¬ Wildcat Mountain State Park The Visitor ¬ÊMill Bluff State Park ¬ÊThe Elroy-Sparta StateTrail ¬ÊThe “400” State Trail ¬ÊThe La Crosse River State Trail ¬ÊThe Kickapoo Valley Reserve 400 TRAIL: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WZDVWKHÀQDOOLQNLQZKDWZRXOGEHFRPHPRUHWKDQ I100 miles of off-road biking stretching from Reeds- burg to north of Trempealeau. In 1993, the rail line between Reedsburg and Elroy had been abandoned for nearly three decades. Weeds and junk accumulated along a path where once sleek and powerful engines raced passengers between Chicago and Minneapolis. Opened in 1873, the Madison extension, as it was known, was the Chicago and Northwestern railway’s rush job to link Chicago to the milling town of Min- QHDSROLVDQGXOWLPDWHO\WRWKHZKHDWÀHOGVRIWKH3ODLQV Eager to beat its competitors, the company was forced WRFKRRVHDURXWHWKURXJK:LVFRQVLQ·VPRVWGLIÀFXOW topography. To traverse a section of line between Elroy and Sparta, the Chicago and Northwestern built three tun- nels. Later, in 1967, that 32-mile section opened as :LVFRQVLQ·VÀUVWUDLOVWRWUDLOVFRQYHUVLRQ7ZRPRUH sections, the La Crosse River Trail and the Great River Trail, were added later. The section from Reedsburg to Elroy was far less FKDOOHQJLQJIRUWKHUDLOEXLOGHUVDQGZDVÀQLVKHGLQ short order, compared with the Elroy-Sparta section. Yet it too was troubled, as tracks that had been installed in winter sank into the spring mush and had to be rebuilt after the seasonal thaw. Ron Nelson, manager at Wildcat Mountain State In the Friends of the 400 Trail photography contest, Audrey Ogden received the $100 grand Park in the 1990s, saw the potential in adding this prize for her photo depicting wildlife on the 400 State Trail. section of trail, which would provide a wide array of opportunities for viewing many species unique to ZHWODQGV,Q-XQHWKH6WDWH7UDLORIÀFLDOO\ From the very beginning, Nelson worked with a riding the trail have a 7-mile, approximately 40-minute opened. group of local residents interested in developing the trail. ride to La Valle) Packed limestone screenings and bridges with That group ultimately formed the Friends of the 400 ‡²DP — La Valle festivities (those riding SODQNHGÁRRUVSURYLGHDVPRRWKELNe-riding surface. Trail. Two representatives from each town on the trail the trail have a 7-mile, approximately 40-minute ride Wetlands, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands and pas- sit on the management board and continue to improve to Wonewoc) tures are just a few of the sights that visitors enjoy on and promote the trail, using funds from the sale of trail ‡²SP — Wonewoc festivities (those rid- the 400 Trail. Characterized by many Baraboo River ing the trail have a 4-mile, approximately 20-minute passes and souvenirs. crossings, the entire length of the trail follows the river ride to Union Center) SSS valley. Snowmobilers use the trail in the winter months, ‡²SP— Union Center festivities (those plus a unique feature of the 400 Trail is a 7-mile horse 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION riding the trail have a 4-mile, approximately 20-minute trail that parallels the bike trail and stretches from Saturday, June 8 ride to Elroy) Wonewoc to La Valle. ‡²DP — Reedsburg festivities (those ‡²SP — Elroy festivities

INDEX A message from Wildcat Mountain Wildcat Mountain ‡ Wildcat campground map Page 3 State Park Work Unit staff State Park Work Unit ‡ Horsetrail campground Page 6 P.O. Box 99 ‡ Emergency info (WM) Page 7 E13660 State Hwy. 33 “The Visitor” you are reading aims reference or pass it to a friend. ‡ Services and supplies Page 8 Ontario, WI 54651 to answer your most commonly asked The State Park & Trails employees ‡ KVR canoe map Page 9 http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/ questions about the park and trails. If are a dedicated bunch! The Wisconsin SDUNVVSHFLÀFZLOGFDW ‡ Bike trail maps Page 10 you have other questions or comments, State Parks’ mission is to provide the (608) 337-4775 ‡ Wildcat trail map Page 11 ask the staff out in the park, on the highest-quality state-park experience, ‡ Wisconsin Explorer Page 13 SSS WUDLORUDWWKHSDUNRIÀFH resource stewardship and service. ‡ KVR archeological sites Page 14 THE KICKAPOO VALLEY “The Visitor” is produced and Help us maintain these precious areas ‡ Severe-weather info Page 15 RESERVE is jointly managed by distributed free of charge through the for your visits and for the future. Let us ‡ KVR horseback riding Page 15 the state Department of Tourism County Line, a community newspaper NQRZKRZZH·UHGRLQJE\ÀOOLQJRXWD and the Ho-Chunk Nation. To learn ‡ Exploring rails-to-trails Page 16 serving Norwalk, Ontario, Kendall Guest Comment Card. Your thoughts more about the Kickapoo Valley ‡ Mill Bluff State Park Page 17 and Elroy. Please don’t throw away help us make the most of your experi- Reserve, call (608) 625-2960 or go to ‡ Emergency info (MB) Page 18 “The Visitor”; take it home for future ence in state parks! http://kvr.state.wi.us/home/. ‡ State park fees Page 19 Page 2 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit a blanket of bluebells cultural events

Ho-Chunk Nation members pe- riodically offer cultural events at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. The State of Wisconsin and Ho-Chunk Nation jointly man- In the spring, expanses of bluebells are a visual treat at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. age the property.

Wagon In Your Ont We are tch ari Hi o the Gateway to the Kickapoo Valley

Join us all summer for:  Ë Canoeing Ë Biking Celebrate in Ontario Ë Hiking  ËFishing July 3-5  ËHorseback Riding Tractor Pull June 30 Wildcat Mountain State Park and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Horse & Pony Pull May 25 are in our backyard

For more information: h! p://ontariowi.com Village of Ontario P.O. Box 66 Ontario, WI 54651 Phone (608) 337-4381, Fax (608) 337-4328 E-mail: [email protected] Thank you for visiting Wisconsin State Parks! Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit THE VISITOR 2013 Page 3 HUNTING AND TRAPPING IN WISCONSIN STATE PARKS The Sporting Heritage Act (Act 168) was under water may be used in state parks. added in April 2012. It included a variety of Act 168 encourages involvement with state Hunters and trappers can enter a state measures to encourage more people to be- park one hour prior to the daily hunting come involved with Wisconsin’s longstanding WUDGLWLRQVRIKXQWLQJÀVKLQJDQGWUDSSLQJ and trapping starting times. traditions of huntingÀVKLQJDQGWUDSSLQJ grounds, beaches and certain designated The Natural Resources Board re- Before passage of Act 168, many state Among other things, Act 168 provided trails. The act authorized the State Natural stricted hunting and trapping on state park properties were already open for deer first-time hunters, anglers and trappers Resources Board to close additional areas park properties from Nov. 15 through hunting seasons, and some also were open for discounts on licenses; provided incentives for safety reasons or to protect unique Dec. 15 and from April 1 through the spring turkey hunting. The DNR has an ex- for people who recruit others into buying ecosystems. The hunting time frame for Tuesday nearest May 3 for the open tensive hunter safety program, and there has licenses; and increased safety education op- state parks established by the Natural seasons established for different game been an excellent safety record for the hunts portunities. It also expanded hunting oppor- Resources Board coincides with periods species. In addition, hunting with legal that have previously taken place on state park WXQLWLHVDQGDOORZHGWUDSSLQJIRUWKHÀUVWWLPH of lower visitor use of state parks. archery methods is allowed from Dec. 15 properties. During open hunting seasons, all on Wisconsin state park system properties. Maps indicating which areas of each through the Sunday nearest Jan. 6. visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange The act allowed the Department of park are open and closed to hunting will Trapping is allowed in all areas open or other brightly colored clothing. Natural Resources to prohibit hunting and be posted at the parks, will be available at to hunting, but it is not allowed within 100 For more information, visit the DNR trapping within 100 yards of designated- WKHSDUNRIÀFHDQGDUHDYDLODEOHRQOLQHDW yards of any designated trail. Only traps website (dnr.wi.gov) and search keywords use areas, such as picnic areas, camp- http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/hunt/. incapable of catching pets or those placed “hunting state parks.” :LOGFDWKDVGLYHUVHÁRUDDQGIDXQD WILDCAT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK FAMILY CAMPGROUND

A picnic area at Wildcat Mountain’s upper park is a relaxing spot to watch wildlife.

