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THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
Calendar of Events MAY 2014 May 25: Hillsboro Historical Society Open. May 29: Sharing Supper at Mauston High School Commons. Doors open at 4:30. Serving at 5:00. May 31: June Dairy Month Kickoff at Summit Ridge in Wonewoc JUNE 2014 June - Sept. 4: Red Ridge Ranch Gymkhana, Free Admission, every Thursday at 5 p.m., Concessions. www.redridgeranch.com June through October: Mauston Farmers Market – Every Saturday 7 a.m. - Noon or Sold Out and Tuesday Evenings 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Courthouse Lawn 608-847-4142 June through October: Hillsboro Farmers Market in the Royal Bank parking lot, 8 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or until Sold Out. Every Saturday. June 6-7: Elroy City Wide Garage Sales. June 7: Musky Tournament by Musky Matters on Castle Rock. June 7: Mud-n-Suds mudracing at the Veterans Memorial Park, Mauston. Sponsored by Outdoors Forever. June 7: Bike for Special Tykes at 10 a.m. at Elroy Commons. For info call 608-853-2184. June 7: Shred-It Day at Bank of Mauston. June 13-14: New Lisbon City Wide garage sales. June 14: ATV Event Fundraiser at Lions Park in Necedah. Call Ryan for info at 608-547-4552. June 14-15: Cesky Den in Hillsboro. June 16 through August 8: Horse Wishes Day Camp - Monday–Friday Red Ridge Ranch Mauston 608-8472273 www.redridgeranch.com June 19: St. Joseph’s Memorial Foundation Annual Garden Walk. June 19: Annual Farmers’ Dinner at Hustler Exibit Hall. June 19–22: Budweiser Dairyland Super National Truck & Tractor Pull in Tomah.
June 21: HOPE Fundraiser walk at the Hillsboro High School track. From 6 p.m.–11 p.m. June 21: Movie in the park at dusk. Riverside Park, Mauston. June 23–July 28: Hillsboro Library Reading Program. Children ages 3–13. June 26: Sharing Supper at Mauston High School Commons. Doors open at 4:30. Serving at 5:00. June 26–29: Elroy Fair in Elroy June 27-28: Necedah City Wide Garage Sales. June 28: Wonewoc Street Dance including Battle of the Bands. June 28: Prime Time Jimmy Kline 5K Run/Walk for Cancer. June 28: Crafts by the River at Riverside Park. Put on by the Mauston Chamber June 29: Hillsboro Lions Dairy Breakfast at Hillsboro Fireman’s Park – Hillsboro Serving their famous pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee and juice - 7 a.m. -11 a.m. – 608-4892521. JULY 2014 July 4: Reedsburg Freedom Fest 3 p.m.–9 p.m. at Nishan Park. Food, games, music, fireworks. July 4: Ontario 4th of July Celebration. Parade, Tractor Pulls, Free Music on the deck. Fireworks at dusk. July 5: Mauston Fireworks display at Dusk. July 5: Mauston Fire Dept, Annual Chicken Dinner 11 a.m.–2 p.m. or until sold out at Mauston Fire House. July 10: Musicale at Field Memorial Park in Hillsboro at 6 p.m. July 11–13: Wa Du Shuda Days New Lisbon - Live Music Friday & Saturday night, Karaoke, Kids Games, Canoe Races, 5/K Run/Walk, Canoe Golf, Volleyball Tournament, Fireworks, Flea Market, Carnival – 608-562-3555 www.nlchamber.com July 12: Mauston Lioness 5/K and 10/K Run/Walk and volleyball tournament.
July 19: Airing of the Quilts. Quintessential Quilts, Reedsburg. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. July 23–27: Monroe County Fair in Tomah. July 25-26: Relay for life at Mauston school. July 25-26: Annual Park Fest, Lyndon Station July 26: Sportsman’s 6th Annual Poker Run benefitting Veterans’ Equine Trail Services. 100 mile ride, Live Music, Food Drinks, Schultz Park in Elroy 608-495-0127. July 26: Lazy Beaver Canoe Race at 10 a.m. From LaValle to Reedsburg. July 29: 2nd Annual “Run from the Cops” at 8 a.m in Reedsburg. July 31–August 3: Wilton Wood Turtle Days. July 31: Sharing Supper at Mauston High School Commons. Doors open at 4:30. Serving at 5:00. AUGUST 2014 August 1-2: Mauston City Wide Garage Sales. August 2: 14th annual Waterfest Venetian Lights Boat Parade. Castle Rock Lake. August 4-5: SAGBRAW Bike Tour coming through Mauston. August 7: Mile Bluff Golf Outing Fundraiser. August 8-9: Hillsboro Charity Tractor Pull. Hillsboro Firemen’s Park, Hwy 33. August 8–10: Norwalk Tractor Pull at the park. August 9: Union Center Party in the Park. Volleyball and Horseshoe Tournaments, kids games, food, drinks, DJ. August 9: Movie in the park at dusk. Riverside Park, Mauston. August 13–17: Juneau County Fair Mauston - County Fair Grounds - 608427-2070 www.juneaucountyfair.com August 17: Summer Parade. Mauston at Noon. August 22-23: Annual Primetime Jimmy Kline Ride for Cancer. www.primetimejimmykline.com
August 22–24: Hustler Fest, Hustler 608-427-6575 or 608-427-2070. August 28: Sharing Supper at Mauston High School Commons. Doors open at 4:30. Serving at 5:00. August 29: Kendall Corn & Beer Bust. August 29–September 1: 58th Annual Hillsboro Firemen’s Labor Day Celebration 489-3856. August 30: St. Joseph’s Memorial Foundation 1/2 Marathon, 5K 10K Fun Run Walk at Hillsboro Firemen’s Memorial Park. Registration begins at 7 a.m. August 30: Annual Juneau County Fly-in/Drive by EAA 1365. Food provided by Mauston Lions at the Mauston New Lisbon Airport. Call 547-6503 August 30–September 1: Kendall Labor Day Celebration. SEPTEMBER 2014 September 4–6: Stewart Chapel Rummage Sale. September 6: 8:00 a.m. Elroy Lions Apple Dumpling Day Races at Schultz Park. www.appledumplingdayraces.com September 13: St. Joseph’s Dinner and Golf Outing Fundraiser. September 25: Sharing Supper at Mauston Highschool Commons. Doors open at 4:30. Serving at 5:00. September 30: Mauston Women’s Night Out. 608-847-4142 for more info. OCTOBER 2014 October 4–13: Fermentation Fest. Food and farming festival. October 11: Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Bethany Lutheran Church in New Lisbon 9 a.m.–Noon. October 11: Annual Mauston Pumpkin Bash at Riverside Park from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. October 13: Colors of Kendall. October 30: Sharing Supper at Mauston High School Commons. Doors open at 4:30. Serving at 5:00.
Municipalities Guide City of Mauston 608-847-6676
Village of Camp Douglas 608-427-3355
Mauston Area Chamber of Commerce 608-847-4142
Village of Hustler 608-427-3700
Village of Lyndon Station 608-666-2500
Village of Kendall 608-463-7124
Town of Lyndon Station 608-666-2626
Village of Wilton 608-435-6666
City of New Lisbon 608-562-5213
Village of Wonewoc 608-464-3114
New Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce 608-562-3555
Village of Union Center 608-462-8810
Village of Necedah 608-565-2261
City of Hillsboro 608-489-2350 Swimming Pool: 608-489-3500
Town of Necedah 608-565-3140
City of Elroy 608-462-2400
Elroy/Sparta Trail Commons and Tourism Information 608-462-2410 Juneau County Forestry and Parks 608-847-9390 Mill Bluff State Park 608-427-6692 Wildcat Mountain State Park 608-377-4775 Village of Ontario 608-337-4381 villageofontario@centurytel.net Village of Norwalk 608-823-7760 Kickapoo Valley Reserve 608-625-2960 www.kvr.state.wi.us
Contact the local chamber offices and municipalities listed above for more events planned during June-October. Please look for our free Fall and Winter Visitor’s Guide on newsstands and at your local Chamber offices in early October.
