Fort Atkinson Summer Survival Guide

Published On: Thursday, July 9, 2020 – By Enjoy Jefferson County – Categories: Blog, Outdoor Recreation, Special Features – Tags: biking, boating, exploring, fishing, Fort, Fort Atkinson, hiking, history, park, summer, trail, water –

Wishing you had something to do in place of all the cancelled events and activities this summer? The Fort Atkinson Chamber is creating a guide of all there is to see and do in your own backyard and surrounding areas! To request a FREE full guide, please send your name and address to [email protected]. Between hiking, biking, and waterways, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy this summer.

Check out this sneak peek of the Fort Atkinson Summer Survival Guide! The guide will also highlight Rock River and Lake Koshkonong boat launches, equipment rentals, camping locations, local parks, summer programming and more!

Exploring by Foot:

Historic Indian Mounds Park: This five-acre park offers visitors the opportunity to view eleven Indian effigy mounds. Visitors can hike the trail through the woods to view all of the mounds. A portion of the trail even includes a part of an ancient Indian trail.
Address: W7561 Koshkonong Mounds Road, Fort Atkinson

Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park: The 52-acre park is home to some of the best spots for bird watching. Sandhill cranes, great blue heron, and green herons are frequently seen near the pond, as well as mallard, blue-winged teal, shoveler, wigeon, American black duck, canvasback, and many species of songbirds.
Address: W6015 Aspen Dr, Koshkonong

Dorothy Carnes County Park: Explore the trails in Dorothy Carnes Park with a self-guided walking tour. Learn more about native wildflowers, trees, and animals, surrounded by the park’s peaceful woods, wetlands, and savannas.

West Entrance: Radloff Lane just off Hwy 12

East Entrance: Jones Lane just off Banker Road

Exploring by Bike:

Glacial River Bike Trail: The 31.5-mile Glacial River Bike Trail offers scenic views of farmsteads, prairie flowers, wetlands, woods, streams, and a rustic, red covered bridge. The trail starts in Rock County and travels the entire north-south corridor of Jefferson County.

Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail: Developed in 1986, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail starts in Cottage Grove and heads east for 52 miles where it connects with other trails in the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha. The Jefferson County section runs from Lake Mills to Jefferson. The trail provides a glimpse into the past when glaciers bore down on southeastern Wisconsin in the last Ice Age, creating the wetlands, ponds, rivers, and drumlins we can still see today.

Exploring by Water:

Rock River National Water Trail: In 2012, the Rock River became the first river in Wisconsin and Illinois to be designated a National Water Trail. From its headwaters in the Horicon Marsh to its confluence with the Mississippi River, the trail stretches over 300 miles, through 2 states, 11 counties, and 37 communities.

Glacial Heritage Water Trails: The Glacial Heritage Area water trails include local rivers, lakes, and creeks around the county and beyond. With 16 unique waterways, the Glacial Heritage water trails offer abundant opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and more. These water trails are part of the larger Glacial Heritage Area, a network of parks, wildlife and natural areas, historic and cultural sites connected to each other and nearby cities by these waterways and trails.

Burnt Village Park: This narrow, two-acre park is a popular fishing location and provides river access for boats and canoes to the Bark River. There are also picnic tables and a grill for just relaxing.

Address: east side County Rd N