Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Visitor River in r W s we i n L o s co

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ● Lower Wisconsin State Riverway ● 1500 N. Johns St. ● Dodgeville, WI 53533 ● 608-935-3368 Welcome to the Riverway Please explore the Lower Wisconsin State bird and game refuge and a place to relax Riverway. Only here can you fi nd so much while canoeing. to do in such a beautiful setting so close Efforts began in earnest following to major population centers. You can World War Two when Game Managers fi sh or hunt, canoe or boat, hike or ride began to lease lands for public hunting horseback, or just enjoy the river scenery and fi shing. In 1960 money from the on a drive down country roads. The Riv- Federal Pittman-Robinson program—tax erway abounds in birds and wildlife and moneys from the sale of sporting fi rearms the history of Wisconsin is written in the and ammunition—assisted by providing bluffs and marshes of the area. There is 75% of the necessary funding. By 1980 something for every interest, so take your over 22,000 acres were owned and another pick. To really enjoy, try them all! 7,000 were held under protective easement. A decade of cooperative effort between Most of the work to manage the property Citizens, Environmental Groups, Politi- was also provided by hunters, trappers and cians, and the Department of Natural anglers using license revenues. Resources ended successfully with the passage of the law establishing the Lower About the River Wisconsin State Riverway and the Lower The upper Wisconsin River has been called Wisconsin State Riverway Board. This the hardest working river in the nation, a law established the land management and title well deserved. It contains 25 hydro- acquisition standards for the riverway and electric dams with 21 storage reservoirs, The Wisconsin River valley is a scenic marvel comprised of stately bluffs, became effective on August 9, 1989. more than any other stretch of river in the mysterious wooded bottomlands and over 500 miles of sandy shoreline. Numerous United States. From its point of origin on islands provide camping and outdoor recreational opportunities free from crowds. Early Beginnings the Wisconsin-Michigan border at Lac The Wisconsin River fl ows unimpeded by Vieux Desert, the river fl ows south, then Riverway Recreation with them for litter. Canoes are the most any man-made structures for 92.3 miles west to its confl uence with the Mississippi, Two thirds of river users can be found on popular method of transportation and may from the dam at Prairie Du Sac downstream a distance of 430 miles. the stretch of river between Prairie Du be rented from liveries listed elsewhere in to its mouth at the Mississippi River. The Wisconsin drains 12,280 square Sac and Spring Green. Those looking this publication. Fishing and recreational Approximately 80,000 acres of land on miles (7,859,200 acres) or about one third for a more private experience will enjoy boating are also popular, so please be both sides of the river have been designated of the state. The dam at Prairie Du Sac the middle section from Spring Green courteous, load and unload quickly at as the lower Wisconsin State Riverway. is the farthest downstream and marls the to Boscobel, and for the user wishing the boat landings, and let everyone enjoy This area has a rich history of conserva- upper end of the Lower Wisconsin State solitude, the stretch below Boscobel is the river! tion practices and resource management, Riverway. The 92.3 miles of the LWSR the most secluded. Be Safe beginning in 1917 with the establishment is the longest free-fl owing section of Camping is allowed on state owned of Wyalusing State Park (originally named river anywhere in the Midwest. The river islands and sandbars except for a two Safety is the main concern of the riverway Nelson Dewey State Park). In 1922, Tower current ranges from one to fi ve miles per mile stretch from Ferry Bluff downstream staff. The cautions listed in this publica- Hill State Park was established near Spring hour and can be faster during high water to Grape Island. Campers must access tion are intended to help you have a safe Green. Two decades passed and the state’s periods. Locally heavy rains can cause the their campsite by boat or canoe, and are and enjoyable experience. Please read holdings increased again when the family river to rise two to three feet overnight. allowed to camp for a maximum of three them carefully. of Louis A. Clas presented the Wisconsin Canoeists must always be cautious when nights at one location Glass containers are Relax and enjoy the river and the fi ne Conservation Commission a gift of a 66 using the river and choose campsites with prohibited in the riverway, and all trash resources of the valley. Come again when acre island near Sauk City to be used for a this in mind. must be taken out with you. All boats and you can. canoes must carry a waterproof container Unique Resources The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway contains a fantastically diverse resource Leave No Trace with a wide variety of historical and archeological sites, wildlife, fi sheries, Try to imagine 1,000 people on the Wis- Deeper is not better since it inhibits the and scenic beauty found nowhere else. consin River on a hot summer weekend. bacteria that breaks down the waste. Shal- You will enjoy your visit here and likely Then try to imagine the waste they will lower depths increase the chance it will return again and again. create. Anglers, campers and sunbathers be exposed by wind or high water. Lastly, The Riverway boundary contains all generate waste in the riverway—it’s a provide a paper sack for used toilet paper 79,275 acres, of which over 44,000 fact of life. and feminine hygiene products. Either are in state ownership, divided into 26 People must take the trash they create pack the sack out or burn it right before management units. Signs identifying with them. We have a “carry-in, carry-out” you douse your campfi re. For more infor- each are installed when state ownership policy. Riverway law requires a waterproof mation on "Leave No Trace" principles, is signifi cant enough to avoid trespass container for trash in every boat/canoe and go to www.blm.gov/education/l nt problems. The management is a team These distinctive signs identify various glass containers are prohibited. But what Please, don’t bury campfi res, sand will State Riverway work units located along about the other stuff? smother but not extinguish the fi re and it the project’s 300-mile perimeter. Human wastes don’t have to have an will burn for hours or even days. People River Ethics adverse affect on the river if disposed walking barefoot on sandbars can severely effort by wildlife managers, fi sheries of properly. Nobody likes to fi nd them burn their feet in a thinly buried fi re pit. staff, foresters, park managers, wardens Have a good time. by accident when they are disposed of Try to use up all the charred fi rewood. land agents and various natural resource improperly. Blackened logs are unsightly and mar the specialists. The Lower Wisconsin State Pickup after yourself. To properly dispose of such waste beauty of a sandbar. Riverway Board, a unique and separate requires little effort. Find a place where If you carry along a plastic grocery State agency, is responsible for the scenic Don’t bother others. there is some vegetative shelter and soil sack, you have a handy water carrier to protection of the river valley. (See article mixed with the sand. Simply dig a hole 6 put out your campfi re and it will serve on page 2.) inches deep to bury your group’s waste. double duty as a trash collector. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Visitor 2 Aesthetic Protection Pioneers The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board By Mark E. Cupp, Executive Director homes, construc- the “Riverview the Riverway concept. However, in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board tion of utility Zone,” selective vast majority of cases, landowners and facilities as well harvesting is per- local residents have been cooperative and as walkways or mitted and small supportive. The Riverway Board works “The Wisconsin River is very broad with stairways which clear cuts are diligently to maintain a positive working a sandy bottom forming many shallows provide access to allowed. On the relationship with landowners and attempts which render navigation diffi cult. It is the river. Permits tops of the bluffs, to minimize the impact of the regulations full of vine clad islands. On the banks also are required the “Bluff Zone,” on the daily lives of Riverway residents. appear fertile lands diversifi ed by for timber har- again, only selec- The board recognizes the importance of woods, prairies and hills. We saw oak, vests conducted tive harvesting is protecting the rights of property owners walnut, basswood and another kind of on the 80,000 allowed. A mini- and local individuals and constantly seeks tree armed with long thorns.”