PARFREY'S GLEN STATE NATURAL AREA

If you plan a stay at Devil's Lake State Park, it's easy to lose sight of Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area over the tourist driven town of Wisconsin Dells or the small town charm of Baraboo. But Parfrey's Glen should not be missed. Finding it can be a little misleading as much of the literature on it indicates it is not accessible by vehicle. Don't let this deter you. There is a parking lot for the area and it's just a little hike to the waterfall. In the past, there was a boardwalk in place to make the hike a little easier. However in 2008 / 2010 the boardwalk was destroyed by a storm and has yet to be replaced. Not having a real trail is what makes getting to the waterfall part of the magic.

Five years after the State purchased the land in 1947, Parfrey's Glen became the first Natural Area declared by Wisconsin. In the 1840's, the area was primarily used for milling. In some areas, foundations to these mills can still be found. From 1846 to 1876, Robert Parfrey owned and operated one of the mills. After Parfrey left the area in 1876, it became a popular area for picnics and hiking. By the late 1800's the destination was so popular that developers were looking into building hotels - much like it had been attempted at Paradise Springs near Ottowa State Park. 

As you first approach the trail, it seems no different that any other trail. The trail points ahead through a small meadow with trees lining either side. Warblers and Goldfinches dart about the branches filling the air with their melodies. At first, there is no sign of any water. You may find yourself wondering if you are on the right path . . . you are!

Continuing onward, a small stream appears to the left. The path flows along the stream. Walking with the stream, you notice it becomes louder. Rocks begin appearing more frequently in the stream. Eventually, the rocks become boulders and the water is swirling over and around the rocks, causing the small stream to meander. At one point the path turns towards the stream. Where there once was a small bridge is now a series of large boulders in the water. The only way across is by hopping from stone to stone. Across the stream, the path becomes less obvious. in focusing on following the flow of what has now become a small river, you might not notice you are entering the gorge.

Before long you are now below the surface of the Earth. Above you, roots of trees break out of the sandstone that line the gorge. Water drips downward along the sandstone to create a mossy underworld. The path seems to come to an end and a sign warns to proceed at your own risk, but not to go beyond the waterfall. Surveying the river, you must choose wisely as to which stone you step on to get to the waterfall. High rains can submerge rocks, splashing water can make them slippery. Perhaps you should have been warned earlier to wear old shoes! You'll feel like Indiana Jones as you make your way to the waterfall. When you get there, the quest will be well worth it. While Parfrey'a Glen is by no means the biggest waterfall in the state, it has a beauty of it's own. The glen is home to many plant and bird species that are not typically native to the area, but have thrived due to the unique temperatures and conditions. 

Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area - DNR Website

STRAWBERRY PICKING

Throughout Wisconsin, the June sun is working hard to ripen sweet, juicy strawberries. This is a great time to load the family into the car and head to the farm.

Berry picking farms can be found all across the state. From Door County to Milwaukee, and Madison to LaCrosse, there are strawberries just waiting to be picked.

Generally, farms charge by the pound. In some cases, they charge by the size of the container. Either way, the cost is far less than what you would pay in the grocery store.

Once you get the berries, there are so many things you can do with them. One of the most popular is canning them. Get yourself some canning jars and mix the berries with a little bit of sugar. Freeze the jars and you'll have summer fresh berries all year long! Strawberry Shortcake always tastes the best when you make them with fresh strawberries! But whatever you do with them, they are sure to please your taste buds.

With June's record temperatures, there are a couple things to keep in mind.

• Start Early: Picking berries in the morning is the best way to avoid the blistering heat of the midday sun. It's also the best time to go to get the best berries!
• Bring sun screen and wear hats to prevent sunburn
• Bring bug spray to avoid mosquito bites

Picking berries is fun for the whole family. Turn it into a game for smaller children and see who can pick the most. For older kids, it's just a great time to be unplugged and bond. This is a tradition that can last all year long. In summer there are strawberries. In fall, you can find orchards to pick cherries, apples, raspberries and of course pumpkins!

AZTALAN STATE PARK

Aztalan State Park may be one of Wisconsin's most mysterious locations. A giant primitive barricade  meanders throughout the park. It winds and twists over the land. Within the borders of some of the barricade and giant mounds.

The mystery of Aztalan dates back to the year 900. During this time, the land was inhabited by a group of people belonging to a culture that reigned North American from the Great Lakes all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. This network of groups was referred to as the Mississippian Culture.

Tribes flourished and created advanced settlements. From 900 to 1300, these groups of people built complex settlements. They also shared an advanced trading system with nearby villages as well as those in the Gulf of Mexico. Three giant mounds remain on the Park grounds. There are many theories on the purpose of the mounds. Suggestions include ceremonial, defensive, storage and even include theories involving astrological study. Just as mysterious as the structural design of the mounds and the stockade fence, was the fate of the people who colonized this land.