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
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Accommodations - Contacts
Elroy Schultz Park - camping available for tent and RV, electric, water, flush toilets, dump station, showers, fire rings and grills. Park has a swimming pool with splash pad, playground, picnic tables, shelters and golfing nearby the grounds. Call 608-462-2410 or 888-6062453 (BIKE) for reservations or more information. Thompson Park - primitive DNR location - hike in or bike in only camping (access by 1/10 mile up hill) very scenic views for those that make the short trip, fee, trail fee, toilets, water. Hwy 71 NW of Elroy. Call 608-337-4775. Waarvik’s Guest House Century Farm - N4621 County H. 608-462-8595. Call for availability and more information on packages. East View Bed and Breakfast - 33620 County P. 608-463-7564. Call for availability and more information. Trails Gate Inn B&B, 104 Plymouth Street, 608-462-2237. www. trailsgate-inn.com
LaValle September Farms Bed and Breakfast S1472 McKenny Road 608-9857375. Mill House on Main Bed & Breakfast - 203 E. Main Street. 608-9857900. Theme rooms, homemade breakfast served 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. www. millhouseonmain.com
Wonewoc Chapparal Campground S316 Dreamland Drive. 608-464-3200 or 888-2830755. Cabins and sites available. Campground sites with full electric, sewer and water hookups. RV drive thru sites, sites with partial hookups, water and electric. Group areas available and rustic sites. Dump station also available. New showers and restrooms and swimming pool. Cabin rentals offer one room with one full size bed and bunk bed, heater & a/c, refrigerator, fire ring, picnic table and grill. Two room cabins have two full beds and a futon in addition to microwave, refrigerator, heater, a/c, flush toilet. Full size cabins with two bedrooms and loft, kitchenettes, heat, a/c, much more - packages available that include catered meals to campsites, adventure on bike trail, canoeing and more. Restaurant on site, catch and release fishing, camp store and too much more to mention. Call for package rates and more
information. Camping is available at American Legion Park in Wonewoc. Park is also site of community swimming pool, and offers an area secluded by pine trees. Park is operated by Village of Wonewoc. 608-4643114.
Union Center Garden City Motel Highways 33-80-82. 608524-6431. Many private entry rooms available. Open all seasons for guests, right off 400 Trail, next to golf course and in the center of Union Center.
Hillsboro Hotel Hillsboro - 44 rooms, indoor pool, Continental breakfast, meeting facilities, internet, pets allowed. 125 Water Ave. Call for 608-4893000. Right off Highway 33, across the road from the bike trail. Beezers Bar & Grill, 608-489-3007, eight big screen T.V.s outdoor bar, noon lunches, full menu, breakfast on weekends.
Kendall Trailside Campground Primitive and sites with electric available. 608-4637185, for more information. Sugar Maple Inn Highway 71 in Kendall on Elroy/Sparta Bike Trail. 608-463-7135. Open to bikers, snowmobilers, hunters and visitors to the area.
Wilton Village Park - Overnight camping, electric, showers, swimming pool, laundry. 608-435-6666 for information and availability. Tunnel Trail Campground - primitive and electric and water sites. Four miles east on Hwy 77. Bike rentals and repairs, showers, swimming pool, hiking available. Right on the Trail. Call 608-4356829. Mid Trail Motel Highway 71. 608-4356685 or 608-435-6527. Call for more information. Trailside B&B - six rooms with private bathroom. Room rates $90 to $110. Hwy 71 East. 608435-6525. Call for more information.
Lyndon Station Bass Lake Campground - N1497 Southern Road. 608-666-2311 for information. Crockets Resort and RV Park - N2884 28th Ave. 608-666-2040. Yukon Trails Camping N2330 County Road HH. 608-666-3261 for information.
Mauston Best Western - Park Oasis Inn - W5461 State Road 82 (off the interstate) 608-847-6255. Quality Inn - 1001 State Road 82 (off the interstate) 608-847-5959. Super 8 Motel - 190/94. 608-847-2300. Alaskan Motor Inn 533 State Road 82. 608847-5609. Bavarian Campsite 608-847-7039 for information. Castle Rock Resort & Campground - N4310 26th Avenue. 608-847-6269 for information. Wells Lakeside Cottages W4926 Highway G 608-847-7286 for information. Castle Rock Hideaway N6187 County Highway G 608-847-4475 for information.
3787 for information.
Camp Douglas Mill Bluff State Park DNR maintained, swimming beach, hiking up large bluff and around, 21 campsites available, just outside of Camp Douglas or 13 miles north of Kendall on County W at Highway 12/16. 608-4276629. Eagles Nest Resort and Campground - N11770 County H. 608-427-3235. Three cabins for daily or weekly rental. 19 campsites with electric and water. Bar, restaurant serv-
ing all meals. Sandy beach to lake swimming open to public, public boat landing no fee, flush toilets, game room, pool tables, open to ATV, Bikers, snowmobilers, poker runs and more. Host and caters small receptions or parties, small grocery supply. Great fishing and hunting. Hosts Bass tournaments, horseshoes, darts and pool leagues throughout year.
Reedsburg Lavina Inn - 325 Third Street, 608-524-6706. Turn of the Century Victorian home, in historic district,
Full breakfast with stay. www.lavinainn.com Bed & Parkview Breakfast - 211 N. Park Street. 608-524-4333. Queen Anne Victorian home, in historic district. Private and shared baths. www.parkviewbb.com Pine Grove Park Bed & Breakfast Guest House S2720 County V Road. 608-524-0071. Guest houses, private entrances, varying landscape. www. pinegroveparkbb.com
Necedah Sunrise Motel - rooms have fridge, microwave, free WiFi free long distance, N9695 Hwy 80. 608-565-2418. Buckhorn Campground Resort - N8410 County Road G - 608-565-2090 for information and reservations. Ken’s Marina Campground & Pontoon Rental - W4240 Marina Lane. 608-565-2426 for information. St. Joseph Resort W5630 Hwy 21. 608-5657258. Summer Hideaway Campground sewer & water free picnic table fire ring. 608-565-3825 or 262308-7893 for information.
New Lisbon Li’l Yellow River Campground - N7989 State Road 80. 608-562-5355 for information. Riverside Park Campground, shower house, walking trials, play ground, shower house, seasonal site as well. Highway 80 608-562-5213 for information. Cedar Spring Campground, N7001 Highway 58, multiple large sites, store, restaurant, close to Castle Rock Lake. 608-847-7676 for information. Little Pond Lodge N6768 State Road 58 608847-4593 for information. Kennedy County Park and Campground Highway M 608-847-9390.
Hustler Fountain Chateau beautifully appointed rooms along Elroy/Sparta Bike Trail. Harmony Bistro restaurant breakfast buffet included in over night stay. 202 E Main St. 608-427-
Ron Anderson relaxing at the Bavarian Campground. DIANNA ANDERSON PHOTO
JUNEAU COUNTY CROSSWORD “Summer” 1
2
3
4
7 10
11
16 18 21 24
29
7. 8. 10. 14. 15. 16. 18. 19. 20. 22. 23. 25. 27. 28. 29. 31. 32. 33.
9 14
17
22
23
26
27 30
31
24 29
ACROSS State Park on the shore of Castle Rock Lake. Electronic warfare, abbr. Operating While Intoxicated, acronym. Village on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. High railroad. Terminated. Cain’s brother. Society of Organic Agriculture, acronym. Spring month, abbr. Interesting feature of the Omaha Trail. International Association of Botanists, acronym. Give temporarily. “Welcome ___ a summer breeze”. “Large ___ small?” Golden or teen. Summer cooler. Garfield’s housemate. Trail pest. Louisiana State University, abbr.
27
28
31
33
32
1.
6
19
20
25
8
13
15 18
5 9
12
by George Gore
33
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 11. 12. 13. 17. 19. 20. 21. 24. 26. 30.
DOWN Trail vehicle. Approve of. Navy restroom. Nighttime aviator. Negative response. State Trail running westward from Union Center. Tiny. Eastern Nebraska State University, acronym. College administrator. Portable baby seat? Structures along the 400 State Trail. Pub beverage. Bike path. Where three trails meet. Hammer target. Signal Corps, abbr. CD__GH.
(Answer Key on Page 11)
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THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
The county seat connects it all in Juneau County Let Mauston be your gateway to four seasons of family fun! Situated along the Lemonweir River, Mauston is the county seat of Juneau County. Mauston is an active, modern community, marked by industrial and new home growth. Recreational activities in the area include an 18-hole golf course, volleyball and tennis courts, picnic areas, bowling, hunting, swimming, biking, snowmobiling, skiing, boating and fishing in their respective seasons. Nearby to Mauston are the state's 2nd and 4th largest lakes, Petenwell and Castle Rock. Mauston is the retail center of Juneau County offering a wide variety of stores including supermarkets, a cheese factory and cheese mart, lumber yards, hardware, department, discount, jewelry, gift, craft, antiques stores, service stations, automobile dealers, and pharmacies. Mauston is also home to a number of restaurants, liquor establishments, and fast food service outlets as well. To request visitor or relocation information, please email the Mauston Chamber of Commerce at chamber@mauston.com or call 1-866-516-1646 or 608847-4142.
FARMERS MARKET
Dr. Ann Raabe Doctor of Audiology
The Messenger of Juneau County
ISSN Number 1526-7873 018-051 Published each Thursday at 229 Main St., Elroy, WI by Messenger of Juneau County LLC. The Messenger is an entirely independent publication serving all of Juneau County. It is not affiliated with any other newspaper or group of newspapers. Periodical postage paid at the Post Office at Elroy, WI 53929. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Messenger of Juneau County, 229 Main St., Elroy, WI 53929 Betty Waits, Co-Publisher Dianna Anderson, Co-Publisher Mandy Bloor, Graphic Design Phone 462-4902 Fax Number 462-4903 E-Mail: themessenger@centurytel.net Subscription rates: $30 per year in Juneau, Monroe, Sauk and Vernon Counties; $33 elsewhere in Wisconsin; $35 elsewhere in the U.S.A.
