Aurelian Springs Village Park - Palmyra, WI
Aurelian Springs Village Park is named for a large historic natural spring in Palmyra - Aurelian Spring, which was also known as Blue Spring. The natural flowing was water crystal clear, and was known to have healing/therapeutic value. It drew visitors from all over for many years. Eventually, a dam was created downstream from the spring, helping to form Blue Spring Lake. Over several decades the area near the lake was developed as a residential community, with homes built surrounding the lake.
At first glance, when I arrived at this 42-acre park, it appeared quite small. Of course, the winter season, minus the melted snow, didn't add much to the immediate landscape. But as I walked around, I realized that from spring through fall it would be an especially scenic spot for a picnic, and a walk through the prairie garden. I could see mown trails weaving in and out of the native prairie. There's even a sign showing the native plants seeded here back in 2021. There is an open air shelter with picnic benches available for rental. A small restroom is available on-site, though it was not open on the day I was there.
Residing smack dab in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest area, this should be a great spot for some bird watching and wildlife viewing. Check out some recent eBird listings for reference. Walking the perimeter, you can see across the terrain, of what I expect is wetland.
There is an additional nearby hiking trail associated with the park. To get there you walk 900 feet to the right from the park entrance. Once there, at the intersection of Blue Spring Lake Drive and South Shore Drive, you will spot a short boardwalk just off the road and heading into the woods. There is no map of the trail. I walked maybe a quarter-mile or so in, and then turned back. It was a mix of intermittent boardwalk and dirt/mud trail. To the right of the trail are residential homes, spotted through the trees.
There are Ice Age Trail locations nearby, but I could not confirm that this trail connected with those. Bald Bluff Nature Trail is just a bit down the road on Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive.
Park Hours: Daily, 6am - 10pm daily
Parking: Parking lot on-site
Dogs are permitted in the park on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Location: 1121 N. Blue Spring Lake Dr., Palmyra, WI (Jefferson County)
For more information, click.
At first glance, when I arrived at this 42-acre park, it appeared quite small. Of course, the winter season, minus the melted snow, didn't add much to the immediate landscape. But as I walked around, I realized that from spring through fall it would be an especially scenic spot for a picnic, and a walk through the prairie garden. I could see mown trails weaving in and out of the native prairie. There's even a sign showing the native plants seeded here back in 2021. There is an open air shelter with picnic benches available for rental. A small restroom is available on-site, though it was not open on the day I was there.
Residing smack dab in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest area, this should be a great spot for some bird watching and wildlife viewing. Check out some recent eBird listings for reference. Walking the perimeter, you can see across the terrain, of what I expect is wetland.
There is an additional nearby hiking trail associated with the park. To get there you walk 900 feet to the right from the park entrance. Once there, at the intersection of Blue Spring Lake Drive and South Shore Drive, you will spot a short boardwalk just off the road and heading into the woods. There is no map of the trail. I walked maybe a quarter-mile or so in, and then turned back. It was a mix of intermittent boardwalk and dirt/mud trail. To the right of the trail are residential homes, spotted through the trees.
There are Ice Age Trail locations nearby, but I could not confirm that this trail connected with those. Bald Bluff Nature Trail is just a bit down the road on Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive.
Park Hours: Daily, 6am - 10pm daily
Parking: Parking lot on-site
Dogs are permitted in the park on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Location: 1121 N. Blue Spring Lake Dr., Palmyra, WI (Jefferson County)
For more information, click.
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