Surprise Find at Amnicon Falls State Park

Nature's Tic-Tac-Toe

Location Coordinates:
46°36'50"N,
91°53'58"W
Amnicon Falls
State Park
near Superior, WI

It was an exploration weekend, one of those "not sure where I'm going but I'll know it when I find it" trips. The first day was spent motoring the scenic highways of northern Minnesota, stopping at historical markers and overlooks, and later having a picnic lunch while watching pontoons and ski boats on one of the several dozen lakes along the path. It was all fine and entertaining, but there were no real dazzling discoveries made. Day two started out much the same way; all very pleasant, and yet still nothing of the attention-grabbing variety that I was seeking. By noon on the second day I began to think the trip might be one of those that just kind of fizzles out, so I decided to simply head for home. As I always try to see new territory whenever possible, I opted to go a little off the direct path down the interstate and crossed over into Wisconsin to take scenic Highway 53 back south. This diversion changed the trip's mood from mediocrity to excitement.

On of the several falls along the Amnicon River

At the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 53, about 15 miles southeast of downtown Superior, I spotted the sign for Amnicon Falls State Park. As it was mid-day this seemed a perfect place to stop for lunch. But I soon realized this was not going to be an ordinary lunch stop. As you enter the park you see a small set of rapids on the Amnicon River as it flows toward Lake Superior. Down the park road just a bit further were sets of picnic tables, most of which were unoccupied, which overlooked scenic spots near the series of small waterfalls along the river's course.

Pathway on the island

The park's landscape appeared dissimilar to the surrounding countryside, which tended more to farmland and open pasture interspersed with stands of woods. In contrast, the park itself felt more reminiscent of a higher elevation mountainous location. Pine needles carpeted the ground in the picnic areas, and the sound of the rushing river as it cascaded over the various falls allowed my mind to think the air felt just a bit crisper and smelled a little fresher than just outside the park boundaries.

Covered bridge to the island

It was perfect weather on a beautiful summer day, and yet the park was not overrun with people as you might expect. I had a peaceful lunch at a secluded table beside the roaring river. After eating I made my way across a pretty covered bridge onto an island formed by a split of the river. I meandered a while on the island enjoying the trees and the sound of the water, which grew more distant the further I walked. But as I had only planned a lunch stop, my time was running out, and I needed to get back on the road to get home at a decent time.

Toadstool in the spotlight

Before leaving the park I decided to check out the campsites. I am not particularly fond of camping, as it seems to me to represent a lot of effort to achieve a great deal of discomfort. However, I found the campground so appealing, with its very private and heavily wooded individual campsites, that I promised my wife we would come back for a camping weekend. That's impressive for this tried-and-true hotel patron.

Baby pine coming up from the forest floor

Amnicon Falls State Park rendered the whole weekend trip a success. You never know what you'll find when you stray off your normal path. I'd have never discovered this northern Wisconsin gem if I had given in to temptation to simply follow the regular path home. Such are the rewards for those who dare to never take the same way twice.

Dog Days Drive Along the Mississippi

Location Coordinates:
44°30'70"W,
92°21'24"W
Along the Mississippi River
near Stockholm, Wisconsin
 
The expression "Dog Days" can be traced back to ancient Rome, and is generally used as a reference to the hottest, most sultry days of summer. If you live anywhere east of the Rockies, you could fairly refer to the entire month of July as the summer of 2011's Dog Days. All time heat records were set in many locations on an almost daily basis. Here in the Upper Midwest the big story was incredibly high humidity levels, which made enjoying the outdoors quite an uncomfortable endeavor. As July moved into August the hot, stagnant weather pattern finally broke allowing temperatures to fall to more typically pleasant levels. After a month or so of my self-imposed restriction to the comforts of air-conditioned environments, the idea of a leisurely scenic drive in the much improved weather sounded grand.

Dog Days of Stockholm attendee

I crossed the Mississippi River at Prescott, Wisconsin and turned south on Highway 35. Near the town of Bay City the road begins to hug the shore of Lake Pepin, a large widening of the Mississippi River formed by the sedimentary deposits of the Chippewa River where it meets the Mississippi some thirty miles south. The winding route was very pretty, with open farmland and patches of woods intermixed between the river bluffs and the lake shore. Lake Pepin was alive with activity: sailboats, fishing boats, jet skis jumping the wakes of power boats pulling traditional water skiers. It was the picture of a perfect summer day.

Dog Days of Stockholm attendees

About the mid-point of the drive along the eastern shore of Lake Pepin is the village of Stockholm, Wisconsin - population 97. As I approached the northern end of the little town I was curious as to why a village of only 97 residents would have a main street jammed with traffic and parked cars. At the town's only intersection I glanced to my right and discovered the source of the population swell. The 2nd annual Dog Days of Stockholm festival was in high gear. I decided to stop and check it out. Expecting to find a small community summer craft fair, I was surprised to find the Dog Days of Stockholm was quite literally about dogs. A celebration of all things dog, you could take in activities such as a dog herding exhibit, attend the "blessing of the pups", witness a doggy acupuncture treatment, or listen to experts giving tips on dog nutrition. If you didn't have a dog upon entry you could even remedy the situation by visiting with rescued dogs in need of permanent homes. I don't have a dog, but I still found the festival interesting and decided to hang out a while and have some lunch. My lunch selection? A hot dog - of course.



Lake Pepin

 Moving on after lunch I crossed the Chippewa River and Lake Pepin morphed back to being just the Mississippi River again. When I reached the town of Nelson, Wisconsin I found another large crowd. This time the attraction was The Original Nelson Cheese Factory, also known as the Nelson Creamery. I stopped, went inside, and immediately discovered why everyone else driving the route had stopped as well. Inside the ivy-covered building were gourmet goodies imported from around the world, including fine wines. And of course there was a large selection of Wisconsin cheeses. I opted for a simple ice cream cone, which I enjoyed outside while watching a nearby farmer work his field.



Nelson Creamery - Nelson, WI

 My drive was just a small portion of the very scenic route along the Mississippi River, and it inspired me to start plans for more excursions further downriver. It was also a welcome reminder that during this summer of oppressive heat, frustrating political gridlock, and economic worries that simple summer joys like dog shows and ice cream cones are still out there to be experienced and enjoyed.