This geocache has been hidden as a part of the Wisconsin Geocaching Association's State Park series, the cache is hidden approx. .2 miles from the parking coordinates, along the Thimbleberry Nature Trail (map available at the office or trailhead). This trail is open for hiking and snowshoeing.
Amnicon Falls State Park features a series of delightful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River. You can view them from a covered foot bridge or trails along the river, or—if you're sure-footed—from the rocky shore of the river. The park is a place to picnic, camp, and walk in the woods.
For the last 9,000 years, nomadic hunters followed the retreating glaciers, hunting Mastodons. Round 500 A.D. until the arrival of the first Europeans, the Ojibwa Native Americans (also called Chippewa) called this area home. The earliest Europeon trappers worked the banks of the Amnicon River for mink, beaver and otter, and traders bartered with the Native Americans for their catches.
In 1886, a Superior pioneer, James Bardon, purchased the 160 acres around the river and waterfalls. In 1932, Douglas County purchased 60 acres of land and received another 65 acres as a gift from the Bardons, and Bardon Park was established. The 1930s saw the Town of Amnicon take over operation and by the mid-1950s the it had had purchased land adjacent to Bardon Park that totaled 522 acres. By 1959 the park had become so popular and maintenance costs became such a load, the town suggested that they and the county consider transferring ownership to the state.
In 1961, title was transferred to the state and the park was given its present name. Between 1965 and 1977 the state purchased another 138 acres of property completing the 828 acre park now known as Amnicon Falls State Park.
The falls will be here for untold years to come and so, too, will be the people who walk the river banks and enjoy this special place.
Amnicon Falls State Park requires a fee to get in and enjoy the park. It is $5 for a one hour visit, $7 per day or $25 for an annual pass for Wisconsin residents. Non-residents are $10 daily or $35 for an annual pass. Please visit here for the current fee schedule: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/admission.html
Lake Superior North Woods Biome
The northern tier of the Badger state is largely within a boreal forest biome. Coniferous trees dominate this landscape, and with good reason. This is a cold region with long winters and lots of snow. Conifers are adapted to shed that snow with their evergreen needle leaves. Their waxy branches retain moisture. Wildlife that might be seen here are Timber Wolves, Black Bears, Porcupines and maybe even a Moose or two. Many of the warblers migrate to this region to nest. Lake Superior’s cold water certainly has a big influence on the climate you’ll discover here…refreshing in the summer, invigorating in the winter.
WISCONSIN GEOCACHING ASSOCIATION
The Wisconsin Geocaching Association (WGA) is a group of geocachers dedicated to promoting and protecting geocaching within the state of Wisconsin. The WGA organizes geocaching events, works with land owners/managers on geocaching policies, educates the public at large about geocaching, and facilitates communication between WGA members. To learn more about the WGA visit: www.wi-geocaching.com
2013 kicks off the beginning of the Wisconsin Geocaching Association State Parks series. It is our goal to place a geocache in every state park in the state of Wisconsin so watch out for more in this series that encourages geocachers to explore the natural resources in this beautiful state of ours.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Phil Brown, the park manager of Amnicon Falls State Park. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources managed lands require permission by means of a notification form.
This a WGA STATE PARK SERIES geocache:
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