Amusement Park – Green Bay, Wisconsin

Just across the road from the wildlife sanctuary is Bay Beach Amusement Park. Entertaining more than 1 million guests each season, the park has 16 amusement rides with ride tickets just 25 cents each. Bay Beach has been a summer tradition for 50 years. In addition to the fun rides, the park consists of approximately 45 acres with 7 shelters, a dance hall, rest rooms, picnic areas, and playground, softball and volleyball areas.

This park has a fascinating history that make it well worth visiting, along with the Amusement Park the history shows how a piece of land can take on a life of its own. Originally purchased in 1892 by Mitchell Negedlo to be developed into a private beach resort named Bay View Beach, the idea was sound according to today’s standards, but with the roads being in such poor condition and the land swampy and mosquito infested it just didn’t take off. Since the mode of transportation at that time was the horse and buggy getting through to the area after a rain was impossible. Due to this Nejedlo sold the land to Captain John Cusick in 1908.

Cusick bought a steamboat and began transporting passengers from their dock just south of the Walnut Street Bridge to the new dock at Bay View Beach. The boat could haul up to 400 passengers. The dock extended 570 feet into the bay and was 8 feet wide. At the end where the boat anchored, there was a covered pavilion 30 by 30 feet.

Swimming became popular at Bay View Beach and the rental of swimsuits at 10 cents apiece became a gold mine for Cusick. On a good day the bathhouse took in as much as $450.00, and even though the suits were never quite dry or free of sand, people kept wearing them anyway.

The original pavilion was two stories and had two large winds. The downstairs center portion housed the dining rooms and a kitchen. The west wing served as a roller skating rink and the east was a dance hall.

There was a roller coster built in 1901 and torn down and replaced in 1929 but it was dismantled in 1936 due to insurance issues. Along with the roller coaster there was a Shoot-the-Chutes ride which was an early version of the log ride that is at many parks today. It cost the rider 10 for the ride but due to disastrous freezing and ice breakups the ride was destroyed after the 2nd or 3rd season.

By 1910, Bay View Beach had become a favorite recreation spot. In 1911, Frank Murphy and Fred Rahr bought out Cusick and incorporated their park with Cusick as manager. Several rides were added including a large roller coaster and a merry-go-round. Cusick was willing to try anything to draw a crowd. His attraction included balloon ascensions, baseball games and nightly dances in the pavilion. When Cusick left Bay View Beach in 1916 the park fell into a slump. In 1920 Murphy and Rahr donated the 11.66 acres to the city with the stipulation that it had to be used as a park and playground. The city shortened the name to Bay Beach and leased out the operation until 1950 when the Park and Rec department took over control.

The facility was busy with dance night where teens from all over Green Bay would come to dance. It is said that as many as 1,759 dance tickets were sold in one evening. During the 40’s dances were offered two nights a week and for 15 cents teens could divide their time between roller skating in the west wind and dancing in the east. Such greats as Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Tony Pastor, Tiny Hill and finally Lawrence Welk played there. By 1972 teen dances had phased out and were discontinued.

Today the rides are for everyone but focusing on the little ones you can make plans for them to ride in the Pony ride, Lady Bugs, the boats, the Granny Bugs, the little jeeps in bright colors, a race car, or the Sky Fighters. For the adults there is the slide which slide down on a burlap sack on the 100 foot slide, the Bay Beach Train, the bumper cars, the Ferris wheel, the Helicopter, the Scat, the merry go round, scrambler, tilt-a-whirl and the Yo-Yo.

There is no admission charge and parking is free. Ride tickets are $.25 each, with the rides requiring one or two tickets per rider. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office on the park grounds during regular operation hours.

Tickets for the live pony rides must be purchased at the pony ride site. Regular ride tickets will not be accepted at the live pony ride.

Hours for the park vary so check for times for the days that you want to attend.

Location: 1313 Bay Beach Road, Green Bay, WI

Phone: 920-448-3365

Email: jeanse@ci.green-bay.wi.us

Foxy Lady II

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:21:50 +0000

There’s no better place to take in the beauty and charm of the Green Bay area than aboard Wisconsin’s newest most luxurious dinner cruise yacht, the award winning Foxy Lady II. Vast windows line the luxury yacht, providing spectacular views from every seat in the house.

Amenities on board include two richly appointed, heated and air conditioned Salons, two full-service bars, a full galley, men’s and women’s restrooms, and two open air decks. Foxy Lady II is U.S. Coast Guard Certified for up to 149 passengers.

There are a number of cruises for the visitor to the area to enjoy, from the lunch cruise which is a 2 hour narrated adventure where you will be able to make your own sandwich from the buffet set up to the Lock-Thru lunch which is a 4 hour adventure through the DePere Locks. If you would rather go later in the day there is Cocktail Cruise that is a 2 hour cruise with drinks and snacks available for purchase. On the Thirsty Thursday you can have the same cocktail cruise but with two-for-one drink specials.

Maybe you want to try something like the Margarita Madness cruise which is 2 hours with a taco bar buffet. You can also learn about the points of interest on teh Fox River during the 1 1/2 hour cruise which is a sight-seeing cruise. There is also a Dinner Cruise, Itailian Buffet Dinner Cruise, the Captains Bruch or Hors D’ Oeuvres Cruise or the Friday Night seafood Buffet from which you can choose.

Phone: Call (920) 432-3699

Location: 1270 Main St., Green Bay, WI 54302

Heritage Hill State Historical Park – Green Bay, WI

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:04:27 +0000

Living history buffs can imagine themselves walking the same paths as the early settlers by taking a trip to Heritage Hill State Historical Park. This 50-acre living history park is beautifully nestled on the banks of the Fox River. Visitors are invited to explore the church, the farm and 23 other historic buildings representing four centuries (1600s to 1900s) of Northeastern Wisconsin’s rich heritage. Costumed guides throughout the park assist visitors in fun, like making butter at the farm, or designing an 1872 calendar in the print shop.

Fur Trade history is shared at the park with information about how the locaiton between the Mississippi and the Saint Lawrence Rivers made “LaBaye” a logical place for a fur trader to settle down. By the 1720’s bands of voyageur canoes set out each spring from Quebec, the capital of New France, bound for the Northwest with a cargo of French trade goods. Iron pots, axe heads, knives, needles, mirrors, and other metal goods were popular with the woodland tribes who had only used wooden and bone implements. Flintlock muskets, gunpowder, and shot helped to hunt animals for food, while Indians snared the fur bearing animals whose pelts made fine felt hats back in France. A trader at LaBaye could exchange last year’s cargo of metal, guns, cloth fabric, and blankets for a boatload of fine furs which he would take to the “rendezvous” at Mackinac. There in early summer traders from the great Lakes would meet the Montreal brigades who would take their furs back to Quebec in exchange for another winter’s worth of trade goods. The French fur traders were reliant on the native groups for food, a trade route, hunting grounds, pelts, and companionship. Out of this companionship grew the Meétis culture, a mingling of French fur traders and the Indian culture.

There is a cabin for you to see from circa 1800. This cabin was actually discovered when a house was being torn down in order to construct the Tilleman Bridge. It is constructed in the French style of piece-on-piece, meaning one log upon the other. There are grooved upright logs set in the ground at the corners, dorrs, and windows. The cracks are chinked to give it a tight fit.

Location: 2640 South Webster Ave., Green Bay Wisconsin 54301

Phone: 920-448-5150 (office hours are Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM)

Email: info@heritagehillgb.org

Lake Geneva Mailabot Tour – Lake Geneva, W

Editor — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:15:02 +0000

MAILBOAT TOURS AT LAKE GENEVA, WI

START JUNE 15; PASSENGERS WATCH JUMPERS HOP ON AND OFF PIERS TO DELIVER MAIL

At Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, “e-mail” translates into “energetic mail” delivery. Agile mail jumpers leap from the passenger boat to mailboxes, dockside. The catch? The boat never stops and the mail never comes back undelivered. It’s the only marine mail delivery of its type in the country and passengers get to go along for the ride.

Beginning every June 15, at 10 a.m., daily, young swift mail jumpers hop from the side of the moving tourist boat to mailboxes on resident piers to deposit the mail and then dash back to catch the boat. A boat load of 150 passengers watch the non-stop action on the 2.5 hour mailboat tour and applaud the jumper- a “stamp” of approval- as she or he leaps back and forth. You could call it a first-class tour where the jumpers take their job in stride.

Talk about “pier” pressure! On Sundays, the jumpers deliver big, bulky newspapers to resident piers. At one dock, a golden retriever dashes to the end of the pier to carry the Sunday paper up to his master.

In between close to 65 jumps, the mail hopper “addresses” the passengers as he or she describes the historic estate homes along the shore, once owned by Chicagoans of fame and fortune, including the Swifts, Maytags, Bordens, and Wrigleys. Mail jumpers hope for a dry run, but that’s not always the case. An unexpected swim sometimes results. The daily mailboat tour extends through September. On Sundays, newspapers are “jumper” dockside.

Cost to ride the historic Walworth II Mailboat is $29 for adults, $27 for seniors age 65 and over, $21 for students age 14 through 17 and $16 for children ages 4 through 12. Group rates are also available.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a variety of options including a combination narrated hike and boat tour, ice cream socials, Dixieland dinner cruises, Sunday champagne boat brunch, Black Point estate tours, private charters and more.

A unique way to see the shoreline hmes up close is to take a hike along eight miles of shoreline and then hop aboard one of the passenger boats for the rest of the tour. The up-close-and-personal self-guided tour follows a designated shoreline footpath with elegant mansions and manicured gardens to the right and Geneva Lake, beautiful boats, and lavish boathouses on the left.

Walkers buy cruise tickets at the Lake Geneva Cruise Line ticket office, Riviera Docks, downtown, before hiking over to the village of Williams Bay. The tour boat gives walkers time to walk the trail and then picks them up at the Williams Bay pier for the narrated boat cruise. Reservations are required. Additional walk and cruise options are available.

The unique tour is made possible because of an old law that requires the winding lake path around Geneva Lake be maintained and open to the public. As long as walkers stay on the path, they are not trespassing. Walkers should wear sturdy shoes because the walkway, originally a Native American Potawatomi footpath, ranges from stone, brick and wood planks to concrete ramps, sandy beach, steps, and packed dirt.

For more information (800) 558-5911

Into The Woods at Portage Center for the Arts, 301 E. Cook Street, Portage, WI 53901

Editor — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 05:38:22 +0000

The Zona Gale Young People’s Theatre production for 2010 is the musical “Into The Woods” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine. Artistic Director-Xan Johnson, Production Manager-Patrick Strain, Director-Ned O’Reilly, Vocal Direction-Mary Ott.

The Zona Gale Young People’s Theatre is a series of programs operated by the Portage Center for the Arts, Inc. The programs provide students with the opportunity to study with understanding from professional guest artists and teachers from Wisconsin and around the nation. It is developed to encourage highly motivated and gifted students in the theatre to consider majoring in theatre at the university level and to involve post secondary former students in returning to help with youth theatre activities. The program is committed to producing new dramatic works and classics of relevance by, with, and for children, youth, and the young at heart of all ages. Our specific mission is to provide quality live theatre and theatre education experiences to young people, families, and schools, with affordable public performances, tours, and workshops.

Each year they sponsor programs for the youth of our community, with workshops and a summer’s end production to give our youth a taste of the arts and the fun of live theatre. There are sessions for young children and for young adults. Therefore, if you don’t get to the produciton in 2010 check back in following years and make time to get involved, you will be glad you did.

About “into the Woods”: many familiar fairy tales have been transformed into countless ballets, films, and operas. From Sergei Prokofiev’s Cinderella to Jean Cocteau’s La Belle et la Bete to Gioacchino Rossini’s La Cenerentola, the magic of fairy tales have inspired myriad works for the stage and screen.

