High Cliff State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Cliff State Park |
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 High Cliff State Park
Location in Wisconsin
High Cliff State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Calumet, Wisconsin, United States |
| Area | 1,187 acres (4.80 km2) |
| Established | 1956 |
| Governing body | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | High Cliff State Park |
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High Cliff Mounds
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| Location | Calumet County, Wisconsin, USA |
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| Nearest city | Sherwood |
| Built | 500 - 1500 AD |
| NRHP reference No. | 96001629 |
| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1997 |
High Cliff State Park is a cool place to visit in Wisconsin. It covers about 1,187 acres (or 480 hectares) of land. This park is special because it's the only state park located right on the shores of Lake Winnebago. The park gets its name from the tall cliffs found there. These cliffs are part of a huge rock formation called the Niagara Escarpment. This amazing landform stretches north through Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and all the way to Niagara Falls in New York.
A new plan for the park was made in 2013. This plan aims to make the park almost twice as big. It will also add new things for visitors and help protect nature.
Exploring High Cliff State Park
High Cliff State Park is known for its amazing views and interesting history. You can see Lake Winnebago from the top of the cliffs. The park was officially opened in 1956.
Fun Things to Do
There are many activities for everyone at High Cliff State Park. You can explore the park in different ways:
- Hiking and Biking: There are many trails for walking and biking. One popular trail is the Indian Mound Trail, which is about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) long. It has a limestone surface.
- Observation Tower: You can climb a 40-foot (12-meter) tall observation tower. From the top, you get an amazing view of Lake Winnebago.
- Winter Sports: When it snows, some trails are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling.
- Other Activities: The park also offers camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Some areas are open for hunting.
Red Bird Statue
At the northeast end of Lake Winnebago, you will find a statue of Red Bird. He was an important leader of the Winnebago people, also known as the Ho-Chunk tribe. The statue overlooks the beautiful lake.
Ancient Effigy Mounds
High Cliff State Park is home to special ancient earthworks called effigy mounds. These mounds were built by Native Americans long ago. They are located at the top of the escarpment. Because of these important mounds, a small part of the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area is known as the High Cliff Mounds.
A trail winds through six long-tailed mounds and several round, conical mounds. Originally, there was also a bird-shaped mound and one that looked like a bear. These mounds are similar to other ancient mound groups found along the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago. An example is the Calumet County Park Group. These mounds were built between 500 and 1500 AD.
