The present-day Wisconsin State Capitol building is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Inspired by the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, this building was begun in 1906 and completed in 1917. It underwent an expensive – but necessary – restoration at the turn of the 21st century. It’s a wonderful structure, inside and out. I’ve […]
Parfrey’s Glen
Parfrey’s Glen is a favorite hiking destination. It’s located within Devil’s Lake State Park, just south of Devil’s Lake itself. Parfrey’s Glen was Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area. It’s a gorge carved into the local sandstone by the meltwater of the last ice age. How cool is that? Parfrey’s Glen used to be a well-kept […]
Gibraltar Rock
Gibraltar Rock is a geological feature in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Rising 200 feet above the farmland below, Gibraltar Rock offers tremendous views of the surrounding countryside, including Lake Wisconsin. The trail to the top is uphill, but it’s pretty easy going. Gibraltar Rock used to be accessible by car almost all the way to the […]
Day 13 – St. Paul to Madison
Laura and I drift on out of town. We have lost our co-pilots, so we’re traveling alone, each in a vehicle.
La Follette School of Public Affairs
The La Follette School of Public Affairs is the current occupant of a home was built in 1855, before the University of Wisconsin even owned the land. Later, as part of the University’s holdings, the structure served as the main residence of several UW presidents. It’s been remodeled several times, and the basic configuration today dates from 1903.
Bascom Hall
Bascom Hall, on the University of Wisconsin campus, is almost as recognizable as Bucky Badger. Bascom Hall is fronted by a statue of Abraham Lincoln, which is a popular photo destination for visitors and students alike.
Botham Vineyards & Winery
What a gorgeous day to be at the Botham Winery. Spring has been so nice to us this year. The Botham Vineyard has several open houses with live music during the summer months – it’s well worth the drive from Madison. Or Northern Illinois. Or Iowa.
Longenecker Gardens
School is closed for two days (the WEAC teachers’ conference), so we took advantage of the fine autumn weather to get out of the house. We came to a familiar spot – the UW Arboretum. There are many interesting places to explore here, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Today, we end up […]
Devil’s Lake State Park
I’ve spent many a blissful summer day at Devil’s Lake State Park (near Baraboo, WI), but this was my first winter visit. Strange to walk out over the surface of the lake.
Ice Fishing on Monona Bay
It seems to me that ice fishing on Monona Bay starts each winter before the ice is thick enough. But no one seems to fall through, so I guess I should stop worrying. But standing on the surface of frozen water is one of the miracles of science I love most. (Another being airplanes.) It’s […]
Hoyt Park Fog
We are very fortunate to live so close to Hoyt Park, the gem of near west Madison. Hoyt park was designated a City of Madison Landmark on October 2, 1995. Its origins can be traced to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association founded in the late 19th century.
The Accidental Election Official
A while back, I decided a good way to get involved in my neighborhood and community was to volunteer at my polling place (Hoyt School) during elections.