In the mid-1980’s, when a Broadway musical tended to be either a widely-acclaimed hit or a failure, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine were interested in creating a lighthearted, funny musical that would appeal to the middle group—a musical that would entertain a wide audience, but would not necessarily be a box-office smash. Lapine, who had loved fairy tales when growing up, at first conceived of a musical based on an entirely new fairy tale, but the notion of combining several already-cherished fairy tales in one work was rife with possibilities for slapstick humor and witty lyrics.

The resulting musical, Into the Woods, premiered on Broadway in 1987 and was heralded with three Tony Awards and nine nominations. In 1988, it was named best musical by both the Drama Desk and the New York Drama Critics Circle.

However, not all reactions to Into the Woods were favorable.

Rather than continuing the tradition of fairy tales with happy endings, Lapine and

Sondheim have kept true to Grimm’s original versions in Into the Woods, exploring some of the more dark and complex elements of fairy tales, thereby exploring some of the more dark and complex elements that occur in life.

Take the risk, engage your students in drama in the classroom and take them to experience live theatre – learning motivation, creative potential, and community will emerge. Dates for this wonderful show are August 13, 14 ,20, 21 at 7:30; August 15 & 22 at 2:00 pm. Seating is General Admission; Adults $12/Students $7.

301 E. Cook St.
P.O. Box 866
Portage, WI 53901
Phone: 608.742.5655
Fax: 608.742.0246

Green Bay Botanical Garden

Editor — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:29:09 +0000

Green Bay Botanical Garden Site Has Horticultural Past

Research into the history of the property Green Bay Botanical Garden (GBBG) has been developed on, reveals a horticultural past that ties the plans for the property into a kind of horticultural continuity. The NWTC property, or as it is commonly known, the old Larsen orchard was originally part of a vast acreage owned by the William Larsen family of Green Bay.

This acreage lay within the Town of Hobart, on what was once Oneida Indian Reservation land. According to a 1951 edition of “The Wisconsin Magazine,” William Larsen founded a wholesale fruit and vegetable business in 1882. He marketed the produce in the surrounding Green Bay area and expanded his business into a canning operation and founded what we know today as Agrilink Foods.

The Brown County register of deed office reveals that the 65-acre GBBG site was acquired by Larsen, parcel by parcel, in the early part of the 20th century. The earliest plots were bought in 1909, the latest in 1915. According to James Wagner, former treasurer of the Larsen Co. (now Agrilink Foods), apples from this orchard were canned into applesauce by the company during WWII. Apples were also sold at the company apple store, located near Larsen Co. on North Broadway. Later, the orchard became a pick-your-own operation, which was in business until the property began to be sold off.

After years of horticultural use, the property entered a transitional stage. In 1969, NWTC bought a 198-acre property, including the Larsen orchard on which the school was built. The orchard property was upgraded in the late 1970’s to encourage passive recreational use by the general public. Under the direction of NWTC, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a wetlands walkway and a lookout tower, established cross-country ski trails, and constructed the drainage system that resulted in the creation of the pond. The orchard site became a place for the general public to ski, hike, walk, startle a browsing deer, photograph a wildflower, and to enjoy seasonal changes.

In March of 1978, the nucleus group which later became Green Bay Botanical Garden came onto the scene. The group (named Plants in the Urban Environment) met to find ways to promote plants in Green Bay. A botanical garden sub-committee was formed which included Robert Mongin as chair, Jim Beard, Roger Murphy, Jerry Landwehr, Ray Pagel, Dave Parsons, Paul Hartman, Glenn Spevacek, and Sister Nivard Schaefer. This group began looking for possible botanical garden sites. Thirteen sites were chosen by November of 1978 including UWGB, the Wildlife Sanctuary, Brown Co. Mental Health Center and NWTC. Eventually the group selected NWTC as the top site based on detailed examination of criteria.

In March of 1982, Glenn Spevacek became chair of the group which developed bylaws, seated a board, and incorporated as a non-profit organization. Green Bay Botanical Garden, Inc. continued to pursue a garden site. Hartman says, “We started over completely, with an open mind as to what would be the best site.” The group looked at over twenty sites and measured them against the criteria. NWTC again was selected as the most suitable property in the spring of 1986. In November of 1987, NWTC approved the lease proposal.

As the site passed into the hands of GBBG, they not only inherited a piece of property with a horticultural tradition, but they began to build their own horticultural history. They will be the special stewards of the land. The botanical garden will be the next and final phase for the “old Larsen orchard”. Its history is ending, the Botanical Gardens is just beginning.

Neville Public Museum of Brown County – Green Bay, Wisconsin

Editor — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:59:40 +0000

Neville Public Museum of Brown County – Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Neville is a general museum focusing on art, history and science. It is one of the national museums that is accredited by the American Association of Museums. The primary focus is to the collection and preservation of significant objects relevant to Northeast Wisconsin as well as items from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The Museum contains over a million items in the permanent collections and even more if you ad in the temporary collections. There are historic artifacts, original artworks, archeological objects and still photographs and film for you to enjoy.

The first Museum opened in 1927 after a few years of using what space they could find in the library of the community. In 1983 a new building was constructed to house the growing collections. Today it is a thriving, interesting place to visit when you are in Green Bay.

The Permanent Exhibits include the Discovery Room where there are hands-on History, Science, and Art activities for children to explore. Here is also the Neville Photograph Collection with historic Packer photos and historic photos of Green Bay. There is a video theater showing 8 short videos of the relationship of the Packers to the local community including Vince Lombardi and other interesting information. You can also visit the Edge of the Inland Sea where you will experience a 12,000 year walk through time from the end of the Ice Age to the mid-20th century.

For the researcher the Museum offers a gold mine of information from artifacts to periodicals and photographs to an archival repository of manuscript materials, public records, maps, newspapers, and a special collections library.

The Neville Public Museum staff provides all possible assistance to users of the Neville’s collections. Handling of requests made on-site, by mail, or by telephone, may be limited by staff time, availability, and the nature of the request. A fee may also be charged.

The Museum participates in educational outreach programs. Working with the schools to provide trips to the Museum or visiting the school with objects that represent the collections is just part of the educational outreach. They hold programs during the school year and during the summer to educate the kids with entertaining and exciting programs.

Home school groups can sign up for the same programs as school year programs and summer programs. They must have a minimum of 8 people. Once a group has signed up, the museum will also send out an e-mail message to other home school groups that they can attend the same program. Cost is $1 per person.

Hours: Sunday – Noon to 5 pm and Monday – Saturday 9 am to 5 pm with Wednesday evenings free from 6 to 8 pm. Easter Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm, July 4th 12 noon to 9 pm (with Admission $2 per visitor), Christmas Eve 9 am to 5 pm and New Year’s Eve 9 am to 5 pm.

Directions:

From the North

Take US-41 South to the I-43 exit 171 to Milwaukee. Continue on I-43 South. Take the Atkinson Dr. South exit 189. Turn Right on Atkinson Dr. Turn Left on US-141 S. Turn Right at Museum Pl.

From the South (Milwaukee)

Take I-43 North to the WI-172 West exit 180 to A. Straubel Airport. Take the CR-X exit to Riverside Dr. Turn Right at Riverside Dr. Turn Left at Walnut St. Turn Right at Museum Pl.

From the South (Appleton)

Take US-41 North to US-41 Business exit 163B to Ashland Ave. Continue on Ashland Ave to Walnut St. Turn Right at Walnut St. Turn Left at Museum Pl.

Parking:

The main museum parking lot is adjacent to the North side of the building. It is well lit and has ample handicap parking spaces. There is no cost to park in this lot for museum visitors.

Address: 210 Museum Place, Green Bay, WI 54303-2760

Phone: 920-448-4460

Email: generalinfo@nevillepublicmuseum.org

Walk of Legends, Green Bay, WI, USA

Editor — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:42:27 +0000

The Walk of Legends public art project is a placemaking effort created by arts advocate and Green Bay native, Sandi Campbell. Campbell, along with her daughter, artist/designer, C. McLain Campbell transformed a former industrial space east of Lambeau Field, through the creation of this mile-long walkway that is lined by 24 historic, engraved-granite-and-steel statues that collectively chronicle the evolution of pro football in Green Bay, WI – the smallest city amongst those with NFL franchises and first to win a dozen world football championships.

The statues line streets of Lombardi Avenue District that were named in honor of the legends of Green Bay football, among them: Lombardi Avenue, Bart Starr Drive, Tony Canadeo Run, Reggie White Way, Brett Favre Pass and Holmgren Way. Statues on “the Walk” are in two styles, each representing football formations; 11 trapezoid-shaped statues with football finials line Lombardi Avenue east of Lambeau and document, in decade increments, various eras in Green Bay football history beginning in 1895, with the inception of the game, and ending in the present day.

Another 12 rectangular-shaped statues with steel numeric finials honor individual legends and one other statue honors Coach Vince Lombardi. The Walk begins at the corner of Lombardi Avenue and South Oneida Street, traverses Lombardi Avenue east, past Holmgren Way and Reggie White Way, to Bart Starr Drive, Tony Canadeo Run and Brett Favre Pass.

The project was sponsored by the Oneida Tribe of Indians of WI whose tribal members were early pioneers of the game of football in Green Bay in its semi-pro era. The granite material for the monolithic monuments symbolizes both the Seven Blocks of Granite of which Coach Vince Lombardi was one and also the “People of the Standing Stone,” the name for those of Oneida descent.

Information about the Oneida Tribe of Indians of WI, its people, practices and philosophies is also included on statues on the Walk, making the experience one of both cultural relevance and historical significance.

The Walk of Legends is free and open to the public.

Photos may be taken by the statues.

Phone: (920)328-8516

The Spice & Tea Exchange of Green Bay

Editor — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:34:26 +0000

A WORLD OF FLAVORS AWAIT YOU! You are invited to “Come in and Smell the Spices”.
The owners would like to personally invite you to enjoy a truly amazing sensory experience! The shop is located in Ashwaubenon/Green Bay; across from Bay Park mall in the Village at Bay Park (JC Penney) shopping center, and next-door to Seroogy’s Fine Chocolates. There you will find a wonderful array of more than 120 Spices and Herbs from around the world: including True Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka, whole Vanilla Beans from Madagascar, authentic Spanish Mancha Saffron, West African Grains of Paradise, Aji Amarillo Pepper Powder from the Peruvian Amazon, Sassafrass, Green and Brown Cardamom Pods, Lavender, Lemongrass, Juniper Berries and six different types of Paprika. However, they are most famous for their 60+ custom Seasoning Blends that are hand-mixed right in the store! They have tasty meat rubs such as their best selling Backwoods Hickory and the popular Espresso Steak Rub, blends for fish and seafood, cultural offerings like our Greek, Tuscany, Korean BBQ, Thai Coconut, Mexican Mole’, Jamaican Jerk and Chinese 5-Spice Blends, a variety of Curries and a large assortment of “salt-free” blends.
They also offer a variety of Teas; including such traditional favorites like Oolong, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey. For those who prefer more unique flavors, we have selections such as Pear Caramel, Black Chocolate, Mango, Green Tropical and the very popular Mystic Dragon. The Bombay Chai is considered one of the finest Chais available: and the Almond Cookie, and Cinnamon Spice teas are perfect for the Holidays or as a dessert-style beverage following a special meal.
For birthdays, weddings, house-warmings, Holidays, and other occasions, the assortment of Gift Boxes, Spice Racks, Mortar and Pestles, Salt Cellars, and Tea Accessories make wonderful and unique gifts that your special someone will always remember…..and appreciate!
They also offer naturally flavored sugars such as Raspberry, Coconut, Strawberry, and even Espresso Sugar to name a few. Try adding some to your favorite tea as a flavorful sweetener, or use as a topping for cookies and muffins! For fun, rim your favorite drink glasses. The possibilities are endless (and tasty)!
They have over two dozen Sea Salts from around the world, including mineral salts, cooking salts and smoked salts. They also carry the latest salt sensation: Bolivian and Himalayan salt blocks and platters.
The list of the offerings is impressive, but to experience the store for yourself is worth a thousand words. Stop in and enjoy the hospitality offered by the owners and staff.
Gary and Diane Smits,Owners
Phone: (920)405-6666
email: greenbay@spiceandtea.com

Where in Wisconsin is the Hedge Row Chalets located”?