Wildcat Mountain State Park provides bluebird houses. Bluebirds begin taking habitat for a variety of animals, birds and residence in March and may raise two plants. Trails and overlooks give visitors sets of young over the summer. the opportunity to enter their habitat and Wildcat Mountain, along with the possibly spot a few. Kickapoo Valley Reserve, has been Mammals recognized as a National Audubon White tail deer, squirrels, raccoons, Society Important Bird Area. An Im- skunks and opossum are common. You portant Bird Area is a site that provides may also see thirteen-lined ground squir- essential habitat to one or more species rels, red and grey foxes, coyotes and of breeding or non-breeding birds. The mink. River otters and muskrats make site provides habitat for more than 100 their homes along the river banks. species of breeding birds. Among them Amphibians & Reptiles are species considered either threatened Northern spring peepers are one of or endangered, such as the Kentucky WKHÀUVWIURJVWREHJLQVLQJLQJLQVSULQJ warbler, Louisiana waterthrush, acadian Along with chorus and bullfrogs, they Á\FDWFKHUZRRGWKUXVKFHUXOHDQZDUEOHU put on their annual spring symphony in and the worm-eating warbler. Thousands low-lying areas. All frogs require water of landbirds migrate through in both for breeding. Other common species are fall and spring, and about 25 percent of the tree frog, leopard frog, wood frog and the state’s over-wintering population of American toad. golden eagles is found here. Reptiles in Wildcat Mountain State Plants Park include eastern hog-nose snakes, Cool water seeps through the porous ÀYHOLQHVNLQNVDQGUHGEHOOLHGVQDNHV sandstone cliffs along the river. This which like moist, grassy areas. The provides a microclimate where a few rare snakes are not poisonous and quickly plant species, relicts from a cooler climate slink away from people if startled. of the past, can still survive. Birds Hemlock trees and large pine, native Large birds include wild turkey, bald to northern Wisconsin, are also able to eagle, red-tailed hawk, turkey vulture, thrive on the cool, north-facing cliffs. pileated woodpecker, sandhill crane, and The upper Kickapoo River valley was EDUUHGRZO.LQJÀVKHUVOLWWOHJUHHQKHURQ once referred to as “the pinery.” In the and blue herons are found near the water, mid-1800s, white pine was logged and where they search for food. Colorful song ÁRDWHGGRZQWKH.LFNDSRR5LYHU2Q birds like the indigo bunting, rose-breast- Mount Pisgah, trees were never cut for ed grosbeak and a variety of warblers can be heard. Throughout the park there are See NATURE, page 4 Page 4 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit What are hemlock relicts? t Wildcat Mountain State Park, Shrubs and herbs with northern af- the Hemlock Trail goes through a ÀQLWLHVDUHLPSRUWDQWDQGPD\LQFOXGH Where did Wildcat get its name? AState Natural Area called Mount mountain maple, Canada yew, showy ,Q WKH V ORFDO IDUPHUV ZHUH XSVHW EH- Pisgah Hemlock Hardwoods. mountain ash, blue-bead lily, rosy Hemlock relicts are small patches of twisted-stalk, shining club-moss, and cause a bobcat, also called a wildcat, had killed mesic forest composed mostly of species spinulose wood fern. VHYHUDO VKHHS 7KH IDUPHUV IRUPHG D KXQWLQJ that are disjunct from and generally far The dense shade of the hemlock, combined with the northern aspect of SDUW\DQGWUDFNHGDQGNLOOHGWKHDQLPDOWRSUH- south of their usual Wisconsin ranges. many stands, means that very little light Most documented relicts occur in reaches the foreVWÁRRU7KHJURXQGOD\HU vent further loss of livestock. The cat was shot southwestern Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, is often very sparse. within the Western Coulees and Ridges QHDUZKDWLVQRZWKHPDLQRYHUORRNRIWKHSDUN Ecological Landscape. Typical sites are Hemlock relicts are highly localized, deep, steep-sided, moist ravines, with cool and not randomly or widely distributed in 7KHUHDIWHUDUHDUHVLGHQWVFDOOHGWKLVVSRW´ZLOG- northern or eastern slope exposures. southwestern Wisconsin. They are con- Exposures of bedrock, most often centrated in a few areas, such as the drain- cat hill,” later changed to Wildcat Mountain. Cambrian sandstones, are usually pres- ages of the upper Kickapoo and Baraboo  1RZWKHSDUNKDVQRZLOGFDWVEXWSOHQW\RIRWK- ent, and contribute to the ability of this Rivers, and in a few of the deep gorges that community to develop and persist in areas FXWLQWRWKHÁDQNVRIWKH%DUDERR+LOOV er creatures make Wildcat their home, such as rac- that would otherwise be vegetated with Extremely isolated outliers are deciduous hardwood forests. known from a few sites south of the coons, skunks, fox, coyotes, wild turkey and deer. The porous sandstone has a high ca- Wisconsin River. pacity to hold water, which slowly moves Unusual plants and animals have through the rock and keeps conditions been documented in a number of humid and cool. stands. These include “periglacial” The dominant tree is most frequently relicts, that for various reasons were 'RQ·WEHFRPSODFHQWDERXWÀUH eastern hemlock. Eastern white pine, yel- unable to keep pace with changes to Users should not become complacent Watch the wind direction to ensure low birch, and paper birch are common the vegetation as the climate changed DERXWÀUH VSDUNVDUHQ·WJHWWLQJRQÁDPPDEOHPD- “northern” canopy associates. following the last glacial advance, Children should be watched very WHULDOV3XWWKHÀUHRXWLIZLQGFKDQJHV Other trees are usually those that and a number of habitat specialists FORVHO\ZKHQLQWKHYLFLQLW\RIÀUH:KHQ begin to cause concern. are present in the adjoining hardwood that are rare elsewhere in southern setting up to use an area, become aware Don’t remove hot materials from the forests. Wisconsin. RIWKHORFDWLRQRIWKHÀUHULQJ0DNHVXUH ÀUHULQJRUJULOO,IXVLQJ\RXURZQJULOO WKHÀUHLVRXWDQGWKHJULOORUÀUHULQJFRRO place the hot coals in an available park before leaving the area or retiring for the RUIRUHVWJULOOÀUHULQJRUDWGHVLJQDWHG banks in spring. jack-in-the-pulpit, evening. disposal sites. ] Dutchman’s britches, trillium, wood Nature phlox, Columbine, wild geranium, and (Continued from page 3) 0D\DSSOHDUHMXVWDIHZRIWKHZLOGÁRZ- lumber, nor was Mount Pisgah ever ers found throughout the park. Visit the Reserve grazed. Preservation of this virgin tim-  2QHXQXVXDOSODQW\RX·OOÀQGJURZLQJ Visitor Center ber is one reason Mount Pisgah was among the cliffs is the walking fern. Its designated a state natural area in 1952. long, narrow, arching leaves radiate from ONE MILE NORTH OF LA FARGE ON HWY. 131 Interpretive labels on the 1.4-mile Hem- the roots. Leaf tips that touch the ground )ULHQGV lock Nature Trail describe some of the sprout new plants. This is how the plant Our Gift Shop Features Original Design plant life found there. Growing in the “walks” and spreads across a cliff. Other RIWKH T-shirts, Collector Plates and Cups, Local understory are huckleberry, blueberry, ferns have interesting names, too. There History Books, Works By Area Artists pipsissewa, bunchberry, wintergreen and are ostrich, cinnamon, lady, wood, inter- .LFNDSRR partridgeberry. Mosses, lichens and liver- rupted, and maidenhair ferns. 9DOOH\ SEE THE EXHIBITION HALL wort grow on the moist rocky ledges. Remember: Take only pictures; leave ‡,17(5$&7,9(+$1'621(;+,%,76 Virginia bluebells carpet the river’s only footprints. ‡6725<),5( KK5HVHUYH ‡*5($7)25.,'6$1'$'8/76

NEW! 2,1 6 25 7+( $0 +$//(1*( 21 &7 SMOOTHIES - 8 )  ' &  2  DORSET VALLEY & GOURMET COFFEE 608-387-4878 ‡:,17(5)(67-$1 SCHOOL RESTAURANT ²²‡KWWSNLFNDSRRIULHQGVRUJ‡KWWSNYUVWDWHZLXV LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL DORSET VALLEY ALONG THE ELROY-SPARTA BIKE TRAIL, WE OFFER A FULL MENU OF HOMESTYLE GOODNESS, FROM SANDWICHES AND BURGERS TO ITALIAN FAVORITES AND STEAKS OTTERVALE GENERAL STORE ‡)5,'$<1,*+7),6+)5<‡6$785'$<35,0(5,%‡681'$<% %63(&,$/6 (THE ORIGINAL 1890’S OTTERVALE STORE) FEATURING AMISH & OCOOCH MOUNTAIN ARTISANS FURNITURE STORE WEDS-SAT: 9:30-5 SUN -TUES BY CHANCE featuring custom (CLOSED JAN THRU MARCH) Amish furniture, crafts and gifts. Ask about a stay in our Bed and Breakfast KICKAPOO VALLEY HERITAGE ART & TOURS 2SHQ0RQ7KXUVDPWRSP‡)UL6DWDPWRSP‡6XQGD\DPWRSP 7KUHHPLOHVHDVWRI:LOWRQQHDUMXQFWLRQRI+:<6DQG 67(321*8,'(6.(9,1 3$76<$/'(5621 ‡ZZZ75$,/6,'(%1%&20 )($785($0,6+5281'%$51 +,6725<72856 6(/)*8,'('7285,1)250$7,21$/62$9$,/$%/( S4015 Husker Hollow Road La Farge, WI 54639 ‡ Share The Visitor www.ottervalegeneralstore.com Page 5 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit Wildcat an example Got ice? of driftless topography ildcat Mountain State Park is in Wthe heart of the driftless area of southwest Wisconsin. Once completely surrounded by gla- ciers, the driftless area preserves what the northern and eastern United States, including the rest of Wisconsin, were like before the last ice age. The term “driftless” refers to a lack of glacial drift, the residue left behind by re- treating glaciers. In surrounding regions, drift from retreating glaciers buried all former topography, creating features such as moraines, eskers, drumlins and lakes. But the highlands to the north of the driftless area protected it from ice inva- sion. As the ice sheets receded, streams of glacial-melt water cut deep into the dolomite-capped sandstone, etching out a beautiful landscape of steep, winding valleys and rugged ridges. The Kickapoo River and its tributaries lie in the heart of driftless area. The streams ÁRZZLWKWKHVORSHRIWKHWHUUDLQIRUPLQJ a dendritic drainage pattern. Looking at the Kickapoo River watershed from above, it resembles branches on a tree. “Kickapoo” comes from the Algon- TXLQZRUG´.LZɷJDSDZDµPHDQLQJ´KH stands about,” or “he moves about, stand- ing now here, now there.” The Kickapoo River does just that. It meanders in every direction, traveling more than 125 river miles within a 65-mile distance. The beauty of the river can be expe- rienced by canoe or kayak. Between the villages of Ontario and La Farge, there are 18 canoe landings on the Kickapoo. Wildcat Mountain’s lower picnic area is a popular starting and stopping point. In fact, the park’s origins began there, with a 20-acre tract. Amos Theodore Sanders donated it in 1938. He wanted it preserved so that others like himself might know the unspoiled woods of the Upper Kickapoo. Since then, the park has grown to 3,821 acres. Today, along with The ice cave is a shallow “cave” or rock outcropping with a spring above it. Water tumbles over the rock canoeing, the park offers trails, spectacular OHGJH,QVXPPHULW¶VDFRROVKDG\SODFHZKHUHPDUVKPDULJROGVIHUQVDQGVSULQJZLOGÀRZHUVJURZ views, and camping for families, groups and Trees shade the area, keeping it in constant twilight. In late fall, days and nights become colder and the horseback riders. trickling water freezes and gradually builds up. By mid-winter, the trickle of water turns into a huge ice- Whether you’re here for a brief stop at the Observation Point or a leisurely trip fall, reaching from the top of the ledge to the ground below. In its full glory, it can be about 20 feet high on the river or trails, we hope you will DQGIHHWWKLFN7KHWKLFNLFHDFWVOLNHD¿OWHUDEVRUELQJUHGOLJKWZKLFKPDNHVLWDSSHDUEOXH7KH explore and enjoy. icefall has been known to stick around through May. It’s a winter spectacle you won’t want to miss!

