We are lucky in this part of the state to have access to lots of great parks and recreation areas close and inexpensive or free.
One weekend recently we took a hike at Hoffman Hills. There is an observation tower at the top of the hill from which, I’ve heard, you can see for miles. I haven’t been to the top yet. I took the kids there his summer to look for plants, birds and trees of interest. At the time here was some logging going on so we couldn’t get to the top. A few weekends ago we went back to explore the fall colors. We didn’t make it to the top this time either because by the time we got there it was after 11:00 and we had brought no food or water – not realizing it was a 2-mile hike each way.
So we didn’t make it to the observation tower again. But, when we do, the kids will be really excited. James wants to play prince and princess up in the tower. Natalie is excited to see all of the land of her kingdom. And Liberty, well, she just likes going outside – and climbing steps.
Even though we didn’t get to the tower, the kids enjoyed the fall foliage, exclaiming how the trees were “pink, just like in The Lorax.”
And we we able to learn about ten different types of trees that grow in a hardwood forest. When we would approach a plaque describing a new tree, James and Natalie would rush the sign, jump up and down and yell, “Read it, read it!”
And, if nothing else, the fall colors are a gorgeous and Wisconsin-feeling backdrop for photographs.
Beautiful pictures and I like that the kids are excited to get to the top of the tower.