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Marquette
County Attractions
Located in the
gently rolling countryside of south-central Wisconsin, Marquette
County remains largely untouched by human habitation. Almost
two-thirds of the County's 320,000 acres are covered by primitive
oak and pine forests alive with an abundance of wildlife, and
vast expanses of grassy marshlands, vibrant with the sights and
sounds of thousands of nesting and migrating birds.
Named for the
French Jesuit explorer, Jacques Marquette, who traveled here
in 1673, Marquette County’s waterways remain today much
like they did years before -- idyllic waterways, great for canoeing,
boating and fishing; rich in wildlife and tranquil beauty.
In 1890, the
Montello Express promoted development of Marquette County's
tourism potential, editorializing that "It is admitted by
most intelligent people that Montello is most favorably suited
to make it an attractive and delightful Summer Resort."
Today, as at the turn of the last century, Marquette County is
a natural vacationer's paradise, but not just for summer anymore!
In spring, the
county's woods and wetlands come alive with the sights and sounds
of hundreds of thousands of birds; rare and endangered plants
spring new growth, trout dart hungrily after the first emerging
waterflies, ruffed grouse labor to attract their mates, "drumming"
their hearts out on fallen logs, and delicate wildflowers burst
into bloom. Hikers, cyclers and canoeists take to the waters
and trails, birders take out their binoculars, turkey hunters
tryout their calling techniques, and anglers scout out their
favorite fishing holes as fast as the melting snows allow.
In fall, as the
woods turn to red and gold, migrating birds again fill the countryside
with their calls, hunters get ready to respond to the first explosive
flash of feathers from the underbrush, and anglers work the lakes
and streams for the last of the year's soft-water catches while
hikers. Cyclers and canoeists explore the glorious colors and
watch the squirrels, beavers, muskrats, mink and otters as they
scurry to fill their larders and prepare their shelters for the
season ahead.
In winter, cross-country
skiers quietly glide through frosted woodlands where inquisitive
whitetail deer shyly peek-out from the distance and ermine (weasels
in winter wear) lay tracks across the trail; anglers patiently
try their hand at hard-water fishing through the ice as beavers
and muskrats sun themselves atop the domes of their winter lodgings.
Snowmobilers explore the winter wonderland on 250 miles of trail
that crisscross the County; trail riders take to horseback and
entire families bundle up in buffalo robes to take a horsedrawn
sleigh or wagon ride to view the winter scenery as it was seen
by the area's first European settlers, 150 years ago.
The father of
our country’s National Park Service, naturalist John Muir,
spent his boyhood on a Marquette County farm located alongside
Fountain Lake, now named Ennis Lake. The lake and the Muir's'
Farm are now part of Muir Park; a National Historic Landmark
consisting of 125-acres of land and lake restored to the state
they were in when Muir's father and brother found them 140 years
ago. John Muir's legacy lives on in the pristine beauty and proliferation
of recovering plants and animals found in Marquette County's
many wildlife conservation and preservation areas, including
the Fox River Unit of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, across
the road from Muir Park, Duffy's Marsh, Comstock Marsh, the Summerton
Bog and the Germania and Grand River Marshes.
In Marquette
County's woods and wetlands, naturalists, birders and casual
observers will find hundreds of different species of birds: great
flocks of Canada Geese, one of the largest congregations of once-endangered
Great Sandhill Cranes in the Midwest, elegant but noisy tundra
swans, great blue herons, white egrets, osprey, an occasional
bald eagle, ducks galore, songbirds by the score; bluebirds,
orioles, thrashers, bob-o-links, towhees and more. Uncommon elsewhere,
pileated woodpeckers are common here, but would rather be heard
than seen. Pheasants pad through the marshes. Ruffed grouse,
woodcock, and quail rustle in the grass. Wild turkeys gobble
their way through the countryside while turkey vultures, "black
hawks" to the American Indian people, circle effortlessly
high in the sky.
Dotted by nearly
seventy lakes and ponds, and crisscrossed by fifteen sparkling
trout streams, Marquette County has some of the most varied and
productive fishing spots in the Midwest. On the Fox and Grand
River systems, monster catfish and Northerns lurk, just waiting
to run out your line. Lunker Muskies, Northern, Walleyes, Largemouth
and Smallmouth Bass, Bluegills, Perch and Crappies abound in
area lakes and mill ponds.
Marquette County's
15 spring-fed trout streams offer plenty of space to whisk out
your line, and plenty of Brown, Brook and Rainbow Trout waiting
to reward the effort. Public access and boat launching facilities
are available on most county lakes and rivers, with many additional
private access points at area resorts and campgrounds. Area resorts
and outfitters also offer canoe, boat and motor rentals, along
with tackle and fresh, live bait to bring in the catch of the
day or the thrill of a lifetime.