The ruins of Aztalan were discovered in 1835. Upon discovery and subsequent research of the land, it was estimated that the people who once thrived here left the area between 1200 - 1300. However the reasons were unclear. One theory points to the famous Aztec tribes of Mexico. These tribes retell tales of their ancestors coming from the North. Based on similarities between the construction of the mounds between those found here and those in early Mexican Indian cultures, the land was named Aztalan. Based on artifacts found on Atzalan's grounds which show the items received in trade from the Gulf Of Mexico, a  migration from the Great Lakes Area to Mexico is not out of the question. But the question of why still remains.  Speculation centers around threats from other tribes or even a period of extreme cold that drove the people to warmer land.

The preservation of the area was not an easy task. In 1836 the land was surveyed and requests were made to preserve the land. However the government did not see the need for preservation and sold the land. Many mounds were destroyed. Artifacts found were recycled. Most of the land was turned into farmland. In 1850 the stockade still remained and again interest in preserving the land went ignored.

It was not until 1921 that preservation truly began. During this time, the Wisconsin Archaeological
Society acquired some of the land. In 1952 Aztalan became a State Park. Within the following decade it would be registered as a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register Of Historic Places.

The park is well maintained. The stockade has been replicated in areas that were in disarray. The mounds are neatly trimmed and a staircase allows you to venture to the top. While this park does not allow camping, it provides wonderful trails the run along the river. If you get the chance to visit, sunsets at Aztalan State Park are stunning!

Aztalan State Park - DNR website

LEON'S WORLD FAMOUS FROZEN CUSTARD

Being America's Dairyland, there is no shortage of dairy products throughout Wisconsin. While the state is best known for cheese, the custard should not be overlooked. Culver's started out in Sauk City, Wisconsin and eventually grew on a National level. Kopp's Frozen Custard became a Milwaukee staple in 1950 featuring the Flavor Of The Day. But when you talk to locals in Milwaukee about frozen custard they will likely refer to Leon's Frozen Custard.

Leon's opened it's doors, or rather it's windows, in 1942. Not only do they have the "world's finest custard," but they have an atmosphere that is magical. Classic hits from the 50's & 60's roll out of the speakers. On hot nights, the neon tubing hums with electricity. On cool nights the florescent lighting warms everything below the canopy. Nostalgia makes everything better, and Leon's Frozen Custard brings that to life.

Leon's Frozen Custard is one of Milwaukee's most cherished landmarks. It has been featured everywhere from the Travel Channel to Midwest Living Magazine. If you get the chance to stop in, be sure to order the Butter Pecan. This flavor was so popular it became a mainstay on the menu!

Leon's Frozen Custard Website & Menu

OLD WORLD WISCONSIN

Sitting on over 400 acres in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is Old World Wisconsin. Old World Wisconsin is a living, breathing museum depicting American life in the 1800's. While similar villages and museums can be found throughout the country, none can rival the size of Old World Wisconsin. This is the largest museum of this type in the country.

The museum is home to over 60 different buildings and structures. When the grounds opened in 1974, there were originally 8 structures on the property. Over time, historic buildings from Wisconsin have been dismantled from their original locations and brought to Old World Wisconsin to be resurrected. The buildings are laid out in a manner to reflect various ethnic groups. These groups, or villages, provide a sense of continuity.

This farm belongs to a group of buildings in the Finnish village. The small building to the right was the outhouse!

Old World Wisconsin is far more than just buildings and villages. They are living, functioning settlements. Throughout the various villages, you will encounter people going about their daily life. You might come upon a blacksmith forging wagon wheels or horse shoes, a teacher giving a lesson in the school house, or a woman tending to her chores while her husband plows the fields.

These people who breathe life into the village are the real magic to the village. Rather than just meander throughout the streets, they serve a purpose. They are in tune with the buildings, the tools of the era and lifestyle. In Old World Wisconsin, a spinning wheel is not just an accent piece for an old home, but rather a functioning tool used daily to make clothing or linens.

Even more astonishing is that the supplies used in conjunction with the tools actually comes from the fields and gardens of Old World Wisconsin. The cotton used in the spinning wheel is from one of the many living fields on the property. As you walk into the small homes, you will notice the tables have fresh fruit, eggs and bread. All of this comes from the land.

In the school house, you may find yourself learning about the history of Wisconsin and how in 1848 it became a state. Perhaps you will need to grab a piece of chalk to do some arithmetic on your slate. Watch your manners or you could end up in the corner with the dunce hat!

Old World Wisconsin is perfect for the entire family. The interactive atmosphere with the early pioneers provides the chance to ask questions, participate in various tasks and be part of the history that Old World Wisconsin has worked so well to preserve.

