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When I saw the sign for the Indian Mound park, I turned off for a visit. It is worth a visit if you enjoy American history and wooded trails.
There are 15 acres in this woodland. The burial mounds date from around 550 to 750 CE.
I took this photo of one of the mounds. If you look at the top of the photo, you can see the rounded top of the mound.
There is an example of what they found in a mound but it is difficult to see.
It was raining on the day I visited. The trails are easy to identify but one of the longer trails was blocked by a fallen tree. Anyway, I appreciated the park.
I walked along the Sheboygan waterfront from Deland Park to markers of nearby shipwrecks. This is the view from where I sat under a tree reading a book.
The park itself has the remains of an old boat, the Lottie Cooper. You can see it behind the sign.
Lottie Cooper video from my YouTube Travel Channel, SuttonTravels
Along the waterfront I turned right and walked past the marina.
If interested, here is a video of the marina and ducks from my YouTube Travel channel SuttonTravels.
Going back the other direction and north along the coast, you pass a beach and see signs about ill fated ships.
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is a beautiful Wisconsin park along the western shore of Lake Michigan south of Port Washington. I took the picture above from the beach.
The picture below is from a bluff not far from the car park.
As you walk north along the shore trail, there are signs to stairs, which take you through the wooded area, over the gorge, and down to the beach pictured at the top of this post.
I was there in July 2020 and, although warm, there was a nice breeze off the lake and plenty of shaded areas.
Here's a short video from Lion's Den from my YouTube Channel.
In addition to brilliant views, there are benches, picnic tables, and portable toilets. There are hiking trails.
See the website for accessibility, hours, and directions
The picture above is from a bridge across the Milwaukee River.
I took a weekend trip to Milwaukee November 10-13, 2016. I came across the Trainfest Model Railroad weekend event when searching for things to do.
After spending several hours at the event located at the fair grounds in West Allis, I headed downtown for some Wisconsin cheese at the Wisconsin CheeseMart.
Whilst there, I took advantage of the coupons to have a late lunch in the connected pub.
The day before I visited the Audubon Center --North Milwaukee by the shore (previous post).
Lake Michigan at Audubon Center Geoff W Sutton 2016
I would rate my grilled ham and cheese sandwich very good. The service was friendly. The restrooms were clean and well stocked. The prices of the cheese goods were reasonable and there's a great variety. I and my wife enjoyed all three samples I brought home- Apple Cinnamon, Cranberry, and Blueberry Cobbler.
I suspect one of the reasons this model railroad event is such a success is its proximity to Christmas.
The website claims this annual November show as "America's Largest Operating Model Railroad Show." The attendance count runs around 25,000.
You can check the website for details. Dozens of American clubs displayed their craft from across the United States and Canada but especially from the North Central States and Ontario.
I was surprised to see this happy contest winner from Japan. His award winning model resulted in a trip courtesy of the Kato company.
Kato contest winner, Hiroshimo, Japan, Photo by Geoff W Sutton 2016
The creative works ranged from the tiny luggage-sized displays to
larger scale riding models
Train ride in the activities section.
Of course there were many examples of best-selling sizes (HO, n-scale).
And Lego's trains and buildings are popular everywhere...
One part of one Lego display.
Lego tables for children.
You might be tired after visiting the Expo Center. Trainfest provides an included bus ride to a second building packed with many more displays--including some Christmas themed layouts.
Model railroading is a popular hobby for people of all ages. In addition to the varied quality of the locomotives and sophisticated technology, the hobby attracts skilled craftspeople and engineers. Often, what you cannot make, someone else can.
The show itself was interesting for its breadth in terms of model scales, vendors, and participants. It was clearly designed to engage children as well as adults eager to improve their skills.
Finally, a short video clip featuring Christmas...
See the Trainfest website for details on admission costs, parking, and directions.
A few notes
There's plenty of parking at Trainfest, which is located on the State Fair grounds. The cost was $6 in 2016. Food vendors are expensive as you might expect at such venues. You'll see folks enjoying their homemade sandwiches.
I stayed at a nearby Best Western, where I had a hearty and late breakfast- I skipped lunch to enjoy some local food- Wisconsin cheese for sure.
I noticed some folks getting golf-cart rides from the parking area to the Expo Center.
I received my NMRA member discount to $10 from the posted $15. I couldn't find my card but they did accept proof of membership from the magazine cover and warned me to bring my card next time.
I found the folks friendly and quick to give directions.
There are lots of seats where you can take a break in the buildings and outside.
By midday on Saturday the place was packed so it was hard to get close to some displays.
The children's activities area was busy and all seemed to enjoy the variety from train races and rides, to coloring-- and of course Lego building. If I wasn't so far away from home, I would loved to have taken my granddaughters.
The restrooms were clean, plentiful, and well-maintained.
I visited the Schlitz Audubon Center on Friday 11 November 2016. I recommend the center if you enjoy wooded lake shore settings, hiking, and birding. The center is a clean and attractive building with friendly and helpful staff. The open hours are limited but were enough for my day trip. I walked most of the 6-miles of trails and climbed the lookout tower.
I often miss the Atlantic shore so I headed for the beach and was pleased to see some waves.
Lake Michigan, Schlitz Audubon Center by Geoff W. Sutton 2016
I did not see a lot of wildlife during my visit- a few squirrels and rabbits and many common birds.
This golden bird caught my eye. You will find it near the entrance.
There weren't many ducks on the pond but I enjoyed the view.
Several animals are inside the center.
The website provides helpful information such as hours, fees, and directions. You will also find a calendar of events.
I paid $8.00 to get in, which is far more than the free or low cost I am used to paying. There is no discount for Audubon members or seniors. But I still think it is worth the visit.
There are places to sit along the trails and near the center.