In the county's
more than 6,000 acres of public hunting grounds, hunters will
find one of the best whitetail deer herds in the state; an abundance
of small game including red and gray foxes, raccoons, coyotes,
fox squirrels, ground squirrels, and cottontail rabbits; plenty
of ruffed grouse, woodcock, quail, pheasant, wild turkeys, ducks;
and, more than 200,000 Canada Geese in season.
Some of Marquette
County's most fascinating animal life is raised and displayed
by and for exotic animal lovers. Here visitors will find herds
of American Bison, Elk and Red Deer, barnyards full of large
flightless birds (ostriches and emus), resort grounds sporting
peacocks strutting their stuff, and ranches with more than 100
of the most perfect miniatures around - miniature burros, horses
and donkeys that stand only 12 inches tall at birth and less
than 34 inches tall when mature. Despite their size, these tiny
equines pack, pull, kick, gallop, whinny and bray as well as
their full-sized relatives.
The County's
two golf courses offer 36 holes and all the amenities needed
for a perfect pair of outings. Five additional courses, available
in neighboring Green Lake and Waushara Counties, give golfers
a different course to play every day of the week. Miniature golf
enthusiasts will find five courses scattered throughout the county;
and bowling is on tap at the area's modern bowling centers.
Treasure hunters
enjoy shopping Marquette County's flea markets, antique shops,
craft outlets, artisans' workshops and homespun specialty stores
for one-of-a-kind antiques, hand-crafted Amish Furniture, quilts,
and decorative craft works, collectibles, heirloom jewelry, souvenirs,
novelties and memorable gifts for every occasion.
Marquette County's
family restaurants, grills, supper clubs, old-fashioned drive-ins,
sandwich shops and tea rooms offer widely varied menus, including
authentic ethnic specialties, steaks, chops, seafood, wild game
and domestic fowl, all made to order with extra care; served
with produce fresh from the farm, accompanied by desserts featuring
fruits, berries and dairy products from local producers; served
indoors, out on the deck overlooking the water, by candlelight
under the stars, or around the campfire on the trail.
Marquette County
visitors have great accommodations waiting at the end of every
active day, including a number of delightful bed and breakfast
inns, one in an historic 18th century mansion, full-service RV
parks and campsites, primitive spaces under the stars, comfy
family-operated motels, lodges and resorts with housekeeping
cottages in the woods and on the water, and romantic cabins in
secluded forest glens.
Marquette County's
pristine beauty is easily accessible from every direction and
by all modes of travel -car, public transportation, or by boat!
The county's bicycle and snowmobile trails also provide connections
to trails from all points of the compass, for those who prefer
the less beaten path to this natural wonderland. Back to top
Museums
and Historic Sites
Marquette
County Historical Society Museum
125 Lawrence
Street, Westfield
Take a walk through Marquette County's historic past, brought
to life in the Historical Society's extensive collection of artifacts,
dating from the area's earliest pioneering days through the mid-twentieth
century. The Museum's collection is exhibited in three separate
buildings: the newly constructed Kerst Exhibit Building, and
two historic structures, a railroad section house containing
memorabilia of earlier railroad days, and the Cochrane-Nelson
House, a stately two-story home with high-ceilings and filigree
woodwork constructed in 1903, furnished from top to bottom with
antiques and collectibles that were useful and fashionable when
the county was young. The Museum is open every Wednesday and
Saturday from 1:00 pm. to 4:00 pm., from the last Wednesday in
May through the first Wednesday in September.
Montello Granite
Quarry
Hwy.
23, Montello
The Montello granite quarry, opened in 1879, employed more workers
and generated more income for Montello than any other single
business. Montello red granite was used to build the tombs of
U.S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, and decorates Wisconsin's magnificent
State Capitol Building. The rapids that once provided the power
to run the quarry machinery now form four sparkling waterfalls
that cascade over granite outcroppings into the quarry that made
Montello famous, and prosperous. The waterfalls and quarry can
best be viewed from the Montello Granite Park, located on Hwy.
23 in Montello.
Historic Montello
State
Hwy. 23, Montello
Located on Hwy. 23, just west of downtown Montello, are two historic
buildings: Le Maison Granit, a Georgian Revival style mansion
built of Montello granite in 1909, now operated as an historic
retreat and bed and breakfast inn; and, the impressive Marquette
County Courthouse, listed in the National Register of Historic
Places. What may well be the oldest, but is definitely the largest
tree in the State of Wisconsin, a 138 foot tall cottonwood with
a crown spread of 132 feet and a 23.2 ft. circumference, stands
in the park between these two historic buildings.