a Farge Welcomes You UNPACK YOUR BAGS AT L

THE DRIFTWOOD INN Canoe the Kickapoo River, and enjoy easy access into the village EXPLORE THE KICKAPOO VALLEY FROM OUR from Andrew's canoe landing. We offer motel accomodations or camping sites in the village park, CLEAN, COMFORTABLE, REASONABLY PRICED ROOMS along with park shelters, picnic areas & restroom/showers. Many area businesses to visit! $+-'ć*+-'ć%#01' JOIN US FOR OUR OLD-FASHIONED SHOP AMISH COUNTRY 4TH OF JULY IN THE VILLAGE PARK! OUR ANNUAL SMALL-TOWN DRIFTWOOD INN MOTEL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IS THE 1*$5'(1675((7‡217$5,2 FIRST SATURDAY IN DECEMBER 1-877-337-4660 For more information, contact Village of La Farge, PO Box 37, La Farge, WI 54639 '5,)7:22',11217$5,2#*0$,/&20‡‡:::'5,)7:22',11217$5,2&20 Phone: (608) 625-4422. On the Internet: www.lafarge-wisconsin.com Page 6 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit

What does garlic mustard look like? THE BLAKLEY OGarlic mustard grows one to three feet tall, forming dense stands. HOBBIT O7KHÀRZHULVZKLWHZLWKIRXUSHWDOV,W blooms from May through July. CABINS AND R.V. PARK OThe leaves are triangular, with LOCATED ON THE EST RANCH toothed edges. W B When crushed, OF THE KICKAPOO RIVER. the leaves and S5106 ELK RUN RD. VIOLA, WIS stem smell strongly of on- 54664 ion or garlic. RESERVATIONS CALL OFruit are 1-608-627-1461. VOHQGHUFDS- sules, 1–2 1/2 inches long. They look like long green ¿QJHUV(DFKSODQWSURGXFHVRU LEARN MORE more seeds. Seeds can germinate for ABOUT US AT XSWRVHYHQ\HDUV O5HSRUW¿QGLQJVDQGORFDWLRQVRIWKLV LQYDVLYHWRWKHSDUNRI¿FH HTTP://BLAKLEYHOBBIT.COM

THREE SHOPS IN ONTARIO ey Wood Produc all Levi B. Hostetler ts MARCELLA’S DORA’S V 18736 Nickel Ave Norwalk, WI 54648 CHILD THE MUSTARD DAUGHTER Easily Accessible from Highways 33 & 131 Open: Mon - Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. OUNTRY IFTS Closed Sundays C G SEED ONE OF A KIND Ë Tables & Chairs ‡&XVWRP'HVLJQVDQG6L]HV SEASONAL DECOR CHRISTIAN GIFTS NEW & GENTLY USED ‡0DQ\'LIIHUHQW6W\OHVRI)XUQLWXUHLQFOXGLQJ WESTERN OOKS S OWGIRL HIC Ë Bedroom Sets ‡0LVVLRQ‡5R\DO0LVVLRQ‡%URRNOLQH B & CD’ C C ‡4XHHQ$QQH PRIMITIVE BABY ITEMS CABIN DECOR ËHutches & Buffets ‡6KDNHU‡6OHLJK‡7UDGLWLRQDO&RXQWU\ BABY GIFTS HOME DECOR NATIVE AMERICAN ËGun Cabinets ‡+HULWDJHDQG0RUH‡$OO6SHFLHVRI+DUGZRRG GREETING CARDS CANDLES/GARDEN JEWELRY ËIslands, Curios Stop In and Check Out Our Showroom MAIN & DIVISION Take Your Purchase Home Today! MAIN & DIVISION OPEN MOST WEEKENDS ËGlider Rockers WEDS - SUNDAY 317 MAIN OR BY CHANCE/APPOINTMENT Make This Your One-Stop Shop. 10-4 P.M. MON-WED-FRI-SAT ËOffice Furniture )RU

ACCESSIBILITY SHELTERS Hemlock Nature Trail:$PLOH Wisconsin. Upper Picnic Area The upper picnic shelter is reserv- loop trail through Mt. Pisgah Hemlock- WINTER ACTIVITIES Overlook: Persons who able. It is a 32-foot octagonal shape that Hardwoods State Natural Area. Interpre- Cross country skiing: The park’s use wheel chairs or other FDQDFFRPPRGDWHRUPRUHSHRSOH tive stops call attention to the unique PLOHORQJULGJHWRSVNLWUDLOWDNHV\RX assistive devices for There is large picnic grill is just outside plants that live in the cool moist environ- WRVFHQLFRYHUORRNV,WLVJURRPHG mobility can access the upper picnic area the shelter. Drinking fountain, vault toi- ment of these ancient cliffs. The trail for both classic and skate skiing when overlook from the parking lot via a 300’ lets, playground equipment and overlook begins and ends at the lower picnic area conditions permit. asphalt paved trail. nearby. No electricity. This is a great bulletin board. On top of Mt. Pisgah, the There’s a rest stop midway where Prairie Trail Overlook: Begin near place for gatherings of all ages. Reser- view from 365’ above the river is worth you can continue on or take a short family campsite 1, a 925’ packed limestone vations can be made up to 11 months the climb. trail turnaround. Easy bypasses around trail. in advance at the park office, either in Ice Cave Trail: This short, easy steeper areas make it suitable for begin- Taylor Hollow Overlook (Old Settler’s person or by mail. trail leads to a rock shelter (a shallow ner and intermediate skiers. Trail): Begin at the nature building, 3/8 mile The lower picnic area (canoe launch cave-like opening at the base of a cliff). If you have questions about trail dif- packed limestone trail. area) has a 30-by-38-foot open shelter A small spring dripping over the edge ficulty, ask at the office before starting Shelters: Both the upper picnic area with large picnic grill, picnic tables, of the rock freezes into a giant icicle in out. and lower picnic area have accessible drinking fountain and vault toilets. This winter. Always follow the proper direction shelters with large grills. shelter is first-come-first served. No EQUESTRIAN TRAILS on one-way trails. Leave space between Ice Cave: The beginning portion of this electricity. The park has 15 miles of trail and a you and other skiers and alert others packed limestone trail provides access to PETS campground for campers who bring their when passing. Pets and are not allowed a small picnic area and vault toilets. There Pets are welcome in own horses. The park does not have on ski trails in the winter. is also easy access to Billings Creek for Wisconsin State Parks. horses to rent. Trails are open for riding Snowshoeing is allowed on all trails ¿VKLQJ For the protection of 0D\WKURXJK1RY7UDLOSDVVHVDUH EXCEPT THE SKI TRAIL.7KH Camping: Site 30 in the family camp- visitors and wildlife, pets required for riders 16 and older. STAY mile Old Settlers Hiking Trail is marked ground is a level site with electricity. It is are NOT allowed in buildings, picnic and ON MARKED TRAILS! for snowshoeing. located next to the shower building. A key beach areas and playgrounds or on the Red Loop: The Red Loop begins at Ice cave: Take a short easy trail to to the accessible shower can be picked up Hemlock Nature Trail. see the huge ice formation that forms DWWKHSDUNRI¿FH the horse campground and winds its way Rangers enforce pet rules for the through the park’s hills and valleys. The each winter. Trailhead is located on CAMPGROUND safety of visitors and pets themselves. green trail marks a short cut through the County Road F along Billings Creek. SERVICES Thank you for being considerate of other red loop. Winter camping:&DPSVLWHVLQ campers while vacationing with your pet. Shower facilities are Blue and Yellow Loops: The Blue the family camp are plowed for vehicle ‡&OHDQXSDIWHUSHWV open, weather permitting, and Yellow Loops connect to the Red access during the winter months. Drink- ‡.HHSSHWVRQDOHDVKQRPRUHWKDQ ing water is available at the maintenance from mid-May through Loop, taking riders farther from the eight feet long, at all times. building. mid-October. The rest of the year, vault park’s main use areas. toilets are open and water is available at the ‡3HWVPXVWEHNHSWXQGHUFRQWURO and not interfere with the enjoyment of Rock Johnson Trail: This short FISHING maintenance building. trail begins north of the horse camp and The Kickapoo and its tributaries in The trailer dump station is next to the the park by others. winds its way up onto a high ridge con- the park are Category 3 trout streams. shower building. Campers may not drain ‡3HWVPD\QRWEHOHIWDORQHRUXQDW- necting with the Red Loop. Fishing licenses and stamps are avail- waste water or sewage on the ground. tended. Barking pets may result in a noise citation. able at local sports stores or online at Propane and ice sources include ORIENTEERING COURSE dnr.wi.gov. Anglers 16 years and older the Fastrip in Ontario and the Kwik Trip in CANOEING An approximately 1-mile long ori- require a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Hillsboro. Bridges on the Kickapoo River are enteering course begins at the amphi- Those fishing for trout are required to Local church service schedules are numbered to correlate with the map on theater parking lot. Compasses can be have a Trout Stamp. DYDLODEOHDWWKHSDUNRI¿FH page 9. A canoe landing in the lower checked out at the park office. Campground hosts give assistance SLFQLFDUHDLVORFDWHGEHWZHHQEULGJHV ROAD SAFETY and information to park visitors and com- and 5. It is approximately 2-3 hours from NATURE BUILDING Posted speed limits must be fol- municate facility needs to park staff. In Ontario to the landing by canoe. Located east of the shower building lowed. All users must share the roads. Watch for motor vehicles, bicycles and the family camp, the camp host site is No glass on the river and please (next to the big yellow barn.) Open daily Memorial Day through children. Play devices are prohibited on near the shower building. Horse camp leave no trace -Pack it in-pack it out. October. Wisconsin Explorer Booklets all park roadways. hosts (next to site 6) also sell admission All craft must be equipped with a stickers, trail passes and register camp- for ages 3 through 9+. Park roads are narrow and heavily Coast Guard-approved lifesaving device ers. Exhibits for kids and adults on traveled. Always be alert to traffic. Lost & Found items are maintained at for each person aboard. Don’t overload wildlife, plants, fish, invasive species, Roads follow the terrain and often WKHSDUNRI¿FH your craft. Should you become capsized and park history. Free publications on have steep grades, corners, and inter- PICNICKING in fast water, stay upstream of your craft a variety of topics. Rainy day coloring sections. Go down these hills slowly, so you don’t get caught between it and a activities for kids. under full control, and be prepared to Wildcat Mountain log or rock. Never wade downstream in stop quickly at any time. has 3 picnic areas. The AT THE PARK OFFICE SAFETY TIPS FOR CYCLISTS upper picnic area has a rivers, as sandbars may drop off abrupt- ‡'DLO\:HDWKHU)RUHFDVW ly on the downstream side. Though most accidents are not seri- shelter, playground and ‡$UHDLQIRUPDWLRQ ous, they do happen. Wear a helmet. 2 observation points. The lower picnic area HIKING TRAILS ‡,QIRUPDWLRQRQORGJLQJDQGVHU- Ride single file on the right. Warn (off of Hwy 33) has a shelter and canoe Hiking trails vary in vices near the La Crosse River, Elroy- others when passing. Be wary of loose launch. The ice cave picnic area is located difficulty. Trails are not 6SDUWDDQG6WDWH7UDLOV gravel or sand, especially after rain. Pull on Co. F. surfaced and become ‡1LJKW6N\&KDUWV completely off the road to view wildlife Carry in – Carry out: Picnic areas, slippery when wet or ‡%LUG6SHFLHV/LVW or scenery. Teach your children to follow trails and other day-use areas do not leaf covered. Use caution on steep ‡1DWXUH-RXUQDOV these tips and to be courteous cyclists. have garbage or recycling bins. When climbs and descents as well as near un- ‡([SORUHU%RRNOHWV DESIGNATED USE AREAS such as you visit for a few hours or less, you’ll protected bluffs. Stay behind barricades. ‡)RUFKHFNRXW([SORUHU3DFNV trails, picnic areas, or campgrounds are need to take your garbage and recy- If you have questions or concerns about Camp with Smokey Backpacks and Park inspected or maintained by the Depart- clables home with you. We urge visitors trails, talk to staff at the park office. Packs. ment of Natural Resources and shown bring reusable items. The more reusable Old Settler’s Trail:7KLVPLOH ‡+XQWLQJ )LVKLQJUHJXODWLRQV on the official property map. All other things we pack, the less garbage we’ll trail takes about 1.5-2 hours to com- ‡)LUHZRRG areas are considered undesignated and create. plete. It can be accessed from either the ‡0HUFKDQGLVH7RSRJUDSKLFPDS are not maintained or inspected. Us- Help us stay green. It’s good for us and north end of the upper picnic area or carabineers, books on Turtles and ers are encouraged to limit activities to for our environment. nature center/ amphitheater parking lot. Lizards, Amphibians, and Snakes of these areas. Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit THE VISITOR 2013 Page 9 Page 10 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit THE VISITOR 2013 Page 11 Page 12 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit

“The privilege of possessing the earth entails the responsibility of passing it on, the better for our use, not only to immediate posterity, but to the Unknown Future.” — Aldo Leopold Please carry in and carry out your garbage elcome to your state parks! keep them clean. ALDO LEOPOLD LEGACY STATE TRAIL SYSTEM WYou’ll notice there are no gar- OLess mess: Removal of the gar- bage or recycling bins in the picnic bage and recycling containers elimi- (FRORJLVW$OGR/HRSROGLVRQHRIWKHPRVWLQÀXHQWLDO¿JXUHVLQ:LV- areas, shelters, beaches, and other nates the smells and mess they create. consin’s rich conservation history. In honor of his many contributions day-use areas. It also cuts down on yellow jackets and to Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Trail System was named the When you visit Wisconsin state other pests. “Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System” in 2007. parks, forests, and recreation areas, OReduce, reuse, recycle: Wiscon- you’ll need to take your garbage and sin state law requires us to recycle many recyclables home with you. materials we formerly threw away. The Totaling more than 1,700 miles, Wisconsin’s 42 state trails continue O Home away from home: The more reusable things we pack, the less Leopold’s legacy by allowing residents and visitors of all ages to ex- parks belong to all of us, and just like garbage we’ll create. It’s good for us perience Wisconsin’s diverse natural beauty and observe for them- at home, we need to care for them and and for our earth. selves the value of conservation and land ethic.

Not So Plain & Simple Six Unique Gift Shops

PLOHVHDVWRI&DVKWRQRQ+:<‡‡2SHQ0D\2FW Fall foliage makes for an impressive display at Wildcat Mountain.

. Have A Wild Day! Between "1 the tunnels, *$, 00 , Norwalk extends 8*-% a warm welcome Wireless Internet @ Village Hall & Library LLC 9LVLWRXUQHZFDPSJURXQG (OHFWULF‡SLFQLFVKHOWHUV‡VKRZHUV QHZFDQRHVZLWKEDFNUHVWV Canoes: $30 per rental 20 new kayaks Kayaks: $25 per rental ‡0D\9LOODJH:LGH5XPPDJH6DOH Tubes: $10 per rental ‡$XJ/LRQV7UDFWRU3XOO&KLFNHQ4DQG )ORZHU6KRZ All rentals include ‡1RY5DLOVWR7UDLOV0DUDWKRQ Ask about group rates pick up, drop off, Affordable Family Fun! paddles and life preservers Village of Norwalk P.O. Box 230 Kickapoo Wild Adventures Norwalk, WI 54648 Phone-608-823-7760, Ext. 21 www.kickapoowild.com FAX-608-823-7293 6WDWH+LJKZD\‡1RUZDON‡:,‡ [email protected] PLOHQRUWKRI2QWDULRRQ+LJKZD\‡ Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit THE VISITOR 2013 Page 13 Share nature with your children! 0DNHWUDFNVWRWKHSDUNRIÀFHIRUDIUHH:LVFRQVLQ([SORUHUERRNOHW

oday, many children are growing up in different booklets, a three-year-old can begin the structured environments that don’t allow program this year and participate until age 11 with- Tmuch time or freedom to play outdoors. out repeating a booklet. When Explorers complete By helping them connect to things they discover the activities, they earn collectable state symbol in nature, you nurture values of good steward- patches. Kids who start the program at age 3 can ship and build strong bonds that will last for a collect all nine state symbol patches! To encourage lifetime. IDPLOLHVWRH[SORUHWRJHWKHUWKHÀUVWIRXUDFWLYLWLHV With Wisconsin State Park Explorer book- in each booklet share common themes. lets, you can discover amazing things together. The program is designed for individual chil- Activities in the booklets include scavenger dren visiting state properties with family members hunts, games, hikes, crafts, or adult friends. Educators and youth groups may and other nature-based use Wisconsin Explorer booklets and activities activities. Families with children in a class or group. However, chil- can borrow Explorer dren in these groups cannot earn patches. Packs that contain Educators and youth leaders can download crayons, magnifying 3')ÀOHVIURPWKH:,3DUNVZHEVLWH ZLSDUNV lenses, bug boxes, net) or request one hard copy of each booklet. and other materials Permission is granted to copy individual activi- needed to complete ties, journal pages, or entire booklets as long as the activities in the copyright information remains on each page. booklets. By presenting information to kids in a fun The Wisconsin Explorer program grows with and interactive manner, the Wisconsin Explorer kids. There are three age levels in the Wisconsin program enhances their understanding and ap- Explorer program (3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9 preciation of the bounties of nature and their years and up). Three themes help kids explore State Park, encouraging them to help protect and different parts of the great outdoors. With nine preserve them.

Parkview Bed & Breakfast www.parkviewbb.com Rockton Bar Located on Scenic Hwy 131 between Ontario and LaFarge 4 rooms with private ‡)ULGD\1LJKW)LVK‡6DWXUGD\3ULPH5LE and shared baths Full Homemade Breakfast 0DLQ ‡7XHVGD\VSRXQGEXUJHUIRUDQG 3 blocks from the 400 Trail :LOWRQ Domestic beer $1.50 (5 - 10 p.m.) Bike storage  13DUN‡5HHGVEXUJ:, ‡:HGQHVGD\V0H[LFDQ1LJKW 2XU$OPRVW 608-524-4333 ‡7KXUVGD\V:LQJV„RUDGR]HQIRU :RUOG)DPRXV 25 Hitchin’ Post %%4&KLFNHQ Sports Bar & Grill 2SHQ0RQGD\VDPSPIRUOXQFK 6HUYLQJDW30 :KHHOLQIRUDJRRGWLPHDQGOHW .LFNDSRR

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Speed's Bikers! Phone: 411 608-435-6616 Main St. Bicycle “Let Your Adventure Begin” Shop Visit Kendall’s 1126 John St. Restored Depot Welcome Sparta, WI 54656 Camp in Glenwood Park. ‡5HQWDOV Bike the Elroy–Sparta Trail. Bikers ‡7UDLO3DVVHV Labor Day Celebration: Aug. 30 - Sept. 1 Bike Rentals ‡$FFHVVRULHV Autumn Ridge Motor Tour & Arts Fair: Oct. 12 ‡7UDLO3DVVHV ‡5DLQ6XLWV 3RQFKRV ‡6KXWWOHV Holiday Fair: November 1-2 ‡%LF\FOH6XSSOLHV‡7LUHV 7XEHV 6SHFLDO*URXS5DWHV For More Info: 608-463-7124 ‡6SRUWLQJ*RRGV www.speedsbike.com 608-269-2315 &DPSLQJ(TXLSPHQW [email protected] ‡)ODVKOLJKWV %DWWHULHV 5(0(0%(5&$55<,1&$55<287 Page 14 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit Run, bike and canoe at the Dam Challenge triathlon