—Father acres within the mum number of ways to achieve maximum protection of Jacques Marquette (June 1673) project bound- trees must be the resource with minimum regulation. Over three hundred years have passed since ary. retained in the The continued cooperation and support Father Marquette penned the fi rst known residual stand for of landowners and local residents is the “The Wiscon- written description of the Wisconsin River. all three zones and key to the success of the project. sin River is a Remarkably, in many places, the river has the location and wide and shal- “There are aspects of wilderness still, retained the same “look” viewed by the design of logging low stream at its headwaters as well as near its fi rst European explorers and the countless roads also are running over mouth: in the wooded islands, the hill generations of indigenous people before restricted. Har- a bed of sand slopes, the forest country—and a kind the famed voyage of Marquette and Joliet. vesting is limited with transpar- of nostalgic wilderness in its: Wiscon- The tremendous scenic quality of the lower to the late fall and ent waters and sin. Its waters, rising in a country of Wisconsin River valley and the richness winter months. chequered with evergreens, birch, aspen, oak and ash, and diversity of the local fl ora and fauna Timber cutting performance standards Exceptions to the numerous small fl ow into the Father of Waters among provided the State of Wisconsin with an ensure that scenic views from riversides cutting regula- islands and sand honey locusts, chinquapin oak, black opportunity to create and implement a new will remain virtually unchanged tions are provided bars. It has an maple, and sycamores: once these and unique plan for protection and preser- for a long, long time. for the removal of alluvial valley were forests, reaching skyward, and vation of the valley’s natural and aesthetic dead, damaged, bounded by cal- they are only now beginning to come resources. Enacted in 1989, the project, diseased or insect infected trees or trees careous hills which frequently present back—something starting over, some- now known as the Lower Wisconsin State which represent a safety hazard. The naked precipices toward the river. The thing coming again, as if time were Riverway, seeks to protect and preserve timber harvest performance standards predominating trees are oak, elm and turning back to say that the prairie the scenic beauty and natural character have been proven to mirror sound forestry maple. The navigation of the river is grass, the oak groves, the wilderness of the river valley, seeks to manage the management practices and provide ample considerably impeded by the sandbars will return, not revenants of past time, resources of the area for the long term fl exibility for a variety of management and small islands and some time is lost but reality once more, to erase the marks benefi t of the citizens of the state and seeks practices to occur. is searching for the proper channel. The remembered now, the ways the Indians to provide a quality public recreational area river bluffs continue, sometimes reced- “The Wisconsin River valley is a wide, went, and the trappers and the miners, in a manner consistent with the resource ing a mile or two from the river and gloomy, mountain-girt valley, with the raftsmen and lumberjacks, the pio- and aesthetic protection goals and objec- giving place bottomlands and patches great sandbars and thickly-wooded neers….”—August Derleth (1942) tives. The agency responsible for assuring of prairie, then shutting in close upon morasses. Settlement is slight. The few scenic protection of the valley is the Lower The Riverway law is indeed unique the water’s edge.”—Henry Schoolcraft villages are generally a mile to three Wisconsin State Riverway Board, a nine and innovative and is another example of (August 1820) miles back, at the foot of the bluffs, out person citizen board with headquarters the proud tradition of resource protection of the way of the fl ood, and the river in Muscoda. in Wisconsin. With the law in place, the The intent of the Riverway regulations is to appears to be but little used. None but a minimize the visual impact of an activity people of Wisconsin are assured that the “On the 8th of October, we put our hermit could enjoy those long stretches when viewed from the river during leaf-on beauty and biological diversity of the river canoes into the Wisconsin River which of waterway where one may fl oat for a conditions. The performance standards and its valley will remain for generations fl ows with a strong but smooth current. day without seeing man or animal on vary depending on the type of activity and to come. With the continued sound stew- The water is very clear and through it the forest bound shores and where the visibility of the site from the river. For sites ardship of the land by private property you can see a fi ne and sandy bottom free oppression of solitude is felt with such not visible from the river, the regulations owners, the effective and thoughtful man- of rocks. In the river are a few islands force that it takes but slight stretch of are minimal. In the case of new structures agement of the resource by the DNR and which are quite wooded. The land near the imagination to carry ones self back or modifi cation of existing structures not local authorities, and, with the scrupulous the river seems to be excellent but, at in thought and feeling to the times visible for the river, the sole restriction is administration of the aesthetic protection a distance, is full of mountains said to when the black robed members of the on the height of the structure to assure it regulations by the Riverway Board, the abound in lead.”—Jonathan Carver Company of Jesus fi rst penetrated the does not become visible from the river. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway will (October 1766) gloomy wilderness.”—Reuben Gold remain one of the gleaming jewels in For timber harvests on lands not visible Thwaites (August 1877) Creation of the Riverway project was not from the river, a permit must be obtained Wisconsin’s natural resources crown. an easy task. After years of planning and to certify the harvest area is not visible Administration of the Riverway regula- “Yet there remains the river, in a hundreds of hours of public meetings, a from the river. While there are no restric- tions and protection of the resource is few spots hardly changed since Paul consensus had not been achieved. Many tions on the harvest, recommendations are very much a cooperative endeavor. While Bunyan’s day; at early dawn…one divergent opinions existed regarding the made to assure the harvest in conducted in the board is responsible for the scenic can still hear it singing in the wilder- type of protection needed and the degree a manner consistent with sound forestry protection regulations, the Department of ness …Perhaps our grandsons, having of regulation, if any, which should be management practices. Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible never seen a river, will never miss involved. Eventually, a compromise was For new construction on lands vis- for resource and recreational manage- the chance to set a canoe in singing forged and the Riverway law was passed ible from the river, compliance with the ment issues and land acquisition. In the waters.”—Aldo Leopold (1947) by the Legislature and signed by Governor performance standards must be achieved shoreland and fl oodplain zoned areas, Tommy G. Thompson in August of 1989. in order to render the structure “visually each Riverway county administers local For further information regarding the The new law detailed the major goals inconspicuous” during leaf-on conditions. zoning ordinances which require mini- Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board and objectives of the Riverway project “Visually inconspicuous” is defi ned as mum setbacks for buildings and limits and the aesthetic protection regulations, and also created a new state agency, the “diffi cult to be seen or not readily notice- on the amount of woody vegetation contact Mark E. Cupp, Executive Direc- Riverway Board, to administer the scenic able” and does not mean the structure must which may be removed. A partnership tor, at the address or telephone number protection regulations. The establishment be totally unseen when viewed from the has been established between the board, or visit the Riverway Board web site at of the Riverway Board was important river. The performance standards require the county zoning administrators and the http://lwr.state.wi.us. to address concerns regarding retention screening vegetation between the structure DNR to assure the goals of the Riverway of local control over the future destiny and the river, the use of exterior coloriza- are achieved and the responsibilities of the Lower Wisconsin of the valley. As a result, the Riverway tion which harmonizes with the natural respective jurisdictions are met. Much of State Riverway Board Board is dominated by local representa- surroundings during leaf-on conditions the success of the Riverway is the result 202 N. Wisconsin Ave. tion with six of the nine members coming (earth tones) and a limitation on the of the cooperation between these govern- P.O. Box 187 from the affected counties (Dane, Sauk, height of the structure. When building on mental entities. Muscoda, WI 53573 Iowa, Grant, Richland and Crawford). The a bluff, the slope of the site is limited to Ultimately, the success of the project 739-3188 or 1-800-221-3792 other three “at-large” members represent 20% or less and suffi cient safeguards to rests on the cooperation of Riverway FAX (608) 739-4263 recreational users and must reside outside prevent erosion must be utilized. To assist landowners. From inception, the biggest [email protected] of the Riverway counties. landowners, the board has developed a challenge facing the Riverway Board was The Riverway Board administers a “Standardized Color Chart” which gener- to maintain the fragile and delicate balance system of regulations, known as “perfor- ally defi nes the parameters of acceptable between protection of the scenic beauty mance standards,” which are designed to exterior colorization. The palette of colors and natural character of the Riverway protect and preserve the aesthetic integ- includes nearly fi fty shades of greens, and protection of the rights of Riverway rity of the valley. The regulations are not browns and grays. property owners and local residents. designed to prohibit development but, For timber harvests on lands visible The concept of land use regulations for rather, to control land use and development from the river, the regulations vary accord- the purpose of preserving scenic qual- to assure consistency with the objectives of ing to zone. In the area immediately adja- ity is often diffi cult for landowners to the project. Permits are required for con- cent to the river, the “River Edge Zone,” understand. Some landowners consider struction of new buildings, modifi cation only selective harvesting is allowed. the regulations onerous and unneces- of existing structures, placement of mobile On the hillsides visible from the river, sarily restrictive and remain opposed to