THE
BOORMAN HOUSE In Mauston, near the intersection of North Union Street and Highway 82 East, stands an 1876 Victorian mansion built by Benjamin C. Boorman. The Boorman House is now the headquarters of the Juneau County Historical Society and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Courthouse Lawn each Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to sold – May through October. Local vendors will have a variety of items available including plants, fruits, veg-
etables, honey, maple syrup, eggs, baked goods, preserves, flowers, handmade soaps and lotions, crafts and much more.
Manthey Salvage BUYING METALS, ALUMINUM CANS, SCRAP VEHICLES, IRON, & MACHINERY
608-847-2202
DUMPSTER SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR SCRAP
What sets us apart...
LAMPERT Lumber & Hardware
Phone: 608-847-5819 • Fax: 608-847-4312 Email: dswinehart@lampertlumber.com
www.LampertLumber.com
N3584 Townline LL Rd. Mauston, WI 53948
The Mauston Farmers’ Market opened in early May. The market will be held on the Juneau County
To subscribe to the Messenger weekly edition, call 608-462-4902 or email themessenger@centurytel.net
Dr. Laura Vinopal Doctor of Audiology
Professional Hearing Care, LLC is an audiology practice dedicated to positively affecting the quality of life and improving communication for people with hearing loss. We’ve been helping your friends and neighbors with hearing loss and tinnitus in this community for over 35 years. Make that call today for a better hearing tomorrow. Honoring warranties on most hearing aids and accepting most major insurances.
www.profhearingcare.com • Find us on Facebook! 509 North Union Street, Mauston, WI 53948 • 608-847-2444
804 N Union Street • Mauston, WI 53948
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
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New Lisbon is rich in history and beauty New Lisbon is located on the beautiful Lemonweir River in central Wisconsin. According to Indian Folklore, the area now known as New Lisbon was used as a winter location for hunting and trapping by the Indians. During its heyday, New Lisbon was a bustling center for railroad activity, providing service for industries as well as passenger service. The City of New Lisbon is rich in history and recreational activities. New Lisbon's first settlers were the HoChunks, or Winnebago tribes, and the area was known as "WaDuShuda" which stands for “rest your canoe here”. The annual WaDuShuda celebration is the largest celebration of the year in New Lisbon and is normally held in July, this year's celebration is July 11th through the 13th with many activities for the whole family. (See this year’s list of events on page 14) Riverside Campground The campground offers 50 clean and spacious campsites. Many sites are along the scenic Lemonweir River. Tent camping is also available in a separate area of the campground with many sites available. A boat ramp is located in the campground for easy access to great fishing on the Lemonweir River and Little Lemonweir River. Camp in the campground and avoid the crowds of the Wisconsin Dells which is only 20 minutes away. There are two large pavilions on site for rental for your party or group entertainment. Reservations are available. Riverside Park Campground is located on Hog Island Road in New Lisbon. Call 608-562-3534 Or 608-562-5213 for more information. Native American Effigy Mounds The Gee's Slough Group of Indian Mounds is placed on the National Register of Historic Places. These Mounds are located just outside of the City of New Lisbon. These type of mounds can be found throughout Wisconsin. The New Lisbon Area was a winter gathering place for the Woodland Culture Indians; they are the ancestors to the Winnebago tribe. Represented in the Gee's Slough Group mounds are three basic types: • Totem - this effigy usually is in the shape of an animal. • Linear - a long, straight line of earth raised above the
N6772 Germantown Road New Lisbon, WI 53950 Open 7 days a week until 5:00PM (Later by Appointment)
608-562-3492
One of the highlights of Wa Du Shuda Days in New Lisbon is the parade. Local individuals, businesses and organizations all play a part in making the weekend a fun filled time for family and friends. surrounding ground. • Round or Oval - this mound is mostly used as the burial mound of an important member of the tribe. The effigies represented at the New Lisbon Gee's Slough group are the panther or water spirit, the totem of the clan. The linear mound was an important setting for the Woodland Indian's religious rites. The round or oval mound is sometimes joined by a linear mound to form a dumbell shaped mound and were also sites of burials of other members of the tribe. The mounds are always open to the public, located just off of U.S. Highway 12 & 16, turing onto Mounds View Road. The Woodland Indians have also left Petroglyphs of the Thunderbird in area caves. According to Indian folk lore thunderstorms were formed when the huge wings of the thunderbird flapped and lighting was caused by the opening and closing of their eyes. They were supposed to
be the carriers of the lakes on their backs, which spilled when they tilted their bodies in flight, causing a downpouring of rain. The eggs that they dropped were the thunderbolts that sometimes struck the ground. Today these caves are privately owned, however you can see casts of these wonderful Thunderbirds and a huge collection of local Woodland artifacts at the New Lisbon Library, located at 115 West
GROCERIES • LP BAIT (IN SEASON) LIQUOR • BEER CIGARETTES GERMANTOWN JUNCTION STORE N7010 Hwy 58, 7 mi. N. of Mauston • 608-847-6909
Stay Awhile at the...
NEW LISBON
AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Where we are big enough to accommodate yet small enough to appreciate! Come stay with us a while! www.newlisbonchamber.com 608-562-3555
RAABE’S PHARMACY 112 S. Adams Street, New Lisbon
608-562-3302
* FINE SELECTION OF GIFTS * GREETING CARDS * 24 HOUR EMERGENCY PRESCRIPTION SERVICE
Tom & Mike Raabe - Owners Emergency Numbers: 562-5535 / 562-3387
Park Street, New Lisbon. The Memorial Library contains approximately 30,000 volumes plus internet access, audio, video, and the Harry Mortenson collection of American Indian artifacts. Other Indian artifacts can be viewed at Raabe's Pharmacy in downtown New Lisbon. For a map to mounds contact The New Lisbon Chamber of Commerce www. newlisbonchamber.com.
RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND • Waterfront Camp Site • Pavilions • Boat Ramp • Fishing • Public Hunting Lands Near By
www.newlisbon.net
For Reservations, Call: 608-562-3534 or 608-562-5213
DETOUR
BAR & GRILL
215 E. Bridge Street • New Lisbon, WI 53950 Hours: 11:00AM–Bartime • 608-562-6300 Check us out on Facebook!
d, Good Foonds! Good Frie
Page 6
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
Get a little rural when you’re in the county! HUSTLER & CAMP DOUGLAS Wildlife abounds! If you take the Omaha Bike Trail out of Elroy, you’ll pass through rolling farmland until you get to Hustler – the one and only Hustler in the world! The village of Hustler gained a bit of fame in a book, “Passing Gas: and Other Towns on the American Highway,” by Gary Gladstone, who said that nothing happens in Hustler. Quite the contrary, as he found out on his next visit! His newest book, “Reaching Climax and other towns along the American Highway”, again has a feature on Hustler which includes photos from the Hooterbowl in Hustler. Gary, as many before him, found that quite a lot happens in Hustler! People will be more than happy to tell you about the great homemade pizza at the
bowling alley, or the annual tractor pull held each August at the Hustlerfest. Hustler is a farming community with a bank, two taverns, a beauty shop, bowling alley, grocery/deli shop, two churches, a park and also a bed and breakfast. The former Cooperative Creamery and Cheese Shop was converted by volunteers a few years ago into a museum. It is open on Sundays from 1 until 3 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hustler was one of the first to have free shows in the 1920’s. Those memories of the first shows are highlighted in a book called “Hello Folks” by Jean Marck. She was the daughter in law of the first projectionist, Dave Marck. Get back on the Omaha Trail and keep going west, and you’ll end up in the village of Camp Douglas. The village is situated
among some of Wisconsin’s most scenic sandstone bluffs and is surrounded by peaceful rural countryside. Some of the greatest chances to see the larger wildlife in the area will be on this trail. This could include a sight of a distant black bear or timber wolf. You’ll come off the trail in Camp Douglas at the base of Target Bluff, with its namesake supper club and bike shop. If you look just across Interstate 90/94, you’ll see the distinctive bare bluff known as “Steamboat Bluff.” Nestled at the base of Steamboat Bluff is a beautiful little wayside just off County Highway C, where you can go exploring around the trees with their bare roots intertwined around the rocks of the bluff. There is also a plaque there that tells about Castle Rock, referring to a bluff that lies on Volk Field/Camp
Williams, an Army and Air National Guard Base just across County C from the wayside. If you go into downtown Camp Douglas, a grocery store, a nice park, ball diamonds, playground and several neighborhood taverns are available. Be sure to have your camera along when you go to Camp Douglas, because you are surrounded by some incredible scenery. If you are a more adventurous bicyclist, and the Omaha Trail seemed a bit tame for you, try taking County Highway H back to Elroy. Between Camp Douglas and Hustler, you’ll pass farmland that has been in families for generations. Wisconsin calls them “Century Farms.” The adventure part of the journey begins after you get through Hustler. Soon, Highway H becomes quite
Lyndon Station is a home away from home Nestled between the Wisconsin River and Seven Mile Creek, rests the Village of Lyndon Station. The Village came into existence shortly after Wisconsin became a territory in 1836. The first settlers in the area were said to be of the Havey family from Limerick, Ireland in the County of Kildare. The first settlement was called Kildare in honor of their homeland. It was decided then to rename the town Lyndon Station, after a village resident named Lyndon, who it is believed was very influential in bringing the railroad through the area. In the middle 1800's, the railroad meant being connected to the outside world, which ultimately meant economic prosperity. With the railroad came many German and Polish settlers to the area as well, making Lyndon Station a melting pot of hard working, family oriented people. Many of those families reside there still today. Much like the railroad, the interstate system came through the area in the early 1960's, offering the outside world easy access to the community. Since it's foundation, the Village of Lyndon Station has remained a close knit little community. It can be felt as soon as you arrive on the main street (which is actually
Wisconsin Street) as it is called by it's residents. Many of the buildings are the original buildings on their sites. The business owners have given them all facelifts, however, and have worked diligently at maintaining their original esthetic. Lyndon Station is legendary for it's summer softball tournaments and festivals. The biggest event all summer is Parkfest, held the last weekend in July. Parkfest features a Hometown Pride Parade, Coed Softball Tournament, The UW Marching Band, live bands and a great fireworks
show. Lyndon Station also has eating establishments featuring home style cooking, taverns, three campgrounds, and Wisconsin's oldest continuously run grocery store. Lyndon Station is served by two religious institutions. St. Bridget's was established in 1851 by early Irish settlers in the area. The name was changed to St. Mary's in 1877, and the present edifice was built in 1899. It is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of La Crosse and because of this, it is historically referred to as the Mother Church of the Dells Area.