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve Dam Challenge triathlon, an annual event, is slated for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. With rugged Wisconsin hills as its setting, the race con- sists of a 7-mile canoe trip, and 14-mile bike ride and a PLOHFURVVFRXQWU\UXQ3URFHHGVEHQH¿WWKH.LFNDSRR Valley Reserve Education Program. For more informa- tion or a registration form, go to http://kvr.state.wi.us or call (608) 625-2960. Expand your horizons at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve ore than 40 years ago, the federal EHWZHHQ-DQXDU\DQGWKHÀUVWRI0D\ MJRYHUQPHQWEHJDQDÁRRGFRQWURO Archeological sites represent most Burial mounds in the district are project on the Kickapoo River; 140 conical, oval, or linear. They are com farms were purchased to make way for of Wisconsin’s prehistorical periods PRQO\WKRXJKWWREHDIÀOLDWHGZLWKWKH a dam and reservoir. The landowners Woodland Tradition (500 B.C. to A.D. southwestern Wisconsin. Evidence sug 5RFNVKHOWHUVDUHSULPDULO\RYHU were removed, the farm buildings were 1000). Generally, they are situated on gests that during the last ice age, which hangs formed in the soft sandstone in the GHVWUR\HGDQGWKHÀUVWSKDVHRIFRQVWUXF prominent areas of high ground, often ended approximately 10,000 years ago, cliffs along stream and river edges. Some tion was started. WRIHHWDERYHWKHYDOOH\ÁRRU this area was neither scoured by glacial RIWKHVHURFNVKHOWHUVFRQWDLQDQFLHQWÀUH After several starts and stops, how Some mounds were ritually constructed ice nor blanketed by thick glacial depos hearths and refuse pits, which are buried ever, the project was halted in 1973 for over a long period of time with different its known as glacial drift. As a result of EHQHDWKWRIHHWRIVWUDWLÀHG OD\HUHG  environmental and economic reasons. burial episodes adding to the size and the area’s long exposure, wind and water VDQG\VRLOVDQGURFN\URRIIDOOGHEULVRQ A controversial project from the start, shape of the mound. Oval and linear erosion have cut deeply into the land WKHVKHOWHUÁRRU5DGLRFDUERQGDWLQJRI people in the area were understandably mounds were often formed when buri surface, creating an intricate system of plant and animal remains, as well as the RXWUDJHGWKDWWKH\KDGVDFULÀFHGVRPXFK als were placed next to each other, or VWHHSVLGHGVWUHDPYDOOH\VZLWKQXPHU style of artifacts found in these shelters, DQGVDZQREHQHÀW the mound was expanded horizontally. ous sandstone and limestone outcrops provides the basis for dating the occupa Conical mounds were built up vertically. In 1996, federal legislation directed tion strata, or layers, of the shelter. The that form the cliffs, overhangs, and caves Burial mounds are sacred features on this the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dates and artifact styles also suggest the of the Upper Kickapoo River Valley. cultural landscape and should be treated (COE) to transfer up to 1,200 acres to shelter’s relationship to other sites in the More than 450 prehistoric archaeo with the respect afforded any cemetery. the Bureau of Indian Affairs in trust for district and in southwestern Wisconsin. logical sites dating between 10,000 B.C. Petroglyphs are images etched into WKH+R&KXQN1DWLRQDQGWKHUHPDLQLQJ DQG$'KDYHEHHQLGHQWLÀHGE\ *HQHUDOO\SUHVHUYDWLRQLQURFNVKHOWHUV 7,369 acres to the State of Wisconsin. is better thDQLQRSHQDLUVLWHVEHFDXVHRI rock. Typically, petroglyphs in the Upper archeological surveys within the district. Kickapoo Valley Prehistoric Archeo That ownership transfer was completed Most of the surveys were conducted greater protection from wind and rain. Dec. 28, 2000. Carbonized (charred) plant remains and logical District were formed by carving between 1960 and 1974 by the State grooves into soft sandstone outcrops to The portion of the Upper Kickapoo Historical Society of Wisconsin. Survey DQLPDOERQHVIURPURFNVKHOWHUVSUR form images. Often, more than one image River Valley between Wildcat Mountain methods ranged from surface collection vide information about the diet and the may be found at a site, comprising a rock State Park and La Farge, Wis., is rich with and shovel testing to interviews with seasonal movements of the people who art or petroglyph panel. more than 450 prehistoric archeological local collectors. The surveys were per occupied them. Prior to 1997, only one petroglyph VLWHV7KHVHVLWHVUHSUHVHQWWKHGD\WR formed in connection with plans for a In the district’s Bard Lawrence Rock day life and expressions of people dating proposed dam, reservoir, and recreational shelter, for example, straWLÀHGGHSRVLWV site, the Hanson petroglyphs, had been back as far as 12,000 years ago, when area to be constructed within this portion representing many episodes of occupa LGHQWLÀHGZLWKLQWKHGLVWULFWDQGRQO\ mastodons roamed this valley. of the Kickapoo Valley. Because of pos tion were dated by artifact style and three other sites were reported for the The Upper Kickapoo Valley sible environmental impacts, however, radiocarbon analysis of charcoal from Upper Kickapoo Valley Area. The Han ÀUHKHDUWKV7KHUHPDLQVRIGHHUHON son petroglyphs were known to local The Upper Kickapoo Valley Prehis together with the project’s rising costs, the work was stopped when the dam was bear, puma, and wolf, as well as smaller residents and reported to archeologists in toric Archeological District, which is GXULQJWKHÀUVWDUFKHRORJLFDOVXUYH\ only partly completed. animals such as fox, fisher, raccoon, listed on the1DWLRQDO5HJLVWHURI+LVWRULF muskrat, and beaver, were discovered of the proposed reservoir. This site is a Places, is between Wildcat Mountain Archeological-site types LQWKLVURFNVKHOWHU(YLGHQFHRIELUGV SDQHORIWKUHHFRPSOHWHELUGÀJXUHVDQG State Park and the village of La Farge in The Upper Kickapoo Valley Pre VXFKDVWXUNH\VKDUSWDLOHGJURXVHDQG the wing of a fourth bird, suggesting that parts of Stark and Whitestown townships. historic Archeological District contains URELQLQDGGLWLRQWRWXUWOHDQGÀVKZDV PRUHÀJXUHVZHUHSUHVHQWLQWKHSDVW The district covers 8,569 acres along a archeological sites representing most of also present. The animal bones from the During the 1997 and 1998 archeologi PLOHVWUHWFKRIWKH.LFNDSRR5LYHU the major periods in Wisconsin prehis shelter suggest that it was used primar cal surveys, more than six additional sites and several of its tributary creeks: Weis WRU\7KHVHVLWHVLQFOXGHURFNVKHOWHUV ily during the winter. For example, the ZHUHLGHQWLÀHG$OORIWKHQHZO\LGHQWL ter, Indian, Jug, Warner and Billings. EXULDOPRXQGVSHWURJO\SKVDQGRSHQDLU frontal bones of deer skulls suggest they ÀHGVLWHVFRQVLVWRIDEVWUDFWFRPELQDWLRQV The district is in the “driftless area” of camp and village sites. were killed during the anterless period of lines carved in the soft sandstone. Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit THE VISITOR 2013 Page 15

Kickapoo Valley Reserve is Elroy is at an elevation of 972 feet; Sparta is at an elevation of 800 feet. horseback-riding destination The E-S trail has a mostly he Kickapoo Valley Reserve has long Some primitive campsites are acces- Park. Please keep horses on marked moderate downhill slope Tbeen regarded among horse-riding sible to vehicles with horse trailers. Willow trails. (grade) from Elroy to enthusiasts as one of the most beautiful and Mule campsites, which are north of O Trails are subject to closure due to Sparta. The slope (grade) destinations in the Midwest. The Reserve La Farge off of State Highway 131, are wet conditions. Call ahead about current is no more than 3%. offers approximately 37 miles of riding traditional favorites for horse and mule rid- conditions — (608) 625-2960. trails. The Reserve shares a border with ers. Camping is on DÀUVWFRPHÀUVWVHUYH O Remember that the terrain is challeng- Wildcat Mountain State Park to the north basis. All visitors are required to obtain a ing, so plan your route accordingly to avoid with its 15 miles of horse trails. camping and visitor’s permit. Permits are overworking your mount or yourself. Between La Farge and Ontario in availaEOHDWWKH5HVHUYHRIÀFHDQGVHYHQ O Highways and roads run in and along Dolly’s southwestern Wisconsin, the Reserve is self-registration stations on the Reserve. the Reserve. Be cautious and courteous. in the heart of the driftless region, an area Wildcat Mountain State Park offers 24 0DLQWDLQDVLQJOHÀOHOLQHDQGZDWFKIRU that is unique because it was untouched campsites that accommodate horse trailers RQFRPLQJWUDIÀF:KHQFURVVLQJEULGJHV 3HGDOHU·V5HVW by glacial drift. with campers. Reservations are required. it is usually safest to dismount and lead The trails that wind their way through Additional trail passes are required for your horse. A spacious vacation home the Reserve pass beneath towering lime- riders entering the state-park trail system. O Pack it in; pack it out! Leaving lit- directly on the stone-capped sandstone rock outcrop- Numerous accommodations can be found ter or trash in or around the Reserve is Elroy–Sparta Bike Trail pings that overlook the Kickapoo River in the neighboring villages of La Farge and unacceptable. Reservations: 608-462-4211 Valley and its tributaries. Ascents and de- Ontario, as well as the popular community Regardless of the time of year, the scents are numerous as the trail takes you of Rockton, a longtime favorite destination Reserve is one of the most beautiful tracts over the valley’s deeply carved terrain. among trail riders. of land in all of the Midwest. Starting with Opportunities to observe wildlife abound When planning your visit to the Re- WKHFRORUGLVSOD\VRIVSULQJZLOGÁRZHUV along the trail as it stretches from the lush serve, please consider the following: through the dense green, almost tropical YDOOH\ÁRRUWRWKHKLJKULGJHVZLWh their O The trail season runs from May 1 to growth of mid-summer and culminating