John Muir
County Park
Co. Hwy.
F, Montello
Recently designated a National Historic Landmark, 125-acre Muir
Park was the boyhood home of internationally famous naturalist
and the father of this country's National Park Service, John
Muir. Restored and preserved, as it was 100 years ago when John
Muir wandered its hills and meadows, Muir's Fountain Lake Farm
still rings with the sounds of songbirds. The shores of Fountain
Lake (now renamed Ennis Lake) still dance with the elegant mating
rituals of the Great Sandhill Cranes in spring and harbor flocks
of waterfowl on their twice-yearly migrations. Back to top
Parks
and Nature Centers
Mecan River Discovery
Center
W3287 Dixie Ave., Neshkoro
920-293-8404
Set in the midst of nature's outdoor wonderland, the new Mecan
River Discovery Center provides educational field days, outdoor
skills programs and professionally guided field trips and nature
hikes. Center programs include "Discovery Weekends"
where participants step away from modern life, stay in a rustic
bunkhouse, cook over open fires and enjoy quiet nature adventures;
"Wild Wednesdays" where participants meet and learn
about a variety of wild critters; "Froggy, Froggy Nights"
in spring; a Festival of the Birds, with wild bird displays,
games, hikes, and live birds of prey; Butterfly Hikes and a "Spooky
Harvest Festival" featuring spooky wild things, including
owls that hoot in the night, harvest crafts, games, food, raffles
and more.
Wetland Conservation
Areas
Marquette
County
From the air, Marquette County presents a mosaic of rivers, lakes,
wetlands and muskeg, ranging in size from one acre to the 7,000
acre Grand River Wildlife Area. All are home to many kinds of
waterbirds, amphibians, aquatic insect life, and mammals that
feast on their abundance. Many host unique, rare, endangered
and recovering plant life and the creatures that depend upon
them for survival.
Grand River
Wildlife Area
Cty. Hwy. B., Marquette County
The 7,000-acre Grand River Wildlife Area has become one of the
largest Canada Geese staging areas in North America. Fed by the
Grand River, Spring and Belle Fountain Creeks, about 3,500 acres
of the Grand River Wildlife Area is surface water. Birds thrive
here, with thousands of ducks visiting the marsh each year, many
staying to nest and raise their broods. Herons, cranes, coots,
rails, bitterns and other marsh birds are common residents and
visitors, along with a variety of songbirds that thrive in the
surrounding willows and uplands; and, osprey that fish the crystal
waters of the area also called Grand Lake. Much of the Grand
River area is open for public hunting. Grouse, pheasant, woodcock,
quail and wild turkey are plentiful, along with deer, rabbits
and squirrels. Hiking trails provide convenient access to the
area's other major activities -- wildlife observation, birdwatching
and photography. Part of the Wildlife Area is closed to hunting,
offering refuge to many species of birds. This closed area is
well marked and cannot be entered at all during certain designated
times of the year.
Germania Marsh
Wildlife Area
Cty. Hwy. N, Marquette County
The Germania Marsh Wildlife Area, which includes more than 2,000
acres of wetland and upland habitats, has been a popular destination
for hunters, wildlife observers, conservationists and photographers
for almost 35 years. The area is served by a number of public
access points, boat launching sites (no motors allowed), hiking
trails, and wildlife viewing stations. Abounding with a variety
of fur-bearing animals, waterfowl, marsh birds, reptiles and
amphibians, the marsh is a photographer's and wildlife observer's
delight. Thanks to an abundance of grain and alfalfa for food
along with trees and shrubs that provide winter and nesting cover,
uplands surrounding the wildlife area teem with animals and game
birds. Most of the Germania Marsh Wildlife Area is open to public
hunting and available to all year 'round. A few well-marked waterfowl
refuge areas are closed at certain designated times of the year.
Duffy's Marsh
State
Hwy. 222, Montello
Recently restored, 3 sq. mile Duffy's Marsh includes 1,000 acres
of open water area and 700 acres of grassy wetland and upland,
providing habitat for waterfowl, wading birds and shore birds.
Summerton
Bog
Endeavor
Marsh
Summerton Bog, located on the west end of the Endeavor Marsh,
is a throwback to the time when mastodons roamed the edges of
the glacial lake and dinosaurs foraged among the treetops. Protected
by the Nature Conservancy, this 160-acre patch of prehistoric
bog contains many rare and endangered plants, including wild
orchids, living fossils, descendants of species that pre-date
human existence.
