Kettle Moraine State Forest Wisconsin
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It was the curious name that piqued my interest in this destination. What is a kettle moraine and why would they name a forest after it? The unusual name is a geological term describing the terrain in the area that was scoured by glaciers during one of the last ice ages. The kettles, or depressions, were caused when buried ice melted and left hundreds of ponds and lakes in their places.
Then, I looked at the map and became even more curious. Here in Colorado, our forests are epic in size, but this Wisconsin State Forest is strung out into 5 different small sections that span a hundred miles. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is the thread that stitches them all together as it winds through southeastern Wisconsin.
The northern end of the this scenic and historic trail is near the charming town of Elkhart Lake, which has been a Wisconsin family getaway destination since the Native Americans summered here. The great outdoors is the main attraction, with boating, fishing, horseback riding, hiking and biking opportunities everywhere. Sleigh rides, showshoeing, dog sledding, cross country skiing and snowmobiling keep the natives and their guests outside throughout the winter months, as well. Museums, theaters, historic sites and welcoming shops provide indoor activities throughout the year.
The southern terminus is near Whitewater, Wisconsin and in the 115 miles in between, there are nature centers, observation towers, campgrounds, beaches and trails. There are also numerous historic sites, including Old World Wisconsin, a 600 acre living history museum that will keep you engrossed and entertained for days on end with demonstations of farming, trades, handicrafts and food preparation from the 1800’s. Each summer, they celebrate prarie life with Laura Ingalls Wilder Days – wear a bonnet and apron and you’ll fit right in.
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