awe-inspiring vistas. Old-growth pine, November 15. with the brilliant autumn hues of hard- short-grass prairie remnants, and Cambrian O All visitors are required to obtain a wood timber, the scenery of the Reserve is era plant relics are just a few of the unique visitor’s permit for the Kickapoo Valley FRPSHOOLQJHQRXJKWRÀQG\RXZDQWLQJWR features to be found in the Reserve. Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State return to the valley time and time again. SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY BE PREPARED the area. PEN Discuss safety plans ahead of time. A watch means conditions are fa- SWITCHBACK O +DYHDÁDVKOLJKWZLWKH[WUDEDWWHULHVDQG vorable for severe weather. Pass along DÀUVWDLGNLWKDQG\$W\RXUVLWHQRWH information to your neighbors. any tree limbs that could fall from strong SEEK SHELTER DAILY winds. Securely fasten down all camp- Our parks cannot provide a storm RIDGE RANCH ing gear, including sleeping and kitchen shelter to accommodate hundreds of tents. Know the location of campground campers. There are no approved, storm- BREAKFAST buildings and the campground host site. proof buildings in any campground. GUIDED Make sure that children know your camp- If you are canoeing or swimming, get SERVED ALL DAY VLWHQXPEHU7KHSDUNRIÀFHSRVWVGDLO\ WRODQGDQGÀQGVKHOWHULPPHGLDWHO\,I TRAIL RIDES weather forecasts. you can hear thunder, the storm is close DAILY SPECIALS STAY TUNED AND ALERT enough for you to be struck by lightning. CALL FOR FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY If you are in the woods, take shelter un- Keep an eye on the sky. If severe 103 N. GARDEN weather approaches, tune to a local radio der the shortest trees, away from power RESERVATIONS ONTARIO station: lines. Squat low to the ground to make ‡:LOGFDW0RXQWDLQ — 102.3 FM, yourself a small target; do not lie down. Viroqua; 93.3 FM, La Crosse; and 97.1, $YRLGDUHDVWKDWPD\ÁRRG 608-632-1686 608-337-4448 Sparta TORNADO TIPS ‡0LOO%OXII — 92.1, Mauston; and 94.5, If a tornado approaches while you are Tomah RXWGRRUVÀQGDORZVSRWRUHPEDQNPHQW ‡7UDLO — WNFM 104.9 FM and which might shelter you from wind and WRDB 1400 AM, Reedsburg blowing debris. Stay low. ‡(OUR\6SDUWD7UDLO — 97.1 FM, REMEMBER Lil’s Korner Bar Sparta Camping has inherent risks. Unlike ‡/D&URVVH5LYHU7UDLO — 93.3 FM, La in the city, shelter and communication Crosse; and 97.1, Sparta may not be readily available. However, Stop in for a cold one! 3URXG Static may indicate nearby lightning. campers who know what to watch for Choose from our A warning means that a severe thun- and what to do are in the best position to char-broiled burgers, veggie burgers, Sponsor derstorm or tornado has been sighted in minimize risks and stay safe. sandwiches or homemade pizza. of 7XHVQLJKW:LQJV‡:HGV7DFRV Monroe ‡7KXUV3L]]D%XIIHW 201 Main Fri: Fish County Norwalk WI PLEASE SHARE ‘THE VISITOR’ EVERY DAY 823-7708 Safe Ride Carry Outs WITH A FRIEND $10.00 Available HRibeye Dinner H 3URJUDP Page 16 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit )RXUWUDLOVLQRQH on the trail Great River, La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta and ‘400’ trails connect, resulting in 100-mile network. efore jet airliners and divided highways, riding the 400 was the Bfastest way from Chicago to the Twin Cities. The streamlined train made the 400-mile trip in under 400 minutes, at times hitting 100 miles per hour. Today, the 400 is one of four in- terconnected rail bed trails that form a virtually continuous route more than 100 miles in length. From the 400 trailhead in Reedsburg, you can connect with the Elroy-Sparta, the La Crosse River and the Great River State Trails, ending near Marshland on the Mississippi River. The La Crosse River Trail The four west-central Wisconsin rail trails, known collectively as “Bike 4 Trails,” going from southeast to north- west are the following: Railroad-grade trails not for high speed 5DLOURDGJUDGHWUDLOVDUHVXUIDFHGZLWKÀQHOLPHVWRQHRUVLPLODUPDWHULDOV7KH\ ‡7KH7UDLO PLNP The scenic 400 Trail is ‡7KH(OUR\6SDUWD7UDLO PLNP are not designed for high-speed travel. They can become soft and wet, can erode quickly during heavy rains and are subject to animal damage. sprinkled with small town ‡7KH/D&URVVH5LYHU7UDLO hospitality. If you like to PLNP FDPS\RX¶OO¿QGSXEOLF ‡7KH*UHDW5LYHU7UDLO How can you be a better biker? campsites at Baker’s PLNP Keep your bike under full control at all times. Field and Legion Park in The 400 State Trail is a beautiful Keep at least two bike lengths between riders. Wonewoc, and at Schultz 22-mile ride along the Baraboo River. It .HHSULJKWDQGDOORZURRPIRURQFRPLQJWUDIÀFWRSDVV Park south of Elroy. connects to the Elroy-Sparta, Hillsboro Slow down and use voice or bell to warn others as you pass. and Omaha Trails. Helmet, shoes and pant leg clips recommended. +HDGTXDUWHUV Reedsburg Depot 800- :HDUEULJKWFORWKLQJE\GD\UHÁHFWLYHFORWKLQJE\QLJKW 844-3507 (open year round) 8VHDOLJKWDQGUHÁHFWRUVDWQLJKW )ULHQGVJURXSwww.400statetrail.org. SSS The Elroy-Sparta Trail is considered Use trails for winter fun, too 400 Trail Mix WREHWKHÀUVW´UDLOWUDLOµLQWKHQDWLRQ The bike trails are open for snowmobiling during the winter. For up-to-date Three tunnels are part of the trails ap- snowmobile trail information including trail openings and closings call: ‡FXSVQXWV DOPRQGVZDO- peal. The longest, between Sparta and Sauk County Hotline: (608) 985-4766 QXWVSHFDQV  Norwalk, is three-quarters of a mile long. Juneau County Hotline: (608) 562-5737 Monroe County Hotline: (608) 269-3375 or (608) 372-9050 ‡òFXSVXQÀRZHUVHHGV Walking through the tunnels (all bikes ‡òFXSFRFRQXWÀDNHV must be walked) is an adventure in itself. La Crosse County Hotline: (608) 782-4500 %ULQJDÁDVKOLJKW7KH(OUR\6SDUWD%LNH Vernon County Hotline: (608) 637-5481 ‡FXSUDLVLQVRUFXUUDQWV Trail connects to the 400 Trail in Elroy Or visit http://www.travelwisconsin.com/snow-conditions-report/snowmobile ‡òFXSGULHGFKHUULHV and the La Crosse River Trail in Sparta. ‡FXSFKRFRODWHFKLSV DNR-maintained walk-in campsites in The 400 Trail is named for the passenger train, which traveled 400 6SDUWDDQG(OUR\DUHDYDLODEOHRQDÀUVW miles from Chicago to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 400 minutes. 0L[WRJHWKHUWKHQXWV FRPHÀUVWVHUYHGEDVLV VXQÀRZHUVHHGVFRFRQXW +HDGTXDUWHUV Kendall Depot, (608) 463-7109 (open May through October) ÀDNHVUDLVLQVDQGGULHG )ULHQGVJURXS www.elroy-sparta-trail. 7XQQHOVDUHFULWLFDOEDWKDELWDW FKHUULHV6SUHDGWKHPL[WXUH com Tunnels aren’t just for trains and bikes: they provide critical habitat for threatened RQDEDNLQJVKHHWOLQHGZLWK SSS bat species ZD[HGSDSHU The La Crosse River Trail lies in the Have you visited the tunnels on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail? Did you know that 0HOWWKHFKRFRODWH La Crosse River valley and parallels an each year they serve as important bat hibernacula for all four of our state’s cave bat FKLSVLQDPLFURZDYH3RXU active rail line to the north. A bridge species? Historic wooden doors are closed at the ends of the former railway tunnels over Interstate 90 in Sparta connects the each winter, buffering temperatures enough to provide suitable hibernation conditions WKHFKRFRODWHRYHUWKHEDN- La Crosse River State Trail to the Elroy- for large numbers of bats. The cool, humid, and dark tunnels provide a safe place LQJVKHHWLQULEERQV6WLU Sparta State Trail on the east end, and for bats to sleep away the long months when their insect diet is not available. WRFRDWHYHU\WKLQJ/HWWKH the Great River State Trail connects to Worldwide, bats are a vital part of many ecosystems. They help control pests and FKRFRODWHFRROWKHQEUHDN the trail in La Crosse on the west end. are pollinators and seed-dispersers for countless plants. Here in Wisconsin bats are WKHPL[LQWRSLHFHV6WRUHLQ +HDGTXDUWHUV Sparta Depot 888-540- predators of biting insects and may play an important role in reducing risk of insect- DFRROGU\SODFH 8434 (open year round) borne diseases, such as the West-Nile Virus. Our insectivorous bats also consume &KDQJHWKHLQJUHGLHQWV )ULHQGVJURXS www.lacrosseriverstatetrail. large numbers of agricultural pests. A recent study calculated the value of bats to org Wisconsin agriculture as $158 million to $1.6 billion annually. WRVXLW\RXUWDVWH SSS Four of Wisconsin’s eight known bat species hibernate in the trail tunnels each ,I\RXKDYHDIDYRULWHWUDLO The Great River Trail runs 24 miles winter--Big brown, Little brown, Northern long-eared, Eastern pipistrelle. These PL[UHFLSHWRVKDUHZH¶G through prairies and backwaters of the bats can live up to 30 years in the wild and return to the same cave, mine, or tunnel OLNHWRNQRZ upper Mississippi River valley from to hibernate each fall, year after year. Banding studies show Little brown bats travel Friends of the 400 Trail, Onalaska to Marshland. as far as 280 miles between their winter hibernacula and summer roosts and foraging P.O. Box 400, Perrot State Park (608-534-6409) areas. For now, Wisconsin’s bat population is stable. But a deadly fungus is racing manages the trail. For more information, Wonewoc, WI 53968 call 800-873-1901 See BATS, page 18 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit THE VISITOR 2013 Page 17 Unusual bluffs survived glacial Lake Wisconsin’s ravages Mill Bluff’s geological features represent ODVW:LVFRQVLQVWDJHRIJODFLDWLRQ he land comprising Mill Bluff State WRSRI0LOO%OXIIZKHUHRWKHUEOXIIVFDQ TPark doesn’t have the typical roll- be seen. Travelers passing through Mill ing hills of the unglaciated areas that are Bluff State Park via Interstate 90-94 are found just to the south and west of the LQWULJXHGE\WKHXQXVXDOWDOOEOXIIVULVLQJ park. The topography of Mill Bluff is DEUXSWO\IURPWKHÁDWSODLQV7KHEHDXWL- UHODWLYHO\ÁDWZLWKOLWWOHUHOLHIZLWKWKH ful scenery arouses travelers’ curiosity to exception of the bluffs that rise abruptly stop in for a closer look. from the plains. Mill Bluff State Park is very popular Even though this park is within the for swimming and camping. The park 'ULIWOHVV$UHDWKHJHRORJLFIHDWXUHVDUH is open from Memorial Day weekend SDUWLDOO\WKHUHVXOWRIWKHODVWRU:LVFRQ- through Labor Day. VLQVWDJHRIJODFLDWLRQ A small pond with 250 feet of beach  'XULQJWKH:LVFRQVLQJODFLDODG- front picnic area is very inviting on hot YDQFHWKH:LVFRQVLQ5LYHUZDVSOXJJHG summer days. The park has another pic- QHDU:LVFRQVLQ'HOOVIRUPLQJ*ODFLDO nic area with a shelter that can be a great /DNH:LVFRQVLQZKLFKFRYHUHGSRUWLRQV place for a family reunion or company RIZKDWWRGD\DUH$GDPV-XQHDX:RRG picnic. -DFNVRQ0RQURHDQG6DXNFRXQWLHV Interested in hiking? The Mill Bluff including the Mill Bluff area. 1DWXUH7UDLOLVDQHDV\WUDLOWRZDONDVLW  'XULQJWKLVWLPHVRPHRIWKHPHVDV follows the base of Mill Bluff. and buttes stood as islands in the glacial  )RUWKRVHZDQWLQJDORQJHUKLNHWKH lake while others were submerged. Ero- &DPHO%OXII7UDLOLVORFDWHGQRUWKRI,QWHU- sion of the sides of the rock forms was VWDWHDQGDORQJ)XQQHO5RDG7KLV KDVWHQHGE\ZDYHDFWLRQ/DUJHEOXIIV 1.25 mile loop trail begins on the east side VXFKDV0LOO%OXIIDUHFDOOHGEXWWHV RIWKHURDGDQGZLQGVDPRQJWKHEXWWHV DQGWKHVOHQGHUHUDEUXSWEOXIIVVXFKDV climbing to the top of Mill Bluff. 'HYLO·V1HHGOHDUHFDOOHGSLQQDFOHV  ,QWKHPLGVWKH:RUNV3URJUHVV  7KHXQLTXHÁDWWRSSHGFOLIIVLGHGURFN $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ :3$ FRQVWUXFWHG structures are capped by a strata of somewhat stone steps leading to the top of Mill PRUHUHVLVWDQWVDQGVWRQHDQGZHDWKHULQJ Bluff. An observation deck on the north tends to break the rock off in vertical frag- end of the bluff offers an excellent view ments. They are remnants of the Dresbach of the park. *URXS8SSHU&DPEULDQVDQGVWRQHV Mill Bluff State Park has many The heights of the bluffs range from JHRORJLFIHDWXUHVWDOOEXWWHVDQGJODFLDO 80 feet to more than 120 feet. The un- lake bed. This park is part of the Ice Age derlying soft sandstone built up until 1DWLRQDO6FLHQWLÀF5HVHUYH,WLVRIWHQ Many spectacular bluffs enhance the scenery at Mill Bluff State Park. the weight of the overhanging cap rock mentioned in the journals and diaries of caused it to shatter and fall. The mounds early travelers. Some other features of the decrease in size until all the capping is park include prairie remnants and scrub removed. Then the mound becomes a oak/jack pine forests. Mill Bluff State Park in detail FRQLFDOKLOOJUDGXDOO\EOHQGLQJLQWRWKH Mill Bluff straddles the north-south O Swimming: A public beach is along picnic area. This .4 mile long trail is plain. ERXQGDULHVRI0RQURHDQG-XQHDXFRXQ- a 2.5-acre ground water pond and self-guided. Hikers will learn about The park has a trail leading to the WLHVQHDU&DPS'RXJODV:LVFRQVLQ includes 250 feet of water frontage. DUHDZLOGOLIHWUHHVZLOGÁRZHUVDQG 6:,00,1*6$)(7<0(66$*(6 JHRORJ\7KH&DPHO%OXII7UDLOLV 'RQ·WVZLPDORQHDWQLJKWRULQ a 1.25 mile lootrail north of Inter- unfamiliar places. Don’t dive from state 90-94. The parking lot for the MILL BLUFF 2013 EVENTS EULGJHVKLJKEDQNVRULQWRZDWHURI trailhead can be reached off Funnel  ‡Art in the Park: Arts of Our Ancestors (State Parks Open House unknown depth. Never wade down- 5RDG+LNHUVZLOOEHDEOHWRHQMR\ Day)³6XQGD\-XQHIURPDPWRSP)UHHDGPLVVLRQ6SRQVRUHG VWUHDPLQULYHUVDVVDQGEDUVGURS WKHVHXQLTXHEOXIIVFORVHXS:LOGOLIH E\WKH)ULHQGVRI0LOO%OXII6WDWH3DUN,QF off abruptly on the downstream side. and signs of wildlife is more plenti-  2XUJRDOLVWRSUHVHQWTXDOLW\RULJLQDOKDQGPDGHDUWVDQGFUDIWV'HPRQVWUD- Small children should be watched ful here. tions of arts forms that have sustained and entertained us through the centuries FORVHO\ZKHQQHDUWKHZDWHU:HDUD O Historical marker: An historical ZLOOEHRQGLVSOD\EDVNHWU\ZRRGFDUYLQJIXUWUDSSLQJOHDWKHUZRUNHWF7KH lifesaving device when using an in- marker has been erected in the east ever-popular plant and book sales will be back as well! Music will be provided QHUWXEHDLUPDWWUHVVRURWKHUÁRDWLQJ picnic area. This marker describes the E\VRQJZULWHUJXLWDULVW6FRWW:LOFR[DQGRWKHUV GHYLFH8VHFDXWLRQZKHQZDGLQJLQ geological features of the area.  $\RXWKDUWFRQWHVWZLOOEHKHOG5LEERQVZLOOEHDZDUGHGWRWKHÀUVWWKUHH XQNQRZQZDWHUVDVZDWHUGHSWKPD\ O Camping: The park has 21 wooded or ZLQQHUVLQHDFKJUDGHDQGFHUWLÀFDWHVZLOOEHDZDUGHGWRDOOSDUWLFLSDQWV change abruptly. Swim at designated partially wooded campsites available.  7KHUHLVDFKLOGUHQ·VSOD\JURXQGFORVHWRWKHHYHQWORFDWLRQ,ILWLVZDUP EHDFKHVZKHUHDYDLODEOH/LIHJXDUGV Six electrical hook-ups are available. the swimming pond may invite folks to take a dip. Food will be sold by the DUHQRWXVXDOO\SURYLGHGDW'15 2DNGDOH/LRQV&OXE,WZLOOEHDIXQIDPLO\6XQGD\ beaches. All sites are reservable. O ,I\RXZRXOGOLNHWRGHPRQVWUDWHDQDUWVNLOORUFUDIWLID\RXWKZLVKHVWRHQWHU O Picnic areas: Mill Bluff has two picnic Fires: Fire must be contained within WKHFRQWHVWSOHDVHFRQWDFW:LOGFDW0RXQWDLQ6WDWH3DUNDW  WZR DUHDVRQHHDVWDQGZHVWRI)XQQHO WKHÀUHULQJVDQGJULOOV)LUHZRRGFDQ to three weeks before the event. 5RDG%RWKDUHDVSURYLGHSLFQLF EHSXUFKDVHGDWWKHSDUNRIÀFH:RRG ‡8QLYHUVHLQWKH3DUN³6DWXUGD\-XO\DWSPDW0LOO%OXII WDEOHVJULOOVGULQNLQJZDWHUVKHOWHU may be picked up from the ground. 8QLYHUVHLQWKH3DUNHVWDEOLVKHGLQLVDQH[WUHPHO\SRSXODURXWUHDFKSUR- toilets and parking. &XWWLQJRIWUHHVLVQRWSHUPLWWHG O JUDPRIWKHGHSDUWPHQWRIDVWURQRP\DWWKH8QLYHUVLW\RI:LVFRQVLQ0DGLVRQ O Shelter reservations: The shelter in Church schedules: A list of the area 8LW3LVSUHGLFDWHGRQDYHU\VLPSOHLGHD7KHEHVWHQYLURQPHQWLQZKLFKWR the east picnic area is available on a churches and their schedules is posted LQWURGXFHWKHJHQHUDOSXEOLFWRDVWURQRP\LVRXWVLGHXQGHUGDUNVNLHV8LW3 ÀUVWFRPHÀUVWVHUYHGEDVLVRUE\ on the bulletin board. O SURYLGHVWDONVDQGVOLGHVKRZVDQVZHUVTXHVWLRQVDQGOHWVWKHJHQHUDOSXEOLF reservation. For reservation informa- Playground: &KHFN RXW WKH QHZ YLHZDVWURQRPLFDOREMHFWVWKURXJKRQHRIWKH8LW3WHOHVFRSHV6HVVLRQVUXQDV WLRQFRQWDFWWKHSDUNVWDII SOD\JURXQGHTXLSPHQWZKLFKZDV long as there are people interested in looking through the telescope O Hiking trails: The Mill Bluff Nature purchased with a grant and a Friends Trail begins at the far end of the east of Mill Bluff donation. Page 18 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit Protect the trees where you live, work and play! The threat GHVWLQDWLRQ

