aztalan state park

bglassel

This is not a real destination state park, but I would suggest it for show shoeing. Typically there are some trails blazed and nice path along the river. Very peaceful location. You will need to have a state park sticker or pay the daily fee.

robcurtross

Aztalan is the site of an ancient Mississippian culture settlement that flourished during the 10th to 13th centuries. The indigenous people constructed massive earthwork mounds for religious and political purposes. The greatest of these is further south on the Mississippi near St. Louis.But settlements are found throughout the Mid-West, and Aztalan is one of the most interesting of the smaller sites.My mother used to take her school kids here, and the trips were always a success. I've visited a dozen times over the years, and every time there is something new to look at or learn.

laartistamiriam

Nice place to learn about early native American mound builders of Wisconsin. Informational signs around the park. Took us about 1 1/2 hour to walk the paths. Park was very empty so we saw lots of wildlife, including cranes. Would be beautiful for picknicking as it is along the river.The mounds here had a variety of uses, including burial mounds. To answer a previous comment, there is no sledding on the mounds because it is disrespectful as these mounds were and still are considered sacred places by Native communities and many are grave sites.

RonJmn

We saw the sign for the park and stopped in the parking lot to figure it out. Very interesting history that has a connection to the legend of nearby Lake Mills and its' pyramids.I had never heard of an indian tribe that built a stockade before and also the mounds in the stockade area.Go see and satisfy your curiosity.

2inl

Snow shoeing, cross country skiing, walking the woods and trails. It's a beautiful place. We go there every season.

WhereBenhasbeen

If you are interested in the Mississippian culture, this is a good place to visit. It is the site of a village occupied between 900 AD and 1200AD, and it continues to hold secrets of that lost civilization. You are on your own to read the signs describing the locale, or walking the site; but there are a couple of interesting ways to learn more about it in the far parking lot near the bathroom facilities and picnic area. A wheel you turn by hand generates a narrator who will give you interesting facts about the discovery, study, and development of this group of mounds as well as what has been discovered through ongoing archaeology there. In an easy-to-miss brown box next to that far parking lot (and pathway toward the mounds) is a printed pamphlet which offers a site by site description of the park and 7 specific areas there.You can use this pamphlet and map to guide you as you explore.The day we were there, no one was on the grounds and you were honor-bound to purchase a park pass at the entrance. Your visit to this park is only as good as you make it. You might have to do a little reading and walking to make your visit worthwhile.

m240g

I grew up sledding at Aztalan State Park. It was awesome, easily the best sledding hill ever. Now, there are signs and fences prohibiting sledding or other fun activities. I am really sad and disappointed about this, because I would love to take my kids there. No reasons are given at the site or online. It just seems like a little but of fun got crushed in the universe. Sledding has zero environmental impact, doesn't disrespect anyone, doesn't cost any money and has very little risk. Basically, it just seems like someone is enjoying a power trip. It takes a petty, despicable person to enjoy ruining children's fun over something trivial. I just want my kids to be able to enjoy the greatest sledding hill ever, like I did when I was growing up. Does anybody know any reasons, or know anybody that we can contact over this?

Ronaldt423

This park has a great history of the Mississippian People with its burial mounds and pyramid mound. There is also a number of old building and a museum just outside of the park. It is a great place to walk around and see the historical information exhibits.

MSUmindy

We were interested in finding our more about the mound building culture of Wisconsin. We were able to complete a walk through Aztalan in a couple of hours. We found it informative, with good supplemental I formation to help support understanding of what you are viewing. We were glad we took the time to walk through Aztalan.

janew128

If you're in the area, you must stop and see Aztalan State Park. It's a wonderful spot to picnic, right on the river, with the historic Indian Mounds to explore. There are several hiking trails (many new) that make it a worthwhile stop anytime of year.

UIAlums

This is a disappointment for anyone really interested in archaeology. I would not get off the Interstate to see this one. Instead exit earlier and visit Old World Wisconsin--an amazing site built of transferred historic buildings for the nation's bicentennial. The tours are terrific as is the restaurant.

lsjostrom

Okay to walk around in or lounge for a tan, but nothing you need to drive out of the way for. No beach, either.

19visittheworld77

Thought there would be alot more here but not a whole lot to see. Wish the park offered more information about the area. Just a quick stop wouldn't want to spend a lot of time here.

mona_sydd_yma

Rebuilt prehistorical site. If you go with a group, you may be able to get a ranger/guide, but it is just a neat place to walk around and wonder and imagine. Quiet and peaceful.

seanyy11

Um, ya. This is a little boring here. But, well there is a sign there that explains the park history. Really all there is to see are some mounds and wood sticking out of the ground, looks like an old fence. Go here once I suppose, only if you happen to be in Mills for Tyranena Brewery.