Fountain Chateau
202 East Main Street • Hustler, WI 54637 (877)427-3719 • (608)427-3787 • www.fountainchateau.com
One Block from Omaha Trail (Handicap accessible) We have Rooms Available (1 for Handicapped) *Special Events by Request*
Harmony Bistro Breakfast
&
Lunch
Camp Douglas • 1-888-839-0232 • www.sunnyfield.net
Lyndon Station is located off of Interstate 90 - 94, on State Highway 12 and 16. It is eight miles north of Wisconsin Dells and just a 15 minute drive from Castle Rock Lake. Come to Lyndon Station if you are looking for a hometown get away.
hilly, and the scenery takes on a Dells-like appearance. If you want a scenic side trip and don’t mind more uphill riding, follow the signs toward Fountain Lutheran Church for some beautiful overlooks that span for miles. Then come back to County
H and continue on past more century farms and even a farm that raises long-horned, shaggy-haired High-land cattle. When County H runs into State Highway 80, just hang a right and in a little over two miles you’re back where you started in Elroy.
Speed’s Bicycle Shop Rentals • Trail Passes • Shuttles
1126 John St, Sparta, WI 54656 www.speedsbike.com speeds@centurytel.net
608-269-2315
SUMMER HOURS:
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THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
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Elroy: The community where three trails meet For years, Elroy has been known as “The Place Where the Trails Meet.” It now is also the place to start a canoe trip on the state’s longest free-flowing river, The Baraboo River. Three trails that meet in Elroy are the Elroy-Sparta, the 400, and the Omaha Trail. With each of these trails converging in Elroy, the community has become an ideal spot to start a ride on any of these trails, and has attempted to accommodate the needs of the riders. The starting spot for each of the trails is the Elroy Bike Trail Commons in downtown Elroy. Adjoining the Commons is a large city parking lot that provides plenty of room to unload and load bikes and is an ideal spot to leave a vehicle while on a ride. The Commons itself is a small park designed especially for riders. The restroom facility includes showers that are available for those who want to clean up after a ride. The other building is the Trail Shop, where a variety of items riders need are available, as well as a good selection of sweat shirts and other souvenirs. Also available are rental bikes. Between the buildings is a large canopy that provides plenty of shade for a time of relaxation after a ride, and lots of grass and shade trees. Although constructed in the early 1990’s, the architecture of the Commons buildings has the feel of the early railroad days. In fact, the
paving bricks are the same ones rail passengers used to stand on when awaiting a train. Another reminder of Elroy’s railroad days is the large building just south of the Commons. Once it was Elroy’s railroad station. Several years ago, it was “recycled” and now is the community’s fire station. Although it is now a very relaxed area, just right for those using the bike trails, it doesn’t take too much imagination to go back to the days when Elroy was a division point on a busy railroad that connected Chicago with the Twin Cities and other Minnesota destinations. It was one of the few spots where the high-speed 400 trains stopped. When the train came in, there was a flurry of activity as passengers quickly went to the “Beanery,” the restaurant in the depot for a snack, as railroad workers made safety checks and performed other maintenance tasks. Just as quickly as the train arrived, it was again on its way. An easy half-block west of the Commons, up a slight incline, is Elroy’s business district. Providing a transition between the Commons and the business area is a gazebo, built and donated to the city by a former Elroy resident as a memorial to his late wife. This also provides a shady spot to unwind. Most of the buildings in the downtown area were built in the 1880’s or 1890’s, and
reflect the interesting architecture of that era. They still serve well for the community's business needs, and a look around is worth the time. Camping in Elroy is available at the Schultz City Park at the south end of town. This park is easily accessible from the 400 Trail. The park also includes a swimming pool with an adjoining “splash pad” water play area for the younger kids, a volleyball court, a softball field, and plenty of shade. It is right on the banks of the Baraboo River. On the last weekend in June, the park takes on an entirely different atmosphere, however, as it becomes the site for the Elroy Fair. For four days it is filled with carnival rides, animals brought for judging, a variety of entertainment events, and all the excitement you would expect from a fair. The fair is truly the highlight of the summer for many who live in the area. Just as quickly as the transformation to a fairgrounds of celebration site is made, the park returns to its original leisurely pace, as a place for pleasant outdoor recreation. The Elroy Area Historical Museum, located at the spot where you come up from the trail to Main Street, is well worth seeing. Once a Masonic Temple, the building was donated to the City and is operated by the Elroy Area Historical Society. It is open Saturday and Sunday afternoons and
also on holidays. The upstairs of the museum is devoted to a depiction of history, with an old-time school room, a military room, a display of the geological history of the area, and a sample living area of an earlier era. It also includes the “Main Street of Yesteryear,” a display that illustrates many of the things that would have been found in business places and shops in an earlier era. The lower level is the “Railroad Room.” It includes some of the tools used by railroad crews, and also an HOgauge model of Elroy as it was in the days when it was a division stop on the mainline railroad. Care has been taken to make the models as close to the original buildings as possible, and it even includes an operating railroad.
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THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
The perfect patch - Strawberries Homegrown strawberries are a billion times better tasting than the hard, rarely ripe, flavorless selection in the supermarket. Strawberries are cold-hardy and adaptable, making them one of the easiest berries to grow. While most fruit trees take several years to begin bearing, you can harvest your own strawberries the very first summer. And even if you live in an apartment or small home, you can grow strawberries in a container on your balcony, rooftop, patio, or even doorstep. If your horizontal space is limited, consider growing strawberries in a hanging basket or stacked planter, which will allow you to take advantage of vertical growing space as the strawberry plants tumble out over the sides. There are two main kinds of strawberries: "June-bearing" and "Ever-bearing" varieties. June-bearing, bear all at once, usually over a period of about 3 weeks. Because of their earliness, high quality and concentrated fruit set, June-bearers, like “Allstar”, produces high yields of very large, sweet, extra juicy berries in late mid-season, which is usually late spring and early summer, depending on your geographic region. These are the best variety for preserving. “Ever-bearing” strawberries produce a big crop from
spring flowers, set light flushes of fruit through summer, and then bloom and bear again in late summer and fall. Perfect for large containers or raised beds, where you can give them attentive watering and regular feeding. Bonnie Plants, available at most garden retailers, offers a good selection of ever-bearing strawberries including: “EverSweet”- This variety offers large berries ripening in abundance. Savor a long harvest, with fruits ripening from late spring until frost. “Quinalt” – the most popular variety of ever-bearing strawberry, offers large, soft, deliciously sweet fruit, ideal for preserves or fresh eating. And new this spring: there’s two compact varieties which don’t produce many runners, making them both perfectly suited for containers: Tristan - This eye-catching edible ornamental shows unusual pink blooms, which fade to form plump, sweet, medium-size strawberries. Loran: Pretty white blooms fade to form large, deep red, cone-shaped berries on this ever-bearing variety. Fruits burst with sweet flavor. Harvest stretches all season long, with fruits ripening from late spring until frost. Timely Tips to ensure strawberry success: * When planting strawberries, be sure the crown is above soil level and the upper most roots are 1/4 inch beneath soil level, buried crowns rot and exposed roots dry out. Strawberry plants should be placed approximately 14 to 18 inches apart from each other in neat rows that are separated by 2-3 feet each. Let runners fill in until plants are 7-10 inches apart. * Use mulch to keep berries clean, conserve moisture and control weeds. * If you want to keep it simple, plant strawberries in a container. Just remember that container plantings need much more water than in-ground plantings, usually once a day; and if it's hot, twice. Strawberry pots are the obvious, best container choice for growing strawberries. You can fit several plants in one pot; just make sure whatever type of garden pot you use has good drainage. Strawberries have a relatively small root ball and can be grown in containers as small as 1012 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep. However, the smaller the container, the more frequently you will need to water. Synthetic and light colored pots will keep the roots cooler than dark colors and natural materials that conduct heat. * Strawberries like well drained fairly rich soil, so be sure to add compost or other organic matter when preparing the pot or patch. * They need full sun, 6-8 hours per day, and frequent, deep
soakings. They will grow in all zones and should be fed twice a year -- when growth begins and after the first crop. You’ll need to feed them with a plant food like Bonnie Plant Food, this herb and vegetable food has nutrients and growth stimulants that your strawberry plants will love. * Control slugs and snails by handpicking them off plants and prevent theft from birds by covering your patch with netting as the first berries ripen. Strawberries are one of the easiest and most delicious home garden fruits to grow. Try growing them with kids, plants produce fruit throughout the summer and children will love to pluck them right off the plant, wash and eat! If your kids have yet to plant and care for a fruit or vegetable, strawberries are a perfect choice for their first gardening experience. Kick off this gardening season--with your kids-- and get growing strawberries! For more info on growing strawberries as well as vegetables and herbs visit www.bonnieplants.com.
