Entering the park.
AN AUTUMN AFTERNOON in High Cliff State Park in east central Wisconsin, even with grey skies and the occasional spurt of drizzle, is magnificent.
On a recent Saturday, my daughter who lives in nearby Appleton, husband and I explored this sprawling park near Sherwood along the banks of Wisconsin’s largest inland body of water, Lake Winnebago.
Sky and lake and land meld in this photo taken from atop a tower in High Cliff State Park. Photo by Miranda Helbling.
But it was not the lake—more on that later—which impressed as much as the view of the valley from high atop the park. To see acres and acres and acres of trees below, buffeted by the lake on one side, transitioning into the golden, russet and reddish hues of the season is something to behold.
Old limestone quarry walls below a hillside of trees.
Likewise, limestone walls, remaining from the days when this stone was quarried from this land, provide a neutral backdrop to flaming maples and other trees bursting with color on hillsides.
Kiln ruins.
And then there are the old kilns, once used to create quick lime for use in plaster and cement and for agricultural purposes. I’m thankful mining operations here ceased in 1956. To totally decimate this place of natural beauty would have been a tragedy.
When we discovered other park visitors gathering nuts, Randy began squirreling away hickory nuts, too, stuffing them into his jacket pockets.
For this beautiful park proves a lovely spot to picnic on a Saturday—a place where families pluck coveted hickory nuts from the ground to dry and crack and later eat plain or in cakes or cookies.
Here a family prepares to celebrate a wedding, placing burlap runners upon picnic tables covered with white plastic tablecloths inside the park shelter.
The tower…
and the view from the tower. Photo by Miranda Helbling.
Couples and families climb 64 steps to the top of a wooden tower for a spectacular view of the valley. I keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, neck craned, waving to my husband and daughter high above me.
Red Bird, Chief of the Winnebago.
A 20-something man squats on a fence for a photo; only his balance keeps him from tumbling off and over the cliff. Nearby a statue of Red Bird, chief of the Winnebago, stands, sure and solid atop a rock.
Winnebago. It is also the name of the 131,939* acre lake which borders the western edge of High Cliff State Park and runs 28 miles long and eight miles wide near the towns of Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Neenah and Menasha.
Blue-green Lake Winnebago as photographed from the beach at High Cliff State Park.
While impressive in size and fierceness—this day churning and roiling and rolling in waves—Lake Winnebago disappoints me.
A close-up of the lake. No photo editing done of the water’s hue.
I do not expect to see a lake that is green, as in it appears someone dyed the water green for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Why, I wonder, is a body of water this massive so overgrown apparently with blue-green algae? I am no scientist. But I suspect run-off (of chemicals) from lawns and farm fields into waterways that flow into Lake Winnebago, has created the problem.
Looking from the rock wall toward the marina.
Honestly, I would never swim in this water, or even dip my toes into this lake. My daughter shares that a friend swam in Lake Winnebago this past summer and broke out in a rash.
Just another view of the lake and the area where boats slip into shore.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are currently studying the lake, hoping to learn more about dangerous toxins produced by the blue-green algae, according to an article published in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel. Drinking water for four area cities, including Appleton, comes from Lake Winnebago. The water is treated, of course, but it still concerns me to think this lake, in this condition, is a source of drinking water.
This lake is a popular fishing spot, too.
After viewing the lake’s poor water quality, I’m thankful these researchers have secured a $750,000 five-year grant from the National Institution of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Science Foundation to study the lake.
The quality of this lake water scares and saddens me and, truly, detracted from my experience at High Cliff State Park, an otherwise lovely place of exceptional natural beauty.
* NOTE: Various sources cite different sizes for Lake Winnebago. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists the lake at 131,939 acres, about the same acreage size of Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota.
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BONUS PHOTOS:
A colorful collage of leaves on a trail near the kiln ruins.
The only remaining building on the former site of Clifton, a town which existed here until the quarries closed. This 1800s building is now a museum and interpretative center, but was not open on the day we were at the park. Efforts are currently underway to save the structure from demolition, according to information on the Friends of High Cliff website. I have no idea why anyone would want to destroy this historic store.
A scenic view shot from near the lake.
Hickory nuts, in their protective outer shell, litter the picnic grounds.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Very pretty place—Chris loves cliffs like this so I know he would love to hike around this place. The water color is an indication, isn’t it, of the health? Having several biologists in my family–all 3 of them who work in the fish side of biology make me aware of the decline of our waterways. It is sad and we do need to be aware of it and do all we can to get our waters back in better shape.
I would certainly agree that the appearance of the water is a strong indication of the lake’s health. And this is so close to Lake Michigan, I think even in that Great Lake watershed. I hope something can be done to improve the quality of Lake Winnebago and all the other lakes and rivers out there that have declined. Many of the lakes around Faribault are also green and “yucky,” for lack of a better word.