3 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Information Sources Lower Wisconsin State Boscobel Chamber of Richland Area Prairie du Chien Riverway on the Internet Commerce Chamber of Chamber of 800 Wisconsin Ave. Commerce Commerce and These websites will provide you with and phone information under the heading Boscobel, WI 53805 PO Box 128 Tourism Council some additional information about the “Information Sources,” elsewhere on this (Grant County) 397 W. Seminary St. PO Box 326, 211 S. Main Riverway. page. 608-375-2672 Richland Center, WI Prairie du Chien, WI www.dnr.state.wi.us The Wisconsin www.boscobelwisconsin. 53581-0128 53821-0326 Department of Natural Resources website. com (Richland County) 608-326-8555 You can link to all DNR information from [email protected] 608-647-6205, 800-732-1673 this site. 800-422-1318 www.prairieduchien.org www.wiparks.net The Wisconsin State Dodgeville Chamber of www.richlandchamber.com [email protected] Parks website. Will take you directly to Commerce [email protected] Wisconsin State parks information 338 N. Iowa Other Publications http://lwr.state.wi.us The Lower Wis- Dodgeville, WI 53533 Spring Green Area Available consin State Riverway Board site. You (Iowa County) Chamber of can get information pertaining to the 608-935-5995, Commerce The Uplands, Inc. Riverway performance standards and con- 877-863-6343 PO Box 3, 259 E. PO Box 202 tact Riverway Board staff for information www.dodgeville.com Jefferson St. Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 and assistance. Also links to interesting [email protected] Spring Green, WI 800-279-9472 related sites. 53588-0003 www.uplands.ws Mazomanie Chamber www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel Gives you (Sauk/Iowa Counties) [email protected] of Commerce latest road conditions as well as informa- 608-588-2054 Being organized HiddenValleys, Inc tion on detours and construction sites 800-588-2042 at this time P.O. Box 29 statewide. www.springgreen.com 608-795-2100 Richland Center, WI www.wvic.com Wisconsin Valley [email protected] 53581 Improvement Corporation website. Muscoda Chamber of Sauk-Prairie Area 608-739-3500 WVIC is the company that maintains the Commerce Chamber of 800-592-6968 dams on the Wisconsin River upstream PO Box 587 Commerce www.hiddenvalleys.com from the LWSR. This site contains much Muscoda, WI 421 Water Street, [email protected] information on the Wisconsin River and 56573-0578 Suite 105 provides information on water levels and Wisconsin Department (Grant County) Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 fl ow conditions upstream. of Tourism 608-739-9158 (Sauk County) Most of the Chambers of Commerce www.muscoda.com 123 W. Washington Ave. 608-643-4168, within the Lower Wisconsin State River- Madison, WI 53703 800-683-2453 way also have their own websites. Those 608-266-2161 www.saukprairie.com sites are listed along with mailing address 800-372-2737 (WI and information@saukprairie. neighboring states) com 800-432-TRIP (National) www.travelwisconsin.com tourinfo@travelwisconsin. Emergency Services com The Wisconsin River is normally a calm river, but rapidly changing weather condi- tions and the sometimes rapidly rising water levels can lead to dangerous situations for persons traveling and camping on the river. Many Riverway users carry cell phones for emergency use. If you do, there are precautions you can take to ensure that the help you need will be able to fi nd you. The Lower Wisconsin Riverway is 93 miles long and borders 7 counties, so it may be diffi cult for Emergency Services to determine where you are in order to dispatch the nearest agency to assist you. You should be aware that not everywhere in the River Valley has cell phone service. However, every county along the Riverway has 911 capabilities, so a call to 911 will reach an emergency dispatcher. The dispatcher, however, will have no way to know exactly where you are unless you are able to tell them. At each landing along the river you will see a sign identifying that landing, and telling you the distance downstream to the next landing. By noting this information, you will know the name of the landing you passed last, and when you passed it. This will enable a dispatcher in any of the counties along the river to dispatch the nearest emergency service agency to your assistance. Have fun on the river! Be safe! Poison Ivy Virtually every island with vegetation starts with the removal of contaminated and most shoreland areas within the State clothing. All exposed skin areas should be Riverway contains poison ivy. Learn to washed thoroughly with soap and water recognize its 3 leaves! Poison ivy (Rhus (alkaline laundry soaps are best) and then radicans) is a member of the cashew family swabbed with rubbing alcohol. Calamine Have Fun, Be Safe of plants. It grows as a small creeping plant, lotion or another soothing skin lotion may The Wisconsin River is described as the an unsuspecting person can step from a a climbing vine or as a shrub. The stems be applied if a rash develops. hardest working river in the world. With few inches of water into a deep hole. are woody. The leaves are alternate with A severe reaction is characterized by many dams regulating the fl ow and pro- Many people have tragically drowned three glossy to dull dark green leafl ets; the redness, blisters, swelling and intense viding power for communities along the in the waters of the Wisconsin River leaf margin can be wavy, smooth or lobed. burning and itching. Victims may also upper stretches, it may well be. On the because they did not understand or did From mid-summer through winter many develop a high fever and become very Lower Wisconsin Riverway, however, it not respect its power. A few simple things poison ivy plants support dense clusters ill. Medical help should be obtained if a takes a break from work and fl ows in a can keep you and your family and friends of pea-sized white berries. severe reaction occurs or history of sen- slower lazy manner…. Or does it? The safe when using the river. An oil, urushiol, is contained in the sitivity is known. river here often only looks lazy and slow, If you wade in the river, wade in pairs leaves, fl owers, fruits, bark and roots of and the many inviting sandbars can be a and walk on the upstream end of the poison ivy. It can cause skin irritation, trap to the visitor who is not aware of the sandbars. infl ammation, itching, and swelling, power hidden from view. If you fi nd yourself in deep water, often followed by yellowish, Even at its normal fl ow, the current is do not try to swim upstream. Use your watery blisters. strong enough to sweep a grown adult off strength to stay on top of the water and People vary in sensi- their feet, and in only a short time the fl ow fl oat downstream to an area where you tivity to poison ivy. can increase to a strength that can overturn can safely get out of the water. Some individuals are a full-sized car. This fl ow is often not even Wear a PFD. Personal fl otation devices very sensitive to its noticeable to the person standing on the will keep you on top of the water if you effects while others bank or wading in the shallow water at the do step into a deep hole. DNR encourages seem to be immune. edge of a sandbar, but is strong enough everyone to always wear a life preserver Symptoms usually that even a strong swimmer may not be when in or on the river. appear within 24 able to swim against it. Signs have been placed at each point of hours of exposure, Even more dangerous is the effect that public access along the Lower Wisconsin though reaction time this current has on the sandy bottom of the State Riverway warning visitors of the can range from a river. Sandbars are constantly moving, and current and the drop-offs. Please heed few hours to several the downstream end is often unstable and the warnings and be careful when using days. First aid treatment Rhus will not support a person walking on it. the river. Have fun, be safe, and come radicans Sometimes the sand is even undercut and back again! Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Visitor 4