Old World Wisconsin Website

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

Milwaukee architecture varies from classic to modern. Movable parts can be found in the mesmerizing roof of Miller Park, as well as the wing like design of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan, the post-modern design of the Quadracci Pavilion by Santiago Calatrava, incorporates elements of the original 1957 building, maritime themes and hints of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Looking at the building, one would never guess that the museum is one of the largest in the country with a collection of over 25,000 works. The collections range from Ancient Art to Pop Art. There is surely something for every art lover.

One of the most popular pieces the gallery houses is a collection of Marilyn Monroe screen prints from Andy Warhol. The 1962 silk screen prints captured the pop icon in fluorescent hues ranging from teal blue to hot pink.

The Marilyn Monroe prints are elegantly displayed against a white wall with nothing to distract. Soaking them in, you can feel life to them which can not be felt when looking at the images in a book or on a computer screen.

For art lovers who prefer the complexities of the Impressionist Movement, you will find yourself mesmerized by the brush strokes of Claude Monet. From afar, the painting seems simple. However the painting is placed where the viewer can get right up close to it. As you look further into the painting, each stroke becomes far more intricate. Yellows, purples and the brightest colors line each wave. A small boat appears out of the fog. A bridge with tunnels pops out of the fog and mist. Smokestacks billow over the town. It doesn't take much time to understand why Monet's works are masterpieces.

There is no end to the artists represented in the collection. A Picasso teases the viewer with it's simplistic lines. Kadinsky's mesmerize the eye with controlled chaos. Pollock, Rothko and O'Keefe all bring their unique styles to their designated walls. But the gallery is so much more than paintings. Photography, Folk Art and Sculptures are also on display in the museum. Perhaps one of the most intriguing sections of the museums is the influence of art on mid-century furnishings and the art deco  design of appliances ranging from radios to toasters.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is a worthwhile visit to anyone in the area. True art connoisseurs will be pleased by the diverse representation of artists across all genres. For those less knowledgeable about art, the museum is arranged in a manner to make the displays interesting and enjoyable.

Milwaukee Art Museum Official Website

MITCHELL PARK HORTICULTURAL CONSERVATORY

As you pass through Milwaukee on Highway 45, Miller Park is easily the most recognized structure. However off in the distance, it's hard not to notice the 3 domes bubbling out of the trees and buildings. The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, or as they are more commonly refereed to, the Mitchell Park Domes, have a history in Milwaukee dating back to the late 1800's. 

The property where the domes are located was once the home of Alexander Mitchell. Mitchell was a prominent figure in Milwaukee. Wealth incurred from investments helped Mitchell and his family build their home as well as a conservatory. The conservatory stood at the front of the home and was filled with thousands of plants and flowers from around the world. Upon Mitchell's death, the home was sold (it is now The Wisconsin Club) as were all the plants. The city bought the property and Mitchell Park became one of Milwaukee's first County Parks in 1898.

By 1899, an initial greenhouse was built and opened for the public, likely to honor the park's namesake. Plants from around the world were featured. The greenhouse was a great success, however Milwaukee was a growing city. In the early 50's through the 60's, the city took on several huge tasks. The Milwaukee Zoo, The Public Museum and County Stadium were just a few new attractions being built. By 1955, the greenhouse took a backseat to these new projects. Lack of maintenance resulted in the greenhouse being closed. 

By 1959, plans for the greenhouse to be revised became a priority. Three domes were constructed. The first being complete in 1964. 

The oldest dome is referred to as the Show Dome. This Dome features different themes throughout the year. Show displays can have cultural, literary or seasonal themes. depending on when you visit, you may see model trains chugging among the greenery, or a sea of red Poinsettias.

From June - September of 2017 the Show Dome's feature is Ultra Violet - a display of all purple flowers and plants!

In 1966 the second dome was opened to the public. The Tropical Dome will whisk you away to a humid rain forest. Tropical fruits from on the looming trees. Bright flowers contrast the dark green leaves. Look closely and you may see some unique wildlife enjoying their habitat. Over sized snails leave slimy trails on giant leaves. Tiny birds dart through the enclosure. 

The final dome, introduced in 1967 will take you into the desert. The Arid Dome features a large variety of cactus. Follow the winding path below the giant palm trees and enjoy the variety of vegetation from the deserts of North America and Africa.

Looking at the Domes from the outside, one would never guess how big they actually are on the inside. The area is 45,000 square feet. There is a lot to see and the stop in is a worthwhile one. However the fate of the was in question a few years back. Structural issues called for the Domes to be closed as a safety precaution. The Domes found themselves at the center of a debate in regards to their upkeep. Luckily, Milwaukee County was able to find some midterm solutions to open the dorms back to the public. Regardless of when you visit the dorms, you will not be disappointed.

Mitchell Park Conservatory Website