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
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
this page online
Location. 43° 42.096′ N, 90° 34.302′ W. Marker is near Ontario, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. Marker 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.
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 away); Making the Grade (approx. 13.7 miles away).
Also see . . . Wildcat Mountain State Park. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on February 12, 2011.)
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
2. The Kickapoo River Valley Marker
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
3. Observation Point
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
4. The Kickapoo River Valley
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
5. The Kickapoo River Valley
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
6. The Kickapoo River
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
7. Nearby Interpretive Panel
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!
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
8. Nearby Survey Marker Disk
Survey Mark
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 723 times since then and 35 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.
