Wisconsin Wonders

Stories & Travel

Stories

Places

Coming Home

“So this is home.”

These words, spoken in reference to a desktop background photo of my parents’ snow-covered backyard, among many other signs that the universe has offered me over the past few months, told me that our move to Wisconsin was indeed the right move.

The frozen channel in my parents' backyard.

In my memories, Wisconsin feels like riding my bike with my cousins around Grandma and Grandpa's lake house, a freedom in the wind like one I experienced nowhere else. It’s the comfort of another fresh batch of cookies and the wonder of a hidden path to a glimmering lake. Wisconsin is the promise of a campfire started early in the morning for peach toast and coaxed back to life for some evening brats. It’s wild times on water rides, a slow swing on the back porch and surrounding it all in a warm layer of love, Wisconsin feels like family.

Showing Tony the lake at my

Grandparents' former lake house.

I had every plan to move to Milwaukee when my parents were preparing to make their move to the great state in 2016. It was part of the plan from early on and I know my parents expected me to come along. I had just moved back in and with the busyness of several jobs, I hadn’t had as much time to spend with them as I had hoped.

Then I met Troy.

A chance connection that changed it all and began the formation of my new family. A door opened for a new job that led to a new (and always dreamed of) career and we settled into our California soil. Even as we got married, added a few to our crew, and bought a home in Fresno, we always talked about where we would move together next. These discussions traveled from Portland to Denver and back but the idea of a big move mostly felt like far off imaginings.

Troy and I on our first visit to the Midwest together in 2017.

We visited Wisconsin as an engaged couple in Summer 2017 and loved our adventures but it wasn’t until we visited in Summer 2021 that Troy really began to understand the treasure of the Midwest and I became more hopeful. Now, my folks and I have always joked about convincing Troy to move to the Midwest and as we predicted, and any Midwesterner knows, the land speaks for itself.

Visiting this time, perhaps with the perspective of a parent, perhaps simply reflecting as a more seasoned human, it all seemed to click. It started with the parks: wooden trails that led to magical castle play structures and unique spots to pause and be. We envisioned a different quality of play and exploration for our very adventurous and energetic child. As we set off for a little parents’ getaway to Sheboygan and a drive up Door County, we saw flags supporting our diverse identities in unexpected places, and around each corner, a new town we wanted to explore. We found art on every street corner and another unique shop we wanted to pop into at each turn. My parents took us for the most exquisitely peaceful getaway to a Northwoods cabin and we enjoyed every moment of taking in the trees, night sounds, and birdsongs. There was so much to do in almost every town we visited. And everywhere, everywhere a lake.

Summer 2021 Wisconsin Adventures!

It felt like a dream and it was so hard to come back home after that trip. We knew our next chapter lay somewhere in the Midwest and we began taking steps to get there.

“Anywhere,” we thought, “let’s just get out that way.”

Troy began applying to jobs all over. Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Green Bay, anywhere! Where would it be?!

Nowhere it seemed. After several months with no responses, we paused the search and settled back into where we were.

Flash forward through a few more years of pandemic, a miscarriage, and the daily stresses of parenting, we took another trip to visit my folks in Stevens Point.

This time, our parents’ outing took us for a night out in Downtown Milwaukee and then a few days and an evening in Madison. And oh, did Madison meet us well! Somewhere between the decadent views of Lake Mendota, the rich flavors of our dinner at The Globe, and that James Baldwin statue on State Street, Troy knew.

“This is it.” He said, “We’re moving to Madison.”

Some of the Madison sites that told us we'd found "home".

And so the job search began again.

The stars must have really been aligned because it seemed as though we had barely unpacked our suitcases from our trip to visit my family when we began packing for the move. Troy found an amazing job with an incredible nonprofit organization in the Madison area and that door we had been knocking at swung wide open!

Change is never easy and picking up your whole life to move to a new city can be especially difficult. It was so hard to say goodbye but feeling like we were heading home did remind us why we were leaving and ultimately, assures us that we made the right move.

We’ve been in Madison for about a month now and oh my, are we home! From the parks, to the libraries, to the children’s museums, to all the unique neighborhoods with so much character to share, we are so grateful to have found ourselves here and to now call this beautiful state and city ”home”.

