Hanging in Holmen, WI

Halfway Creek Park

Do you remember your summer days, getting on your bicycle, setting the wheels  a spinning and wondering where you'll end up.


We needed to try out my husbands new wheels, an Ancheer, electric bicycle. It assists with pedaling making inclines much easier.





We decided on the short trail called Halfway Creek which starts out at the park in Holmen. It's a lovely 3 plus miles of wooded terrain that meanders back and forth over halfway creek bridges, connecting with the Great River State Trail.





Cones at Kate's North

From the park it's pretty much down slope. We took a spur trail that lead us to a newer neighborhood Remmington Hills, near Gunslicks shooting range. After a few wrong turns we got out bearings back and followed McHugh Road to the newest drive-in Kate's North for a well deserved cone.

Holmen Meat Locker

A few more stops to hanging out in Holmen. The Holmen Meat Locker. Not just meat mind you, they sell lots of delectables. Ususally my go to place for tastes from Wisconsin, like chocolate cheese and cranberries raisins.

Rudy's Feed and Seed

Then a stop at Rudy's Feed and Seed. Again they offer a plethora of products for birds feeding and hungry gardeners.















Here's my new partner for miles of adventures

Gittin' to the Point

Before SNL pointy heads appeared in WI.

Our city side trip from camping included Stevens Point.

As usual we opted for a stop at the local brewery. They've come along way being the 5th oldest brewer with continuous operation.

They ran a drop dead gorgeous campaign for the women featured on their blonde beer. The fellow is from an old photo from the brewery who went unidentified and eventually became their mascot.










Besides a variety of beers they are also into creating some interesting hard ciders and sodas.


The tour was well worth the $5 with plenty of sampling at the end. If you know your beer trivia you might win an extra sampling.














Stevens Point has an entertaining sculpture garden, with over 20 acres of wooded trails. Check them out at www.stevenspointsculpturepark.org


Here's a few of my favorites.

Hartman Creek State Park

Relocated Historic Homestead

Another central Wisconsin park, Hartman Creek provides lots of hiking, biking and paddling. All those wonderful silent sports.






















Whispering Pines Dock

We hiked some of the 10 miles of trails around the lower lakes. We also found out they had another 12 miles of off-road biking and another 7 miles for horseback riding. Trails galore.










Hartman Creek is connected to the Waupaca areas Chain O' Lakes. Over 20 natural spring fed lakes formed by receding ancient glaciers, offering crystal clear fun. Most are no wake and connected for some nice paddling, swimming or fishing. Some are even up to 50 feet deep.



Pink Locust Bloom

We stopped by the Whispering Pines Picnic area and hung out and soaked our feet while admiring the emerald green waters. This property was donated by a family to the state and still shows off their love of gardening.

Pines Garden Relic



Wild Iris












Pretty Sunfish








We also tried fishing again or rather feeding the fish.

 

Canada Geese family

On the way to fishing

The park also offers alternative camping, how about a Tee Pee for the night. Concessionaires on the property also offer a multitude of rentals. From peddle boats, kayaks and rafts to screen and camping tents if you forgot to bring yours.

Tee Pee

HQ display

A Tee Peek

Next up a side trip to Stevens Point.



Dells of Eau Claire

In central Wisconsin, somewhere halfway between the north pole and the equator, is a secluded hollow called the Dells of Eau Claire.


This Marathon County Park offers a scenic rocky gorge created by the power of nature. Water cascades into waterfalls eventually settling into a quiet stream for trout.











A small park with limited facitities for camping was a tranquill start of our long weekend. With no showers or dump station we transported our water in and planned to dump the next stop. Also for those wanting an electrical site you'll want to bring an extension cord since they are shared electrical posts.














We hiked the trails along the gorge and the old river bed. There was plenty of time to enjoy the grounds in a day or two and decided to venture out to nearby towns.













































There really wasn't much to find. Of course there's always seems to be a casino nearby. This one was just completed and had some of the most amazing new technologies for gaming, especially at the black jack tables.


















We had to stop at Nueske's Smoked Meats in Wittenberg. They're know for there Applewood Smoked Bacon












...and the adventure continues

Great River State Trail- Midway to Lytle's Landing

I bicycled another stretch of the Great River State Trail, from Midway to Lytle's Landing on Brice Prairie.






















The 6 miles paralleled another train track through property managed by the National Wildlife Refuge, past backyards of private property and through farm fields.











There are several lookouts provided along the way giving you the opportunity to view wildlife in lowlands of Brice Prairie.



























You also cross an number of small bridges over Halfway Creek and other small creeks. The trail alternates between sunny and shady. Don't stop too long in the shade since the mosquitos are waiting for you.















There's some quaint fishing shacks along the way.































You meet the nicest people along the way.


I stopped to walk for awhile since my seat hurt and passerbys stopped to see if I needed help.


Those DNR workers are the friendliest people.

Local signage gives you an update. I like the little martini glass graphics.
















So I survived my second outing. The only strange thing is my camera/phone was in my basket, taking photos and videos along the way. I guess everyone once to blog these days.

 

Great River State Trail-Midway to Onalaska

Midway Prairie Garden

Rising early to beat the heat, I hit the trail at Midway. Not the beginning nor the end, just right about in the middle or rather the closest point to start my new adventures. After recently purchasing a bike I now need to share the journey of discovery along the Great River State Trail.


Checking out the garden blooms

Early morning clouds

Being my first real outing I headed south towards Onalaska trail head at the Great River Landing about 4 miles one way. I didn't want to over do it even thought the trail is an easy ride my tail bone needs to adjust.

Along the way are several points of interest:

Bridge over Sand Creek

Small bridge over Sand Creek, along the way watch for wildlife. I saw two foxes and lots of spring blooms.

Midway Prairie Remnant

Midway Prairie a three acre remnant of what was before development. I'll have to stop again when the prairie is really blooming.

Informational Signs

Signs along the path letting you know what services are available along the trail. Here you can get off the trail and stop by River Trails Cycling. They also sell the passes which are $5 daily or $25 for the annual.

Sunfish Overlook

Farther along you pass by the Big Sunfish and gazebo, a nice rest stop and overview along Hwy 35. There's a great place for lunch or refreshments across the street called the Blue Moon.

Great River Landing in Onalaska

Then the destination of my ride The Great River Landing in Onalaska. A fairly new development with lots of amenities.








Bike Service Station

Stop and fill up with some air or get your groove on at the music station.






Music Station

David Reay's and Dash-Park, Onalaska

If you plan this trip just right, on Tuesday evenings in the summer Dash-Park across the street has live music and you can grab a bit to eat at David Reay's restaurant.







Music Schedule



Lake Onalaska below spillway

At the river landing you can get close up to the water and enjoy the view.

Ready for the next time.