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Lake Mills, Wisconsin Discover what the ancients knew, Lake Mills is a special mystical place. Forget your everyday cares and enjoy the natural beauty, friendly people, fabulous food and unique shops. Come feel the magic. Legendary Lake Mills in beautiful Jefferson County Wisconsin is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. From the mysterious waters of Rock Lake to the scenic Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail to historic Aztalan State Park and Museum to the picturesque downtown shopping and dining district, Lake Mills has something for everyone! Why are the waters of Rock Lake Mysterious? Many tales have been told of the stone structures that are reported to be found on the bottom of Rock Lake. One such legend says that after suffering a long and terrible drought, natives appealed to their gods for help by building and using sacrificial pyramids. In answer to their prayers, great waters soon covered the pyramids and created the beautiful lake the Indians came to call Tyranena meaning, Sparkling Waters. For more information on the local legends go the www.whylegendary.com. Legends aside, Rock Lake is a crystal clear 1,371-acre recreational oasis, beckoning fun-seeking visitors and residents to its cool waters and tree-lined shores. The lake is surrounded by five parks which offer fishing, swimming, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, water-skiing, or a leisurely sunset cruise, all part of your next legendary experience. Located on the southern edge of Lake Mills, the Glacial Drumlin Trail offers recreation for hikers and bikers alike. The 47 mile trail follows the old Chicago and Northwestern railway. It is open 365 days a year – trail pass needed. Navigating the trail you will find one of Lake Mills’ newest treasures, Zeloski Marsh. The Zeloski Marsh is a new wildlife management property located just south west of Lake Mills and promises to be the next "great' birding spot in south east Wisconsin. When fully restored this property will be over 1,500 acres of wetland and grassland and will attract over 200 species of birds. Just east of Lake Mills lies Aztalan State Park, one of Wisconsin's most important archaeological sites. It showcases an ancient Middle-Mississippian village that thrived between 1000 and 1300 A.D. The people who settled Aztalan built large, flat-topped pyramidal mounds and a stockade around their village. Just north of the state park is The Aztalan Museum, operated by the Lake Mills-Aztalan Historical Society. The site features two pioneer churches as well as other 19th century structures and displays. The displays feature historic items dating back to 1000 A.D. In heart of downtown is Common’s Park. It is surrounded by charming 19th century buildings that house unique shops and restaurants (www.lakemills.org). Lake Mills is a designated Main Street Community (www.lakemillsmainstreet.org), the program has guided the renaissance of downtown Lake Mills. DINING Dining in Lake Mills offers a number of culinary experiences, from legendary sliders to home smoked brisket to artisan breads and Friday night fish fries. For those who crave ethnic fare we have Creole, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. And of course we have traditional family favorites, sit down and fast food. SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND! Lake Mills is home to many galleries, jewelry and specialty shops. It is also headquarters for a number of nationally recognized businesses - Ephraim Faïence Pottery (www.ephraimpottery.com), Tyranena Brewing Co. (www.tyranena.com) , and James J. Chocolate (www.jamesjchocolateshop.com). INCREDIBLE EVENTS Farmers Market May 5 – Oct. 27 From 2 to 7 pm every Wednesday, set in beautiful Commons Park in the heart of downtown Lake Mills, this market features local producers of vegetables, fruit, honey, meat, seafood, flowers, arts and crafts. Prepared food vendors provide a variety of ready to eat snacks and meals. Many special events take place during market hours see a complete list at the Lake Mills Main Street Program website. Town & Country Days June 24 - 27 This community wide event features a carnival, live music and lots of great food, including the famous Legion Slider. The annual Town & Country Days parade is the highlight of Saturday’s festivities. Over one hundred entries travel down Main Street starting at 10:30 am. Lake Mills Arts Festival July 17 The Lake Mills Main Street Program sponsors this highly regarded juried arts festival. Over 80 Wisconsin artisans showcase their work. Highlights include a Art Yard for kids, artist demos, food & music. Fall Festival Oct. 3 October’s fall colors tell us it’s time for the Fall Festival in Commons Park. Live Music from “Borderlands”, pumpkins, fall produce, as well as a huge craft fair make this event a must. Last year we hosted over 120 vendors! Legendary Classic Christmas Dec.3 – 4 Explore local businesses for that perfect holiday gift and participate in many community activities during. For a complete list of events go to our website (www.lakemills.org) Knickerbocker Ice Festival Feb. 4 & 5 This festival includes something for everyone. A Team Trivia Contest on Friday night starts off the weekend. On Saturday, watch ice carvers create sculptures in front of many downtown businesses or participate in the fisheree and ice golf tournament on Rock Lake. Have a great chili recipe? Prove it at the Fire & Ice Chili Cook-off. And join the fun in Commons Park where kids and adults compete in the Sno Ball eating contest, IdiderDAD Race and Frozen Fish Toss (yes, they are real fish!). Competitive shopping you sport of choice? Buy a Knickerbocker Button and reap the benefits of discounts and specials at our retail and eating establishments. DISCOVER LAKE MILLS... AND UNLOCK THE LEGEND Lake Mills lies on the shores of Rock Lake just 25 miles east of Madison and 55 miles west of Milwaukee. Take I-94 exit #259. If you’re traveling from the north or south, Hwy 89 is our Main Street - what could be easier! FOR MORE INFORMATION: Lake Mills Area Chamber of Commerce 920-648-3585 www.lakemills.org |
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| Jefferson County Tourism Council • The Official Guide 2010-2011 • PO Box 243 • Jefferson, Wisconsin 53549 |