Thu, 27 May 2010 06:47:59 +0000

They looked like an A-frame cabin and they had a loft with a spiral staircase and they were on a hill.. I believe it was in northern Wisconsin. We had been in the UP and came down through Wisconsin to Illinois. We are planning a vacation to Wisconsin and staying there again would certainly be another highlight of our trip. We spent Saturday night there and attended mas the next morning and ate lunch in Iron City.PLEASE if anyone knows let me know. PLEASE

Where in Wisconsin is the Hedge Row Chalets located”?

Warmest places in Europe to spend Christmas?

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:45:06 +0000

I am trying to convince my parents to go to Europe for christmas but my mom does not like the whole weather thing even though we live in wisconsin. Her and my dad have always wanted to go to Italy so that could be a great option. I wanted to pick something that was kinda like the weather in springtime in the midwest her in the states. Anything like that? No islands like the Canary Islands and the less beaches there are the better. Could you please add a few cities there and main “attractions”. Thanks!

Warmest places in Europe to spend Christmas?

What are your thoughts about Wisconsin’s new travel logo:?

Travel Writer — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:53:33 +0000

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090317/ap_on_re_us/rebranding_wisconsinI live in Northern Illinois and have been there many times – but this really doesn’t make me want to go there or define Wisconsin’s tourism. When I think of WIsconsin – I think of Door County, Green BayLake Geneva, Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee, Algoma, Three Lakes and Racine…lakes, rolling terrain, trees, dairy cows, cheese, summer festivals, waterparks, you know. What do you Wisconsinites think of your new logo??

What are your thoughts about Wisconsin’s new travel logo:?

The Historic Octagon House – Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:00:11 +0000

The Historic Octagon House – Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

This house was built in 1856 to be an Indian fort, and later was used as part of the Underground Railroad. There are 12 rooms in the home which features 9 passageways and a hand-dug underground tunnel. The house is a private residence now (and has been) but the owners do provide showings for a fee when reservations are made in advance.

The house is on the National Register of Historic Homes. The house was a wedding gift to Edwin Brown and his bride Ruth Pier and was their home until his death in the battle of Antietam, in 1862.

Although there are other houses that are far prettier than this one to look at, few have the history of this home. It sheltered slaves as they made their way to freedom. It is at the head of Fond du Lac’s Historic District, and artifacts from the era.

The Upstairs Study contains memorabilia from the Women’s Relief Corps, a group formulated of dedicated ladies who originally went out onto the battlefields providing food, water and first aid to the soldiers in battle. Today this organization would be called the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, providing assistance to the soldiers. The house was named as a post of the Women’s Relief Corps during the Civil War.

In the south bedroom you will see the “Indian Lookout” windows. As you look at the room you will see that part of the room is set up on a platform. Here is an area that was the entrance to a “secret room” for the slaves. One even left a message that you can see. You can crawl in and see for yourself.

Inside the house are displays of porcelain dolls, hats, early cookware, vintage china, heirloom clothing and much more. You can check out the hat pins, jewelry fancies, perfume bottles and seasonal collectibles all here. Keep looking and you will find antique tools, vintage photo equipment and kerosene lamps all to help you grasp the lifestyle of the era.

The Historic Octagon House is open April – October on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 – 5. Guided tours are given at 2.

While you are visiting you can “play dress up” in period cloths although there is an additional fee for this.

Location: 276 Linden St, Fond du Lac

Phone for tours: 920-922-1608

There is a fee charged for tours.

Leinenkugel’s Historic Brewery Tour – Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:59:34 +0000

Leinenkugel’s Historic Brewery Tour – Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Enter the world of the 7th oldest operating brewery in the nation. It all began when brewer Matthias Leinenkrugel brought his family to the US from Germany in the 1840’s. Although the family originally settled in Sauk City the third son, Jacob, traveled north to Chippewa Falls. He was convinced that the lumberjacks and lumber-booming economy of the area was an ideal location for his own brewery.

The brewing of Leinendugel’s Beer began for Jacob in 1867 and has been continued for 140 years and five-generations. With all the trials they have survived, such as prohibition, WWII and some really fierce competition it has grown to become the leading craft brewer in the Upper Midwest.

They offer in addition to their year-round offerings—Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, Honey Weiss, Berry Weiss, Red Lager, Creamy Dark, Original, and Light, they also offer seasonal beers—Oktoberfest, Apple Spice, and Big Butt Doppelbock.

The beer brewed by this brewery is a handcrafted beer of great taste. If you are looking for a high-quality full-flavored beer then you really want to try one of theirs.

The brewery was built by Jacob and his friend form Sauk City, John Miller. When it was first begun there were no employees working the brewery except for Jacob and John. Jacob brewed and kegged 400 barrels of beer the first year and John delivered it using a small cart and one horse. At the time both families lived in the brewery in a building 24 ft by 50 feet. Not such a huge area for a brewery and home but it was a start.

A few years later John and Jacob both built their homes on brewery property. There were 17 years that they two were partners in the brewery but in early 1884 John sold his interests to Jacob and the firm began a period of single proprietorship. At that time Jacob employed just 8 men.

In 1890 a four-story brewhouse was erected and production increased to 200 barrels a day. With the construction of an ice house with storage underneath the facility provided cellage for 8,000 barrels of beer. In following years a three-story malt house, a bottling house, barns for the delivery horses and a copper shop were added.

Jacob died in 1899. Following his leadership the second generation began running the brewery. Matt Leinenkugel became the president of the company.

To survive the years of Prohibition the brewery started making soda water. At the end of prohibition Leinenkugels’ was the largest bottler of soda water in the area.

With the death of Matthias in 1926 and his associate Henry Casper in 1927 the running of the brewery moved on to Susan Leinendugel Mayer who served as president until 1929.

When Prohibition was ending the brewery demanded upgraded equipment so the family mortgaged their homes to help buy it to revitalize the brewing operation. For the next 71 years the brewery would be in a constant state of upgrading.

Tours of the brewery began around 1967. With the demand of tours and wanting to taste the beers produced by the company becoming more demanding the brewery build the Leinenkugle Hospitality center in 1979.

You are invited to come and tour the facility and sample the brews. The tours start and end at the Leinie Lodge and if FREE. To maintain the tradition of old-world hospitality they request that you call in advance for the tour.

Directions: From Chicago/Milwaukee on I-94:

Take I-94 West to Eau Claire, exit 70 (first Eau Claire exit) Highway 53 North
Go North 12 miles to Highway 124 North
Follow Highway 124 into Chippewa Falls
From Twin Cities on I-94:

Take I-94 East to Chippewa Falls, exit 52 – Highway 29 East
Follow Highway 29 East 20 miles into Chippewa Falls
Take exit 72 (Business 29). Travel approximately 4 miles into Chippewa Falls.
Follow Highway 124 North signs
From the East on Highway 29 (Wausau)

Take exit 79 (Seymour Cray Blvd.), turn right onto Businees 29 and follow signs to Downtown and Highway 124 North.
Continue traveling on Highway 124 through Chippewa Falls, turning right onto E. Elm St.
From the North (Superior)

Take exit 99 off of Highway 53 North (County Highway S), turn left at the bottom of the exit.
Travel 2 miles to the roundabout intersection at Highway 124, take Highway 124 South, travel 2 miles turning left on E. Elm St.
Once in Chippewa Falls:

Follow Highway 124 to the Elm St. intersection.
Turn onto E. Elm Street., (you’ll see the Leinie Lodge on your left)
Free parking is located behind the Leinie
Lodge.

Tour Hours:

Monday-Thursday & Sat.:
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tours every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday:
Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with tours every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday:
Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with tours every half hour from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Leinie Lodge is closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Maximum 15 people per tour. Reservations recommended. Parts of the brewery tour are outside; please dress appropriately for the weather. The tour involves a lot of standing, walking and stair-climbing. We offer a video tour as an alternative.

To make a reservation, please call:
888-LEINIES or 715-723-5557

Phone: (888-534-6437) or (715)723-5557

Wind Point Lighthouse – Wind Point, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:28:06 +0000

Wind Point Lighthouse – Wind Point, Wisconsin

This lighthouse was built in 1880 and is the oldest and tallest in operation on Lake Michigan. The Lighthouse was fully automated in 1964. Caretakers live in part of the Dwelling with the other part being used as a town hall with the grounds being open to the public. The grounds are open every day of the year for your enjoyment. You can go anytime between sunrise and 11 p.m. when it is closed.

The tower is open on the second Sundays in June, July, August, September, and October. Due to the high demand to see for miles at the top of the lighthouse, reservations are necessary. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is a $10 per person admission. Those interested in a tour should contact Friends of the Wind Point Lighthouse at 262-639-2026. Twelve people at a time can climb to the top every 20 minutes. The funds raised are used for the Friends of the Lighthouse to maintain and preserve the structure and to offer educational programs to schools.

In addition to seeing the expansive view, climbers can expand their minds and learn about lighthouses. Guides will answer questions and back down on ground level, a small building, which used to house the fog horn, has been turned into a maritime museum. Glass cases hold a range of Wind Point artifacts. Kids can push a button and sound a fog horn.

The tower is 108 feet tall and is attached to the keepers dwelling by a covered passageway. The dwelling was home to the Head Keeper and two assistants and their families. To get to the tower top you need to climb 144 cast iron steps, each individually anchored to the walls and supported by a central column, this leads to the lantern room.

With the addition of a fog signal in 1900 and powered by steam the signal could be heard from a distance of 40 miles out in the lake.

The tower originally was outfitted with a kerosene-fired Third Oder Fresnel lens but in 1924 it became the second station of all the Great Lakes lights to be electrified. Then in 1964 the electrified Fresnel lens was replaced with a DCB-24 Aerobeacon with an output of 2,000,000 candle power. Since the station towers 110 feet at its focal plane the light is visible for a distance of nineteen miles. In 1964 the fog signal was dismantled and removed.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 1997, the National Park Service awarded ownership of the property to the Village of Wind Point although the Coast Guard still maintains the light as a public navigation aid.

The village of Wind Point had leased the buildings from the Coast Guard since 1964.

For more information on tours to the top of the lighthouse, please contact Jeff or Missy Peterson 262-639-3777.

Location: Won Wind Point, 3.5 miles north of Racine, WI.

Travel Instructions: From Highway 32 roughly 3 miles north of the harbor in Racine, turn east on Three Mile Road and follow it to where it turns left and becomes Lighthouse Road. Follow Lighthouse Road for just over a mile. You will pass through a golf course and the lighthouse will then be down a short road on your right.

The lighthouse caretakers are Mike and Susan Arts.

Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery – Highland, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:39:02 +0000

Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery – Highland, Wisconsin

Taste these delightful wines produced from Wisconsin cherries, cranberries and honey. Of course there are the wonderful grapes that grow on the 16 acres located on the hill tops surrounding the winery which produce the wineries fabulous line of grape wines.

The variety of wines available at the winery will have you wondering if you can try and then buy them all! There is the dry red and dry white grape wines which begin the line for this winery. You have the choice of semi-sweet red, white and blush to also tempt your taste buds and for the sweet tooth among you there sweet grape wines, fruit wines and mead (honey wine) to finish off the choices.

Take the time to take a tour of inside the winery with tours offered from April through October. There are full-guided tours discussing grape growing and care plus the in-depth steps to wine making. You will learn how the equipment works to produce the quality the winemaker insists upon. Then take a hike to the grape vines at the top of the hills and see just how the whole process begins.

Glen, Mary and James Spurgeon will welcome you to their winery. The hospitality you will experience will make you glad you chose to visit here. Join them for samples of their wines, eat some of the finest cheeses produced in Wisconsin, eat a grilled buffalo burger from 11:30 – 4:00 pm.

