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Green Lake County
Attractions
Located
along the historic Fox-Wisconsin waterway in Central Wisconsin,
Green Lake County is an outdoor lover's paradise. Crossed by dozens
of sparkling rivers and streams, dotted with crystal-clear lakes,
woodlands, wetlands, farmlands, prairies, world class golf courses
and wildlife areas, Green Lake County offers fantastic four-season
recreational opportunities! From year -round fishing, superb hunting,
canoeing, kayaking, sailing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking,
trail riding, nature watching, cross-country skiing, snow-mobiling,
exhilarating water sports, and beginner to championship golfing,
Green Lake County offers it all and in spectacular scenic surroundings.
Green County's
heritage is preserved and on display in area museums, in granite
outcroppings that still rise up from the prairie, in stunning
19th century homes and mansions; in historic hotels, saloons,
and commercial establishments and in impressive late 19th and
early 20tb century churches. Green Lake County boasts the first
golf course in Wisconsin. Built in 1896 this course still challenges
duffers and champions alike. The treasures of yesteryear are available
in area antique shops and malls. In Green Lake County you will
still be able to hear Summer's Night Music played in a 1900 era
band gazebo, view railroad Chapel cars that carried the Gospel
to the American frontier between 1892 and 1914, and, enjoy Princeton's
monthly cattle fair, begun in 1869, where people still come from
miles around to trade cattle, livestock and news of the countryside
as they did 130 years ago.
In 1890, a local
newspaper reported that the Green Lake County area "is most
favorably situated to make it an attractive and delightful Summer
Resort". The area's natural beauty, rivers, lakes and streams,
abundant fish, fowl and game; its easy access by road, rail and
riverboat; its campgrounds resorts, restaurants, inns and golf
courses have made Green Lake County a favorite hunting and fishing
ground, golf retreat, and vacation destination for more than a
century.
Today, Green Lake
County is more than just a "delightful Summer Resort!"
It is a four-season getaway with great fishing year 'round, hiking
and trail riding on bicycles, horseback and ATV's in spring, summer
and fall; and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and, snowmobiling
along the same spectacular trails in winter. With great dining,
a wide range of accommodations, from camping to luxurious resorts,
and one of a kind antiques and collectibles, Green Lake County
provides a perfect getaway from the routine of daily life!
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Museums and Historic
Sites
Grand River
Valley Museum and Train Depot
214 E. John Street, Markesan
920-398-3554
Relive the area's frontier days with tales of the Mackford Murder,
the Counterfeiters, the Fort Howard Payroll Wagon Raid, Granite
Mining and the Dynamite Disaster and more in the remarkable collection
of Grand River Valley artifacts assembled by the Markesan Historical
Society in this 5,000 square foot museum. Located on the site
of one of area's first sawmills, the museum's displays include
six rooms of an 1895 era home, an authentic flag stop depot, old-time
shops, a veterans' section, tools of early agriculture, one-of-a-kind
19th century home appliances, church histories, and photograph
collection.
The Markesan Depot,
built in 1884, and added to the Museum Complex in 1997, includes
a school room, complete with dunce cap. In fall, the Museum's
Annual Heritage Day features demonstrations of candle making,
spinning wool, pottery throwing, wagon wheel making and other
pioneer skills and crafts.
The Museum is
wheelchair accessible, has restroom facilities and has ample parking.
Open May 1 - November 1, Sat. and Sun. 1 pm.- 4 pm., or by appointment.
Chapel Car
Grace
American Baptist Assembly Grounds, Green Lake
920-294-3260
Chapel Car Grace is one of nine chapel cars put into service by
the American Baptists from 1892 to 1914, carrying the Gospel to
the rugged and wild western frontier. For many, these chapels
on wheels were the first and only houses of worship in their communities.
Grace contains the missionary's living quarters and a chapel which
seats about 65 persons. The only other car of its kind remaining
in existence is located in Madison, South Dakota.
Berlin Historical
Society Museum
115 South Adams Ave., Berlin
920-361-0330/920-361-0889
Strolling through the museum's displays you will see Nathan Strong's
discovery of the Fox River site where he established Strong's
Landing, later renamed Berlin; walk through a general store and
millinery shop; sit down and enjoy slides of Berlin as it was
in yesteryear in an old-time theater setting.