Thanks for reading about how we got here and sharing our joy as we begin this new chapter. I hope you’ll stick around for some stories of all the Wisconsin Wonders we’ve encountered so far and all that’s yet to come! New stories will be coming every week and you can find them or follow along on my socials for updates on new places, people, and all things Wisconsirrific!

One month of adventures and a whole lot of assurance that we made the right move!

It's the Capitol Building!

-What’s that Mommy?

-That’s the Capitol building!

-Can we go there?!

-That’s where we’re going!

-I like to go there!

First view of the Wisconsin State Capitol Building as we drive toward Downtown.

Isn’t it the best when your kid asks for something and it just happens to be what’s already in the plans? Big time parenting win!

I had tried to point out the iconic Madison skyline dome from the view at a nearby park but, since Tony hadn’t seen it up close yet, he didn’t know what he was looking for and it wasn’t that exciting. Now he’s seeing it everywhere, street signs, magazines, that sticker on my suitcase, and he’s all about it.

Tony strolling up the big steps to enter the Capitol Building and exploring one of many intricate stairwells.

The Wisconsin State Capitol building is definitely a Madison highlight and I’ve always enjoyed touring. I had no idea it could be such a hit for a 3 year old though! From the moment we set off towards the stairs, he was enthralled.

The best part? When he asked, “Can I go in?”, I got to tell him that he could just open the door.

I was a little nervous to enter what felt like such a prestigious space with a small child who is still learning how to match his volume level to the environment around him but the Wisconsin State Capitol Building is so family friendly and I had nothing to worry about. Most areas are accessible for open exploration so take those babies up and down every stairwell and while you’re at it, you can follow a pamphlet to help you find some of the notable fossils located within the stones used to construct this remarkable building.

Not only is the space inviting and inclusive for children, every single person we encountered was so warm and made me feel so comfortable. As a mom who often struggles with the anxious thoughts of “Are we acting okay in public?”, this meant so much to me. To the officer who brought Tony a very official Capitol Police sticker badge, to the woman who worked in the building who took her time to engage with my son as he talked about the fossils, and to every person who seemed genuinely glad to see us as we sat on the steps taking in the city, thank you for your open hearts!

As we left the first time (because Tony asked to go back in after we snacked) and headed out for a snack, Tony decided he wanted to sit right there on the steps. So sit we did. And what a marvelous view of the city as we watched the dog walkers and the buses and off in the distance, the blue of the lake.

It was one of the most peaceful moments I’ve experienced in a while, right there in the midst of the beautiful bustle of the city. I took it all in with such deep gratitude that we get to be part of this incredible place and have adventures like this at our fingertips.

Just a couple of kids snacking on the steps!

My heart calls for the water and I wanted to take Tony down to one of the lakes so we set off toward Lake Monona. From the Monona Terrace building, you can head Northeast to a little elevator that will take you down to a beautiful bike and walking path along the lake. As soon as we got to the water, we saw a loon. It’s like it was just waiting for us. In previous summers, my mother and I have eagerly gazed across lakes in search of them and here was this one, right in front of us, right as we got down to the water on our first visit to the lake as official Madisonians. Nearby, ducks played and swam up towards us as Tony took a seat on the rocks.

The first of many “best day ever” days, our first visit to the Capitol area was full of the most wonderful greetings from the city and the gorgeous nature that surrounds it. Thank you for the gorgeous welcome Madison!

Madison, WI is native Ho-Chunk land.

Tony walking along the bike/walking path below the Monona Terrace, the loon that greeted us upon arrival,

and the curious ducks who swam up to Tony at the rocks.

Details for planning your visit

-Located at 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703

-Free to enter and many areas are open for free exploration!

-Open daily (Holiday exceptions), M-F from 8AM-6PM, and Weekends from 8AM-4PM

-Self-guided tours (Check out the fossil guide for a fun treasure hunt)

-Free guided tours available throughout the day

-Easy access to lots of local restaurants, shops, State St., and both Lake Mendota and Monona

-More information and tour scheduling: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/about/visit

Secret Forest

Welcome to a magical forest and gardens tucked away in the center of the city!

Perhaps the biggest reason we sought a move to the Midwest was to have increased access to more parks and nature areas. There’s something about the way Wisconsin has parks, reserves, and trails around every corner that makes the whole state feel more connected to the land itself.

The magnolia trees were in brilliant bloom during our April visit!