Come to the winery during harvest time and see how very busy everyone is preparing the grapes and fruits for the production. Maybe you will be there in time for the Harvest Festival in October. There will be hayrides through the vineyards if the weather permits, free winery tours, free Taste of Wisconsin: wine, jelly, wine salami and wine cheese spread made form their premium wines. There will also be live music as well as the grilled buffalo burgers.

Location: 5 miles west of Highland on County Hwy Q (follow the signs)

Hours: 10 – 5 everyday January 2 – December 23 except Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day. Other times by appointment. If you have a group of 15 or more they request that you call in advance.

Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery
16008 Pine Tree Road
Highland, WI 53543

Phone: (608) 929-7692
Free: (800) 236-5555

Steelhead Fishing – Algoma, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:14:41 +0000

Steelhead Fishing – Algoma, Wisconsin

If you are looking for one of the most exciting types of fishing available for you it may well be steelhead fishing in the Lake Michigan tributary streams. Here you will find the steelheads (rainbow trout) that have come in from the open waters of the lake to the tributaries to spawn. While they are there, for the short period of time they are there, they are in range of the fly or spinning rod.

Wisconsin stocks three different strains of rainbow trout and each run at different times of the year. Two of the strains are the Ganaraska and the Chambers Creek River. These two have later winter/early spring runs that typically occur between late February and Mid-April. Occasionally the runs are later depending on how soon it begins to warm up. At the first warming the fish will show up.

Fishing for these fish is a real challenge. It is similar to hunting and fishing at the same time. The fish are very wary so it takes real patience and talent to get them to take the bait. You really have to stalk them very carefully. They are uncomfortable in the small tributaries so they get easily spooked.

Reeling the fish in is also a challenge. Since they are often between 10 and 18 pounds they certainly can take a line and snap it if you don’t play them correctly. You had better be ready to run with them, its part of the hunt.

Wisconsin has many Lake Michigan tributary streams that support fine steelhead runs. The most popular streams for steelhead fishing along Lake Michigan include the Kewaunee, Root, Oconto, Manitowoc, Menominee, Milwaukee, East Twin, Peshtigo, Ahnapee, and West Twin rivers. Smaller steelhead streams include the Pigeon, Little, Pike, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic rivers; Stony, Oak, Heins, Sauk, Whitefish Bay, Fischer, Silver, and Reibolts creeks.

The DNA gives the following assistance to those wanting to try for steelheads.

"When to go: Although spring rains bring steelhead into our streams, they are hard to catch until water levels recede and clarity increases to the point where you can see the fish, they can see your bait, and they have enough water depth to feel comfortable in a “small” tributary stream. When water levels are “just right,” make sure you’re out fishing. Start early, best fishing is at just daybreak.

What to bring: You’re going to need waders and a landing net of at least two feet in diameter. A fishing vest with lots of pockets is great to have. Use a magnet-style, landing net holder that keeps your net on your back and out of the way while you’re fishing but within easy reach when you need it.

What to use when you can’t see the fish: A long spinning rod spooled with at least a 10-pound test is best for fishing runs and pools where the fish congregate. Try drifting a spawn-sac or small tube jig suspended by a bobber so that your bait floats just off the stream bottom. Add sinkers sufficient to get your bait just rolling along the stream bottom. Your goal should be to drift your bait right into the face of that unseen steelhead lying along the bottom. Set the hook at the slightest unusual movement of your bobber. Many anglers tip their jig with a wax worm or two.

What to use when you can see the fish: A long and stiff fly rod with at least a 2X (10-pound) leader works best. Watch for fish in early mornings and evenings as they build their “redds” or gravel spawning nests at the head of riffles. Keep your profile low, use polarizing sunglasses and wear dark clothes. Steelhead can see color and are easily spooked. Quietly and slowly get into position below and off to the side of the fish you see. Tease the fish with a fly or spawn sac by repeatedly tossing your fly upstream and letting the fly drift as close to the fish as possible. Commonly-used flies are the egg-sucking leach as well as any brightly-colored spawn sac imitation. Use sinkers on your leader if necessary to get the fly at the exact level occupied by the trout. Local bait shops will easily help you select the “hot” flies to use. Be courteous and don’t intrude into another angler’s territory or spook any fish he or she may hunting.

Keep your expectations realistic. Like all fish, sometimes steelhead bite and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes their strike is quite reserved; other times they literally jerk the rod out of your hand. Don’t get discouraged. Even the best steelhead anglers are constantly trying new methods to meet the conditions they face. Watch successful anglers and imitate their methods. Should you finally hook one, be prepared for a downstream run across an uneven and rocky stream bottom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Schumacher – 414-263-8672"

Come to Wisconsin and take the challenge, you will be glad you did.

Cave of the Mounds – near Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb, WI

Travel Writer — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:18:11 +0000

Cave of the Mounds – near Blue Mounds and Mount Horeb, WI

This National Natural Landmark is an excellent way to get introduced to caving in the Midwest. The cave is recognized by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as "the significant cave of the upper Midwest."

Here you will be able to view a wide array of colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other formations. Since the cavern began forming over a million years ago it has some of the stunning beauty that only such limestone caves can hold. Imagine the time it took for the large caverns to be dissolved within rock that itself is believed to be over 400 MILLION years old!

The lower part of the Cave was formed by the rushing water of an underground stream. The Cave is a great display of both chemical and mechanical processes of cave formation.

When the heat of summer gets to be too much for comfort a visit to the Cave will be a wonderful relief since the temperature inside is 50 degrees. There are also park-like grounds for you to enjoy on a hike or picnic. Then the rock garden is another place to enjoy visiting while at the Cave.

There are two large hills which have long been Wisconsin landmarks and therefore the name of Cave of the Mounds (the Blue Mounds.)

The Cave of the Mounds was discovered by accident on August 4, 1939 when workers were removing high quality limestone from a quarry on the Brigham Farm blasted into the cave. The cave was opened to the public in 1940.

Tours last approximately 1 hour although extended programs are available year round for schools and groups. Tours depart rain or shine.

Tour schedule:
Winter (November – March ) Weekends – on the hour, 10 – 4 (last tours leaves at 4). Weekdays – Hours vary, call 608-437-3038 to find out if there are any on the day you wish to visit.

The Cave is closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Day.

Spring: Friday before Memorial Day Weekend: Weekdays – On the hour, 10 – 4 and weekends – 30 minute intervals from 9 – 5. (last tour at 5)

Summer: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend: Weekdays and weekends 30 minute intervals, 9 – 5 (last tour 5)

Fall: Tuesday after Labor Day Weekend – Weekdays – on hour 10 – 4 and Weekends 30 minute intervals from 9 – 5.

Cost:
Adults $14, Children (age 4 -12) $7, Children (3 and under) Free with paid adult.
These rates may change without notice.

Location: 20 miles west of Madison just off US Highway 18 and 151 between Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds.

Specific Directions:

Coming from…….

Madison: Take the Beltline, Hwys 12/18 to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Fun Fact

The Cave was discovered in a routine quarry blast.

Learn more fun facts.

Milwaukee: Take I-94 West towards Madison. Just east of Madison, take exit 4A, I-90E/I-39S towards Janesville. Go 4 miles. Then take exit 142A, Hwys12/18 West (also called the "Beltline"). Continue 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also known as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Chicago: Take I-90 North, bypassing Rockford and Janesville. Just south of Madison, take left hand exit (#142A) Hwys 12/18 West. Go 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Rockford: Take Hwy 51 North to I-90 West towards Madison.Just south of Madison, take left hand exit (#142A) Hwys 12/18 West. Go 7 miles to exit 258, Hwys 18W/151S (Dodgeville exit, also know as Midvale Blvd or Verona Road). Go 25 miles. We are just 5 miles West of Mount Horeb. Exit on Cave of the Mounds Road (no exit ramp). We are 1/2 mile north of 18/151.

Wisconsin Dells: Take Hwy 12 East towards Madison. Cave Just past Sauk City take 78 South into Mount Horeb. At the roundabout, turn right onto Hwy. ID (Also called Main Street or Springdale Street). Take this out of Mount Horeb for about 5 miles and turn right on Cave of the Mounds Road.

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:53:07 +0000

Canoeing Around the Apostle Islands

The Apostle Islands are a group of more than twenty islands on Lake Superior found just off the Bayfield Peninsula in northern Wisconsin. The islands were the spiritual home of the Chippewa natives that lives in the area. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore also encompasses 12 miles of mainland waterfront.

Seeing all of these wonderful and different islands by canoe or kayak can be an incredible experience. However, you should keep an eye on weather conditions and if it appears as though a storm is coming in or that the water is getting choppy, you should immediately make your way off the lake. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Before heading onto the lake, you should have a map of the island and a distance chart so you can plot your course. You can travel to any of the islands, such as Devil’s Island, Cat Island, Manitou Island, and Otter Island. You can find campsites at these islands, but make sure you have the proper permits before you set up camp!

Another feature that you might want to check out while paddling around the islands is the sea caves. Be careful not to get too close, however, as the waves can make your canoe extremely difficult to control. Only approach the sea caves when conditions on the water are calm. Devil’s Island is a great place to get a look at some sea caves. You can also check out the lighthouse on its shores.

Some of the islands are home to black bears, so you should always be sure to have your food stored securely and away from your campsite whenever you are stopping on an island, whether you are camping or just stopping for lunch. Also, anything that you bring with you to the islands, you should take back out with you – no littering.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is open to the public year round, but hours that the visitor center is open vary depending on the season. When you first come to the islands, it is a good idea to visit Bayfield Visitor’s Center. You can learn more about the islands’ histories and pick up camping permits if you plan to stay overnight. You can park at Little Sand Bay or Meyer’s Beach, which will cost a small parking fee.

With so many places to paddle to, the Apostle Islands are sure to bring you back again and again.

Peck’s Wildwood Wildlife Park – Minocqua, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:29:50 +0000

Spend a Beautiful Day at Peck’s Wildwood Wildlife Park

When traveling through the beautiful north woods of Wisconsin, you will find a wonderful place to visit. Peck’s Wildwood Wildlife Park is located very close to the town of Minocqua, and makes a wonderful place for the whole family to get away and have a fun day. People love that they can get very close to the animals here – it makes for a great experience and great photos.

You will encounter hundreds of different animals, birds, and reptiles while walking along the beautiful, landscaped trails at the park or taking the safari train ride. You can see bears, mountain lions, coyotes, fox, lynx, wolves, and more. You can even attend one of the Discovery Programs and learn all about the different types of wildlife they keep at the park.

Many of the animals at the park are from North America, but quite a few do hail from other places around the globe. Zebras, camels, and kangaroos, are always popular with visitors.

One of the most popular places in the park is the nursery, where you and your own little ones can meet some of the cutest and funniest baby animals around. You will see a variety of different animal babies in the nursery, including ferrets, skunks, owls, bears, and woodchucks.

Another fun attraction is the boat rides, which will whisk you past an authentic Native American dwelling, around a beaver house, and past some lifelike recreations of bears, alligators, and snakes.

In addition to visiting all the animals, you can even try your hand at fishing. You can fish for trout in their trout pond, and you don’t even need a license. You only pay for the fish you catch. The staff at the park will even clean the fish and put them on ice for you. You have a great day at the park AND catch your own dinner!

Don’t forget to check out the Wild Den gift shop and grab a couple of fun souvenirs to remember you trip to this great wildlife park. If you get hungry, you will also find snack stands where you can quench your thirst and stop the rumbling in your belly. If you prefer, a picnic area is available where you can eat your lunch.

Pecks Wildwood Wildlife Park is open May through the middle of October, and is located near the picturesque Lake Minocqua. It is just a short drive from the park to town.

Harley Davidson Museum – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:11:47 +0000

Harley Davidson Museum – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

With 105 years of history under its belt the Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be honored with this new museum located in Milwaukee! The museum opened its doors in July of 2008 to showcase the legendary Harleys by showing over 150 motorcycles, historical photos and biking apparel.

