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Head down to Peck's Landing
beneath the Highway 23 bridge. Take off your shoe or sandal and
slip your toes into the river. If your toes ask, "Where are we?"
here's an interesting fact you might send their way.
"You are taking a dip in the
longest stretch of free-flowing river in the Midwest."
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Wisconsin River near Lone Rock |
From the last dam at Prairie du Sac
to its confluence with the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, the
Wisconsin River free-flows a total of 92.3 miles. Peck's Landing and
your toes are at mile 30 of that flow.
So let your toes pull the rest of you
in. And enjoy swimming, canoeing, fishing, camping and wildlife
watching. (But please use caution: this river hasn't forgotten its
wildness.)
Tower Hill State Park
, (608) 588-2116, Fax: (608) 588-2225,
E-mail:
wschutte@dnr.state.wi.us
With campsites, hiking trails, a canoe landing, picnic areas, and a
fully staffed park office, Tower Hill offers visitors a complete
natural recreation experience together with a fascinating glimpse of
Wisconsin history.
For three decades in the mid 1800s,
this site was the location of a major lead shot production operation
that supplied ammunition to the nation's military as well as to
hunters and trappers. The shot operation was the economic centerpiece
of a much larger project: the community of Helena, of which nothing
but the cemetery survives. With the spanning of the river by the
Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad in 1856-57, Helena, its river
trading business, and the shot industry were doomed - virtually on the
eve of the Civil War. Eventually, the site passed into the hands of
Jenkin Lloyd Jones, a well-known Unitarian minister from Chicago and
uncle to Frank Lloyd Wright, who used the property as a retreat and
rest haven for his fellow ministers. In 1922 his widow, Edith Lloyd
Jones, donated the land and tower to the state for use as a park.
Visitors to the park can take a
lovely walk to the top of the bluff where the old shot tower and
smelter house have been reconstructed, and where an exhibit explains
how the operation worked. The shot making process was quite simple:
lead was melted at the top of the tower, then poured with a ladle
through a sieve or colander with a variety of hole sizes. The lead
drops became almost perfectly spherical as they fell the entire length
of the shaft - a total of 180 feet, counting the wooden as well as the
underground mine shaft - to a cooling pool below. Paths can be
followed back down to the site of this collection pool, which is
reached via a very dark walk through a 90-foot horizontal shaft dug
directly in the base of the rock bluff.
Avoca Prairie
For wildflower and native plant enthusiasts, and for those who like
their recreation on the wild, unimproved side, an outing to this
970-acre wet-mesic prairie is highly recommended. Located in the Avoca
Unit of the Riverway, seven miles west of the Lone Rock bridge on Hwy
133, Avoca Prairie is the largest tallgrass prairie east of the
Mississippi. It is probably the only place in the eastern U.S. where,
no matter where one stands, one sees only natural prairie-savanna
features. The prairie plant and animal species found here, and at
other remnant prairie sites in the area, are those that built the soil
that made mid-America the world's breadbasket. Wisconsin's
pre-settlement prairie once covered two million acres. Today a little
more than 2,000 scattered acres (one-tenth of one per cent) survive.
Ferry Bluff
Located off of Highway 60, four miles southwest of Sauk City, Ferry
Bluff provides a spectacular and historical view of the river and
surrounding topography. To the north and east you can see the Baraboo
Hills, containing some of the oldest rock in North America. On a clear
day you can spot the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound,
thirteen miles to the south. Looking upriver just a few miles, and
summoning your imaginative powers, you might visualize the massive
leading edge of the Wisconsin Glacier as it stood 15,000 years ago,
filling the horizon from north to south, poised to grind down the
Driftless Area that had been spared by its glacial predecessor, the
Illinoisan. (Thanks in part to the Baraboo quartzite, it never made
it.) Signs at the top of the bluff contain historical and ecological
information about the river and this site.
Camping
Camping without permits is allowed on all state-owned islands and
shore lands. Please be aware, however, of the strictly enforced
regulations, e.g. no glass containers are permitted in the riverway,
and all trash must be carried out.
Canoeing
The Lower Wisconsin is a river for people who like to travel and to
take in the sights at a leisurely pace. River currents range from 3 to
5 miles per hour upstream, to only 1 to 2 mph near Muscoda. Along its
entire 92.3 miles there are no rapids or falls (or portages), making
it ideal for recreation canoeists. Two thirds of river users are found
on the 25-mile stretch between Prairie du Sac and Spring Green. The
Spring Green to Boscobel section (27 mi.) is less traveled, and real
river solitude can be enjoyed from Boscobel on. Weekend use, in all
cases, is 5 to 10 times heavier than during the week. There are
numerous canoe landings, including those at Tower Hill, Peck's
Landing, and at Lone Rock (on the south bank just east of the 130
bridge).
A number of local places rent canoes,
including Bob's Riverside
& Traders (Spring Green). Everything
taken-care-of Canoe and Camping are available with
Erik's Adventures. Please call the Chamber office for
information
(608)588-2054, Email
info@springgreen.com or visit our website
www.springgreen.com.