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
JUNEAU COUNTY FAIR The Juneau County Fair is a variety of fun for the whole family. Many area youth are very active in the animal shows, agriculture education, and fundraising to make it all happen. This year the fair will be held August 13th through the 17th.
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727 Water Ave., Hillsboro • 489-3141 Mon.-Thurs., 8:30-5:30; Fri., 8:30-6:00; Sat., 8:30-1:00; Sun., Closed
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THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
The Bike Trails offer great getaway Each of our beautiful bike trails featured in this guide is set on a former railroad bed. This provides for a gentle grade for easy family biking. Each trail has its own unique scenery and atmosphere. As well, each community is unique with their very diverse things to see and do. The quiet of the trails and the small town peace of each community along the way provide an interesting change of pace for those used to the bustle of larger cities, and keep people coming back for another ride. Here is just a quick look at each of the trails located in southern Juneau County. The Elroy-Sparta Trail Often known as the “Grandaddy of the rails to trails” due to the fact that it was the first trail in the country to be developed on a former railroad bed. There are three tunnels along this trail which make it a favorite to many. This trail extends from Elroy to Sparta for a distance of 32 miles. Along this trail, six miles from Elroy, you will enter Kendall with some beautiful farmland country as well as many woodland areas which twist along the west branch of the Baraboo River. The former railroad depot in Kendall is now the ElroySparta Trail Headquarters and offers bikers a nice place to stop and see some of the history of the area. Past Kendall, riders pass through the first of three tunnels, which is about 1/4 mile long. Past this stretch, you will find the community of Wilton. Wilton has an old railroad caboose which provides visitors with an information center and nostalgia of days gone by when the ‘trails’ were home to the ‘rails’. The business district is just a block away from the trail, and camping is available at the nearby Village Park. Then it’s through another quarter-mile tunnel and into Norwalk. The third small town along the trail. Here again, a business district is not far from the trail. Not too far past Norwalk is the longest of the three tunnels, this one nearly three-quarters of a mile long. On the other side, the trail comes out into a valley that gradually widens into a level
plain as the trail continues on its way to the terminus at Sparta. From there, there are connections to other Wisconsin trails to provide a continuous route. Bikers riding the ElroySparta trail are encouraged to bring along a flashlight to use in the tunnels, and also a jacket. The 400 Trail The 400 Trail got its name from the high-speed passenger trains by that name that used this line on their way from Chicago to Minnesota. Those trains provided travelers luxury and high speed in the days before the Interstate and airlines took away much of their ridership. Now the route that once carried high-speed passenger trains as well as considerable freight is an interesting bike trail that extends from Elroy east to Reedsburg. It parallels the Baraboo River all the way. Along the 400, there is an ever-changing variety of scenery and numerous opportunities to see all kinds of wildlife. There are also the bluffs on each side that hem in the river valley. Should you start your ride on the 400 at Elroy, you’ll head four miles south to Union Center. Residents there have developed the Eagle Parkway, a local park that adjoins the restroom facilities provided for those using the trail facilities. The trail turns in a more southeasterly direction at Union Center and continues four miles to Wonewoc. Baker’s Field park adjoins the trail and makes a good place to relax a few minutes. Also, there is a rest stop in downtown Wonewoc, with the town’s businesses just a half block from the trail. Just south of Wonewoc is another rest stop, and here the 400 becomes a dual-purpose trail, with a horse trail paralleling the bike route. The next stop is LaValle, another interesting community, with several businesses that cater to tourists and visitors. From LaValle, it is on to Reedsburg, the eastern terminus of the 22-mile trail. The Omaha Trail The Omaha Trail, which extends north from Elroy to Camp Douglas, is named for
the railroad company that once operated that line. It also features a tunnel. While the Elroy-Sparta and 400 are both state trails and require state trail passes, the Omaha is owned and maintained by Juneau County, and a separate pass is required. The two state trails have a surface of limestone screenings that is wellgraded during the year, but the Omaha is hard-surfaced. Ample parking for those using the Omaha is provided both in Elroy and at Camp Douglas. If you start from the Bike Trail Commons in Elroy, you are guided onto Second Main Street. After a couple of blocks, you pass over a branch of the Baraboo River on an interesting covered pedestrian bridge that brings back memories of many years ago. Then it’s a few more blocks down the quiet street to the start of the trail proper at the north edge of the community. Once you’ve traveled a bit on the trail, all signs of civilization seem to disappear, particularly as you enter the narrow valley that provides the approach to the tunnel. Once you pass through the tunnel you’re on your way to the community of Hustler then it’s on to Camp Douglas, the northern terminus of the trail. Hillsboro State Trail An interesting side trip for those riding the 400 Trail is the Hillsboro Spur, which extends from Union Center to the City of Hillsboro, an interesting community of 1,415 with an active business district. Again, this trail uses what once was a railroad right-ofway. They built their own shortline route to connect at Union Center, and daily a locomotive made its way from Hillsboro to Union Center, pulling outgoing freight cars behind it. They were left there, to be picked up by a main line train, the Hillsboro and Northern locomotive then made its return trip, hauling incoming freight. Now the right-of-way between Union Center and Hillsboro has become a trail, following one branch of the Baraboo River, and another community to be explored.
OMAHA TRAIL-400 TRAIL AND ELROY SPARTA TRAIL
This bridge was built by the 829 Utility Department and dedicated on October 8, 1998 by Governor Tommy G. Thompson.
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
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Kendall welcomes visitors along the trail Kendall is a pleasant village of about 500 people, whose history is closely associated with the railroad whose right-of-way now is the ElroySparta Trail. In fact, the village didn’t even exist until the railroad came through. One of the prominent memories of the village’s railroading past is the lovinglypreserved depot that now is the headquarters of the ElroySparta Trail. The building has both the look and feel of the old railroading days. In fact, the workers there serve visitors through what once was the ticket window. Much of the former waiting room area now serves as a museum, containing memorabilia of the old railroad and its conversion to a bike trail. The former freight part of the station now houses a large selection of bikes which are available for rental. Much of the area around the depot, which once was a rail yard, is now a grassy, shaded area, a perfect spot to relax after a bike ride. Another reminder of the old railroad days is a privately-maintained park that includes the remains of what once was the turntable for a roundhouse. That’s just a block south of the depot. Just across Highway 71 from there is Glendale Park, pride of the community. It includes the baseball field where the Kendall Mustangs play their home games, an outdoor basketball court, a kiddie playground, and some
Enter Levi Kendall, a contract land buyer for the railroad. His job was to deal with landowners to acquire the needed right-of-way. Among the deals he made for the railroad was the purchase of land for the proposed depot and yard a mile north of Glendale. Realizing that a town would probably grow up near the depot, he bought the rest of the farm for himself. Levi Kendall did not stay around to develop the town,
however. He soon sold his land—presumably at a profit—to a couple of local residents, who then platted the land, and sold the lots. Although he was long gone from the area, the name Kendall stuck for the community. Once the railroad started operating, those who had businesses in Glendale quickly realized they would do better nearer the railroad station, and quickly moved to Kendall.