Are you an Elvis Presley fan? Did you always want to see the Harley 1956 KH model purchased the year he had a #1 hit with Heartbreak Hotel? You can see it at the museum! Remember the movie Easy Rider? There is a replica of the “Captain America” chopper from this 1969 movie just waiting for you to see. There were two originals but they were destroyed during the filming of the movie so the replica is all that is left.

You can join the museum as a member and receive the benefits that are member directed only, or you can go to visit the museum without becoming a member, either are welcome.

When the museum construction began the organizers decided that the appropriate manner to “break ground” was to have a Harley do the work. With this in mind they had “Legendary Harley-Davidson dirt track racer Scott Parker performed a burnout on a XL 883R Sportster motorcycle sending dirt flying off the spinning rear tire.” What a statement that makes to the dedication of having Harley-Davidson motorcycles the total focus of the museum.

Situated in downtown Milwaukee this 80 ft tall structure lets everyone know that Milwaukee, where the motorcycles are built, is proud to have such an outstanding museum to offer the public.

The museum offers a 20-acre Menomonee Valley oasis; the grounds feature green open spaces, more than 700 trees and native plants, and park benches providing a relaxing setting and beautiful views of the riverfront – all free of charge and accessible to the public 24 hours a day. The H-D Museum wants this to be a family environment honoring the history and remembrances of the Harley-Davidson impact on the culture of a series of generations.

The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the latter half of the 20^th century with its stories of designs, corporate changes, motorcycle displays and a feeling of euphoric joy at being among the world’s number one motorcycle history!

The second floor begins your tour by riding "The Road," a chronological gallery of one-of-a-kind motorcycles that bring to life the primary exhibit timeline.

Location & Hours of the Museum:

Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 Canal Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Summer Hours: May – October are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9-6 and on Wednesday from 9 – 8. Weekends are from 9-6

Winter Hours: November – April are weekdays from 10 – 5 and weekends from 9 – 6.

Admission: Adults 18 – 64 are $16; Children 5 – 17 are $10; Children under 5 are FREE. Students (with ID) and Seniors over 64 are $12.

Come to the museum to meet others that are Harley lovers or to get the Harley bug yourself. It’s not just a motorcycle, it’s a Harley-Davidson!

H-D Museum, HD Museum

Museum of Historic Torture Devices – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:50:19 +0000

Museum of Historic Torture Devices – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Be so glad you are not forced to experience these items personally. This is a collection from all over the world and located in downtown Wisconsin Dells.

The displays include such things as The Rack Thumbscrews The Inquisitor’s Chair The Cucking (Dunking) Stool The Breaking Wheel The Heretic’s Fork Iron Gag The Dreaded Chinese Death Cage Many More.

All of these things were legal at one time and were frequently used by powerful governments, armies and religious institutions to punish, kill, interrogate, humiliate, and maim those that didn’t agree with their way of thinking or didn’t follow their instructions.

There are over forty shocking exhibits describing implements of suffering used in nearly every corner of the globe. Exhibits include torture devices, graphic images and detailed descriptions. The descriptions are in English and Spanish.

There are new displays that arrive on occasion, the newest is the John Wayne Gacy: The torture King of Chicago. There aren’t a lot of things relating to Gacy in this display, but still, it will take you back to the time of this very evil person and the horrific things he did.

This may not be the most gentle museum you will ever attend, but chances are it is one that you won’t soon forget.

Open: Mid-May through Mid-September 11 AM – ?

Rates: Adult $6.99 plus tax; Children under 12 – $5.99 plus tax.

Location: 740 Eddy Street, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Phone: 608-254-2439

Email: kkarissa@centurytel.net

Mid-Continent Railway Museum – North Freedom, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:32:15 +0000

Mid-Continent Railway Museum – North Freedom, Wisconsin

As of July 4, 2008 the railway museum is closed due to the flooding that hit Wisconsin this spring. Check their website: www.midcontinent.org for updated information on this attraction.

When the museum and train are working here is some information on the attraction.

This is the opportunity to take a seven-mile, 50 minute round-trip ride on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railway through the scenic Baraboo Hills. The 1915 steel coaches give you the true feeling of this bygone era.

The authentically-attired conductor calls the “all aboard” and the train trip will begin. The depot that you will leave from was built in 1894. When you get to the end of the ride you can get on the platform and look inside the cab of the locomotive from a viewing platform.

Your train fare includes admission to our Coach Shed which is filled with restored wooden passenger, freight cars and displays from the turn of the century.

There are specialty events such as the Dinner Trains, Autumn Color Weekend rides, Pumpkin special, Santa Express and Snow Train. Check out the site for more detailed information.

Fares: Adults:$13; Student (13-18) $7; Children (3-12) $7; Children under 3 Free; Senior Citizens (62 and over) $11; Caboose: Adult $15/Child $8 (limited availability)

Cab ride: $30 (limit one person, subject to availability)

Adult Groups: $9 per person; Child groups: $6 per person, incl. adult supervisors.

Train fare includes admission to museum grounds and displays in the depot and the Coach Shed.

Direction: Located at North Freedom. About one hour north of Madison and ½ hour south from Wisconsin Dells. From I-90/94, take Wisc. Hwy, 33 west to Baraboo. From the intersection of US Hwy 12 and Wisc. Hwy 33 in Baraboo, take Wisc. Hwy 136 west toward Rock Springs about 4 miles. Turn left on Cty. Hwy PF to North Freedom. Follow the signs west from the 4 way stop in town.

There is ample free parking.

Phone: 608-522-4261

Email: inquiries@midcontinent.org.

Address: E8948 Diamond Hill Road, North Freedom, WI 53951

Extreme World – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:49:16 +0000

Extreme World – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

If you are interested in going to an amusement park while you are in the Dells then you will want to visit Extreme World where you can ride on the Skycoaster, try bungee jumping or any number of other rides. Join your kids driving the Go-Karts and enjoy the laughter that will follow.

Discover what you feel while freefalling 100 feet at speeds of u to 60-65 mph and then recovering barely 6 feet off the ground and going soaring 90 feet in to the air again in less than 4 seconds! You have to have a pretty strong stomach to handle this ride!

Now do you feel like a REALLY scary ride? The go to the ejection seat. At 130 feet, the bungee jump is the only jump in the Midwest that provides an ankle-harness free fall. You will fall toward the ground at up to 40 miles an hour and just as you reach the ground you will feel yourself decelerate and rocket instantly back into the sky. You will “bounce out”, and then you and the elevator are lowered back to the deck.

Don’t want to have your ankles hold you back? Try the Terminal Velocity where you do an unattached, controlled free fall. You will ascent to the top in a special elevator. A staff member activates the descend system and releases you after a short countdown. Airtubes and break suspensions around the double net stop your fall so softly that you will feel no impact. Upon landing, the entire device is lowered a short distance to the ground.

The ride on the Terminal Velocity : $34.95 for the first drop, $20 for second drop, there are no second drops on Saturday nights. Same pricing for the Ejection Seat and Bungee Jump.

Go-Karts are $7.75 per ride.

Skycoaster rides are: $19.95 one ride, $10 for the second. No second rides offered on Saturday nights.

Hours: Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day) 10 AM – 10 PM

Address: 1800 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Phone: 608-254-4111

Email: info@extremeworld.com

Open: Year-round (indoor activities)

Ghost Out-Post Haunted House – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:48:54 +0000

Ghost Out-Post Haunted House – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

This place will offer you the scare of your life! It’s dark, there is a man-eating rat after you, and the maze has you trapped with a bunch of twisted torture victims! You will begin your adventure by hearing the executioner read a victim his last rights, then witness his gut-wrenching execution. The on past more executions and encounter the results of cruel justice as the lurking creatures scare you of your senses!

This attraction is not for the timid. They have an enhanced and improved the Boris and Ernie show, a new unique animatronics talking duo of ghouls and more.

It is open daily.

Rates: Adults $8.95 (plus tax), $7.95 for children under 12 (plus tax) and children under 3 are free.

Please keep in mind that this is NOT appropriate for young children…it’s scary so don’t give your children nightmares….thanks.

Location: 633 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Phone: 608-254-2127

Email: ghostoutpost@msn.com

Dells Mining Co. – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:32:43 +0000

Dells Mining Co. – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Want to go digging for gems? This place was established in 1989 for the purpose of mining natural precious and semi-precious gemstones from all over the world.

You can sift through the gem rich soil and find all your gemstone treasures. You keep everything you find!

There are several types of gemstones found: amethyst, blue topaz, garnet, ruby, emerald, sapphire and many more. You will get assistance with your dig to make sure that you don’t miss any of the gems.

There is a Rock Shop that you can buy the special souvenir or one of a kind gift.

The pan fee bucket costs $15.00

There are two locations: highway 12, next to Noah’s Ark, open mid-May to Mid-September 9:30 AM to 9 PM 7 days a week- rain or shine.

The downtown location is open year round.

Address: 427 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965 and 1480 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Lake Delton, Wisconsin 53940

Phone: 608-253-7002

Ice Age Trail – Baraboo, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:20:57 +0000

Ice Age Trail – Baraboo, Wisconsin

This is one of the eight national scenic trails in the United States. The trail spans approximately 1200 miles in Wisconsin. There are only about 575 miles of the trail open to the public now for hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing. The trail was established in 1958, there was the establishment of the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation. It is a volunteer based organization whose mission is to preserve Wisconsin’s cultural and glacial heritage for the education, and enjoyment for present and future generations. There are 24 chapters and have over 5,000 miles.

The Baraboo Hills Chapter portion of the trail lies nestled approximately seven miles south of Baraboo. The trail begins at the Merrimac ferry and Lake Wisconsin, continues for approximately four miles through Riverland Conservancy’s wetlad and prairie before traveling along the bluffs surrounding Devil’s Lake. A spur of the trail, which is approximately 4.4 miles in length begins on Hwy 113, and concludes at Parfrey’s Glen.

If you are interested in more information about the foundation contact 608-254-8784 or email shirleytollaksen@msn.com

Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:31:23 +0000

Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo, Wisconsin

The park is located along the Ice Age Trail with spectacular views from 500 ft cliffs. There are miles of hiking trails, swimming areas of which there are two large sandy beaches, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails, mountain climbing and a great place to picnic or camp.

Get out your fishing pole and enjoy the quality fishing available at the park. The fish in the lake are: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Common Carp, Northern Pike, Blacknose dace, Spottail shiner, Spotfin shiner, Mimic shiner, Bluntnose minnow, Fathead minnow, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Channel catfish, Burbot, Lawer, White bass, Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, Gree sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Rock bass, White crappie, Black crappie, Walleye, Yellow perch, Iowa darter, Johnny darter. A Wisconsin fishing licenses are required.

There are over 29 miles of trails which are good for the varied skill levels. Not all of the trails are surfaced and there are some with steep climbs or descents and stairways may be encountered. There is a 1 mile interpretive nature trail and 1.5 miles of trail that are accessible for people with disabilities.

The trails are not maintained for winter hiking, you can hike but be aware that you will be working with the wonders of nature.

Bicycles are allowed only on the Uplands Loop and the connector trail between the Steinke Basin Loop and the North Shore picnic area.

There is wonderful boating available with boat launches at each end of the lake. Row Boat & Canoe rentals are available at the Chateau on the north shore of the lake during the summer season. To find out about the rentals call the Chateau at 608-356-3381. For lessons on kayaking are available at KayakQuixotica.com or email: derrick@kayakquixotica.com

If you are a rock climber it will be a wonderful place to visit. There are a number of good cliffs to challenge your skills.

There is Cross-Country Skiing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing hiking, snowshoeing and more including the candlelight hike & ski in January of each year. Winter at the park can be so much fun! During the winter, bathrooms are open by the South Shore Concession building (concessions would be closed.) At the North Shore, bathrooms are open in the Visitor Center and the Headquarters Building. The date of the actual water shut-off and turn-on is usually mid-April and mid-October, but these times may vary according to the weather by 1-3 weeks either way. Call the park to find out current information at 608-356-8301.

