Nitschke Mounds County Park: History and Nature Combined
September 3, 2024 | Topics: Places
By Kris Gould
Introduction and photography by Eddee Daniel
Introduction
This story was inspired by a guided tour in the spring sponsored by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin during which I shot many of the photographs. However, I never got around to writing up a story to go with them. Kris, who has contributed two previous stories to The Natural Realm, offered to write it up for me, for which I’m very grateful! I returned to the park later in the summer and shot additional photos, including the drone shots. ~ Eddee
Nitschke Mounds County Park: History and Nature Combined
One thousand years ago southern Wisconsin, as well as small parts of Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois, was home to a Native American culture that archeologists call the Effigy Mound Builders. They built earthen mounds in the shape of animals such as birds, deer, bear and turtles. Some mounds were used as burial sites, but the purpose of other mounds is still a mystery to non-native archeologists. One possibility, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society, is that the mound groups represented the spirits of sky, earth and water. The groupings may also indicate social relationships between clans.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far to experience a wonderful variety of effigy mound shapes for yourself. Nitschke Mounds County Park, located on County Road E near Horicon in Dodge County has 37 preserved mounds representing many different shapes, including turtles, bear, deer, panthers and birds. In 1927, archeologist W.C. McKern documented 62 mounds; however, before the land was cultivated for farmland there may have been more than 100 mounds in this area! Since the park opened in 2003, the mounds have been maintained and protected by volunteers so that the public can experience this ancient culture in person.
When visiting the park, a map of the mounds can be very helpful for picking out the specific animal shapes and their relationship to one another. There are educational signs on the trail that will also help you visualize each mound shape and understand its significance. For example, turtle mounds are thought to represent water spirits and birds may represent sky spirits. Make sure to stay on the trails because many of the mounds are burial sites and all are considered sacred ground.
In addition to the effigy mounds, Nitschke Park has a short hiking trail loop through a woodland that leads to a spring and pond. There are several benches positioned on the trail and near the pond that offer a chance to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. You may spot common native plants such as white trout lily, which blooms in early spring, and jewelweed, which blooms in the summer. The pond is also a wonderful location for bird, butterfly and dragonfly watching.
Nitschke Park is near three other interesting locations for nature exploration. The Wild Goose State Trail is a 34-mile rail conversion trail that is adjacent to the west side of the park. The Wild Goose Trail also passes by Horicon Marsh to the north of Nitschke Park. Just east of Horicon Marsh is Ledge County Park, with a dramatic outcropping of the Niagara Escarpment. A hike or bike ride on the Wild Goose State Trail combined with a visit Nitschke Park, Horicon Marsh and Ledge Park would make a great day trip from Milwaukee!
For more information about Nitschke Mounds County Park and the Effigy Mound Builders:
“Effigy Mounds Culture”, Wisconsin Historical Society website,
“Effigy Moundbuilders”, National Park Service website,
Related Stories:
Lizard Mound State Park: A Place Apart
The Spectacular View from the Ledge! ( Ledge County Park)
Kris Gould is a writer and landscape and nature photographer based in Wisconsin. Eddee Daniel is a board member of Preserve Our Parks. The Natural Resources Foundation of WI is a project partner of A Wealth of Nature.