CRAWFORD RICHLAND Prairie du Sac COLUMBIA

Muscoda Boscobel SAUK

Spring Prairie Green du Chien Woodman

GRANT IOWA DANE

0105Miles

Woodman to Prairie du Chien Segment Muscoda to Woodman Segment Spring Green to Muscoda Segment Priaire du Sac to Spring Green Segment

23 14 PF 12 60 C B O 78 Ho ney a Cre Prairie 188 60 ek Spring SAUK du Sac COLUMBIA Green 60

FERRY 23 BLUFF UNIT d Sauk City 60 SPRING f 60 188 GREEN Helena Ferry Bluff b 12 UNIT h HELENA TOWER HILL UNIT STATE PARK CASSEL C PRAIRIE MAZOMANIE UNIT UNIT g Old Helena 14 Cedar I. c Cemetery Battle of Dun Y e lap Wisconsin ARENA UN IT Mill IOWA Creek BLACKHAWK Heights 78 UNIT Z Cre 12 V ek Y H 012Miles Arena DANE KP Prairie du Sac to Spring Green Segment

WC 00 SAUK RICHLAND TB 14 JJ O Creek G 23 Creek r 130

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Gr Cr

a e e ek Cre ek u Cre 60 Boydtown e

k 18 Wauzeka 60 WAUZEKA UNIT WYALUSING WOODMAN s UNIT STATE MILLVILLE UNIT PARK Bridgeport x Woodman 133 WYALUSING t UNIT C v C

X C B 133 i w g DOUGLAS G r HALLOCK e en DEMO er L FOREST Creek v a Ri R ne W i ve Wyalusing GRANT a en r e r e l n r il er G Cr v e ill 012Milesek 18 Cr le M eek itt MOUNT HOPE K Wodman to Prairie du Chien Segment L REARING STATION

04/2007 Major Access Point Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Powerline River Crossing City orVillage County Boundary a State-owned (DNR) Property Interactive mapping can be found at www.dnr.wi.gov

5 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Major Public Access Points Shown on Area Maps* Warning

