Special Sections

2017 Fall in Love with Grafton

Conley Publishing - Special Sections

Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/873452

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 5 of 15

6 • News Graphic • September 12, 2017 Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce • 262-377-1650 • www.grafton-wi.org Bratt Woods 1541 E Cedar Creek Rd Grafton, WI 53024 Bratt Woods is located on the Milwaukee River in the Town of Grafton and features some amazing walking trails. This site boasts a multitude of natural features, ideal for hiking, fishing or bird watching! One of the trails meanders through the rolling terrain of the forest connecting Cedar Creek Road and the Interurban Trail. Bratt Woods abuts the Milwaukee River and hosts an upland hardwood forest. Bratt Woods is easily accessible to area residents via the Interurban Trail, just east of the wooden bridge off Hwy. O and across from the parking lot at the Grafton pool. From I-43 exit on Hwy. V, exit 93, At the stop sign at the end of the exit, make a left on to Hwy. V then about a mile later, make a right on East River Road. Go 1/2 mile and turn left on to East Cedar Creek Road. Park in the cul-de-sac at the end of the road. Kurtz Woods Natural Area 1211 Dahlia Lane Grafton, WI 53024 Kurtz Woods is located south of Cedar Sauk Road, in the Cedar Sauk Meadows subdivision and hosts more than 82 species of trees and spring ephemerals. This 31 acre forest is dominated by sugar maple and American beech, with white ash, basswood, and black cherry representing a younger set of trees that spread east and west from the center of the preserve. An assortment of spring wildflowers share the forest floor with shrubs and young trees, including hepatica, bloodroot, wild leek, and the aptly named spring beauty. The terrain of Kurtz Woods is lightly rolling, resultant of the sandy moraine running through it. Kettle depressions and glacial boulders can be seen throughout the preserve. Kurtz Woods holds a State Natural Area status due to the diversity and the quality of its forest. Lime Kiln Park History, rushing water, and enticing trails, Lime Kiln has it all! Take a relaxing autumn walk through the site of an old quarry. Here you will find exposed rock juxtaposed with enticing trails and lush vegetation. Historic kilns can be found near the entry of the park and border a rotunda perfectly fit for a fall picnic. The quarry ceased operation in the 1920's, was used as a town dump for many decades, and finally was converted into a park in an effort to clean up the Milwaukee River. Amenities in this park include a 9-hole Frisbee golf course, sand volleyball courts, fishing and an archery range. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve 511 High Bluff Drive Grafton, WI 53024 Lion's Den is an "ecological jewel" within the Ozaukee County park system. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this sprawling 73 acre park offers over three miles of hiking trails, boardwalks through wetlands, a staircase that descends through layers of cedar forest, a salmon spawning stream, scenic views, a few miles of beach front, a pond, and the deep and verdant ravine called Lion's Den. It is open from sunrise to sunset through all seasons of the year. Lion's Den represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from Mequon up to Port Washington. Over 1/2 mile of 90 to 100-foot bluffs look out onto Lake Michigan, offering tremendous viewing opportunities for residents and visitors. Only a 20 minute drive north of Milwaukee, Lion's Den is the perfect wilderness retreat in the metro area. Lions Park 1121 Keup Road Grafton, WI 53024 Lion's Park is a 16 acre park located on the Milwaukee River with paved walking/biking path, beautiful views of Cedar Creek, an open-air shelter (accommodates up to 50 people), picnic tables, restrooms, playground and a canoe launch. Bring a paddle or a picnic and visit this wonderfully located park today! Hiking Trails/Nature Preserves Walk, bike, or run through spectacular history and scenery on the Ozaukee Interurban Trail! The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a 30-mile paved, multi-use trail that spans the entire length of Ozaukee County, connecting Grafton, Mequon, Thiensville, Cedarburg, and Port Washington. The Trail was completed in 2002 with the mission of promoting a safe, public trail for transportation, recreation, exercise, education, throughout Ozaukee County. The Interurban Trail tours Ozaukee's unique cultural, historical and natural landmarks with plenty of scenic rest stops throughout the trail, lots of great picnic spots! The trail can be picked up in several Grafton locations including: The Aquatic Center/Meadowbrook Park (restrooms/water) and Veterans Memorial Park (restrooms/water). Need more reasons to hop on your bike and enjoy this local gem? Think about all the benefits of biking: Whether you're looking for an intensive workout or just a leisurely outing, riding a bike is great for your cardiovascular health as well as efficient, healthy way to relieve stress. The Interurban trail provides easy access to restaurants and cafes across Ozaukee County. Add a memorable aspect to your commute by staying off the roads and on the trail! Bringing your canine companion with you on a bike ride is an efficient way of making sure you both get the exercise you need! Don't forget to BE SAFE: While the Ozaukee Interurban Trail offers paved trails that are well maintained, it is crucial to make responsible decisions when on the trail. Obey traffic rules, cross intersections carefully, travel in daylight when possible, wear bright or reflective clothing, use bicycle headlights and rear lights, wear shoes that protect your feet, and carry a cell phone to call for help if needed. For more information and routes, please visit www.interurbantrail.us or call the Oz County Tourism Council at 1-800-403-9898. The Ozaukee Interurban Trail Connecting the Past, Present and Future of Ozaukee County Communities Walking, Running and Biking

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Special Sections - 2017 Fall in Love with Grafton