Address: S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Phone: 608-356-8301

Hours: Devil’s Lake is open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. Visitor Center hours are from 8 AM to 11 PM daily in the summer and 8 AM to 5 PM in other seasons.

Timbavati Wildlife Park/Storybook Gardens – Wisconsin Dells,Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:38:58 +0000

Timbavati Wildlife Park/Storybook Gardens – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Are you interested in experiencing an up-close and personal encounter with a variety of animals such as kangaroos, tigers, ant eaters, giraffe, zebra, alpaca, muntjac, white lion, colobus monkey, lemurs, binturog, Yellow headed Vultures, Kookaburra, African Crown Cranes, Spurthiged Tortoises, White neck Raven, Crab eating MaCaques, MaCaws, and others.

There are daily interactive shows that are both entertaining and educational. The show times are 11:15 AM and 2:15 PM. Show times may vary, call for information.

You may be able to feed the giraffe, a baby zebra or sit next to a 60 pounds tortoise. There are even camel rides for you and the opportunity to get your pictures taken with the camel. The white lion is a rare animal. There are less than 200 known White Lions exist in the world, and only a handful in the US.

Visit the baby animals too, they are so cute!

If you are a “bird person” you will enjoy seeing the White necked Ravens, Tawny Eagles, Kookaburra, Scarlet MaCaws, Swainsons Toucan and Cackler Geese.

Admission: Adults $11.95, Ages 2 -12 $9.95 and under 2 are Free.

Open: 9 AM – 7 PM May 1 – September 15, after September 15 call for yours.

Address: 1500 Wis. Dells Parkway (Hwy 12), Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Directions: From the South – Take 90/94 to Exit 92 (Hwy 12) Follow Hwy 12 past Noah’s Ark and turn right.

From the North – Take 90/94 to exit 87. Turn right on Hwy 12. Proceed 3 miles to Timbavati which will be on your left.

Phone: 608-253-2391

International Crane Foundation – Baraboo, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:17:15 +0000

International Crane Foundation – Baraboo, Wisconsin

You are invited to visit a world renowned conservation center. You will meet the ancient family of cranes at ICT. You will be able to see the world’s rarest crane…the Whooping Crane….in a tranquil wetland.

There are both paved and unpaved trails that wind through acres of restored tall grass prairie delighting birders, nature enthusiasts, walkers, and photographers of all ages.

The crane is an outstanding example of why we want to preserve the ecosystems. Watching them in their natural habitat is a wonderful unique experience.

This is a family-friendly, handicap accessible, guided torus, new education center, art exhibit, gift shop and picnic area.

General Admission: Adult: $8.50; child $4; Senior Citizen $7 and children 4 and under are Free.

Location: E11376 Shady Lane Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin 53913

Open: April 15 – October 31.

Email: cranes@savingcranes.org

Wisconsin Opry – Baraboo, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:04:18 +0000

Wisconsin Opry – Baraboo, Wisconsin

This is Wisconsin’s oldest live family 2 hour Country Music Show. Sizzlin’ fiddles and smokin’ guitars rip through the air at this show. Enjoy the foot stompin’ songs and the beautiful melodies of the ballads of gifted vocalists. Enjoy the antics that are unique to each and every show.

The artists that perform at the Country Jubilee on special Sundays throughout the season are from Nashville, bringing the big talents right to the Wisconsin Dells for your enjoyment. Past artists have included Kitty Wells, Porter Wagner, Bill Anderson, John Anderson and many others. Bringing in a little bit of Nashville to the Midwest is a great way to enjoy the vacation of your dreams.

The Opry was established in 1979 focusing on country, bluegrass and gospel music. The shows are: Matinee, Tuesday’s only. Dinner Shows: 6 pm dinner, 8 pm show on Monday thru Saturday. Closed on Sundays (Except for Special Sunday Nashville Shows. These are held May thru September only.)

Pricing: Dinner & Show: Adults – $30.50 (for children call for current children’s pricing.)

Show Only: $18; Nashville Show: Call for pricing; Nashville Shows with Lunch: call for pricing.

Old Fashioned Country Christmas is an annual event for your enjoyment, call for current information.

Reservations are required for dining. Wisconsin Opry’s fabulous fare will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Email: wisconsinopry@yahoo.com

Phone: 608-254-7951

Address: E10964 Moon Rd., Baraboo, Wisconsin

Open: May – October

Tommy Bartlett Show – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:34:51 +0000

Tommy Bartlett Show – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

For 55 years the Tommy Bartlett Show has been providing first-class family entertainment. The show features thrill performers who entertain on the state of the Bartlett amphitheatre, Comedic Juggler TJ Howell, The Nerveless Nocks’ 65 foot Wheel of Destiny, Mr. Sound Effects, Wes Harrison, Juggling Jokester Dieter Tasso and Cirque Equinox Aerial Spectacular. Then there is Aqua T. Clown that will entertain you!

Lake Delton and the Tommy Bartlett Show offer you a fantastic array of thrill performers, singers and comedians.

The show runs daily, rain or shine, 4:30 and 8:30 pm through Labor Day.

Information: 608-254-2525.

Admission: General $15 for adults; $8 for children 6 – 11; Senior Citizens (65 over) $12 and children 5 and under are free if they sit on your lap.

Deluxe Seating: Adults $15; Children 6 – 11 $12; Senior’s $16 and Children under 5 $4

Reserved Seating: Adults $22; Children 6 – 11 $15; Senior’s $19; Children under 5 $7.

Directions: From Chicago- Take I 90/94W toward Rockford. Continue to Wisconsin on I-90 toward Madison. At Madison I-90 and I-94 merge and become I-90/94. Take Hwy 12 (exit 92). Follow ramp to the right – travel 2 ½ miles on Hwy 12W. Take right at 4^th traffic light continuing on 12W & 23N. The show is located ¼ mile on right.

From Milwaukee: Take I-94W toward Madison. At Madison, I-90 and I-94 merge and become I-90/94. Take Hwy 12 (Exit 92) Follow ramp to the right – travel 2 ½ miles on Hwy 12 W. Take right at 4^th traffic light continuing on 12W & 23N. The Tommy Bartlett Show and Tommy Bartlett Exploratory are located ¼ mile on the right.

From Minneapolis/St. Paul: Take I-94E toward Madison. Take Hwy 23 (Exit 89) Take left at traffic light onto Hwy 23N. Travel 1 mile to intersection of Hwy 23 N & 12 W. Take left at traffic light. The show is ¼ mile on the right.

From Green Bay: Take 41S to Oshkosh, from Hwy 41S, take Hwy 44W to Ripon. In Ripon, take Hwy 23W. Take I-39S (Hwy 51S) to the Wisconsin Dells exit, Hwy 23, Contineu to Hwy 23W to Wisconsin Dells. Go through town and cross the Wisconsin River Bridge. Take lift on Hwy 23S & 12# at next traffic light. ¼ mile on right.

Dells Comedy Club – Wild 4 Hypnosis Show – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:52:10 +0000

Dells Comedy Club – Wild 4 Hypnosis Show – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Here is an opportunity to hear uncut, unrehearsed humor from Rich & Elizabeth Wylde with their talent in audience participation comedy.

It is the largest comedy club and home of theWild 4 Hypnosis in the Midwest. The shows last 75 to 90 minutes with good CLEAN hypnotic fun which acceptable for all ages; don’t be afraid to take the kids with you to this.

If you want to go to an adult humor show then you want the Adult Hypnosis Show “Wild” which is “R” rated. The Vegas style show begins with a Guest Headlining Comedian to get you started. Each of the feature shows lasts at least 2 hours. Please keep in mind that this show is NOT appropriate for children. Attendees must be at least 17 years of age to attend the Adult show.

There are alcoholic beverages available for those that wish to have one during the show. There are cocktail waitresses serving the drinks.

Smoking is NOT allowed during the family show but IS allowed during the Adult show.

The hypnosis portion of the show is a time when there is audience participation show. Only audience members that are interested in participating will be invited to come on the stage, but remember you are attending an audience participation show so consider yourself part of the show.

Kids are admitted free for the family show, that is kids 10 and under.

Cost: Wild 4 Hypnosis is the same price for both the Family and the Adult shows. Each adult ticket is $23. You can purchase your tickets online and save $3 per person.

Directions: Off exit 87 on the parkway. The parking lot is shared with Deer Park & Ghost Outpost. They are across the street from River Park & Water World in the Old Dells Auto Museum.

Tickets: 608-253-9453

Email: club@dellscomedyclub.com

Open: year around

Dells 4D Special FX Theater – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:21:50 +0000

Dells 4D Special FX Theater – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

If you want a different experience in a movie you will want to go to this 4D theater. This fourth dimension in your movie experience will make you feel the movie come alive as you sit in your personal interactive special FX seat. Be in the movies without even standing up!!

Enjoying a movie in a new manner will enhance your vacation experience. Take the kids or go with adults to see their expressions during the movie, you will have something to discuss for days!

Location: 119 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Phone: 608-254-2184

Admission: $9.95 with ages 2 & under FREE

Email: ripley@blissnet.com

Dells 4D Special FX Theater – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:17:48 +0000

Dells 4D Special FX Theater – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Enjoying a movie in a new manner will enhance your vacation experience. Take the kids or go with adults to see their expressions during the movie, you will have something to discuss for days!

Location: 119 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

Phone: 608-254-2184

Admission: $9.95 with 2 & under FREE

Email: ripley@blissnet.com

Crystal Grand Music Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:06:05 +0000

Crystal Grand Music Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Come and enjoy the music in this 22 acre wooded setting where the theatre seats 2000.

See such greats as Ray Stevens, The Charlie Daniels Band, Clint Black and many others.

The ticket prices vary according to the entertainment so be sure to contact them for information. Tickets can be purchased at the Box office on non-event days from Monday – Friday 9 – 5, Saturday 9 – 2 and closed on Sunday. On event days they are open Monday – Sunday 9 – 30 minutes past end of show.

Phone: 800-696-7999 (Midwest) or 608-254-4545. There is no opportunity to buy by email/internet at this time.

Will call can be picked up anytime prior to show at the Box Office. Customers must present photo ID.

Open: Year-round

Location: 430 Munroe St., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Email: info@crystalgrand.com

The Broadway Dinner Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:48:31 +0000

According to an article in the Portage Daily Register, the Broadway Dinner Theatre closed on May 24, 2010 due to financial difficulties.

The Broadway Dinner Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

The Dells offer you the opportunity to enjoy a dinner theater with a brand new state of the art theater featuring Las Vegas-style seating.

Spend Christmas in the Dells. Join the Broadway Dinner Theatre with the original holiday revue in the style of New York City Christmas Spectacular featuring holiday favorites from the whole world. You can enjoy singing elves, dancing toys, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and most important of all The True Meaning of Christmas.”

The performances are from November – December.

Directions: From Chicago/Milwaukee: Take Exit 92 from Interstate 90/94, turn right (North). The Broadway Dinner Theatre is located about a ¼ mile on the left hand side, across from the Wilderness Resort.

From Minneapolis/Eau Claire: Take Exit 89 and Interstate 90/94, turn left (East). Go down for about ½ mile until the traffic lights. At the traffic lights keep going straight (East) The theatre is located about 6 blocks on the right hand side of the road.

New Year’s Eve Show & Celebration…join them for a wonderful welcoming to the next year with fabulous food, singing and dancing , a champagne toast and more. When was the last time you welcomed the new year in with a truly extravagant setting in a beautiful location? Make this year a special one!

The ticket price includes the dinner & show. Dinner includes a salad, the Chefs show selection entrée, vegetable, rolls & butter, dessert and milk, coffee, tea or iced tea. Not included are specialty non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gourmet desserts, and gratuities.

You can make your reservations for any advanced date the show or event you want to attend.

There if free parking on the site.