]Reservations &DPSHUVDUHUHTXLUHGWREHUHDVRQ- ]Bats EMERGENCY DEO\TXLHW VRXQGVIURP\RXUFDPSVLWH (Continued from page 16) (Continued from page 7) VKRXOGQRWEHKHDUGLQDGMDFHQWVLWHV DW WKURXJKFDYHEDWSRSXODWLRQVLQHDVWHUQ INFORMATION FDPSVLWH1RPRUHWKDQWZRPRWRUYH- DOOWLPHVVRQHLJKERULQJFDPSHUVDUHQRW VWDWHVFDXVLQJH[WHQVLYHPRUWDOLW\DQGLW·V MILL BLUFF STATE PARK KLFOHVRUVL[PRWRUF\FOHVDUHDOORZHG GLVWXUEHG/RXGUDGLRVDQGPXVLFDUH KHDGHGWKLVZD\ SHUVLWH SURKLELWHG ‡1RPRUHWKDQRQHUHFUHDWLRQWUDLOHU :KLWHQRVHV\QGURPH :16 LVD Emergencies 911 *HQHUDWRUVDQGQRLVHSURGXFLQJGH- GHYDVWDWLQJGLVHDVHRIKLEHUQDWLQJEDWVWKDW 3DUN2IÀFH SLFNXSWUXFNFDPSHURUPRWRUKRPHPD\ YLFHVDUHQRWDOORZHG RFFXS\DFDPSVLWH3LFNXSFDPSHUVRU KDVFDXVHGWKHPRVWSUHFLSLWRXVGHFOLQH VHDVRQDO (QMR\\RXUVHOIEXWUHVSHFWWKHULJKWV RI1RUWK$PHULFDQZLOGOLIHLQUHFRUGHG Hospital7RPDK0HPRULDO PRWRUKRPHVSXOOLQJDWUDLOHUDUHWUHDWHG RIRWKHUV DVDVLQJOHXQLW KLVWRU\,WLVFDXVHGE\WKHIXQJXV*HRP\-  FHVGHVWUXFWDQVDQGLVUDSLGO\VSUHDGLQJ Pharmacy3KLOOLSV7RPDK3KDU- ‡&DPSLQJLVSHUPLWWHGRQO\RQ RECYCLING AND REFUSE: GHVLJQDWHGFDPSVLWHVRQWKHWHQWSDG WKURXJKFDYHEDWSRSXODWLRQVDFURVVWKH PDF\ 3ODQ\RXUFDPSLQJWRSURGXFHDVOLWWOH JUDYHOGULYHSURYLGHGDQGQRWRQQDWLYH FRXQWU\FDXVLQJXQSUHFHGHQWHGPRUWDO- Poison Control Center 1-800- WUDVKDVSRVVLEOH0LOO%OXIIKDVWUDVKDQG YHJHWDWLRQ LW\:16KDVLQIHFWHGPXOWLSOHVSHFLHVRI  UHF\FOLQJVWDWLRQVIRUJODVVSODVWLFDQG ‡$VLQJOHFDPSVLWHPD\EHRFFXSLHG LQVHFWHDWLQJEDWVLQWKHHDVWHUQSDUWRIWKH Sheriff’s Departments (non- DOXPLQXP WKURXJKRXW WKH FDPSJURXQG 86FDXVLQJGHFOLQHVDSSURDFKLQJ emergencies)0RQURH&RXQW\ E\VL[SHRSOHRURQHIDPLO\DQGWZR JXHVWV*URXSVLWHVDFFRPPRGDWHPRUH DQGSLFQLFDUHDV SHUFHQWLQVRPHSRSXODWLRQV:KLOHLWLVQ·W QRQHPHUJHQFLHV :LOGFDWKDVDGXPSVWHUQHDUWKH LQ:LVFRQVLQ\HWHVWLPDWHGORVVHVLQRWKHU -XQHDX&RXQW\QRQHPHUJHQFLHV SHRSOH ‡'RQRWZDVKGLVKHVLQVLQNVRUDW VKRZHUEXLOGLQJIRUWUDVK1H[WWRWKH VWDWHVKDYHH[FHHGHGVL[PLOOLRQEDWVVLQFH  WUDVKGXPSVWHUDUHELQVIRUHPSW\VPDOO WKHGLVFRYHU\RIWKHGLVHDVHLQ7KLV Local Radio Stations ZDWHUIRXQWDLQV2QO\VPDOODPRXQWVRI /3FDQLVWHUVUHF\FODEOHLWHPVRIJODVV V\QGURPHSRVHVDVHYHUHWKUHDWWRDOOIRXURI 0DXVWRQ7RPDK GLVKZDWHUIUHHRIIRRGUHVLGXHPD\EH SODVWLFDQGDOXPLQXP :LVFRQVLQ·VFDYHEDWVSHFLHVQRZOLVWHGDV SSS VFDWWHUHGDZD\IURPFDPSVLWHV WKUHDWHQHGIRXURWKHUPLJUDWRU\VSHFLHVDUH 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800- FIRES: )LUHVPXVWEHFDUHIXOO\DW- IRXQGLQWKHVWDWHRQRXU´ZDWFKµOLVW &RQÀGHQWLDOO\UHSRUW GROUP CAMPING: :LOGFDW 0RXQWDLQKDVWKUHHUXVWLFJURXSFDPS WHQGHGLQDGHVLJQDWHGÀUHULQJ:KHQ 7KHORVVRUVLJQLÀFDQWUHGXFWLRQRI VXVSHFWHGZLOGOLIHUHFUHDWLRQDO EDWSRSXODWLRQVFRXOGKDYHFDVFDGLQJ DQGHQYLURQPHQWDOYLRODWLRQV VLWHVZLWKDFHQWUDOZDWHUVRXUFHDQG VHWWLQJXSFDPSFRQVLGHUWKHORFDWLRQRI VKHOWHUSLWWRLOHWVSLFQLFWDEOHVDQGÀUH WKHÀUHULQJDQGZLQGGLUHFWLRQ1HYHU DIIHFWVWKDWLPSDFWRXUOLYHVDVDUHVXOW ULQJV6KRZHUVDUHORFDWHGLQWKHIDPLO\ PRYHWKHÀUHULQJ%HVXUHVSDUNVFDQ·W RILQFUHDVHGSHVWLFLGHDSSOLFDWLRQDQG FDPS PLOHDZD\  JHWRQÁDPPDEOHPDWHULDOV:DWFKFKLO- LQFUHDVHGIRRGFRVWV Friends groups *URXSVLWH ZRRGHG DFFRPPRGDWHV GUHQFDUHIXOO\3XWWKHÀUHRXWLIZLQG