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The village was originally named Kendalls after a man who worked for the railroad came to the area to purchase land for the train to come through. He left soon after, but the name stuck. interesting rock outcroppings. Primitive campsites are at the top of the bluff which provides the southern edge of the park. Glenwood park is also the site of the annual Labor Day weekend celebration. That celebration includes a Sunday parade that is billed as “Monroe County’s Largest Labor Day parade.” Kendall is near the headwaters of the Baraboo River, and that stream is little more than a creek as it winds through the park and into the village. The trail follows the
stream through the valley that extends west of Kendall until suddenly it meets a solid bluff. That is the site of the first tunnel on the bike trail. Heading east from Kendall the trail follows the “river” to Elroy, where it meets with both the 400 and Omaha Trails. As was mentioned, Kendall did not exist until the railroad came. About a mile east of Kendall is Glendale, now a very small community. But the bluffs came close together there, making it an ideal spot to put in a dam to provide power for a mill.
Several stores grew up around that mill, and it was the center of commerce for the area in the pre-railroad days. The mill pond extended upstream almost all the way to the present Kendall. But the very thing that made Glendale an ideal place for a mill made it impractical for a railroad stop. As engineers surveyed the area, they decided the narrow valley did not allow room for the yards that should accompany a station. As a result a decision was made to build the station a mile to the west, where the valley widened considerably.
Wilton and Norwalk just a little further up the Trail Wilton is a village in a small setting of farming and surrounding hills that is located mid-trail between tunnels no. 1 and no. 2 on State Hwys. 71 and 131, 15 miles south of Tomah. It is the entrance to the Kickapoo River Recreation Area. The Village Park provides camping, picnic shelters, handicapped facilities and a swimming pool. The times for several Church services held in the area are posted at the park. Other services available are bike rentals, bed and breakfasts, horseback riding, and camping nearby. Wilton has an Annual Wood Turtle Days celebration the first weekend in August. Wilton is home to a bit over 500 people. Known as “the heart” of the Elroy-Sparta bike trail, this small village comes to life the first weekend in August. Dating back to the late 1970s, the festival was formerly known as Wilton Fun Fest. The name change occurred as a result of road construction tying the towns of Wilton and Ontario together on Highway 131. While planning the original route, endangered Wood Turtles were discovered. To preserve the habitat, the highway’s route was changed. The following year (1992), the festival’s title was officially changed to “Wilton Wood Turtle Days” in honor of our endangered friends who were saved by that decision.
Located on the southeast side of town, next to the Kickapoo River, the campground has drinking water, restrooms and showers, electricity, ball diamonds, children's playgrounds, volleyball courts, and a public swimming pool. There is something for everyone in this friendly village! The Village of Norwalk is located on State Highway 71 and is about four miles southeast of the longest tunnel on the trail. A flood control dam just north of Norwalk provides an additional recreation area. The Norwalk Lake is a PL-566 Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Project, sponsored by the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. It is also known as the Tri-Creek Watershed Project. It's main purpose is to reduce flood damage to the Village of Norwalk. It also reduces flood damage to roads, bridges, culverts and cropland located in the flood plain downstream from the dam. The Lions Club has been active in sprucing up the area where the trail runs through the village. This park area has two excellent shelters, picnic tables, fireplaces, restrooms, showers and a convenience store nearby. Whatever a trail user needs including lodging is available in Norwalk.
Take a break from the trail in Union Center and enjoy good company The quiet community of Union Center is home to a combination of unique sights. Entering from one direction will take you through high reaching bluffs and deep valleys. Entering from the opposite will grace your vision with our protected wetlands and their wealth of wildlife. There is a nine-hole golf course within a stone’s throw of the 400 Trail. Dining and food are available at several supper clubs and bars, each offering a friendly atmosphere and a chance to get in out of
the weather. Eagle Parkway, a well developed park, sits right on the trail. The park is the outgrowth of an Eagle Scout project completed by a Union Center resident several years ago. Here you can enjoy a picnic away from the hub-bub of urban life, while the kids play on the playground. You could even set up an impromptu game of volleyball on one of the sand courts. From Eagle Parkway you can see two interesting buildings—St. Theresa’s
Church and the Union Center Post Office. The church is an almost picture postcard-perfect reminder of architecture a century ago, while the Post Office is certainly a reminder of an earlier era. Just outside Union Center, either toward Hillsboro or Elroy, you can see some wetlands from the trail and watch the beavers, Canadian geese and many duck species. Union Center is also the spot where the trail branch to Hillsboro branches off the 400 Trail.
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MAIN STREET MARKET 405 Main Street, Wilton, WI
Groceries, Dairy, Produce, Snacks Bulk Candy, Bulk Spices, Soda, Beer & Liquor, Campfire/Grilling Supplies
608-435-6517 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bike Trail Passes Sold Here!
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ELROY FARMERS
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Elroy Auto Supply/Carquest Parking Lot Every Wednesday June –Oct. From 3:00PM until sold out Currently accepting applications for vendors at: City Hall • 225 Main St. Elroy
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THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
Wonewoc: The mid-point of the 400 The Village of Wonewoc considers itself the heart of the 400 Trail, a perfect place to break while enjoying the beauty of the path or to start a ride in either direction. A village of about 800 people, Wonewoc residents have made their community very user-friendly. The bike trail, horse trail and canoe route all meet in this picturesque valley. Nestled among high rising bluffs, there is beauty in any direction you look from Wonewoc. Although it traces its history back long before the days when the railroad came through, Wonewoc became a hub of activity when the trains were running. The many goods that were loaded and unloaded from the railroad supplied the residents from these hills with their income and their needs. Today Wonewoc is still a busy hub, serving the surrounding rural area. Yet, it’s the calm and friendly atmosphere of rural living that makes living in or visiting this community so worthwhile. A shelter is available in downtown Wonewoc, right on the trail for a short break from a sunny day, but just off the path one could find more. Wonewoc’s main street has several taverns and restau-
rants that serve meals and snacks. Stop at the bakery or coffee shop for a great place to fuel up on delicious beverages and home baked items, and once your hunger or thirst is satisfied you’ll have energy for browsing the business district and community. Two parks in the Village draw visitors with their beauty. Baker’s Field, named for a beloved family doctor who practiced much of his life in Wonewoc, has access directly from the trail and provides restrooms and a great setting. The second park is American Legion Park, just three short blocks from the trail. This park features a large fenced inground swimming pool, shower facilities, restrooms and campsites. The park is ringed with mature pines, oaks and maple trees, and provides lots of beauty. But just outside town toward LaValle is another park, Fairy Dell Park, where the weary rider can enjoy clear water from the a flowing well and lots of shade. Fairy Dell Park is also one end of a horse trail that rides shotgun with the bike trail to LaValle. Daily life is peaceful in Wonewoc, and you’ll find you are welcome there. Stop for a while.
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Some history of Wonewoc George Willard was the first settler in what is now known as Wonewoc Village. In August, 1842, in company with Don Carlos Barry and Alexander Draper, he visited this locality and explored the country. In the Winter of 1842-43, Willard, associated with J. Chrystie and Arch Barker, cut a logging road through to Pine Grove. Part of them worked a logging camp there, and Willard operated a camp near Rathburn's mill. During the same year, they rafted the logs to Sauk City. From the Winter of 1842-43, Willard ran logging camps in the vicinity of Wonewoc, and in 1849 he rolled down the bluff just back of the residence of Hon. T. K. Dunn over a million feet of logs. In 1851, Mr. Willard cut a road from the State road in Sauk County to Wonewoc, and built a log house in Plum Valley. In the summer of this year, he built a saw-mill at Wonewoc, and also a frame building, now known as the Rock House, and moved his family into it. Mrs. Willard was the first white woman who came to this vicinity. Their son Fred, who was born in Wonewoc, November 18, 1853, was the first child born there. In 1854, Delando Pratt came to Wonewoc, purchased a water power from Willard, and the land now occupied by the village, whereon he had the site platted. At that time, the entire ground of the plat was a tangled jungle of bushes, trees and logs, without a house. In 1855, Pratt purchased additional water power from Willard, and built the first grist-mill. Joel Bishop arrived in 1854. He built the first hotel - a portion of the Frazell House - which he sold
the following year to J. Clements. Mr. Clements was the first Postmaster; he received his commission in the Summer of 1856. The office was kept in his hotel, and Willard carried the mail from Reedsburg twice a week for the proceeds of the office. John Grant, Sr. located at Willard's Prairie in 1851. Abram Tawney on the ridge, about a mile and a half from the village. Fisher and Ganser located at Union Center about the same time. Then Plymouth and Wonewoc were consolidated, and in 1857, Wonewoc was organized into a separate township, in pursuance to an order of the Board of Supervisors of Adams County. The first election for town officers was held in the office of Daniel Schermerhorn, then a Justice of the Peace, afterward County Judge of Juneau County. From that time onward, Wonewoc steadily increased in size and population. Hard times came with the hop decline of 1868, and continued until the opening of the railroad, in 1871. Since then it has improved slowly, but with a steady, healthy growth. Thomas Brown and Thomas Riddle made the first claim and settlement in the town of Plymouth. In May, D. M. Fowler, R. A. Fowler, John H. Fowler and Daniel Fowler made claims and settled in the same neighborhood, on what is now known as Fowler's Prairie. In 1852, a public road was laid out from Fowler's Corners to the Stewart settlement, in Lindina. From this time forward, the section settled up more rapidly. The town was organized November 16, 1854.