Yucky describes it well. 🙂
Pesticides, herbicide and fertilizers are so detrimental to our environment. These franken-crops that are being engineered only increase the demands for these poisons. This greatly saddens me. Quicker – faster – better – more – get things done – now. This world needs a huge expectations adjustment. I am not sure why the US feels it has to feed the world. We are going to pay a huge price for this notion at some point I am afraid.
In the nearly four decades since I left the farm, farming practices have changed significantly. Growing up, my siblings and I would walk the bean fields pulling and hoeing weeds. Now chemicals do the job. Yes, this concerns me, this overuse of chemicals on fields, yards and elsewhere.
You are correct that at some point we will pay a huge price for our current practices. It seems we already are in many ways.
Monsanto…Corporate greed and control. Hungry people and the huge worldwide population explosion. Soon this country will not be able to sustain itself either with the huge number of people entering and gaining citizenship. Over farming in large ag states like Iowa and CA.. Our cities are overcrowded and urban sprawl is eating up farm land. Crime is escalating. The haves. And the have nots with nothing to lose. I don’t have the answers…but I fear for the future of our children and children’s children.
Do we let people go hungry? Can we turn a blind eye? Pretend a deaf ear? Starvation is horrible. Soon water will be controlled and doled out if things continue the way they are. Those who can pay will eat and drink and those who can’t will try to take it. Soylent Green? Scarey thought.
Mother Nature is rearing her angry head…the bees are disappearing…everday something else is driven into extinction and lost. Our waterways and oceans are at serious risk. Some already polluted beyond repair. Disease requires stronger drugs…..can the biologists fix government? I wish.
Lots of food for thought, Mere.
Your concluding statement is so revealing and insightful.
Readers, feel free to share your thoughts as Mere did here. Discussion is always interesting, no matter your opinion. We can all learn from one another in an open exchange of ideas/insights/observations.
Good morning Audrey!
I love all the trees! That is one thing I truly miss, besides the ocean out here in farm country! Fall is so beautiful in heavily treed areas! I see my Autumn Blaze in your photos! Mine are turning a beautiful red right now! The other trees are turning a lovely yellow! Makes me feel at home!
Interesting lake! Imagine how it must have been 300 years ago! I’ll bet there were delicious fresh water clams! And all kinds of delectable fish!
Now I wouldn’t eat anything from many of the lakes and bays. So sad.
This will make you laugh…
When I first moved out here to North Dakota, I went hiking through the shelter belts and came across the most interesting nuts. I had never seen this kind of nut before…so I picked them up and put a nice amount of them in my pockets and brought them home!
I showed my find to my father-in-law and he got the most amused look on his face! He said that those nuts were not nuts, but deer skat! I said…”What is deer skat?” He laughed and told me what deer skat was!
Eeeeeewwwww!!!!! I look at nuts a whole differently now when out on my walks! LOL
Thank you for more interesting information and photos! Sets me off in a new direction!!!
Have a great day! (((hugs))) Mere 😀
That deer scat story is hilarious. Simply laugh out loud funny. Thank you for making me laugh this morning.
You’re lucky that the lake didn’t stink from all the blue-green algae. We have that issue here TERRIBLY every late summer and until the freeze. It’s hideous. And stinky. And ugly. There are many different views as to what should be done about it. Hopefully something will be figured out. It is the scourge of shallow prairie lakes. And yes, it’s due to run-off from grass cutting, chemicals, etc. So not good.
You’re right. At least Lake Winnebago did not stink. Maybe it would have had the wind not been whipping the water into churning waves.
Many of the lakes in our area are equally as unpleasant. And they are not all shallow. Just sad and horrible. And, like you, I wish something could be done.
Oh! Scat! Alias deer droppings! LOL My hubby says I am the funniest gal he ever met! LOL If it can happen…it happens to you, he says! 😉 I am glad he finds my faux pas entertaining! 😀
My husband, too, is often heard to say something like “Only you, Audrey.” I think I give Randy more than his share of laughs also. Nice to know our husbands appreciate us, huh?
For sure! We are lucky gals eh? 😉
Ja, for sure, ya betcha. (Spoken as most perceive Minnesotans speak.)
I laughed so hard!!! And everyone thinks that the movie FARGO was filmed in ND! 😉 Uffda!!! It was actually down the rooooooad! And on the other side of the Red! 😀
Yah, sure…and we can’t make it through a phone conversation without mentioning the weather tooooo! After all, I live in Nor’Dakoda!
And we used to say that our cold weather kept out the riff raff! Not so anymore!
Yes, our neighboring states are alike in many ways.
Have you read the book How Fargo of You? I received an email from the author last week. He’s written a follow-up, Close Encounters of the Fargo Kind and inquired about using some of my Fargo area images on his website promoting his new book. We struck a deal.
No! I haven’t!!! Congratulations Audrey! That’s wonderful!!!! Will look for it at B&N! Keep me posted okay? (((hugs))) 😀
It’s just images on a website. And now I see that my photo is not on the website anymore. Not sure what is going on. My photos are NOT in the book. Just to be clear.
Hmmmmm….wonder what happend to them? How disappointing! Still, you were asked an that is a big thing! I think so!
