Lizard Mound County Park - West Bend

The last visit I made to this park was when my kids were much, much younger.  Back then, there really wasn't much written about it and am relieved that others have managed to pick up this particular yoke of responsibility, especially since my extended affair with photography.

Lizard Mound County Park is a location I plan on revisiting for it's planted letterbox called Don't Bug Me.

A bit of history as borrowed from Wikipedia and the Washington County Website:

Native Americans we now know as the Effigy Mound Builders lived in Wisconsin and bordering states between 700 and 1200

Ridge Run Fawn

Taken May 2016

©2016 Dawn Braun

Last weekend  I went hiking with my brother in law at Ridge Run Park and the Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail that runs along the west side of the park.

Of course we trespassed through the Girl Scout Camp  In all honesty it's the only way to make the trip worthwhile.

Twenty years ago it was a well maintained county park with a ranger and his tastefully painted log cabin style home. Well groomed paths lead to private picnic areas with a fire ring. I recall one of the main shelters had a pay phone of all things.

Over the course of time the landscape has been drastically changed and in January 2016 Ridge Run was made into a city park, the only to accept dogs. Leashed of course.

In earlier days this was where I attempted to teach self reliance to my kids, from how to find the car, to peeing in the woods and avoiding poison ivy.   We leapt after frogs, caught tadpoles, skipped stones, and whistled through a grass reed.

You know, the stuff that country folk do to while the time.

Also at Ridge Run there is a good chance that you will see a deer and it's even more rare to come across a fawn.  This little guy was just off the ice age trail, very well tucked in between fallen tree limbs.  My brother in law, who was in front, completely missed him. It just so happens that vision between women and men are completely different and I'm sure I spotted the fawn by sheer biology.

Speaking of the Ice Age Trail, would you like to see the online map?  There is an effort to have a continuous trail throughout Wisconsin and so far they have done pretty good at keeping their promise as best as they can.

Wheretofind:

There are 2 entrances to Ridge Run (map): 

Back of Ridge Run:   Travel Hwy 41 to Hwy 33 East and turn right at the first set of lights which is N.Scenic Drive W until you get to a severe curve where Wheat Ridge Lane is and turn left down the single lane road (Wheat Ridge Road) and follow it to the parking lot.   Ahead of you is a newly constructed subdivision with retirement condos.  Just note that Wheat Ridge Lane Road ends at the parking lot - the connecting road through the park is a walking trail only.

Front of Ridge Run:     Travel Hwy 41 to Hwy 33 East through 2 lighted intersections.  Turn right onto University Drive where the Mobil Gas station is and the entrance to Ridge Run is just before UW-Washington County entrance is.  Driving ahead there is a playground - continue and the road will wind down to the main parking lot.

Ice Age Trail Parking:  From Hwy 45, exit on Paradise and head West through a pretty busy shopping district, even through the 4 way stop at 18th Avenue which is the corner of Aurora Clinic,
West Bend Mutual Insurance and the West Bend Cemetery.  Continue heading west on Paradise and just after you pass the cemetery grounds the parking lot is on your right

What to expect: A pretty busy park and lots of great trails.  This park is large enough where you can find a quiet trail.  There are modern bathrooms now on both sides of the park. LETTERBOXING LOCATION!

Ridge Run County Park - West Bend

Ridge Run County Park
Originally uploaded by WheretogoWisconsin

West Bend (Washington Cty)

for directions and what to see the original post.


Yet another excursion to my little piece of heaven, my slice of serenity, my haven of happiness....*sigh*


It turned out that there was a special event happening this day at the Girl Scout Camp which meant no worries of trespassing and my flickr companion got a free lunch and my undying gratitude for coming with this crazy lady.


A 65 acre easement purchase made by the Ice Age Trail Foundation provided a protected pass through the Girl Scout Camp (ie, Camp Silverbrook) which traditionally was a No Trespassing Zone, which is also traditionally ignored. Reading a bit about the milestones of this hard fought project made this Oshkosh transplant proud


Today, our walk consisted of me trying to photograph the falling leaves, mossy rocks, light rays passing through leaves, and the various flora (alas, no fauna to be seen today) with some limited success. I wore out my hiking partner and returned to Oshkosh energized, and wanting more.


This trip reaffirmed my belief that I need to find those of my ilk who can return multiple times to a place and find different enchantments. My desire to guide is just as strong as the need to be guided and shown new places to explore.

Maybe they are out there, and maybe they are not. I will continue to journal my experiences and report my findings.