Here’s one for those with little kids, Children 0 – 3 are welcome to attend (for free) with you as long as they sit on a parents lap and do not require a separate seat. If the child gets fussy please take them out for a little while to settle them down so as to not disturb the others that are attending the show.

There is a vegetarian menu upon request.

Tickets are non-refundable. In the case of severe weather, when travel is not advised which can certainly happen in Wisconsin, tickets may be exchanged for any alternate date.

Rates: go to www.braodwayinthedells.com/index/admissions for the rates for the different performances. The times of each will be listed here too.

Location: 564 Wisconsin Dells Pkway South, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Phone: 888-998-7469 or 608-253-2006

Email: info@broadwayinthedells.com

Open: year around

Wisconsin Dells – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:17:05 +0000

Wisconsin Dells – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Dells is probably one of the most enjoyed areas for family vacationing in the Midwest. The variety of activities and places to stay offer even the most discriminating as well as the cost conscious, the place perfect for your budget and taste.

There are nearly two dozen waterparks in the Wisconsin Dells. Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” which should certainly offer you a long time of family fun.

How about riding a Duck for a unique way to see the Wisconsin River that bisects the community and the fabulous sandstone bluffs that tower above the river? Ride the roller coasters that are ranked among the best in the country.

For the adults in the group, and a break from the “family” time you can golf on one of the great golf courses in the area, take your spouse out to a fabulous classic supper club, how about a day in a great spa or watching the Vegas style entertainment.

You can get a totally different view of the area on horseback. Saddle up and enjoy the guided trail ride. In the winter you can enjoy now tubing and riding on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s “Snow Train”.

During the fall you can enjoy the beautiful changing leaves with a hike in the hills, play some golf, watch the river from the bluffs, fish or boat on the river. Take a cruise on the Upper Dells with Captain Soma’s Dells Cruises.

Keep looking at the different attractions listed for Wisconsin Dells and make your plans to visit!

Riverview Park and Waterworld – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:46:17 +0000

Riverview Park and Waterworld – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

This waterpark was built in 1968 as an attraction to the Wisconsin Dells. There are great rides both wet and dry in the summer. There are also jumping pillows, Ferris wheel, go-carts, night pass and many others.

The site is on 35 acres where there is also the largest U-Drive’Em and Amusement Park rides, Grand Prix racing, go carts and Mini-Indy cars.

There are three 50 foot water slides, five Rapids inner tube rides, waterslides, a wave pool and numerous other pools exclusively for children’s activities. Just think of the fun all these will offer not only the kids but the adults too!

The amusement park rides will keep your family occupied for a day or more. Ride the Ferris Wheel or any number of other rides.

They offer specials such as the coupons on their website giving you the opportunity to save some money and have a great time. Coupons are available for the Rock climb, Ultimate Rush, or the All Day Slide-Ride package.

The Park is open every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. May and September the will open its doors for weekends only. Please call for dates and hours.

Location: Exit 87 from I-90. Follow the ramp off the interstate. At the second set of traffic lights (Hwy 12), turn Right. Riverview Park and Waterworld is on your left as you drive up the hill.

Email: info@riverviewpark.com

Phone: 608-254-2608

Holiday Stables – Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 03:11:38 +0000

Holiday Stables – Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Come to Rhinelander and do something that you have wanted to do for ages but just never took the time for, a horseback ride (and pony rides for the kids.) You will be able to relax while going through the beautiful forest lands and think about what it would have been like for the early settlers in the area.

When you are done with the ride you may want to visit the petting zoo or perhaps take a wagon ride (which you need to set up by appointment.)

This is one of the longest and most scenic rides in the Northwoods.

The stables are open from May to September – 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm.

Phone: 715-362-1881 or 715-584-6779.

Location: 4005 Old Farm Road, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Rocking W Stables – Eagle River, Wisconsin

You can take a horsedrawn sleigh ride such as the Christmas Parades, Christmas Sleigh ride; Wagon Rides or special occasions (want to have a wagon ride after your wedding?)

Enjoy scenic, beautiful wooded trails with a half-way point bonfire, hot chocolate and Christmas cheer.

These are available December 15 through January 1 from 10 am to 11 pm.

Phone: 715-617-6779 and 715-758-6779

Location: 1890 Pleasure Island Road, Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521

Lumberjack Steam Train – Laona, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:54:02 +0000

Lumberjack Steam Train – Laona, Wisconsin

Take a trip back in time with on the Lumberjack Steam Train vintage train from the 1800’s. You can sit in a rare cupola caboose as you travel into an actual site of a Northwoods logging camp.

The “4-spot” Steam Locomotive was built in 1916 by the Volcan Iron Works in Pennsylvania and purchased in 1926 and brought to Laona for use in the logging industry. The steam engine pulls two all steel passenger coach cars and three cabooses for your pleasure.

You will board the Lumberjack Steam train at the 1880’s Soo Line Deport where you will buy your tickets just like they did at the time. The ride will take you out to the site of an Old Logging Camp. Lumberjacks numbered their camps and the site you will visit was Camp 5.

The site contains some of the old buildings which were part of the farm such as the old Hog Barn which now serves as a Petting oral, the Blacksmith Shop which is now a part of the Museum and the old Slaughter House. In the distance is the old Boarding house and several original barns, as well as the “Woods Boss’s House”. Your ticket is not only for the train ride but also into the logging camp where you can wander around and get the feel of what it was like for the loggers that spent so much of their lives living here.

Visiting the museum you will watch the “Northwoods Saga” video with gives a short history of logging. It also shows modern logging techniques. It will help you understand the importance of logging to Wisconsin economy.

The museum is filled with artifacts that show the life of the loggers. There are tools and machinery the farm used to plant and harvest crops. Antique household appliances, sleighs and buffalo blankets and old dugout canoes. There are collections of original script and coins along with the original account ledgers. There is the cumbersome two man saw, cruiser equipment and stamp hammers used by the lumberjacks who struggled in the cold winters to harvest trees. Framed pictures on the walls depict some of the most arduous tasks performed in the life of these hearty people. The methods used to transport logs to the railroads and rivers are also featured in the museum. You will learn how draft horses managed to pull huge sleds piled thirty feet high with logs. You will learn how the cooks were considered the most important people at the camp! You will see Paul Bunyan size cooking tools including frying pans three feet across and imagine a cook using them to prepare a lumberjack sized breakfast of flapjacks, eggs and sausage!

Plan on a 2 hour visit to have time to enjoy all the activities available.

Location: ¼ mile west of the junction of Highways 8 & 32 on Highway 8.

Phone: 715-674-3414

Email: info@lumberjacksteamtrain.com

The logging camp is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Schedules & Rates

The 2010 Season runs from June 24th thru August 28th
MONDAY – SATURDAY, CLOSED SUNDAY
Fall Season: September 18, 25 & October 2

The Lumberjack Steam Train runs
rain or shine.

From Laona to
Lumberjack Camp From Lumberjack Camp
to Laona
11:00 am 11:20 am
12:00 pm 12:20 pm
1:00 pm 1:20 pm
2:00 pm 2:45 pm
Last Train to Laona: 4:00 pm
Visitors are encouraged to stay a minimum of 2 hours to enjoy all the Lumberjack Camp Museum activities

Adults $ 19.00
Children (Age 4-12) $ 8.00
Family (2 adults and 3 or more children ages 4-12) $ 56.00
Children under 3 FREE

River Wildlife Tour and Boat Trip

Adults $ 5.00
Children (Age 4-12) $ 3.00
Children under 3 FREE

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage – Near Mercer and Butternut, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:23:08 +0000

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage – Near Mercer and Butternut, Wisconsin

Enjoy the 19,000 acres of clear, sparkling water which was created in 1926 with the dam built to create a reservoir.

If you enjoy solitude of a vast wilderness and want to fish for walleye, musky, and panfish you will love this location. The roaring rapids of the Flambeau River offer a more adventurous angling experience, and calm area streams beckon the trout devotees.

You can enjoy swimming, canoeing and kayaking. A 26 mile boat or canoe trip on the north fork of the famous Flambeau River from Flowage to the city of Park Falls, traversing 23 rapids, providing adventures to remember forever with the whitewater thrills on one of the truly last unspoiled rivers.

Location: in Iron County Wisconsin, near the towns of Mercer and Butternut. About 375 miles from Chicago, 300 miles from Milwaukee, and 275 miles from Minneapolis. Easily accessible from either US Highway 51 from Mercer (12 miles) or US Highway 13 from Butternut (17 miles). Take County Highway FF from either Butternut or Mercer to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage.

Chippewa Flowage – Hayward, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:39:06 +0000

Chippewa Flowage – Hayward, Wisconsin

The Chippewa Flowage is a watery maze of islands and floating bogs a fabulous location for anglers and wildlife watchers.

When the area was flooded it was the home to a small tribe of Indians. In this water may be the home now to the largest musky in the world.

The “Big Chip” is a 15,300 acre impoundment which makes it Wisconsin’s third largest lake. It was created in 1924 and has 233 miles of shoreline with approximately 200 enchanting islands dotting the area.

Not only is this water a great place for Musky fishing it also ranks right up there with walleye fishing.

Enjoy the beauties of the area with the maze of islands, points, bays and channels, accented by birch, aspen and pine. It is also the home to almost all birds and animals indigenous to northern Wisconsin.

The “Big Chip” is split into two basins by County Highway CC. Starting at the bridge in the center of the flowage, traveling southwest in a clockwise fashion, we find the CC South landing, the most-used public landing on the flowage. You can then travel down the first entrance to Scott Lake, the north shore of which shelters a great blue heron rookery. To the west and south is the shallow, secluded James Bay, a good fishing spot when the walleyes are active. At Lac Courte Oreilles public boat landing near the Blueberry Bridge on Highway CC which is a popular shore-fishing area.

The dam construction began in 1921 and was finished in 1924. It was originally built by Northern States Power Company for flood control and provide adequate flow during the winter.

The United States had signed treaties with the Ojibwa Nation in the 1800’s for this land. The land was taken and flooded with the building of the dam. It flooded over the burial grounds where, when the storms hit, some of the bodies (remains) float to the top on occasion. How sad.

Camping on the Chippewa Flowage is allowed at no charge on a first come, first served basis at 16 island sites accessible by water only. You are not allowed to establish new campsites. There is a 10 day limit on camping at all state campsites with thin the Chippewa Flowage.

Boating is allowed but be aware that there are many stumps, logs, floating bogs and rock bars which make for good fishing but bad for boats if you don’t pay close attention!

Wildlife abounds in the area. There are Great blue herons, mallards, wood ducks, and hooded mergansers. The bald eagle, common loon, and turkey vultures are frequently spotted. There are over 130 species of birds observed on the flowage or in nearby forests.

Frequently caught fish: walleye, Crappie, perch, bluegill and suckers are abundant, musky, northern pike, bass, minnows and carp are common, rock bass, bullheads, pumpkinseed, redhorse are present and sturgeon and catfish are rare.

For information: DNR Hayward Ranger Station, 10220N State Road 27, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843

Phone: 715-634-2688

Nicolet National Forest – Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:33:33 +0000

Nicolet National Forest – Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Vision yourself in an area of crystal clear lakes and streams, towering pines and hardwood forests and you will find you are dreaming of Nicolet National Forest. It is a place where you can truly spend some time away from the noise, pollution and stress of the city.

All four seasons welcome you to this area whether you are a summer person who likes to hike, fish, canoe, camp, mountain or horseback riding the area will welcome you. In the autumn you may want to hunt or to see all the famous fall colors. There are 3,600 miles of back roads for you to explore. In the winter you will want to bring your cross-country skis or your snowmobile. Spring offers you the wonders of life renewal with the forest coming to life.

There are 661,000 acres in this Forest. Enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing, rafting and fishing, hike, ski, snowmobile, hunt, fish and get your camera ready and capture shots of the varied wildlife in the area. It’s a break you will truly enjoy.