Restrooms Potable Water Riverway Recreation is Dangerous— a Veterans Memorial Park (Prairie du Sac) Y Y Please Be Careful b Sauk City Y N c Town of Mazomanie Y N Dropoffs—The water depth on the down- per second” is being discharged at the d Ferry Bluff N N stream side of a sandbar can drop from a Prairie du Sac Dam. Taking note of the e Arena Y N few inches to many feet with one step. river conditions using these services will f Highway 14 Bridge N N Water erosion can cause the unexpected help you in planning future river trips. g Tower Hill State Park Y Y collapse of sandbars and shorelines. Drownings—Drownings can be h Peck’s Landing Y N Walk in pairs and wade upstream on prevented if Personal Flotation Devices i Otter Creek N N sandbars! (PFDs) are worn. A person can disappear Current—Avoid fl ow through hazards under the water in seconds. DNR encour- j McKenna Park (Long Lake) N N such as tree branches overhanging the ages you to always wear a life preserver k Buena Vista Boat Landing (Gotham) N N shoreline. Even in slow water, these can when in or on the river. l Avoca Lake Park (questionable access to river) Y Y sweep you out of your boat or capsize If You Are Not Prepared To Swim It; m Orion Y N your craft. Do Not Canoe Or Wade It. n Riverside Park (Muscoda) Y Y Do not swim against the current. Float The Elements o Muscoda (west side of Hwy. 80) N N downstream to an area where you can p Port Andrews N N safely get out of the water. The sun can be devastating to your skin q Blue River Recreation Area Y N Flow—River fl ow can change over- when you’re on the river for any length of r Boscobel Recreation Area Y Y night with excessive rain or through water time. Use sunscreen, bring a hat and always level management of Lake Wisconsin that have extra clothing to extend your stay. s Woodman Lake N N is through the Alliant Energy/Wisconsin Poison ivy is very abundant along the t Woodman Recreation Area (Green River) Y N Power and Light Company - Prairie du river shore and on all islands. Avoid contact u Wauzeka Public Landing Y Y Sac Hydroelectric Project. Learning what with its three (3) leaves! v Millville Recreation Area Y N the water levels are doing can help you Mosquitoes are most abundant near w Bedford Slough and Bridgeport N N determine if your trip will be diffi cult in vegetation and backwater of the river. x Wyalusing State Park Y Y low water times or hazardous if the water Don’t forget the insect repellent! is high. You can check the river water Water levels can rise quickly if rains * In addition to the access points listed above, several other private and older access points (not level in Muscoda by going to the National occur in or near the river valley. Always maintained or lost to erosion) do exist along the river. Restrooms and water will be available Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic secure your canoe and equipment well. approximately May through mid-September. A Boat Access website can be found at www.dnr. Prediction Service at http://www.crh.noaa. wi.gov/org/land/facilities/boataccess to fi nd over 2,000 public boat access sites statewide. gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?arx&musw3. You can Emergency also call toll free to 1-800-242-1077 to fi nd out how much water in “cubic feet Dial 911 Limited Access Areas

The area that surrounds the Mazomanie ❖ Sauk Launch—Sauk City—Prairie du by watercraft only. A camping permit is Beach is closed to camping or use from Sac Township not required. 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The closed area extends ❖ WI Heights/Black Hawk Unit—Dane from one mile upstream from the beach Restrictions on County—Mazomainie Township Transporting Firewood to one mile downstream from the beach. The following areas are posted closed A map is available at www.lwr.state.wi.us for any entry from November 15 through In order to prevent the movement of inva- or by contacting the property manager. March 31 as winter eagle roost areas sive forest insects and diseases, fi rewood In addition, there is a posted closed area ❖ burned must originate from within the directly adjacent to the beach that prohibits Ferry & Cactus Bluffs—Sauk state and within 50 miles from the property Popular Canoe Routes County—Prairie du Sac Township any entry for any reason from April 1 to where the wood will be used. Firewood Destination Miles Canoeing September 15. ❖ Roundtop—Dane County—Roxbury from sources approved by the Department Time The following areas are closed from 11 Township of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Pro- p.m. to 6 a.m. with exceptions for hunt- tection is allowable. Firewood includes all Sauk City to Arena 11.0 3½ hours ❖ ers entering during established hunting West of Cliffton Rd.—Dane County— wood, processed or unprocessed, intended Arena to Spring Green 10.0 3 hours seasons, provided it is no earlier than one Roxbury Township for use in a campfi re. The Department may hour prior to the opening of hours or when Camping seize and dispose of fi rewood possessed in Spring Green to Muscoda 22.0 6 hours there are no hunting hour restrictions and violation of this rule. For more informa- fi shermen that enter prior to the closing Camping is restricted to no more than 3 tion on fi rewood regulations, please visit Muscoda to Blue River 8.0 2 hours hour for the sole purpose of fi shing. days on State owned islands and sandbars. http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fi rewood/ Blue River to Boscobel 10.0 3 hours Camping at these locations is restricted ❖ Prairie du Bay—Grant County—Bosc- to persons and their equipment arriving Boscobel to Bridgeport 23.0 6 hours obel Township Boat And Canoe Rentals

Private vendors along the Wis- Wisconsin River Outings Captain’s Cove Hubl’s Motel (rowboats only) K and E Fishing Haven consin River can help you plan 715 Wisconsin Ave. 13389 USH 18 & 35 41120 Hwy 60 (motor boats, boat launch) your trip as well as provide rental Boscobel, WI 53805 Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 Boscobel, WI 53805 7554 Hwy 12 services. Rentals are usually by 7554 St. Hwy. 12 608-994-2860 608-375-4277 Sauk City, WI 53583 the hour, day, or longer. Shuttle Sauk City, WI 53583 captainscovecanoeing.com 608-643-3243 services may be available. Be sure 866-41CANOE [email protected] to ask about anticipated changes www.86641canoe.com Willy & Nellies Riverway Camping in river fl ow and island or sandbar [email protected] Canoe Rentals camping. Blackhawk River Runs 400 W. Blackhawk Ave. Veteran’s Memorial Park Valley RV Park Bob’s Riverside Resort PO Box 57 Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 VFW Drive E5016 Hwy 14 and 23 S13220 Shiffl et Road Sauk City, WI 53583 608-326-8202 Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 Spring Green, WI 53588 Spring Green, WI 53588 608-643-6724 Wauzeka Canoe Rental 608-643-6848 608-588-2717 608-588-2826 1304 E. Main www.bobsriverside.com Bluff View Canoe Rental Cedar Hills Campground Snuffy’s Campside Wauzeka, WI 53826 [email protected] 614 Spruce St. 9798 Dunlap Hollow Road 7539 Hwy 12 Sauk City, WI 53583 608-875-6766 Mazomanie, WI 53560 Sauk City, WI 53583 Sauk-Prairie Canoe Center, 608-643-8247 Waz Inn 608-795-2606 608-643-8353 LLC www.snuffyscampground.com 234 Oak St. Tower Hill State Park 500 Water Street Trader’s Canoe Rentals [email protected] Sauk City, WI 53583 6147 Hwy 14 Lone Rock, WI 53556 5808 County Hwy C 608-643-6589 Arena, WI 53503 608-583-2086 Spring Green, WI 53588 Victora Riverside Park www.spcanoerentals.com 608-588-7282 Wyalusing State Park 608-588-2116 River Road. P.O. Box 106 800-871-0115 Concession Canoe & Muscoda, WI 53573 Erick’s Adventures.LLC Bob’s Riverside Resort 608-739-4094 www.tradersbarandgrill.biz Kayak Rentals S13220 Shiffl et Road 6901 High Point Rd. www.muscoda.com [email protected] 13081 State Park Lane Spring Green, WI 53588 Arena, WI 53503 [email protected] 312-925-0287 River View Hills Bagley, WI 53801 608-588-2826 608-996-2333 www.ericksadventures.com 24678 St. Hwy 60 www.bobsriverside.com Wyalusing State Park (May thru mid-October) [email protected] Muscoda, WI 53753 [email protected] 13081 State Park Lane 608-739-3472 www.wyalusing.org Bagley, WI 53801 [email protected] 608-996-2261 www.wyalusing.org Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Visitor 6

