About The River

Friday, January 3, 2025

On the Road Friday ~ First Day Hike ~ Straight Lake State Park ~ Wisconsin

 

 

Hello Friends, we are heading off today to Straight Lake State Park, located in Polk, County, Wisconsin. On January 1st we hiked close to 4 miles on the trails. It was a beautiful way to start the year and it is a family tradition to take a first day hike. 

 

 

The sights where fantastic. And you will notice we have no snow. We had snow, but then a warm spell came with rain and it all melted.

 

We had our sidekick the little copper dog Ernie with us. He is trying his best to give me a big lick in this photo.


 

Pristine natural beauty is found at Straight Lake in northwest Wisconsin. This 2000 acre park offers walk to campsites, carry-in boat launches, a shelter and picnic area. 

 

 

Two undeveloped, wild lakes and two state natural areas are found within the park boundaries.


 

A premier section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail meanders through the park highlighting many glacial features.

 

 

Through the years, Straight Lake has been sold as a bock of property, pretty much as it is today. Past owners include Dewitt Wallace, the founder of Reader's Digest magazine. In 2005, the property was sold to the State of Wisconsin and became Straight Lake State Park and Wildlife Area.


 

Here we have a little critters hideaway and it looks to be they like to eat acorns.


 

Happy First Day Hike! 

♥ 

Carla

 

 

15 comments:

  1. Looks like a beautiful place and a great way to begin a new year. I'm glad the space is a park now and will stay somewhat wild. Have a nice weekend!

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  2. So very glad this land was made into a state park. Would be a shame if it was developed like so much land is all over the US. Happy to see you are continuing your traditions...with a new copper buddy that comes along with you. Janice

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  3. A four mile hike, how wonderful. I enjoyed the photos you shared. Have a nice weekend.

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  4. I have never seen so many leaves! And there is a lovely walkway, how far does it extend? What an awesome hike, so many treasures!

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  5. Forgot to say this is an awesome photo of you guys. It really ought to be sitting out in a frame somewhere, It is just joyous!

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  6. Happy New year! I took a Jan 1st hike too but I wore shorts! It's cooler today but we had a couple of days in the 70s for crying out loud! lol Looks like a beautiful place to hike. I would need one of those boggins to stay warm though. Sweet hugs to you and your family, Diane

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  7. How fun and Ernie is just a cutie! I much prefer to hike in the winter, spring and fall. I’m not a summer hiker. Too many on the trails. It looks like a beautiful area and it’s good it’s now protected.

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  8. Beautiful scenery and a great hat! Did you make it? It looks like a cozy handmade treasure!

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  9. Happy New Year! It looks like a great place to hike when in the area. Lots of lovely little features and nooks and crannies. :)

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  10. What a great tradition and it looks like the decision to carry on the tradition on this day did not disappoint. What a beautiful area! Great family pic ;).

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  11. Hello Ernie! You have a beautiful smile, Carla. : ) This looks like a peaceful place to hike and spend some time at.

    ~Sheri

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  12. This looks like a fun place to hike. Aww Ernie giving you a smooch!

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  13. I think my earlier comment went into spam folder?!

    All the best Jan

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High Fives from Wisconsin!