Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, WI

It is fair to say, Copper Falls is one of the more popular state parks in Wisconsin and for good reason! The falls are beautiful and big! There is a rich history here; many different Native American tribes, copper mining, and the CCC and WPA. There are nice hiking trails, two different campgrounds, and a beach. What's not to love? 

This Wisconsin gem is located just northeast of Mellen, WI. It might be a bit of a haul, but definitely worth the drive. Once you get to the area, there are endless hiking opportunities in the nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest; beaches, ATV routes, biking, camping, birding, etc. 

My favorite hike at Copper Falls is the Red Granite Falls hike. This is the one I frequent most because it is the only dog friendly hike in the park. This is a 2.5 mile trail that contains two different loops which is great because for the most part you are experiencing something new. This trail is less populated and not quite as popular as the Doughboys' Nature Trail which takes you around the big falls. 

Red Granite Falls hike begins near the parking lot at the beach by Loon Lake. It traverses up into the woods on crushed granite and soft mud/grass. There are small spurs coming off the main trail to allow hikers to get a better look at the falls. You can climb up on the rocks, watch the water gush through, feel the spray, or just take a breather. The trail continues up and down past small pond, large glacial erratics, and through the mixed hardwood forest. After a rain there are many different kinds of fungi that pop up among the various wildflowers. Keep a look out for butterflies and other beautifully winged insects. 

The Doughboys' Nature Trail is a 1.7 mile trail that offers scenic views of Copper Falls, Tyler Forks, the Bad River, and Brownstone Falls. This trail is more popular and also has educational signage discussing the unique geology of the area as well other nature and history facts. If you are good on your hike and bring a few dollars, you can visit the concession stand for the ride home or back to your campsite. I recommend the ice cream!

The North Country National Scenic Trail also runs through segments of Copper Falls, in case you feel like hiking a ways.

McMillan Marsh, Marshfield, WI

One of the first new places I have had a chance to explore, is the McMillan Marsh in Marshfield. I have had lots of time to explore this area and have been on the trail several times through the spring thus far. This is a nice easy trail to walk. It meanders throughout the protected marshlands just north of the city off of Mann Rd. It is also a designated bike route. The entire trail runs about 6 miles, however you can easily turn around at any point. 

This area is home to one of Wisconsin's endangered turtles, Blanding's Turtle. This link from the Wisconsin DNR describes them as extremely timid, which is why I do not have a picture to show you. I have seen many sunning themselves on logs in the marsh, however when I walk by with a noisy dog they immediately retreat into there shell or move into the water. It is also a Wisconsin DNR Wildlife Area noted for pheasant hunting, trapping, and other recreational activities. 

I would recommend this trail to anyone. It is easy walking, very scenic, and a great birding area (song and waterfowl). I have even seen a small weasel popping up holes and dancing around the trail. I did not have my camera out at that time either.

Beer, food, and more drinks!

I'll keep this one short and sweet, however I write about our dinner and drinks last night! We weren't completely set on a place to eat, so we drove downtown Denver and looked for something appealing. We still have the Rocketbox on top of the car and honestly forgot about it until we heard the scrape on in the parking garage. We found a spot right away so it only hit once on the way up and once on the way down. 

We walked around where the 16th St. Mall begins and settled on the Wynkoop Brewery. We later learned that this used to be owned by the current governor of Colorado (he's up for reelection so this may not be accurate by the time you read it). Nate and I studied the brews carefully and decided to split a flight called, The Koop. The flight consisted of their Railyard (amber), B3k (black lager), seasonal wheat beer, Patty's Chili Beer, and Uber (light lager). Nate also ordered London Calling IPA which was a cask conditioned beer. My fav was the Railyard. The chili beer is nothing like I have ever had before. It is made with Anaheim and ancho chilies and you could definitely smell them! It tasted good and I did like it, however I don't know if I could consume copious amount. My nose was left smelling of peppers and it was just weird that you couldn't taste them. 

The food was very good too! I had Turlu turlu and Nate had a reuben brat. 

After, we planned on walking around and found a little jazz trio at another restaurant. We had a few drinks, listened to the trio, watched some college ball, and called it a night. 

One of the lessons we have learned since moving out of Wisconsin is that drinks are made WAY differently. There were some issues with an old fashioned sour and I had the worst drink ever a few weeks ago when we all ordered bloody marys. The glass was rimmed in salt, the drink was garnished with a single stalk of celery, and the drink tasted like vodka and ketchup. I tried to spice it up with Tabasco and pepper, but it just didn't cut it. 

Enjoy your bloodies Wisco! I'd love one from Centraal right about now!