Page Creek
Marsh
Marquette
County
The Nature Conservancy protects 132 acres of the 456-acre Page
Creek Marsh, a major staging area for Sandhill cranes and an
important nesting area for many kinds of waterfowl. The preserve
has a good trail and boardwalk system, making it a great place
to birdwatch or just get close to nature.
Comstock Marsh
Marquette
County
This huge area of floating bog and wetlands is a popular staging
area for cranes and supports many rare plant varieties.
Fox River
National Wildlife Refuge
Marquette
County
Located across from Muir Park on Cty. Hwy F, the Fox River Unit
of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is a major staging area
for Great Sandhill Cranes as well as a migratory resting place
for ducks, geese, herons, egrets, hawks and songbirds. Mostly
marsh, with some upland prairie habitat, the Refuge hosts a wide
variety of game, fur-bearing animals, reptiles, amphibians, shorebirds
and upland gamebirds. The refuge is easily accessible and crossed
with numerous hiking trails to accommodate hunters, hikers, and
wildlife observers. The rich variety of plant and animal life
attracts amateur as well as professional botanists, naturalists
and wildlife photographers. Back to top
Special Things
To Do
Fishing
Marquette
County
With 60 lakes and 4 millponds ranging from one to almost 5,500
acres, most with public access and boat launches; and, 5 rivers
and 15 trout streams with miles of elbow room, all brimming with
fish, Marquette County is one of the Midwest’s premier destinations.
Here, fishing enthusiasts will find a lot of different fish to
fry or catch and release. Area rivers and lakes yield Northern
Pike, Walleyes, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, River Catfish,
Bluegills, Crappies, Perch, White Bass, Bullheads and great big
Lake Puckaway Muskies. Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout patiently
meander the streams, just waiting for the chance to strike at
an easy meal.
Hunting
Marquette
County
Marquette County offers some of the best and most varied hunting
in the Midwest. The county’s lakes and wetlands, covering
thousands of acres, attract hundreds of thousands of waterfowl
– gadwall, mallards, pintail, scaup, teal, woodduck and
especially the Canadian geese. Wild turkey stalk the county’s
woodlands. The upland forests offer a mixed population of game
birds, including bob-white quail, pheasants, ruffed grouse, and
woodcock. The county also hosts a large concentration of whitetail
deer and a variety of small game, including cottontail rabbits,
red and gray squirrels, coyotes, red and gray foxes, raccoons
and coyotes. Much of the county’s hunting land is privately
owned, but available for hunting with the landowners’ permission.
Most of the county’s lakes, wetlands and public wildlife
areas are also accessible and available for hunting.
Scenic Country
Bike Tours
Marquette
County
608-297-7420
Marquette County’s backroad bicycle tours criss-cross the
countryside, through woods, fields, hills and valleys, along
wetlands and waterways. Bikers can view pristine pre-historic
ecosystems and wildlife sanctuaries resounding with sandhill
cranes, wild turkeys, and songbirds, to name a few, as well as
see hawks, eagles and turkey vultures soaring overhead. Foxes,
deer and cranes gather to feed in the meadows and fields. The
county’s nine tours range from 9 to 17.5 miles in length
and cover a total distance of 140 miles. Restrooms are available
at the starting point of most circuits. Maps and information
are available from local Chambers of Commerce and tourist information
centers.
Canoeing Marquette
County
608-297-7420
Whether it’s a short paddle around a forest-rimmed lake,
or a three-day trek along the Fox River route traveled by Pete
Marquette, the very best way to view the natural wonders of Marquette
County is by canoe, like the French explorers did 325 years ago.
On the Marquette County waters, canoeists can enjoy fishing in
quiet areas, camp out along the shore, picnic, and enjoy an abundance
and variety of birds and animals in their natural habitats. For
guide maps and information about canoeing Marquette County, call,
visit or write the Montello Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 325,
Montello, WI 53949
Skiing and
Snowmobiling
Marquette
County
608-297-7420
When winter snows cover the countryside, Marquette County’s
gently rolling hills and valleys, frozen lakes and wetlands are
criss-crossed with more than 250 miles of well-marked snowmobile
trails, groomed for smooth passage and easy riding. Established,
managed and maintained by the nine clubs of the Marquette County
Snowmobile Association, most of the trails are on private land.
Maps and additional information are found in a brochure prepared
by the Association, available throughout the county. Cross-country
skiers have access to thousands of acres of public lands and
lakes, as well as 215 miles of privately owned, well-groomed
trails that wind through wood and marsh with flat land for novices
and rolling terrain for advanced skiers.
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