Oh, the pix may pop up yet. I’ve sold my images other places, too, to media agencies, charities, private businesses, individuals, etc., across the country and world. Yes, my photos are for sale and I’m always open to striking a purchase agreement with anyone interested.
I am truly impressed Audrey! Great people come out of rural areas! Not everyone was meant to farm. But we sure do raise great kids!!! I know that your family is very proud of you! I know I am! 🙂
Thank you, Mere. I agree that rural areas produce some great people with plenty of talent. For me, my rural upbringing really helped me notice details. And that is so important in my writing and photography.
You are so sweet.
What a Great Place to Explore – Loving Your Captures – thanks for sharing the beauty and colors:)
Yes, great except for the blue-green Lake Winnebago.
Okey dokey! Time to get back to work! That was fun! 😀 LOL
Alright then. Me, too, back to work.
Great follow-up title too! Hit the nail right on the head! 😉
Yes, I think both of these books by Marc de Celle would be interesting and entertaining.
Will check them out. I am a reader and Kevin says that I will read anything and everything! Which is true…even the backs of shampoo bottles! Seed catalogs are like novels to me too! LOL Will take a look! 🙂 Winter is my reading time. Getting an ipad for Christmas!!! Woo hoo!!! I know…everyone has one…but I will too soon! 😀
Oh, not everyone has an ipad or is it Ipad or maybe iPAD? Whatever. I don’t have one.
It will be a great tool for the business and I love to read and can purchase and read books on it. Our kids all have ipads, kindles or nooks! We are slow in coming up to snuff! LOL
Yes, it will be a great business tool. Our kids are light years ahead of us, too, in technology, especially the computer engineering son.
Quite frankly… I think he is tired of all the paper books I store and he wants to black bag them!!! Yikes! I do have my keepers!
Back to my pumpkins or my better half will think I have been up to no good! 🙂
You can NEVER have too many books, although I am not necessarily a buyer of books as much as a borrower of them from the public library. Now my 19-year-old, he buys books, but always at bargain prices. He went to a used book sale two years ago and bought like 25 books. The shelves in his now vacated room (he’s the one attending Tufts) are stacked high with his books. Sci-fi and fantasy. Nothing I like to read. But that’s OK. We all have different tastes. And I think being a good reader, and enjoying reading, are keys to learning.
Now, out to the pumpkin patch with you.
Reading is the key to everything!!!! Knowledge and adventure! If I can’t travel anymore I can still be a chairside adventurer! The worst thing that could happen to me would be to go blind or lose my hearing as I also love music. If I can’t travel anymore I can still be a chairside adventurer! I like you! I could hang out here longer, but the siren of the pumpkin patch is calling!!! LOL Ta ta!
It’s interesting that you should comment on hearing loss, because I lost 70 percent of the hearing in my right ear, poof, just like that, several years ago. It was a case of “sudden sensory hearing loss,” reason undetermined, but could have been caused by a virus, so said the medical experts I saw. I can pinpoint precisely the moment I lost my hearing. A hearing loss like this makes a major impact on one’s life. I no longer enjoy social situations as much as I once did because I can’t hear. I am forever positioning my good ear toward whomever I am speaking to or I won’t hear what they are saying. With only 30 percent hearing in my right ear, I cannot decipher speech with that ear. It is frustrating and bothersome and oftentimes challenging. A hearing aid will not help with this type of hearing loss. So I forge on and pray that I never lose the hearing in my other ear.
Oh Audrey! I didn’t know! I am so sorry. It must be difficult for you…
I have recently started to have some ringing in my ears when my sinuses are bothering me. I use Ocean spray and that helps as I hate meds…
Will use Flonase spray if I can’t tolerate it sometimes. I pray that you don’t have any further hearing loss. That would be so sad.
But you can see!!!!!! As they say here…it could be worse! But when you are in the thick of it…not so much.
Now I am cooling the squash and making baked mac and cheese with some nice Italian sausage!!! I like to use a few cheeses and cut up tomatoes to make it interesting! And a crumb topping! Mmmm…for Kevin not me. He will be so happy when he comes in later.
Nice comfort food on a cold miserable day! 🙂 Ttyl!
Just keep a close watch on your hearing issues. And, yes, it could be worse.
Homemade mac and cheese sounds great. I recently made some with pumpkin in the recipe. Loved it.
Ooohhh! That sounds delicious! I saw a recipe with pumpkin as a sauce and I socked that one away for future use! Mmmm….yum! 😀
I even tossed some left-over pumpkin into chili last week. And, yes, the pumpkin laced mac and cheese was tasty.
Yes! I saw this recipe somewhere…I saved it! Sounded tasty to me, as I really like pumpkin! 😉
Ooops! I am repeating myself! LOL Trying to take out seeds and talk too! So much for multi- tasking!
You captured some beautiful colors Audrey! It really is bizarre the color of that lake, kinda scary isnt it.
Yes, the state of Lake Winnebago scares me, especially when I think of it as drinking water, even if treated.