In 1856, J. M. Vintnall built a sawmill on the Baraboo River, at the east end of the prairie, and the following year, removed to building where the post-office was located; R. A. Fowler, Postmaster. Wonewoc was a thrifty village, nearly surrounded by high bluffs, situated on the Madison division of the C. & N.W. R.R., in the southwestern town of Juneau County. The Baraboo River runs though it, which furnished good water power. The various branches of business were well represented there, the most important of which, was THE CASE WAGON CO. This factory was a twostory frame building, about 300x300 feet, with iron roof, situated about one half mile south of the railroad depot. It was operated by steam power, and had all the latest improved machinery in use in such establishments, both in the woodworking and blacksmithing departments. It was built in the Winter of 1877-78, by the Wonewoc Manufacturing Company, and operated by them until their failure, in February, 1880, at which time a new company was organized, known as the Wonewoc Wagon Company, and in 1881 it was incorporated as the Case Wagon Company - of which Nathan Fisk was president; William Case, vice-president; R. Risk, treasurer, and M. H. Case, secretary - all of whom were men of energy. The factory furnished employment for about seventy-five men, and during the year 1881 turned out about 3,000 wagons. The Bank was owned by P. R. Briggs & Son. It was organized in the Spring of
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1881, had a capital of $12,000, and was doing a general banking business under the name of The Juneau County Bank. Another important manufacturing interest was the stave factory of S. S. Daun. It was mostly employed in the manufacture of tight barrel stock, and was one of the finest of its kind in the State. Wonewoc had one of the best school buildings in this section, and always employed a good corps of teachers. F. W. Lee was principal. The first school organized was held in an out-building used as a granary, near the Rock House, in 1854, with Elizabeth Clements as teacher. The school-house was built in 1874. Value of school property, $5,000. Number of children of school age, 277. Number of children attending school, 225. Source: History of Northern Wisconsin. Publisher: Western Historical Co., Chicago 1881 pp. 388-391
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Bike or hike the picturesque 400 State Bike Trail. Enjoy miles of beautiful scenery and wildlife on this old abandoned railroad line with its easy-tomaneuver surface of hard-packed, crushed stone. Or take a scenic journey down the Baraboo River, the longest free-flowing river in the nation!
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
Page 13
Hillsboro for culture and beauty
It’s just five miles off the 400 Trail on a spur that once was the right-of-way of a short line railroad—and the trip to Hillsboro is well worth taking. The spur connects to the 400 at Union Center and
takes you through fabulous countryside, with much to see as you ride along. At the end of that trail is Hillsboro, a pleasant, thriving community that provides much to see and much to do throughout the year.
Whether you seek outdoor adventure or living history, Hillsboro is a place you should visit. From the booming downtown to the surrounding countryside, you will find in and around Hillsboro a land
like no other—winding rivers, historic farmsteads, bike rails, celebrations and heroes. Hillsboro was named for the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin’s driftless area—an ancient landscape spared by the glaciers. It is a place where many cultures from near and far found a new beginning and called it home. Step into the city and step back in time to a friendly, old-fashioned community— steeped in heritage and history. “Come find your own adventures in Hillsboro—
where it all begins,” is the greeting. The city has several annual events, each one interesting to visitors. Among them are: Charity Tractor Pull: Is held the first weekend in June each year at Hillsboro Firemen’s Park. Cesky Den (Czech Day): This three-day celebration, of the Czech heritage of many Hillsboro area residents is held early in June each year. It features lots of polka music, and spirited dancers. A full program of music and entertainment is planned each year, with
many dancers and others in traditional Czech wear. Fourth of July: Celebration starting at noon with food, the ever-popular ski show, kids games and entertainment, with fireworks at dusk on July 4 at the Field Veteran’s Memorial Park near the lake. Labor Day Celebration: It’s the largest Labor Day celebration in southwest Wisconsin. It has just about everything, including a great parade, a junior fair, plenty of good entertainment, food, music, rides, shows, and softball tournament.
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“Come to Visit, Come to Stay” • Hillsboro Historical Society (Opens May 25) • Cesky Den - June 14th & 15th • Lions’ Dairy Breakfast - June 29th • Friends of the Library Musicale - July 10th • Charity Tractor Pull - August 8th & 9th • 59th Annual Firemen’s Labor Day Celebration - August 29th–Sept. 1st
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Page 14
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
Don’t miss Hustlerfest!
Hustlerfest is one of the highlights of the year for both local residents and many from out of the area. The event adds something every year or improves because the demand and response keeps growing. Some highlights and favorites of Hustlerfest include the Supercross race which kicks off the weekend on Friday evening along with live music. These are always very well attended events and the Supercross is an intense spectator sport. Day events during the weekend include the backseat driver contest, where a blindfolded lawn tractor driver is guided by their passenger in an attempt to navigate a course of cones. Winners of the event take away a cash purse. The chicken throwing contest, log sawing, food eating contests, nail driving, and many vendors are always popular.
Anyone can enter the many contests throughout the weekend. This includes the hog mud wrestling which is a dirty fun time for participants and onlookers. Several bands, a beer tent, and a mechanical bull riding machine keep the atmosphere of pure fun throughout the weekend. Carnival rides and several games are also available for the kids. The Parade through town over the weekend is always a huge hit and the big tractor pulls and a locally famous chicken barbeque on Sunday end the weekend with a bang. If you haven’t been to Hustlerfest in years past, plan to go the last weekend of August. The excitement of the rural celebration is contagious. Visit the website for this years complete list of events at www.hustlerfest.com.
Summertime is also “Tick Time” As you make plans to enjoy the outdoors with your family this summer, Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics, LeRose Dhanoa, MD wants to remind you that the “tick” season is here and while most tick bites can be harmless, several species can cause life-threatening diseases. The Black-legged Tick or Deer Tick is the species which can lead to Lyme disease. Dr. Dhanoa has some guidelines to aid in the prevention of tick bites: Perform “tick checks” daily following outdoor activities. Prompt tick
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removal prevents disease transmission. Avoid wooded or grassy areas with large deer populations. If sleeping outdoors, sleep in a screened area. Minimize exposed skin after dark. Avoid swimming in fresh water. Bathe and wash hair within two hours of spending time in high risk areas. Keep grass mowed and remove leaf litter and wood piles. Dr. Dhanoa also advises what you should do if you find a tick embedded in your
skin. First do not touch the tick with your bare hand. “There are actually tick removal kits, which you can purchase and keep handy”, states Dr. Dhanoa. A tweezers or blunt angled forceps can also be used using the following steps: Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible nearest to the head or mouth of the tick. Pull straight up slowly and steadily without twisting until the tick lets go of your skin. Thoroughly wash the bite area with soap and water and apply antiseptic lotion or
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cream. Pay close attention for any irritation or local infection. If you have a suspicion that the bite may be from a Deer Tick, save the tick and place it in a plastic container or bag so it can be tested for disease, if necessary. Signs and symptoms of early Lyme disease could include rash, fever, joint pain or a stiff neck. You should always call your doctor to find out about followup care and testing of the tick for spirochetes, (organisms that may be carried by the tick).
TH
• 5:00PM: LIONS FOOD STAND at Riverside Park • 5-7PM: RACE PACKET & PARADE NUMBER PICK UP at Legion Hall • 5:30PM: SCAVENGER HUNT & BUBBLE GUM RACE • 6-8PM: BOUNCE HOUSES, KIDS GAMES • 8:00PM: KIDS MOVIE IN THE PARK • 7:00-11:00PM: TEEN DANCE at New Lisbon Pool w/ DJ • 7:00PM: LIVE MUSIC “MIDLIFE CRISIS” BEER GARDEN is open
SUNDAY, JULY 13TH
• 7:00-10:00AM: NEW LISBON MASONIC LODGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST in Small Pavilion • 10:00AM: FOOD VENDORS/FLEA MARKET/CRAFT FAIR • 11AM-2PM: CHICKEN DINNER at American Legion Hall • NOON: PARADE (LINE-UP AT 11) • 1:00PM: PINATA • 1:30PM: UW MARCHING BAND in the park • 2:00PM-5:00PM: INTERACTIVE DJ WITH “SOUND FX” at Riverside Park in Beer Garden • 2:30PM: PEDDLE PULL (REGISTRATION AT 2) • 2:30PM: BALLOON TOSS GAME • 3-5PM: AWARDS FOR PARADE • 3:00PM: FAMOUS DUCK RACE over the New Lisbon Dam Cash Prizes-1st: $1,000 2nd: $500 3rd-10th: $50 Purchase your DUCKS ahead of time!!!
