Delavan Memorial Arboretum - Delavan, WI
The Delavan Memorial Arboretum is just over 30 acres of trees, memorials, and walking trails along Lake Comus in Delavan. The Arboretum includes the Paul Lange Arboretum, and Ora Rice Arboretum, along with the Ben Dibble Trail. The land for the arboretum was donated by Ben and Doris Dibble in 1962. Local residents, Paul Lange and Gordon Yadon were instrumental in the creation of the arboretum. The Ora Rice Arboretum is named for Ora Ray Rice, a former alderman and mayor of Delavan, who eventually served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1937 to 1960.
Over time, the nature trail was established by the Delavan/Darien Future Farmers of America, and has been maintained by the city since then. In 1973 the city planted 43 different types of wildflowers along the path, adding to its beauty as a botanical refuge.
I recently visited the arboretum on a cold, gray, January day. No snow on the ground to speak of, no sunshine either. But there was some color in the evergreen trees in the landscape. The walking trail that follows the perimeter of the arboretum is easy going, with several park benches for sitting, and reflecting. The park has a wide array of memorial stones and plaques, local residents, loved ones. Some in front of trees, some dotting the rest of the grounds. A gazebo with a bench near the center of the Paul Lange Arboretum invites rest and contemplation.
It's a tranquil bit of nature along Lake Comus, and it's easy to see why one would wish their ashes to be laid to rest here, in the shade of a beautiful tree. From the shores along Lake Comus, you can view a more traditional historic cemetery across the way and up a hill, Spring Grove Cemetery. It's a lovely cemetery, and it borders the natural beauty of the Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy.
There is a boat launch onto the lake at the parking lot to the Arboretum. Fishing is permitted along the shore as well.
Hours: Grounds open daily from 7 am to 9 pm
Location: 515 N. Terrace Street, Delavan, WI (Walworth County)
For more information, click here.
Over time, the nature trail was established by the Delavan/Darien Future Farmers of America, and has been maintained by the city since then. In 1973 the city planted 43 different types of wildflowers along the path, adding to its beauty as a botanical refuge.
I recently visited the arboretum on a cold, gray, January day. No snow on the ground to speak of, no sunshine either. But there was some color in the evergreen trees in the landscape. The walking trail that follows the perimeter of the arboretum is easy going, with several park benches for sitting, and reflecting. The park has a wide array of memorial stones and plaques, local residents, loved ones. Some in front of trees, some dotting the rest of the grounds. A gazebo with a bench near the center of the Paul Lange Arboretum invites rest and contemplation.
It's a tranquil bit of nature along Lake Comus, and it's easy to see why one would wish their ashes to be laid to rest here, in the shade of a beautiful tree. From the shores along Lake Comus, you can view a more traditional historic cemetery across the way and up a hill, Spring Grove Cemetery. It's a lovely cemetery, and it borders the natural beauty of the Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy.
There is a boat launch onto the lake at the parking lot to the Arboretum. Fishing is permitted along the shore as well.
Hours: Grounds open daily from 7 am to 9 pm
Location: 515 N. Terrace Street, Delavan, WI (Walworth County)
For more information, click here.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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