Near Ontario in Vernon County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Kickapoo River Valley

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

1. The Kickapoo River Valley Marker

Inscription. The Kickapoo River Watershed covers four counties in Wisconsin: Monroe, Vernon, Richland and Crawford. The Kickapoo River flows through many towns from Wilton to Wauzeka on its way to the Wisconsin River. Its tributaries cover over 500 miles. This winding river lives up to its name, which is an Algonquin term meaning "That which goes here, then there." In this 65-mile long valley, the Kickapoo travels 125 miles!

[map of the Glaciers and Driftless Area]

Glaciers, which left deposits of soil and rock called "drift" in much of Wisconsin, did not come to the area around the Kickapoo River. Sandstone hills, covered with hard dolomite that were formed 500 million years ago by early Cambrian seas, are still visible today in this beautiful region known as the Driftless Area. Because it was never covered by ice, life here continued more or less uninterrupted. The Driftless Area has 34 species of plants found only here.

[map of the Kickapoo River Valley]

Erected by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 43° 42.096′ N,

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90° 34.302′ W. Marker is near Ontario, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. It can be reached from State Highway 33 0.8 miles north of County Road F, on the right when traveling north. Marker is at the Observation Point in Wildcat Mountain State Park (fee area). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: E13660 State Highway 33, Ontario WI 54651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Corn Belt,

in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rockton Mill Stones (approx. 4.4 miles away); St. Patrick Parish (approx. 5.4 miles away); Bridge 13 (approx. 5.7 miles away); Elroy–Sparta State Trail (approx. 12 miles away); Back Breaking Work (approx. 12.3 miles

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

2. The Kickapoo River Valley Marker

[foreground]

away); Making the Grade (approx. 13.7 miles away).

Also see . . . Wildcat Mountain State Park. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on February 12, 2011.)

Observation Point image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

3. Observation Point

The Kickapoo River Valley image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

4. The Kickapoo River Valley

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

5. The Kickapoo River Valley

The Kickapoo River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

6. The Kickapoo River

Nearby Interpretive Panel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

7. Nearby Interpretive Panel

What a View! From this Observation Point, a section of the Kickapoo River Valley spreads out before you. Wildcat Ridge and Mt. Pisgah can be seen to your left. "Pisgah" is a Hebrew word meaning "peak." Little Pisgah stands in front of the bigger peak. The Kickapoo Valley Reserve extends beyond these points to the right. In the distance, the rolling hills of Lower Ridge and Dobbs Valley are visible.

In the winter, the scene opens up and much that is hidden by oak and maple leaves in other seasons is apparent. More of the winding Kickapoo River is in view and the Lower Picnic area by Mt. Pisgah can be seen.

This point, 400 feet above the river, is often filled with Turkey Vultures and Red-tail Hawks soaring around the valley. Even the Red Cedar trees hang on for their lives to these sheer cliff walls.

Enjoy the view but please stay away from the edge!

Nearby Survey Marker Disk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

8. Nearby Survey Marker Disk

Corps of Engineers - U.S. Army
Survey Mark

Park Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

9. Park Entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,009 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on February 12, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.