For a more remote experience you can go to the Whisker Lake area, over 33,200 acres designated wilderness for primitive, non0motorized experiences. These areas are rarely used and provide the ultimate opportunity for solitude. The deer population in the Nicolet is conservatively estimated at 24,000 or 24 per square mile. Approximately 250 black bears live in the forest which equals about one per four square miles. There are some wolves for you to be aware of and perhaps capture a picture.

Parking is available at the entrance to the Whisker Lakes Wilderness area.

Over 800 miles of trails are open to the public. There are 450 miles of snowmobile trails and 120 miles of groomed cross country ski trails. Hiking trails total 65 miles. Two trails are self guided interpretive signed nature trails. All of the campsights at Nicolet are located on lakes or streams and have drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills or fire rings. Nicolet has 23 developed camping sites for 460 units plus 4 units for larger groups and 3 sites with developedwal0in camping areas, each with 5 campsites. There are 6 freeday use picnic area.

Come and visit, you will be glad you did.

Location: Forest Supervisor’s Office, 68 S Stevens Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501

Phone: 715-362-1300

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest – Park Fall, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:15:40 +0000

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest – Park Fall, Wisconsin

Are you into solitude or mountain biking, hiking or camping in some of the most beautiful land in Wisconsin? Then you really need to come and visit Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

There are nearly 850,000 acres just waiting for you to explore. It is open year around so you can either enjoy it during the summer with mountain biking, hiking and camping or you can come and visit in the winter with your cross-county skis and see it in a totally different way.

It has gently rolling terrain, is sparsely populated and offers you a chance to truly “get away from it all.” The Chequamegon leaves an impression of tranquility and inner peace.

There are lakes, rivers and streams along with the forests of northern hardwoods, pines and meadowlands. You will have a chance to see a wide array of wildlife who make their home in this special part of the world. There are several highlands overlooking surrounding landscapes accented with rock outcroppings and scenic views. There is visible evidence of earth-forming volcanoes, earthquakes and glaciers from long ago.

Summer is the time that the area has the most activity with camping, hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing and biking. In the fall you will enjoy watching the changes of the colors in the forest while you either drive through the forest or hike the trails. Winter wonderland is truly what you will experience when you get your cross-county skis out and see the forest in this extremely quiet manner. Of course, there are snowmobile trails and snowshoeing which are also popular.

The history of the area is available for you to experience as you study the signs of the colorful history of the Indians, voyageurs, missionaries, and loggers that once traveled these lands.

There are nearly 200 miles of trails developed for non-motorized use within the Forest. Two of these trails have national significance. The North Country National Scenic Trail reaches from eastern New York to Central North Dakota. A 50 mile section crosses through the Forest. The eastern portion of this trail is highlighted by the scenic beauty of the Penokee Mt. Range and on the western segment you will experience the peaceful solitude of the Porcupine Lake and Rainbow Lake Wilderness. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail stretches across Wisconsin with a 40 mile section passing through Chequamegon.

If you want the wilderness to yourself (or nearly to yourself) you can find nearby 11,000 acres of wilderness in the Porcupine Lake and Rainbow Lake Wilderness areas. These quiet places are reserved for foot travel alone, you won’t be bothered by motorized noises, just the sounds of nature welcoming you.

Hunting and Fishing: some of the best hunting opportunities for black bear, ruffed grouse, and white-tailed deer are in the Forest. There are usually more bears harvested in and near the Chequamegon than any other part of Wisconsin. Park Falls has also been proclaimed the “Grouse Capital of the World”. If you are a deer hunter you will probably have to work harder here than in the southern part of the state but if you do get one it will probably be trophy sized.

Hundreds of Forest area lakes and streams provide quality fishing for such things as Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, panfish and trout. It is ideally suited and best known for its “Musky” fishing.

Information: Forest Supervisor Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 1170 4^th Ave. South, Park Fall, Wisconsin 54552

Phone: 715-762-2461

Email: camba@cheqnet.net (this is the mountain bike group email address.)

Penokee Range – Hurley, Wisconsin

Travel Writer — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:42:03 +0000

Penokee Range – Hurley, Wisconsin

Are you looking for a remote trail to hike? Do you want to see someplace that not everyone in your hiking circle has ever been to? Then you need to visit Penokee Range. It is a remote ridge with an outstanding viewpoint. It will soon be more accessible and so there will be more hikers in the area, but for now, it could be yours!

It will be part of the North Country Trail with this segment following the Uller Ski Trail which traverses a remote ridge while passing fine stands of maple trees, hidden nooks and crannies and prime viewpoint.

The Penoke-Gogebic Iron Range of Wisconsin and Michigan is about 80 miles long and half a mile to a mile wide. The crest o the range rises 100 to 300 feet above the broad valley to the north. In some locations the range is broad and gently rounded in others it is a narrow, steep-sided and serrated terrain. The highest point on the crest of the range is Mt. Whittlesey, 1866 feet high which makes it the third highest point in Wisconsin.

A portion of the Ponokee Range is broken by many gaps. In each of these gaps, except three, streams flow northward across the range. The streams are all of moderate size, often with waterfalls and rapids in narrow gorges where they cross the resistant rocks of the Penokee Range. The gorges which of the Penokee Range are preglacial and unusually numerous. In the 30 miles between the Montreal and Bad rivers there are nine water gaps. This will certainly add to the challenge of hikers.

Apostle Islands – Northern Wisconsin

Editor — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:24:27 +0000

Apostle Islands – Northern Wisconsin

There are 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland in the chain. There are 18 campsites dotted across the islands for your enjoyment. Along with camping there are wonderful opportunities to sail or take your boat out.

There are public docks on 13 of the islands in the national lakeshore. These are located at Ashland, Bayfield, Cornucopia, Little Sand Bay, Red Cliff, and Washburn. The cost is $5 per launch in Bayfield and Little Sandy Bay, Marinas are in Ashland, Bayfield, Cornucopia LaPointe, Pike’s Bay, Port Superior, Red Cliff, Roys Point, Schooner Bay and Washburn.

If you are a person that loves to kayak you can enjoy these beautiful islands using their two free launch points which are located at Meyers Beach and just west at Little Sand Bay.

Did you think you would have to go to the Caribbean to do good scuba diving? Not so, you can obtain a free dive permit to dive within national lakeshore boundaries. You can get them from Park Headquarters or Little Sand Bay visitor centers.

Now, if you are into fishing there isn’t anyplace that is much better to enjoy the sport than in Wisconsin and the Great Lakes with their trout and salmon. Summer fishing takes place in deep water with lake trout being the most commonly targeted fish.

Hunting is also allowed in the national lakeshore. Hunting activity may occur from September (after Labor Day) through December. There is muzzle loader deer hunting (by permit only (on several islands during the month of October. You will need a permit which is given out a lottery basis between June 15 and July 15.

Of course the parkland is covered with wonderful wild berries, fruit and nuts which you are welcome to gather for personal use. Rocks, wildflowers and driftwood are not allowed to be collected.

The Apostle Islands archipelago’s sandstones are what were shipped from quarries at the end of the 19^th century to Midwestern cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland, Minneapolis and St. Paul and used to build some of these cities most outstanding landmarks.

The islands were home to the Ojibwe Indian tribe. They found all they needed to survive among the islands from the fish to the game and wild rice. In late winter they would tap the maple trees for their sap which was boiled into sugar. When the blossoms began to show, plants such as leeks, March marigold, and fiddleheads were used for food. Wintergreen, Labrador tea, and sweet flag were some plants used for medicine. The bark from the white birch was used to make wigwams, storage containers, and canoes. Of course there were strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in the summertime for their enjoyment. They respected the land and took care of it. It is their wish that people today would learn the lessons of caring for the land rather than abusing it for selfish purposes.

The largest and finest single collection of lighthouses in the country are located within the boundaries of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

There is: Old Michigan Island Lighthouse which was built in 1856, abandoned in 1858, relit in 1869 and retired in 1929. There are guided tours available. The building is made of rough stone and its exterior walls stuccoed and whitewashed. There was a small; one and a half story keeper’s dwelling with a low, conical light tower. The tower received extensive improvements between 1928 and 1929 with a brick building being constructed to house an electric generator, radio fog beacon, and a hoist engine for a tramway; a new keeper’s dwelling was added; and the relocated tower (obtained from Pennsylvania’s Delaware River) was finally assembled at 112 feet in height. It became the tallest lighthouse in Wisconsin.

Due to conditions to reach the Light Station only the most experienced private boaters and sea kayakers should consider attempting a trip to this lighthouse. It is best if you take Apostle Islands Cruise Service which will visit Michigan Island via Stockton. The Stockton Island afternoon cruise departs daily at noon and returns to Bayfield at 5 pm. Private boaters planning to visit may want to consider visiting outside the tour boat visiting hours. Volunteers are usually available for tours between the hours of 9 and 11 and 1 and 4.

Old LaPointe Lighthouse is on Long Island. It was built in 1858 and retired in 1897. It served as a housing unit until abandoned in 1940. All that remains are foundation ruins. If you plan to visit this lighthouse you should use caution due to shallow waters around the island. Distant views of the Chequamegon Point and New LaPointe towers can be seen from locations on Madeline Island and along State Highway 13 on the mainland. The lighthouses on Long Island are not open to the public, but may be viewed from outside.

Raspberry Island Lighthouse was built in 1862 with the light being moved outside in 1957. Guided tours are available. During the summer season, Apostle Islands Cruise Service tour boats stop at the island and rangers conduct tours of the tower from 9 am to 4 pm. This is a great destination for skilled sea kayakers and private boaters who like the challenge of Lake Superior!

Outer Island Lighthouse was built in 1874, automated in 1961. Due to the bank stabilization project currently in progress access to Outer Island will be impossible for extended periods. Please call 715-779-3398, ext. 6 before planning your visit.

Sand Island Lighthouse was built in 1991 and automated in 1921. The light was moved to a steel tower c. 1933 and moved back to the lighthouse in 1985. The lighthouse is still in service. There are tours available. Since it is close to the mainland Sand Island is popular for intermediate-level sea kayakers and private boaters. There is no dock at the lighthouse but nearby rock ledges and beaches may provide access in favorable weather conditions. During the summer season, rangers provide tours usually during the hours of 12 noon and 4 pm.

Devils Island Light Tower was built in 1898, external braces added in 1914, automated in 1978, lens removed in 1989 and replaced in 1992. The lighthouse is still in service. The island is relatively remote but accessible for boaters and sea kayakers. There are several landing sites which make it accessible in a variety of wind conditions. Visitors to reach the island will find the lighthouse staffed with a volunteer lightkeeper during the summer season; tours of the tower are usually available between 9 am – 11 am and 1 pm & 4 pm.

New LaPointe Light Tower, Long Island was built in 1897 and automated in 1964. it is not open to the public but is still in service.

Chequamegon Point Light Tower, Long Island was built in 1897, retired and moved in 1987 and not open to the public.

New Michigan Island Light Tower was built in Pennsylavania in 1880, dismantled in 1918 and re-erected on Michigan Island in 1929 and automated in 1943. Still being used there are tours available.

Location: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Headquarters: 415 Washington Ave., Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814

Phone: 715-779-3397

Open: Year Around

Visitor Centers: Bayfield, open end of May to early September from 8 am to 6 pm and September to May from 8 – 4:30

Phone: 715-779-3397

Location: in the old Bayfield County courthouse on Washington Ave. between 4 & 5^th Streets in Bayfield.

Closed on federal holidays, except Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

Little Sand Bay Visitor Center: Phone: 715-779-7007

Located on Little Sand Bay Road, 13 miles north of Bayfield, Wisconsin

Devils, Michigan, and Sand Island Lighthouses are on islands and accessible by boat only

Stockton Island Visitor Center

Location: Presque Isle, Stockton Island. This one is staffed intermittently but there are restrooms available. (at all the visitor centers.)

To get the cruise line to take you on your tour:

Apostle Islands Cruise Service

PO Box 691, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814

Phone: 715-779-3925