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We all know about the things that make Wisconsin great, like the Green Bay Packers, it's great people and the cheese and brats we love to eat. But what about the little things that everyone does not know about. This list is about anything off the beaten path, but well worth the effort to find.
Favorite Wisconsin Hidden Gems
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Goodman Co. Park - Marinette County, WI
If you can withstand the windy and sometimes rough road (County I, Rustic Road 32) off of highway C in Marinette County, you have a beautiful park/sightseeing opportunity awaiting you. This 240 acres park offers trout fishing, multiple bridges over Strong Falls, huge red pines, two lodges for day use rental, hiking-skiing trail, rustic camping, and gorgeous scenery. Visitor tip: Bring bug spray to fend off the mosquitos.
For more information on Goodman Park in Marinette County
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Parfrey's Glen - Baraboo, WI
Many people know about the wonders of Devil's Lake State Park just south of Wisconsin Dells. But not many are aware of Parfrey's Glen. Parfrey's Glen is a special and fragile place. It is a rocky gorge, a quarter mile long, in the south flank of the Baraboo Hills. It is located approximately four miles due east of Devil's Lake. Visitors can explore the region on the trail, which follows a creek to the upper end of the gorge. A great day adventure for all hikers!
For more information on Parfrey's Glen
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Pope Lake Natural Area - Waupaca, WI
At the east end of Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca, WI you will find the Pope Lake Natural Area. This includes Marl Lake, where some DW'ers claim is the best swimming lake in the state. The lake's crystal clear waters are inviting and refreshing to all who swim there. For a great family picnic follow the stone staircase to the Whispering Pines Picnic area. The picnic area comes complete with tables, grills, bathrooms, and drinking water. The public can access the area and it’s parking lot off of Whispering Pines Road.
Fore more information on Pope Lake Natural Area
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Avoca Prairie - Avoca, WI
Located on an extensive outwash sand terrace along the Wisconsin River, Avoca Prairie and Savanna contains the largest natural tall grass prairie east of the Mississippi River and is located on an island between the creeks feeding Avoca Lake and the Wisconsin River. This area is Wisconsin's only desert like environment and features rare reptiles and plant species. Including trail plants with names such as sneezeweed, rattlesnake master, white indigo, mountain mint, culver's root, browneyed susans, iron weeds, have been identified-and the list goes on and on. Avoca is also home to rare animals including red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), and Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). Avoca Prairie and Savanna is owned by the Wisconsin Department Natural resources.
For more information in the Avoca Prairie area
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Witches Gulch - Wisconsin Dells, WI
Located on the upper dells of the Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Dell's, this beautiful site was created naturally over a period of a million years. This microclimate environment features many rare plants and raw beauty that is a must see, and can be visited while partaking in a Dells Boat Tours. You will never expect to find what you will find at the end of the trail.
For more information on Witch's Gulch
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Apostle Island Sea Caves
The Apostle Island archipelago’s sandstones were deposited during the late Precambrian era, about 600 million years ago, and form the basement rock for all the islands. This location makes for some of the most breathtaking kayaking in the world. The National Park Service reminds visitors that the Sea caves are enticing to visit, but reminds us they can be very hazardous in rough seas. Rocky shore lines and rebounding waves can make boat handling difficult and dangerous and it should be pointed out that the caves should only be visited when conditions are calm. In winter they are a must see, and worth the travel north.
For more information on the Apostle Island Sea Caves
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Superior Falls - Iron County, WI
When deciding on our "Hidden Gems" it was tough to pick one of the beautiful "Falls" of Iron County. Where you will find some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wisconsin. But our choice is Superior Falls. This 90 Foot waterfall is part of the Montreal River (Lake Superior/Saxon Area), and like most of Iron County’s other waterfalls, it is located off-the beaten path, unspoiled by crowds. It is just as perfectly natural now as when it was were discovered years ago.
For more information on Superior Falls
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Whitefish Dunes State Park - Sturgeon Bay, WI
Now we know that this list is for "Hidden" locations, but we did not know how we could create a list with the word "Gem" in it without including Whitefish Dunes State Park. Established in 1967, the Whitefish Dunes is an 865-acre day use park on Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula on the Lake Michigan side of the county. This beautiful dune/beach area was set aside to protect the fragile dune environment that exists there. This State Park can boast that is sees more visitors than any other day use park in Wisconsin. In addition to its great beach, it features programs, exhibits and brochures on archeology, highlighting the importance of eight significant Native American villages, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the nature center offers displays on ecology, geology and human history of the park.
For more information about the Whitefish Dunes State Park
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The Soldiers Home Historic District - Milwaukee, WI
The Soldiers Home Historic District is a special place where you can share the experiences of our nation’s veterans. Located just off of I94, next to Miller Park in Milwaukee, the Old Soldiers Home is a stop that anyone interested in our country’s history will want to make. Visiting today, you almost feel like you’ve stepped into the past. And one way to literally see history unfold is by attending the ‘Reclaiming Our Heritage’ event held annually in June. The beauty of the Old Soldiers Home campus is unmatched. And when you walk among the headstones at Wood National Cemetery, it’s an opportunity to honor and remember our nation’s war heroes.
Click here to learn more about the Soldiers Home Historic District
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July, 2009
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The Velvet Lips Lounge - Fort Atkinson
I love Fort Atkinson - the Fireside Dinner Theatre, the Hoard Historical Museum, and the quaint downtown shops. Well now there is one more reason to discover this charming city on the Rock River – Velvet Lips Lounge Bar & Grill. I don’t know that, visually speaking, there is another restaurant like it in the whole state. First of all, it’s on the basement floor of one of the renovated buildings in downtown Fort. Second, where else will you find this: Bright pink carpeting with brown leopard spot, an enormous fireplace, a snakeskin couch, two classic antique leather pocket pool tables, some purple walls, some old stone walls, and these incredibly gorgeous crystal chandeliers you’d find in a Trump Tower Building. Somehow, the owners pull it all off. And did I mention, on the two floors above the restaurant you can host private parties and functions with a view of downtown Fort Atkinson that’s hard to beat. And in good weather, they have outdoor dining along the Rock River. The Discover Wisconsin crew and I dined their three times, and at each visit were treated with a friendly staff, and great food. Velvet Lips is open for lunch and dinner, and serves classic American fare with a twist. I tried the Steak Diane, a peppercorn crusted Sirloin Steak topped with a brandy mustard cream sauce, and the Wild Mushroom Ravioli, served in a basil pesto alfredo cream sauce, topped with pine nuts and parmesan cheese. So, if you want to discover a Restaurant that is definitely one of a kind, put Velvet Lips in Fort Atkinson on your list.
The Velvet Lips
10 South Water Street
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920) 562-lips
www.velvetlipslounge.com
Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day
Dinners Monday-Saturday
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Wisconsin's Haunted Locations