State Riverway Valley— Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Fund The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway on the Natural Resources Foundation of Fund was created by Mr. Paul Brandt of Wisconsin, or the Lower Wisconsin Riv- Diverse and Abundant Boscobel, a DNR wildlife Manager for 33 erway Fund, visit www.wisconservation.org, years who passed away in September of call toll-free (866) 264-4096, email info@ Resources 2006. Before he died, Mr. Brandt created wisconservation.org or write the Natural this endowed fund through the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, P.O. Selection from A Voyagers Guide to the Lower Wisconsin River by Stan Nichols Resources Foundation’s Wisconsin Box 2317, Madison, WI 53701. Conservation Endowment The Valley of the Wisconsin to permanently support the Wisconsin Department of The geography of the Lower Wisconsin River is strikingly different from its upper Natural Resources’ wild- stretches. Geographically, the Lower Wisconsin starts near the site of the Prairie du life habitat restoration and Sac dam. Heading north by car from Sauk City you drive over a small rise a short management activities along ways past the dam site on Highway 78 which is the terminal moraine from the last the Lower Wisconsin State glaciation. Below this point the river fl ows westward through a great gorge which has Riverway. Mr. Brandt helped been unaltered by past glacial activity. Looking to the north or south you can see the build the Fund during his walls of the gorge rising abruptly 300 to 400 feet. The gorge is over four miles wide lifetime, and left a last gift to at Prairie du Sac, narrowing to two miles at Muscoda and a half mile at Bridgeport. the Fund in his will. It was his Drop and Speed hope that others who utilize the Riverway and who care The river descends slowly through the gorge on its way to the Mississippi—dropping deeply about its health will approximately 1½ feet per mile. River currents upstream range from 3 to 5 miles per contribute to its protection hour, but the average speed at Muscoda is only 1 to 2 miles per hour. The Lower through additional gifts to Wisconsin River has no rapids or falls. It is clearly a river for people who like to the Fund. travel at a leisurely pace. The Natural Resources Soft Stone—Wide Valley Foundation of Wisconsin is a statewide nonprofit The walls of the gorge are sandstones and limestones, laid down by the shallow seas of organization that creates Cambrian and Ordovician times. The Cambrian sandstones dominate the valley walls opportunities for individuals on the Sauk City end of the river. This sandstone is relatively soft and has allowed the and organizations who care river to carve a valley much wider than at Bridgeport where the harder Ordovician about the conservation of age dolomites dominate the bluffs. Wisconsin’s lands, waters Migrating Sand Bars and wildlife to: deepen their understanding and appreciation of these The steep cliffs of southwestern Because of the gentle drop, the slow current of the river is neither cutting down nor resources; support state and local conser- Wisconsin provide a unique environment building up its bed. It erodes soil horizontally, scooping sediment from the outside of vation programs; and establish conserva- for certain very rare plants as well as one meandering loop and depositing it on the inside of the next loop. The shore can lose tion endowments. For more information aesthetic splendor. or gain a lot of ground that way. The sandbars migrate downstream, like lazy canoers. Some move very slowly; other sandbars, however, travel downstream as much as 800 feet per year. The river carries over ten tons of sediment a day past Muscoda. The Rich Flora Mileage Between Popular Landings Peck’s Landing The plant life of the Lower Wisconsin River is very diverse. About 34 species of plants Mazomanie Otter Creek Ferry Bluff Lone Rock Blue River Woodman Bridgepor Wyalusing are found in the Wisconsin driftless (unglaciated) area that are found nowhere else in Muscoda Boscobel Wau Hwy 14 Gotham the state. Other species are more common here than elsewhere because of migration Arena patterns or unique habitats. zeka The steep cliffs and sand barrens are examples of unique habitats which support t uncommon plants. A small, little known plant, Sullivantia renifolia is found only on steep cliffs in the driftless area. Its closest relatives grow on cliffs in southern Indiana, Sauk City 5 6 11 21 23 31 32 36 43 51 61 67 73 84 90 Ohio, and Kentucky. Buttonweed, found only in Wisconsin on the sand blows north Ferry Bluff 1 6 11 18 24 25 31 38 46 56 62 68 79 85 of Arena, is another example. Some plant species more characteristic of southern states were able to move up Mazomanie 7 161723243037455561677884 the Mississippi River Valley over long periods of time and grow along the Lower Wisconsin. American lotus, buttonbush, honey locust and river birch are examples Arena 10 12 18 19 25 32 40 50 56 62 73 79 of such species. Hwy 14 2 8 9 15 22 30 40 46 52 63 69 Some species may have had a larger range which was cut off by glacial ice. They disperse slowly and have failed to move back into glaciated country. Peck’s Landing 6 7 13 20 28 38 44 50 61 67 The Diverse Landscape Otter Creek 1 7 14 22 32 38 44 55 61 The landscape along the Lower Wisconsin is complex and hard to read. Because of periodic fl ooding and the sandy soil, a few feet of change in elevation can make the Lone Rock 6 13213137435460 difference between a fl oodplain forest and a sand barren. The vegetation of the river Gotham 7 152531374854 valley falls into seven basic types: bottomland forest, wetlands, prairies, blows and bars, upland forest, savanna, cliffs. Muscoda 8 1824304147 Blue River 10 16 22 33 39 Boscobel 6 122329 Woodman 61723 The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway traverses seven counties and at least Wauzeka 11 17 15 communities. Bridgeport 6

SAUK RICHLAND Baraboo COLUMBIA CRAWFORD Richland Center Prairie Ferry Du Sac Peck’s Bluff Port Landing Sauk City Andrews Gotham Lone Rock Spring River Green Mazomanie Prairie Blue Muscoda Avoca Wauzeka River Wisconsin Arena du Boscobel Chien Hwy. 14 Madison Bridgeport Woodman Otter Creek

Dodgeville Wyalusing DANE IOWA Lancaster

Mississippi GRANT River 01020

MILES Watchable wildlife opportunities are abundant within the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway with 285 bird and 45 mammal species challenging your observation NORTH abilities.

