Wisconsin Dells in Sauk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Stanton Peter Helland
November 22, 2002
to honor
Stanton Peter Helland,
who is symbolic of unwavering
leadership, determined dedication
and peerless contributions to
preserving the unique
beauty and scenic splendor
of the Wisconsin River
at the Dells.
Erected 2002.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1910.
Location. 43° 37.595′ N, 89° 47.051′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Sauk County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 13/16, 0.1 miles east of U.S. 12, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located uphill at the end of a side road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wisconsin Dells WI 53965, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wisconsin Dells (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Dells (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kilbourn City (approx. 0.3 miles away); History of the Wisconsin Dells (approx. 0.3 miles away); Geology of the Wisconsin Dells (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bailey’s Eddy – Municipal Dock (approx. 0.4 miles away); Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Railroads (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.
Regarding Stanton Peter Helland. Pete graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1950 and returned to Wisconsin Dells to help manage Stanton and Helland properties and Riverview Boat Line.
As former president of Riverview Boat Line, he oversaw and managed the business operations for 33 years, which included holdings in the Upper and Lower Dells Boat Tours, the Original Wisconsin Ducks, Fort Dells, Riverview Park, Pirate's Cove Mini-Golf and various other area properties. To the hundreds of employees who have worked in these various attractions over the years, Pete was known as a very enthusiastic motivator and passionate operator who carried with him a wonderful sense of humor and appreciation for people. He had an unwavering dedication to the Wisconsin Dells community and its people as well as to the promotion and expansion of the Wisconsin Dells area tourism at large.
He was an alderman in Wisconsin Dells from 1966-68 and served as a Columbia County Supervisor from 1965-1970 and again from 1979-1986, where, like his father before him, he was elected Columbia County Board Chairman. He was also a former director of the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau for 35 years and a former director of the Bank of Wisconsin Dells.
Pete was first appointed to the Natural Resources Board in May 1969 by Gov. Warren P. Knowles and served until 1975 where in 1971 was honored as Game Commissioner of the Year by the Association of Midwest Fish and Game Commissioners representing 15 states and three Canadian provinces.
He was again chosen to serve on the Natural Resources Board by Gov. Tommy G. Thompson in 1987 and served as chairman from January 1991 - May 1993, when he retired. During this term, he was involved in many landmark initiatives, which included establishing water quality standards for phosphorus and wetlands, the Clean Water Fund, the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, and the Chippewa and Turtle Flambeau Flowages as state property.
In September 1993, in recognition of his 12 years of service as a Natural Resources Board member, the over 2000 acre Springvale Wildlife Area in Columbia County was renamed the Pete Helland Wildlife Area.
—excerpts from 2005 obituary
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,390 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 3, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.