Cedar Valley Retreat Center - West Bend

West Bend (Washington Cty) ** UPDATED POST **

photo credit: cedarcommunity.org/retreat-center-cedar-valley

I was always curious about this place, and found that it was part of a HUGE retirement community that also included Ye Olde School House right on the main campus grounds (The main campus located on Hwy Z). Note: To clarify, this retreat center is not located in the same area. I used to live in Kohlsville, and when traveling to town would have to pass here and always assumed it was a church. Eventually my curiosity bested me and I began to plot my trespassing strategy. If the parking lot is empty, I would roam freely. If there is a car, I will go in and ask to wander the grounds . Once I was told that a $5 donation was appreciated for a such a visit. At times I have discovered other trespassers and we respectfully kept our distances while eyeing each other warily and relaxing as only trespassers can. I suspect that with this post I am breaking some trespassing code of secrecy.

Where to Find: 5349 County Road D, West Bend. From Hwy 41 - take Cty Hwy D exit and head east through Kohlsville (towards West Bend), and watch for the entrance on the right (exact distance is not known, feels like it's about a mile). At the entrance is also a hobby farm - which may or may not be open to the Cedar Valley public. I know it was at one time, that was many moons ago. Note that it is missing from the amenities list on the retreat centers website. For those who use Hwy 45 - take the Hwy D exit and head west, this road will go up a hill and then snake around (slow down, the turn is surprisingly sharp), and it will be on the left in about a mile. To call in advance: 262-629-9202, or email: cvcinfo@cedarcommunity.org

What to expect: Both paved and unpaved trails, with interesting sculptures along the way, bridge, gazebo, pond w/paddle and rowboat. From the main parking lot there is a paved trail that heads up a hill, it will lead you to a cement teepee structure that is a tiny church used for paying respects.

Ridge Run County Park - West Bend

West Bend (Washington Cty)

This has to be my most favorist park to go a-wondering (misspelling intentional). These days it is an hour drive, but it's worth every mile I traverse to get there. It is the first park that reawakened the explorer in me and every time I return it is a fond reunion.

There are a few warts; mainly the big ugly drainage tubes in one section. Some sections have pondscum and sludginess, traffic noises from the highway, but that really is the worst of it. The minute you hit the trail, all is forgiven. Trust me.

Wheretofind:
There are two entrances to this park, the most common is to take Hwy 45 to Hwy 33 west, then turn left onto University (Mobil Station on corner), park entrance is on the right before UW extension campus. Second entrance is on Scenic Dr. The Google map shows a connecting road through the park -- it is only for pedestrians and county park workers.

West Bend is also very near to Sunburst, which technically is in Kewaskum, which is really where you start when trekking the Kettle Moraine (note County Hwy S on your map). From here you can get to Parnell Tower, Long Lake, Mauthe Lake, Dundee, and some of the most beautiful scenic roadways in the area. Trying to find a map of scenic drives? Good Luck. DNR Page is utter crap. What I call crap is a 2-pg pdf scenic drive breakdown. For Pete's sake, someone had to write all that down. I feel sorry for that poor chap.

For you Gentle Reader, I have found a map from a Milw Journal (JSOnline) article written by Cliff Christl that shows a route from Milwaukee around the Northern Unit and also a route around the Southern unit.

What to expect: Popular for fishing, natural trails with rest benches, cross country ski trails and also for its sledding hill. West Bend actually has lots of sledding hills, being on the edge of the Kettle Moraine area. Nice shelters for large picnics, one with a fire pit, modern playgrounds, heated bathrooms. **Trail leads to Girl Scout Camp Ground and/or the Ice Age Trail, depending on which entrance you take. GS Camp is flagged with 'no trespassing signs' which is often ignored if you notice how worn the trail is.

Holy Hill - Hubertus

Photo credit: scillagrace.com

Official name:   Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill  Hubertus, (Washington Cty)

A LOT of people come here as part of their Religious Pilgrimage. See how many different state plates are crammed into this area. A LOT of tourists are there as well, just to see what the hubub is all about. If visiting, please respect the services that take place.

This is also part of the Ice Age Trail,though finding a decent trail map was IMPOSSIBLE until interactive maps became available but the map to Holy Hill's access to the Ice Age Trail is easier.

On the bright side, one of the main attractions to Holy Hill is the enclosed tower. I have gone there a few times, and the view is quite majestic on the right days, the stairway is quite narrow and normally it is packed with people who are on the verge of passing out from either the heights or from claustrophobia.  NOTE:  The Scenic Tower is open daily May 1 to October 31
Hours: Sunday: 1:30 pm -- 6:30 pm Monday - Saturday: 9am - 6:30 pm

This area is nearby RUSTIC ROAD 33. While in this area, take a moment to check out:

Glacier Hills County Park (Washington Cty). This map is a brochure, but it seems to be the only place that shows a decent view of the park itself and the available trails. HERE IS A TRAIL  MAP

Hogsback Road (Washington Cty). This is not a place to travel in winter, and as a passenger you will see cars at the bottom of ravines on both sides of the road. All 3 locations (Glacier Hills, Hogsback Road, Holy Hill are pretty close to each other and the link should show the path to each location).

Wheretofind: 1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033

What to expect:  Grottos, twisty roads shrouded in trees. One ginormous Church.