7 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources History Along the Lower Wisconsin

For thousands of years, long before Euro- tradition continued until about 1300 AD pean explorers and entrepreneurs entered and it was during this time period that the the Lower Wisconsin region, native people bow and arrow and corn agriculture were recognized the importance of the Missis- introduced to the region. sippi River and her tributaries as a water highway system. The Fox-Wisconsin Exploration riverway provided a valuable link between In the seventeenth and eighteenth cen- the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. turies, European explorers and fur traders Raw materials and fi nished goods from recognized the importance of the river all over the continent travelled the river highway. Nicolet, Radisson and Groseil- system in trade networks dating back over liers, and Marquette and Joliet traversed 3000 years. the rivers between Prairie du Chien and Green Bay on their way to claim lands for Before Columbus France. Entrepreneurs such as La Salle Archaeologists have found evidence of and Perrot established trading relations people in the Lower Wisconsin region as with the native people they found along early as 10,000 years ago. By 1000 BC, the the rivers. rich natural resources of the fl oodplains, In 1766, Jonathan Carver described terraces and upland bluffs had attracted his journey down the Lower Wisconsin. people who settled along the riverway. Near present day Prairie du Sac, Carver Social and religious gatherings, held in the sighted a large village occupied by Sauk warmer months when food was plentiful, Indians whose chief was Pyesa, the father Early native Americans used the Wisconsin River for hunting, fi shing, and traveling. brought people from surrounding camps of Black Hawk. Two years after Carver’s River tribes included Chippewa, Ho-Chunk, Sac and Fox. together for ceremonies and trade. Pottery visit, the Sauk moved their village to the making appeared around this time and Rock River in Illinois. Hawk War. 4500 American regular and leadership in the transportation industry. similarities in design linked the inhabit- It was in this village, Saukenauk, that volunteer troops chased Black Hawk and The railroad entered the area in the 1850s ants of the Lower Wisconsin to traditions the seeds of the Black Hawk War were his band through northern Illinois and and bypassed the river communities as along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers sown. southern Wisconsin. The war ended with it sought a more direct overland route to the south. the Battle of Bad Axe where all of the between the major ports and cities. Around the time of Christ, the fi rst Black Hawk War band except Black Hawk and few of his Even though the Lower Wisconsin is intercontinental trade network developed. The importance of the lead mines of the followers were captured or killed. Black no longer used for transportation of people Traders from the Hopewell culture, origi- Lower Wisconsin region was recognized Hawk was taken prisoner three weeks later. and goods to major markets, the shores and nating in Ohio, spread goods and ideas as early as the American Revolution. The The war had cost the Americans about 200 valleys of the river still hold the echoes through what is now the eastern United Sauk and Fox Indians, under the direction men in the fi ghting, less than 150 of Black of its former glory. Thousands of years of States, using the rivers as highways. of Julien DuBuque, shipped large quanti- Hawk’s band had survived. human occupation remain buried within Copper from Lake Superior, shell from ties of lead to American markets in the One of the most important encounters the valley walls. Keeping the river free of the Gulf of Mexico, mica from Georgia, east. In 1804, the Sauk and Fox entered of the war, called the Battle of Wisconsin intensive development will ensure that this obsidian from Wyoming and fl int from into a treaty with the United States gov- Heights, occurred at a crossing on the history will be preserved for generations North Dakota are just a few of the items that ernment. This treaty caused thirty years Lower Wisconsin River south of Prairie du to come. travelled the Wisconsin river at this time. of unrest, culminating in the Black Hawk Sac. Black Hawk hurried his starving band Wisconsin law protects both Native These traders also brought their culture War of 1832. to the river with soldiers in close pursuit. American and Euro-American archaeo- with them and we fi nd vestiges of burial The United States government began Greatly outnumbered, the Sauk chief and logical sites on state-owned lands and practices, pottery design, and economic leasing mines in 1817 and by the 1830s, a few warriors stopped the troops advance streambeds. Many of these sites contain and political organization interwoven with the region was the most densely populated as the remainder of the band built rafts to features which are sacred to contemporary local customs. area in the Northwest territories. The cross the river. The battle lasted for two Indian tribes. Please help preserve the rich By AD 600, the influence of the increasing number of skirmishes between hours in pouring rain until sunset. The heritage of the river by leaving the sites Hopewell culture had disappeared and settlers and Indians led to the construction American soldiers camped at the base of undisturbed. a local tradition, called Late Woodland, of two military forts along the Lower the bluffs that evening ready to resume fl ourished. This tradition is unique to the Wisconsin; Fort Crawford at Prairie du fi ghting at the fi rst sign of daylight. At area encompassing southwest Wisconsin, Chien and Fort Winnebago at the portage sunrise, they found that Black Hawk had and portions of eastern Iowa, northern of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers. In 1831, moved his band across the Wisconsin Illinois and southeastern Minnesota. The the United States government moved the during the night and disappeared into the most pronounced features of Late Wood- Sauk and Fox from their Illinois lands to rugged country north of the river. Black land sites are earthworks built in the form the western side of the Mississippi. Hawk’s strategy in this battle has been of birds, animals and reptiles. Numerous In April of 1832, Black Hawk and acclaimed as one of the most skilled in examples of these mounds are found on 1200 men, women and children crossed the American Indian Wars. the bluffs and terraces of the Lower Wis- the Mississippi to return to their village By 1848, when Wisconsin became a consin. Associated with the mounds are on the Rock River. This crossing began a state, steamboats plied the river. Commu- villages where these people lived. This four month long confl ict called the Black nities grew up along the river competing for Map of Mounds Sites Available

For persons interested in visiting effi gy mounds sites in the Riverway and sur- rounding area, a beautiful brochure/map is available. The Effi gy Mounds Grand Tour provides a map for self-guided tours of a variety of mound sites. The sites are located on federal, state, tribal and private lands, most of which are located in or near the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. Access to the sites ranges from easy (drive to the site) to adventurous (park and hike). Some sites provide beautiful vistas and some sites are accessible by watercraft. The map was produced by a not-for-profi t organization, Cultural Landscape Legacies, Inc., which is devoted to protection and preservation of mounds and other archeological sites in the Upper Midwest. To obtain a copy of the Effi gy Mounds Grand Tour brochure, contact the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board at 1-800- 221-3792 or 608-739-3188 or by e-mail at [email protected] . For more infor- mation on Cultural Landscape Legacies, visit the Web site at www.clli.org. The Hopewell culture arrived in the Wisconsin River Valley about the time of Christ. Earthworks in the form of birds, animals, and reptiles were a local tradition called Late Woodland. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Visitor 8