Bakken's Pond |
Fishing
Both the main channel as well as the backwaters of the Wisconsin
River support large numbers of game fish and pan fish. In the
main channel there are walleye, sauger, channel and flathead
catfish, smallmouth bass and northern pike, among others. In the
sloughs, bayous, and floodplain lakes one can fish bluegill,
bullhead, crappie, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Be aware
of special river regulations, including size limits and
protected species.
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Good fishing can also be had on area
streams and lakes.
Hunting & Fishing supplies and licenses can be found at
Woody’s, Hwy 14, Spring Green. (608) 588-2717.
Wildlife Watching
Because the wetlands of the Lower Wisconsin floodplain are still
largely intact, they are becoming more important as this type of
habitat disappears elsewhere. The Riverway is home to more than 45
species of mammals and nearly 300 bird species, including 23 different
waterfowl. River otters, beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoon, and many
other mammals thrive here, sharing the lush bottomlands with bald
eagles, herons, sandhill cranes, pileated woodpeckers, woodcock, and
osprey. Further "inland" and among the bluffs and woodlands the quiet
observer may encounter ruffed grouse, wild turkey, white-tailed deer,
and even an occasional badger or bobcat. The prairie remnants, in
addition to presenting a brilliant three-season display of wildflowers
(please do not pick), provide cover and nesting for bob-white,
blue-winged teal, bobolinks, and other birds.
Biking
The country roads surrounding Spring Green offer bicycling pleasures
and challenges for riders of all abilities. So pack a lunch, pick a
direction and enjoy the scenery.
Click Here For
Maps & Additional Information
For bicycle touring information
contact:
Great Bicycle Rides Across Wisconsin, PO Box
310, Spring Green, WI, 53588, (608) 935-7433,
wisbike@mhtc.net. Bicycle
Touring - Ride in the Great Annual Bicycle Adventure Along the
Wisconsin River, the Great Spring Green Bicycle Adventure and the
Wisconsin Heritage Bicycle Tour plus other bicycling events. Also See
RideMidwest.com
Hiking
Devils' Lake State Park:
3 miles south of Baraboo, (608) 356-8301.
500 ft. high glacial bluffs overlook the 360 acre lake. Nature center;
rock climbing; hiking and cross-country ski trails; boating (electric
motors only), scuba diving, swiming, fishing. 423 campsites.
Governor Dodge State Park: 3
miles north of Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315.
5,000 acres of steep hills, sandstone bluffs and deep valleys. Hiking,
bridle, cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. Two lakes offer
boating (electric motors only), canoeing, and fishing. 267 campsites.
Natural Bridge State Park:
Leland.
The natural sandstone arch is a focal point of this day-use park.
10,000 year old Indian site. 530 acres of oak woodlands, dry prairie
and open fields. Nature, hiking, snowmobile trails. Picnicking.
White Mound County Park: Hillpoint, (608)-546-5011
Hike, swim, fish, camp, cross-country skiing. Highway GG off Highway
23.
Hunting
A hunter can find a wide variety of game animals in Wisconsin..
Hunting wild turkey and deer are popular in the Spring Green area. The
wild turkey season is from April to May and October to November. Deer
season (bow) runs from September to December, while deer season (gun)
runs from November to December. The appropriate hunting licenses are
required.
Golf
Spring Green Golf Club, Inc. operates the Village of
Spring Green Municipal Golf Course on Hwy 23 just south
of town. It is a 9 hole short course with very
reasonable fees.
You can also play 9-holes at Westbrook Hills in Plain. (608)546-4001.
The
The House on the
Rock Resort offers a 27-hole championship course. The
original 18-hole course features multiple doglegs, a signature double
green, and challenging hazards that come into play on every hole. The
North Nine features some of the most spectacular views of any couse in
the state. Tee times are carefully spaced. The Pro Golf Shop is open
seven days a week.
Bowling
BOWLING GREEN 316 S. Peterson St. 608-588-7377
Located in the industrial park across from the watertower. Open 7 days
a week - open bowling with Quebic Automatic scoring. Delicious grilled
sandwiches and appetizers - full bar, with dance floor - pool tables -
dart machine - games for kids - spare room - banquet hall for rent.
Call for our hours.
Lone
Rock Youth Sports Association
The Lone Rock Youth Sports Association was
formed in the fall of 2003, and is working
to promote and encourage young athletes in
our area. Those involved are dedicated to
our young adults of tomorrow and what
quality summer programs can do for their
development. If you would like more
information or would like to help support
this organization, please contact the
following:
PO Box 77
Lone Rock, WI 53556
Tel: 583-7391
Spring Green Parks
| The North Park has
an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic shelter and ball
diamond for your enjoyment. |
South Park |
| The South Park also
has tennis courts, picnic shelter, ball diamond, and ice skating
in the winter. |
Winter Sports
Downhill skiing is available at:
Tyrol Basin (608-437-4135), just north of Mt. Horeb, 40 minutes away;
Devil's Head (608-493-2251), north of Merrimac, 50 minutes away;
Cascade Mountain (608-742-5588) southwest of Portage, 50 minutes away.
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