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$3 Wristbands required to be on grounds SATURDAY, JULY 12TH
• 6:00-7:00AM: RACE REGISTRATION • 7:00AM: HALF MARATHON • 8:00AM: 5K RUN/WALK • 7:00-10:00AM: NEW LISBON MASONIC LODGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST (Small Pavilion) • 8:00AM: FLEA MARKET/CRAFT FAIR in Riverside Park • 10:00AM: FOOD VENDORS OPEN at park • 11AM-7:00PM: KIDS ACTIVITIES Rock Wall, Inflatables, Pony Rides, Zip Line, Balloon Animals, and More at the Park. • 11AM-4:00PM: DUNK TANK - BALLOON TWISTER • 11AM-5:00PM: PONTOON RIVER RIDES at the boat landing • 11AM-2:00PM: BINGO at American Legion Hall • 11AM & 12:30PM: JUGGLER/UNICYCLIST PERFORMANCES • 12:00PM-2:00PM: LIL MISS, JUNIOR MISS, & MISS WA DU SHUDA FINALS (on stage) • NOON & 2:00PM: MAGIC SHOWS • NOON: VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
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For information, contact 608-562-3555 or nlchambr@mwt.net www.wadushuda.com
Page 15
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect spot for all that is wild BY STEVE NORLING One of the best values for summer fun is the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (NNWR). The reason that it is such a good value is that the programs run by and at the refuge are free. They are also very interesting and educational. And there is the 44,000 plus acres of refuge to enjoy. There have been some changes at the refuge this year due to sequestration. The visitor center is now open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday. If you do not have the latest revision of the Public Program Schedule you need to obtain one as many of the programs are currently later than the original schedule showed and there are no longer any Sunday programs as the visitor center is now closed on Sunday. All of the hiking trails and all of the other areas of the refuge that are open to the public remain open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. The toilets on the west end of the
visitor center, which are accessible from the outside, are also open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Some of the programs coming up this summer are a Refuge Wildlife Series: Redheaded Woodpeckers coming up in July, Nature Journaling in August and Virtual Geocaching in September. All of these programs will be from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Then there is the Focus on Photography group that meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome at these meetings. When it comes to things to do outdoors there is almost no limit to the enjoyment everyone can find at the refuge. There are several hiking trails of different lengths and different difficulties that can be hiked. There are the visitor center trails, the two loops combining for one mile of hiking or you can split them and there is the Muskrat Loop of a quarter of a mile and the Karner Loop, which is three quarters of a mile.
The refuge is home to many rare and interesting individuals which thrive in this environment.
The Observation Tower Trail is a great favorite. It is the only trail on the refuge that is mainly through wooded territory. It is approximately eight tenths of a mile in length and an easy hike. There is also the tower, which overlooks Rynearson Pool #1. There is normally a lot of wildlife to be seen from this tower. Some of the wildlife includes whooping cranes, geese, ducks, herons, deer and much more. There I also an open-air observation blind that is on a point at about the halfway point of the trail. A great place to sit down, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. The Lupine Loop is where the largest concentration of Karner Blue butterflies on the refuge is. This trail winds through fields of Lupine and this is what makes it ideal for the Karner Blue. NNWR has the largest concentration of these endangered butterflies in the world. They are out in the first two weeks in June and again the last week of July and first week of August. These butterflies are only about the size of a quarter and pale blue. They can be hard to see but if you stand still and watch the lupine plants, there is a good chance you will see them. There is also an enclosed photo blind about halfway along the trail. This blind overlooks some marshy area, a ditch and a small part of the northwest corner of Goose Pool. The Boghaunter Trail is a combination of three loops. The shortest of these loops is the Meadow Beauty Loop, which is only eight tenths of a mile and a nice easy hike. The Boardwalk Loop is
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one and three quarters of a mile and lets you see a lot of hedge meadow using boardwalks and mowed grass trails. The Tamarack Loop is three and six tenths miles long with hills and is more of a challenge to hike. On this trail you may see much wildlife, from the Ringed Boghaunter, for which the trail is named, to cranes to deer to many other forms of wildlife. There is also an enclosed photo blind on this trail overlooking prairie and sedge meadows. Just driving through the refuge can be an exciting trip. You may see deer, turkeys, many types of birds, porcupines and other mammals, possibly even a gray wolf. If you drive between Sprague and Goose Pools, there is not telling how many waterfowl, shorebirds and other water loving birds and animals you will see. Another very popular thing to do on the refuge is berry picking. There is a regular season for this, normally from mid-July through August. There is a definite season for berry picking and a special brochure is put out every year showing where the previous two year burns have taken place and where the blueberries are most likely to appear. Stop by the visitor center in late June or early July to check things out. The entire refuge is open for looking for or picking berries. This is one of the few times that the entire refuge is open to the public. NNWR is still a wildlife refuge and wildlife comes first. Photography is also a great pastime for visitors to the refuge. There are so
As you can see there are a multitude of things to do and see at the refuge and I have just touched on a few of them. There are many kiosks around the refuge at which to pick up brochures if you cannot make it to the visitor center when it is open. There are kiosks at each of the trailheads with maps of the trails. You can also always call the refuge when the visitor center is open and get information. The number is (608) 565-2551. Come on out to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge and add it to your summer’s enjoyment.
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many things to photograph that it is hard to know where to start. The NNWR was the place that the endangered whooping crane was introduced and we now have over one hundred of them on and around the refuge, the largest flock east of the Mississippi. With a little patience there is no reason that a person cannot get a picture of the rare bird. A number of years ago trumpeter swans were reintroduced on the NNWR. Now we have several nesting pair every year. Getting pictures of them and their cygnets is no longer as difficult as it once was.
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Page 16
THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY SUMMER GUIDE 2014
Summer fun on the Lakes Castle Rock Lake, also known as Castle Rock Flowage, is located in the heart of Central Wisconsin, with Lake Petenwell and the Wisconsin River forming two borders between Adams County & Juneau County, just north of Wisconsin Dells. There is wide variety of fishing in Castle Rock Flowage, but here’s a list of the most common species: Muskellunge Clear Muskie, Barred Muskie, Spotted Muskie, and Tiger Muskie; Northern Pike; Walleye & Sauger; Largemouth Bass; Smallmouth Bass; Strip Bass aka Strippers; Catfish; Sturgeon; Black Crappie & White Crappie; Panfish including; Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow perch, Yellow Bullhead and tons more; White Sucker; Carp; Bowfin; Dogfish. The DNR and Local organizations also do stock fish in Castle Rock Lake. Check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for Bag Limits, Fishing Rules & Regulations for Castle Rock Flowage and other Wisconsin Lakes. Castle Rock Horse Trails Castle Rock Horse Trails are NOT just horseback riding trails they are a multi use trail system for NONMOTORIZED vehicles like hiking, running, skiing even wagons. Even though the
trail systems are not open to ATVs & Snowmobiles, you can ride them on the back roads in this area because they are part of the routing systems. The Castle Rock Horse trails are located south of Hwy 21 and east of 20th Ave all way to the Wisconsin River were it opens up into Castle Rock Lake on the Adams County side. The trails are on about 2,500 acres of Wisconsin River Power Company Land which is open to the public for recreation including hunting. Because this land is open to public hunting it is discouraged to use the trail system during the deer gun hunt. Please check the Wisconsin DNR website for dates. Petenwell Castle Rock Area The Castle Rock Lake and Lake Petenwell Area is a very popular vacation area in both Juneau and Adams Counties with also includes the Wisconsin Dells as well. Castle Rock Petenwell area is centrally located for vacationers from Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton and even the Twin Cities/Minneapolis. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone around these two big lakes! If you are into hunting, you can hunt most of Plumb Creek Timber Lands properties, Colburn Wildlife Area,
Quincy Bluff Wetlands Natural Area and Leola Marsh Wildlife Area in Adams County. The Castle Rock Lake & Lake Petenwell area in both Adams & Juneau Counties offer plenty of outdoor activities. Castle Rock Lake Swimming There are plenty of places to swim on Castle Rock Lake, Castle Rock Flowage because the lake is mostly a sand bottom and has plenty of spots along the shoreline that are about 3 to 5 feet deep. Buckhorn State Park which is open to the Public has about 10 miles of frontage plus Wisconsin River Power Company allows public access in exchange for tax breaks. Wisconsin River Power Company - WRPC also owns plenty of acreage on the Adams County side of Castle Rock Lake mostly at the North & South ends of the lake. If you are looking for a nice sandy beach open to the Public for swimming there are two Castle Rock County Parks, one in Adams County and the other in Juneau County. These two waterfront parks have lifeguards on staff part of the time. -Castle Rock County Park – 608-339-7713 - Adams County. -Buckhorn State Park – 608-565-2789 – Juneau
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources annual captures and bands the goose population in the area to monitor the numbers and health.
Man’s best friend is a frequent visitor to our area lakes which makes for great memories and great photo opportunities. County, N8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI. 54646 -Roche-A-Cri State Park – 608-339-6881 – Adams County, 1767 State Road 13,
Friendship. -Ukarydee Equestrian Camping – 608-564-2233 – Adams County, 2047 Cumberland Ave, Arkdale -Horseback riding trails
and campground - Lil’ Yellow River Camp Ground – 608-562-5355 - Juneau County, N7989 State Road 80, New Lisbon.
Several organizations in the area stock musky and other species into the Castle Rock Lake which provides a great enhancement to the fishing opportunities.