Endangered Resources Riverway Forests

The State Riverway protects a fantastic array of endangered, The forest community provides scenic dominated by sugar maple, basswood, threatened and uncommon plant and animal species! Twenty background for river users, habitat for red oak and white ash. On slightly dryer Endangered Resources Natural Areas cover over 6,000 acres provide an environ- wildlife, and fi ber for consumption. All slopes, dry-mesic forest of white and Fund ment vital to the survival of several natural communities. timber within the Lower Wisconsin State red oaks, with ironwood and basswood State Natural Areas are established to protect examples of Riverway boundary is protected by per- predominates. Donate on your Wisconsin Income Tax Form all types of biotic communities and other signifi cant fea- formance standards administered by the The most xeric (dry) sites—ridgetops, tures native to the state...for education, research, and most Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board. etc.—are wooded with forests of black and importantly to secure long term protection of the state’s genetic diversity for benefi t There are several major forest types within white oaks, shagbark hickory, and black of future generations. Some state natural areas along the Lower Wisconsin Riverway the riverway. cherry. Several other tree species such a are Blue River Sand Barrens, Avoca Prairie-Savanna, and Ferry Bluff. black walnut, hackberry, burr oak and red The globally rare fame fl ower, Talinum rugospermum, is found in the valley. Other Bottomland Hardwoods maple are also found in the upland forests. endangered or threatened plant species include pink milkwort, yellow giant hyssop, Also known as fl oodplain forest or south- Upland hardwoods cover over 17,000 acres round-stemmed false foxglove, tubercled orchid and wild quinine. Threatened wildlife ern wet-mesic forest, this is the dominant of the State Riverway. include bald eagles and red-shouldered hawks. Other wildlife of special concern includes forest type (28,000 acres) in the riverway. The oak timber types are of special Cerulean warbler, bobolink, Arcadian fl ycatcher, Kentucky warbler and osprey. Seasonally fl ooded and typically growing concern. Changes in land use since pre- Other endangered, threatened or special concern species include 13 types of fi sh, on river-deposited, poorly drained soils, settlement times (1840) have made natural 10 mussels, 2 amphibians and 7 reptiles. The Pecatonica River mayfl y recently found this forest type contains more species of regeneration by oak species more diffi cult. in Grant County waters was thought to be extinct in Wisconsin! trees than any other type in Wisconsin. Additionally the commercial value and In total, 62 species of endangered, threatened or special concern status exist within The fl oodplain is dominated by silver beauty of the wood creates a high demand the State Riverway boundaries. Future protection and management will ensure we can maple, river birch, swamp white oak, for harvest of mature trees. Therefore, to all continue to enjoy unusual educational opportunities along the Wisconsin River! American elm, green and black ashes, insure oak for all uses by future genera- cottonwood, and black willow. Of interest tions in Wisconsin a forest management is the presence of sycamore. Although a plan should be followed. Forest manage- common tree south of Wisconsin, syca- ment plans can be prepared by private more is a rare species of “special concern” forest consultants or by foresters with the in the state. Small populations exist near Wisconsin DNR. Wyalusing State Park Arena in Iowa County and near Gotham Plans should refl ect the goals of the in Richland County. forest landowner, and individual concerns should be identifi ed before consulting The last bluff west marks the through the park offi ce up to one year in Upland Hardwoods a forester. Enjoy your woodland and western reaches of the Lower advance. Found primarily on hillsides and ridgetops, enjoy the river valley. Persons seeking Wisconsin State Riverway and The park is accessible by boat and canoe upland hardwoods within the river cor- forestry assistance can contact a DNR the site of one of Wisconsin’s from the Mississippi River. Canoeists ridor include the southern mesic (moist), Lower Wisconsin Riverway Forester at most beautiful state parks- should watch for canoe trail signs as they dry-mesic (medium moist) and dry forest 608/588-2591. Wyalusing. enter from the west for a chance to enjoy types. Mesic forests, found generally on The bluff overlook alone a twisting, winding tour of river bottoms moister, north and east-facing slopes, are makes your trip to this 2,600 acre park in a great watchable wildlife showroom! worthwhile as the view of the Wisconsin Canoe and kayak rental is available at the River joining with the Mississippi provides park concession. The park maintains a an awe-inspiring site. marked canoe trail through the backwater Step Back in Time at The park offers a wide variety of rec- of the Mississippi River. reational opportunities including family Showers are available in the Homestead and group campsites. Reservations for and the Wisconsin Ridge Campgrounds. Tower Hill family and group campsites can be made Firewood can be purchased at the park The area now known as Tower villagers rebuilt Helena and persisted until 11 months in advance by calling Reserve concession stand. Nature programs are Hill State Park was already 1860 when the shot tower was closed. America at 888-947-2757 or online at provided by the park naturalist. The nature ancient when the fi rst white The fi nal chapter came when the railroad www.wiparks.net. The Hugh Harper indoor center is located next to the concession explorers saw it in 1673. They passed Helena by and it simply ceased Group Camp offers indoor lodging for stand in the Peterson Shelter adjoining the were Pere Jaques Marquette to exist. 108 people. The facility consists of four Wisconsin Ridge Campground. and Joliet who passed this way The next stage in the history of the dormitories and a main lodge with a Admission stickers are required on all as they explored the Wisconsin area began in 1889. The Reverend Jenkin fully equipped kitchen and dining facili- vehicles. Camping and reservation fees River. Lloyd Jones, a Unitarian minister from ties. Each dormitory has showers, sinks are in addition to admission stickers. Visit It was better known but still only lightly Chicago purchased the site as a retreat and fl ush toilets. Reservations are made www.wyalusing.org or call 608-996-2261 populated in 1830 when Daniel Whitney for his fellow ministers. Upon his death, for more information. of Green Bay noticed the sharply rising his widow donated the land to the State of bluff as he traveled the river. He was a Wisconsin and in 1922 it became Tower The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in businessman and saw potential here for Hill State Park. The shelter and the foun- its employment, programs, services, and functions under an Affi rmative Action construction of a shot tower. Thomas dation of Jones’ stone barn still stand as Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Offi ce, Bolton Shaunce arrived in 1831 and spent remnants of his time here. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. 187 days over the next two years digging The wooden shaft and the smelter This publication is available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio the 120-foot deep shaft and the 90-foot house at the top have been rebuilt and a tape, etc) upon request. Please call 608-266-0823 for more information. tunnel between the shaft and the riverbank video program and displays show how so that the shot tower could be built. This shot was made when the Shot Tower was was the beginning of a fl urry of growth and in operation. A picnic area, hiking trails, prosperity that lasted for about 30 years as canoe landing and a 15-site campground the shot making business fl ourished. are also available for the use and enjoy- The village of Helena was built on the ment of park visitors. The park is open river’s edge near the shot tower, but was May–October. torn down during the Black Hawk Indian Additional information is available by War when the US Army needed materials contacting: Tower Hill State Park, 5808 to raft its men and supplies across the river Cty C, Spring Green, WI 53588, or calling PRINTED ON PUB-LF-039 2007 in pursuit of Black Hawk. Undaunted, the 608/588-2116. RECYCLED PAPER JG

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Lower Wisconsin State Riverway 1500 N. Johns Street Dodgeville, WI 53533