Our exploration of the UW Madison Arboretum last weekend hit the nail on the head. We only explored a small pocket of this vast park and within it, experienced multiple terrains and environments. From the vibrant blooms on the magnolia trees to the tiny paths through the woods, to the exciting boardwalk through the marsh, there was so much to see!

The Children's Activity Area information sign and some of the awesome boulders we got to climb!

One of the coolest features for families is the Children’s Activity Area where you can climb, create, build, and discover. I loved seeing the example of a ciporoke, the Ho-Chunk name for a wigwam style dwelling. Tony loved climbing the rocks, which were the perfect size for a safe challenge, and scaling a little tree!

The paths through the woods and boardwalk were certainly my favorite place we explored on this visit. I love the feeling of wandering through the forest and this walk was a wonderful reminder that no, Wisconsin isn’t just farmland and cheese cows, it’s teeming with dense forests, wildlife, and so much wonder, all this right in the middle of Madison!

Tony strolling the boardwalk through a marshy area near the Visitor Center!

Thank you UW Madison Arboretum for creating and maintaining such a gorgeous place to explore! We’ll be back soon to see more of the areas we haven’t gotten to yet and revisit these beautiful favorites! Check out details for your visit below and be sure to visit their website for full information, maps, and visitor etiquette to maintain this special space for all to enjoy. Happy exploring friends!

Madison, WI is native Ho-Chunk land.

Visiting the UW Arboretum Magnolia Grove:

-Enter off of Seminole Highway onto McCaffrey Dr.

-Park at Visitor Center

-Grounds and free parking open 4am -10pm

-Visitor Center Open 9:30am –4pm weekdays

12:30–4pm weekends

Forest and Boardwalk details

-Head past the Visitor Center and through the service buildings

-Follow signs for “Boardwalk” and walk past the Children’s Activity Area

-There was one unmarked split in the path, head left and then take the next right

-via https://arboretum.wisc.edu/visit/ where you can find lots more details!

Tony and Stella sprinting towards the river!

Surprise Dog Park Day

Sometimes the plans you don’t make are the best plans of all.

I had the trail all planned out and was ready to get in the car when Tony informed me that we had to bring the dogs.

Last minute changes are not always the easiest speed bump to pass over. Often, they can be a source of frustration, stress, and disappointment for me. Luckily, I took his suggestion in stride and loved the ideas of bringing the dogs. Of course they should come!

But…the trail I had selected was not dog friendly. Back to the app!

New trail selected, we hit the road and traveled North to take in the sun and stretch our legs. As we drove up the last stretch of highway that runs parallel to the Yahara Heights County Park, I noticed a dog park sign. The space looked big! And it was right next to the river!

Could it be true?! A dog park with that much space and different environments to explore?!

Blossoms and views through the trees!

It was true and it was magical. We entered and the dogs took off. Tony took off. I took off! We walked amongst the leafy woods and down to the river. Tony threw a tennis ball for a swimming pup and Stella and Lucy traveled down the small trail alongside the river and found creature tunnels to sniff and shallow shores for a dip. A crane flew overhead and we all went running into the grassy fields!

With several trails, water play access, and plenty of open space, this dog park has it all!

I’m only getting started on my ongoing love letters to Wisconsin parks so stay tuned for lots more! Coming from an amazing Valley, surrounded by world-renowned National Parks, famous beaches, and beautiful cities, it was still hard for me to find regular access to nature that nurtured my spirit. I continue to be blown away by the treasures that can be found in every corner of Wisconsin. Within a 20-30 minute drive in almost any direction, there is an abundance of simple parks, large parks, nature reserves, hiking trails, bike paths, and more.

When Tony suggested we bring the dogs this day, I wasn’t sure we’d find someplace as exciting to go as the trail I had originally planned. I should have known better. We found something even better and we can’t wait to go back!

“The land the Village of Waunakee currently occupies is Teejop, ancestral territory of the Hoocakra (Ho-Chunk Nation), People of the Sacred Voice.” from

The Village of Waunakee who note the historic and continued presence of several other tribes in the area.

Visiting:

• Yahara Heights Dog Park - Catfish Ct, Waunakee, WI 53597
  
• Located in Yahara Heights County Park
  
• Open Daily, 5AM-10PM
  
• Dane County Dog Parks pass required, can be paid with cash at park box