Clark Schoolhouse
Riverside Park, Berlin
920-361-0330/920-361-0889
Down at Riverside Park stands a little white schoolhouse with
the name of Clark over the door. The school was started up about
1863 and was moved to its present location in 1963. Inside, you
can still smell chalk and imagine the presence of children. On
the walls are pictures of parents, teachers and children of years
long gone by.
Princeton Historical
Society Museum
424 West Water St. Princeton
920-295-8807/920-295-6949
This local museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage
of Princeton and the surrounding area. Open every second Saturday
from 10:30 am. to 2:30 pm., May through October. Tours
by appointment.
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Parks and Nature Centers
Sunset Park
Cty. Hwy A, Green Lake
920-294-3260
One of the favorite parks on Green Lake, known as the Inlet Area
in the 19th century, Sunset Park is located on County Highway
A just south of Carver's. The park lies along a roadway constructed
over marshland in the early 20th century that bisects both Silver
Creek Marsh and Big Green Lake. The park's features include a
four-season fishing area with boat launch, sand-bottomed swimming
beach, large graveled parking lot, span dock pier, shelter with
restrooms, public telephone, waterfront park beaches, safety lighting
and a spectacular sunset viewing area.
Hattie Sherwood
Park
South Lawson Drive, Green Lake
920-294-3260
Named in honor of a pioneer resident believed to be the first
female child born in the area, Hattie Sherwood Park and campground
features a swimming beach with bathhouses, restrooms, picnic tables,
grills, fishing spots, lake access, roadside parking, graveled
parking lot, and campsites nestled on a sloping wooded site.
Webster
Street Park
255 Webster Street, Berlin
920-361-5426
Located along the Fox River, Webster Street Park houses a beautiful
new outdoor swimming area, the Berlin Aquatic Center. Along with
a large playground area, there are grills and picnic tables. The
pool features a graduated incline for small children, a diving
area, a huge water slide, concession stand and sunbathing area
that everyone can enjoy.
Riverside Park
Fox River, Berlin
Riverside Park is one of Berlin's most spectacular recreation
areas, consisting of 38 acres along the Fox River. Facilities
include a boat launch and mooring area, softball fields, restrooms,
shelter houses, a fine camping area with over 40 sites with electric
and water hook-ups, 5 playground areas, volleyball and horseshoe
courts. Most of the areas are lighted and there is plenty
of room for parking!
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Points of Interest
Historic Tuscumbia
Golf Course
Green Lake
920-294-3381
Founded in 1896, Tuscumbia is Wisconsin's oldest golf course.
The course's 18 holes are tree-lined with majestic evergreens,
maples and oaks. Its fairways and greens are groomed to perfection.
The clubhouse echoes historic memories. View the grounds or play
the course pioneering golfers played more than 100 years ago.
Judson Tower
American Baptist Assembly, Green Lake
920-294-3260
For a magnificent view of the Green Lake area, climb to the top
of Judson Tower. Built in the early 1800's by Victor Lawson, the
tower's observation platform is 121 steps above the foundation,
200 feet above the lake. The tower is made of poured concrete,
and the roof is made of imported ceramic tile. The well is 400
feet deep, and the tank holds 75,000 gallons of water.
Nathan Strong
Park
East Side, Berlin
Located in the heart of Berlin's historic Victorian District,
Nathan Strong Park is also historic in nature. It is the site
of a 1900 era gazebo from which the summer bands still play each
Wednesday night, and also features a beautiful 50 ft. Civil War
Monument erected by the citizens of Berlin to honor those who
died in the war between the states. Surrounding the area are authentic
brass cannons complete with carriages. A beautiful fountain, amid
lush foliage and lighted at night, sets a magical scene. Around
the park are many of Berlin's beautiful, historic Victorian homes.
Pedal Princeton
Green Lake County
Bicycling enthusiasts can choose from over 150 miles of mapped
biking routes on eight back road tours that begin in downtown
Princeton. The routes range 8 to 34 miles, and from flat to quite
hilly, and take you through some of the most breath-taking countryside
in central Wisconsin. Brochure/maps are available from the Visitor
Information Center and brochure racks throughout Princeton.
Cattle Fair
Princeton
Come to Princeton on the first Wednesday of each month for the
historic cattle fair! Started in 1869, livestock and cattle are
traded at the fair, and farmers market their fresh-picked produce,
cheese-makers, gardeners, artists and craft workers display the
their creative works, share the news of the day, the weather and
the fruits of their labor.
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