2013 STATE PARK FEES

User fees and state taxes provide most of the money for operating Wisconsin ment. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking. state parks, forests, and trails. The fees include vehicle admission stickers, state trail For camping reservations, call 1-888-WI-PARKS (1-888-947-2757) or visit passes, and camping fees. An additional $5 will be charged for anyone who fails to http://wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com/. pay the fee before using a park, trail, or campsite where a self-registration station  :LOGFDW0RXQWDLQLVSURXGWREH7UDYHO*UHHQ:LVFRQVLQFHUWLÀHG7UDYHO*UHHQ available. :LVFRQVLQLVD'HSDUWPHQWRI7RXULVPSURJUDPWKDWFHUWLÀHVWRXULVPEXVLQHVVHVZKR Vehicle Admission Stickers provide access to more than 60 state parks, forests KDYHWDNHQVWHSVWRLQYHVWLQVXVWDLQDELOLW\3OHDVHKHOSXVVWD\JUHHQ and recreation areas across Wisconsin. The annual sticker allows admission to all state parks and forests for the calendar year. A daily sticker is valid on the date of Camping Fees Resident Non-resident issue or for each night of camping. If you have only a little time to visit, a one-hour $12 $14 sticker is available. State Trail Passes are required for all people age 16 or older when biking or Horse camp sites with electric outlet add $5 horseback riding on trails. Fees are the same for residents and non-residents. The annual state trail pass is good for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31.) Trail State Trail Pass Fees Annual Daily fee revenues help offset the cost of such things as dealing with erosion, maintaining safe surfaces and facilities, trimming brush, removing fallen trees and law enforce- Wisconsin resident or non-resident $20 $4

Sticker Fees Annual Half-price * Daily One-hour Vehicle with WI icense plates $25 $12.50 $7 $5 Vehicle with WI plates, resident age 65 and older $10 N/A $3 N/A Vehicle with out-of-state plates $35 $17.50 $10 $5 * Half-price annual stickers are available for additional vehicles registered to the same household address.

Outdoor Group Camp Fees Number in group 1–20 21–30 31–40 41–50 51–60 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120

enjoy the tunnels CANOEING! Canoe for a few hours or for the entire day. Call for reservations -- shuttle service, car spotting, group rates available. Great fun for young and old. UNDER THE RED ROOF Three train tunnels cut through the rolling hills along the Elroy-Sparta WHERE HWY 33 CROSSES THE KICKAPOO Bike Trail, which was a Chicago & North Western Railroad bed. Drifty's Canoe Rental Kickapoo Paddle Inn &RUQHURI+Z\V ‡ĥĥ - Ontario -

After your canoeing adventure, Shuttle & join us in the KPI restaurant for a burger, salad or one of canoes our delicious ice cream treats. complete

Page 20 THE VISITOR 2013 Wildcat Mountain State Park Work Unit Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail doors Consider donating to state parks Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries — any holiday is a great time to give close in early November the gift of a state-park annual vehicle-admission sticker or trail annual pass. Some of the best recreational opportunities and most scenic areas in Wisconsin Initially, they were alerted to oncom- During railroad days, can be found in our state parks and forests. When you consider the access the ing trains by telegraph; and, later, by tele- admission sticker provides to scenic beauty and tranquility as well as to outdoor workers kept watch phone. Occasionally they slept through at each end of three tunnels the alerts; even though the trains were recreation, it is really one of the best bargains for your money. Every year in December, the next year’s annual admis- An annual task for DNR employees required to slow to 15 mph for the tunnel, WKHORFRPRWLYHVHIÀFLHQWO\UHGXFHGWKH sion stickers to Wisconsin State Parks and Forests is closing the doors to the three tunnels wooden doors to splinters. and annual passes for Wisconsin State Trails along the Elroy–Sparta Trail. Usually Tunnel watchers were often local go on sale at state park and trail of- done early in November, the closed doors farmers who supplemented their income ÀFHV DQG DW 'HSDUWPHQW RI 1DWXUDO then protect the tunnels from the freez- during winter or were members of the Resources service centers through- ing and thawing that occurs during the section crews that maintained the tracks out Wisconsin. Stop by or contact winter months. during summer season. It was lonely and us to buy gifts for your friends When the Chicago and Northwestern dangerous work, and some tunnel watch- and family. Free gift-cards and envelopes are used the trail, tunnel watchers were sta- ers lost their lives when they fell under available for annual stickers purchased for gifts. They tioned at each end of the three tunnels. trains or were victims of other mishaps. will appreciate a year of outdoor fun! Their accomodations were small shacks The tunnel doors are opened again ,QDGGLWLRQWRVWDWHSDUNDQGWUDLORIÀFHVSHRSOHPD\SXUFKDVH heated with wood and coal and a cot LQ$SULOEHIRUHWKHWUDLORIÀFLDOO\RSHQV vehicle admission stickers or state trail passes at DNR service where they could rest between trains. May 1. FHQWHUVRUWKH:LVFRQVLQ6WDWH3DUN6\VWHPRIÀFHXVLQJDFUHGLW card by calling (608) 266-2181. More information about Wisconsin State Parks and Trails can be found at http://www.wiparks.net. If you enjoy your Wisconsin State Parks and Trails, you may want to express your appreciation through a gift of money, materials or equipment, or volunteer Save our trees. services. Gifts help Wisconsin state parks and trails by providing facilities and services that otherwise would not be possible. Money may be placed in a dona- tion box; checks can be mailed to your park or trail or to the Bureau of Parks and Recycle this publication. Recreation. If you enjoy camping and meeting people from all over the country, you may wish to become a volunteer campground host. Check out one of the many Friends Groups statewide at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/ land/parks/voljobs/friends.html. Consider joining to help make a difference and ALL ABOARD! make friends who have common interests and goals. Bikers & railroad fans! Learn the unique history of the Elroy–Sparta State Trail. To read a sample chapter, book reviews and reader comments, point your browser to www.indomitablepluck.com

Indomitable Pluck LVWKHÀUVWFRPSOHWHKLVWRU\RI:LVFRQVLQ·VSUHPLHUELNHWUDLO IURPWKHHDUOLHVWGD\VRIWKHUDLOURDGWKURXJKLWVHYROXWLRQDV$PHULFD·VÀUVWUDLOV WRWUDLOVFRQYHUVLRQ+XQGUHGVRIWKRXVDQGVKDYHULGGHQWKH(OUR\²6SDUWD6WDWH 7UDLOEXWIHZNQRZWKHKLVWRU\EHKLQGLWRUZK\LWLVRQHRI:LVFRQVLQ·VPRVWWUHD VXUHGUHVRXUFHV7KHERRNLQFOXGHVGR]HQVRILOOXVWUDWLRQVDQGSKRWRVPDQ\RI ZKLFKQHYHUEHIRUHKDYHEHHQDYDLODEOHWRWKHSXEOLF

$ERXWWKHDXWKRU.DUHQ3DUNHULVWKHHGLWRUDQGSXEOLVKHURIWKH&RXQW\/LQHD ZHHNO\FRPPXQLW\QHZVSDSHUORFDWHGLQ2QWDULR:LVDQGVHUYLQJVRXWKHUQ0RQ URH&RXQW\2YHUKHU\HDUFDUHHUVKHKDVZRQGR]HQVRIDZDUGVLQWKH :LVFRQVLQ1HZVSDSHU$VVRFLDWLRQ%HWWHU1HZVSDSHU&RQWHVW DQGVKHLVDOVRWKHDXWKRURI Always The River: A Sesquicentennial History of Ontario. $25 cover price. Add $3 postage & handling. Or order at our website www.indomitablepluck.com

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