Hildebrand Nature Conservancy - Village Of Fontana-On-Geneva Lake
I was nearby, checking out the World's Tallest Glass Christmas Tree at Yerkes Observatory. Daylight was fading fast. But I wanted to try and fit in a stop at one of the local nature preserves. A quick look at the map and I spotted a marker for Hildebrand Nature Conservancy. It was just a few minutes from the observatory, so I headed over to check it out.
Located in the cozy downtown area, across from The Abbey Resort, Hildebrand is an 11.5 acre nature preserve owned by the Village of Fontana, and protected by a conservation easement held by the Geneva Lake Conservancy. A short, but meandering, walking trail will take you from the Mill Street entrance, along Van Slyke Creek, over multiple small wooden bridges, and up a hill to the Mill House Pavilion at the West Main Street entrance.
Presently, there is evidence of recent work on the landscape to prevent some flooding issues. Van Slyke Creek, a clear trout stream, feeds into Geneva Lake. The woodland area includes oaks, and a mix of other hardwoods. I expect they are beautiful leafed out in spring, summer and fall. Bat boxes are mounted on several trees along the creek. Along the walking trail is a side trail that leads to the Mill House Native Plant Preserve, a bird sanctuary, and the home office of the Geneva Lake Conservancy. Locations I intend to visit another time, when darkness isn't falling.
Just across the road from the preserve is a local coffee shop - Coffee Mill. A cozy spot to stop in for something warm after a brisk walk through the conservancy. Or, if mood strikes, grab a coffee first, pick a spot on one of the benches at the entrance, and enjoy the view and infuse a few moments of peace into your day. Since I was there as the light was fading, I can attest, the sunset view from this spot is lovely.
Update: A visit in the heart of summer finds the preserve lushly green, with wildflowers blooming, songbirds singing, and the views along the easy walking trail incredibly scenic. I'm anticipating it will be just as lovely in the fall.
Hours: Open Daily, 24 hours
Fees: None
Parking: street parking spots located on Mill Street
Location: Mill St. (just south of Main St.), Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI (Walworth County)
For more details, click here.
Located in the cozy downtown area, across from The Abbey Resort, Hildebrand is an 11.5 acre nature preserve owned by the Village of Fontana, and protected by a conservation easement held by the Geneva Lake Conservancy. A short, but meandering, walking trail will take you from the Mill Street entrance, along Van Slyke Creek, over multiple small wooden bridges, and up a hill to the Mill House Pavilion at the West Main Street entrance.
Presently, there is evidence of recent work on the landscape to prevent some flooding issues. Van Slyke Creek, a clear trout stream, feeds into Geneva Lake. The woodland area includes oaks, and a mix of other hardwoods. I expect they are beautiful leafed out in spring, summer and fall. Bat boxes are mounted on several trees along the creek. Along the walking trail is a side trail that leads to the Mill House Native Plant Preserve, a bird sanctuary, and the home office of the Geneva Lake Conservancy. Locations I intend to visit another time, when darkness isn't falling.
Just across the road from the preserve is a local coffee shop - Coffee Mill. A cozy spot to stop in for something warm after a brisk walk through the conservancy. Or, if mood strikes, grab a coffee first, pick a spot on one of the benches at the entrance, and enjoy the view and infuse a few moments of peace into your day. Since I was there as the light was fading, I can attest, the sunset view from this spot is lovely.
Update: A visit in the heart of summer finds the preserve lushly green, with wildflowers blooming, songbirds singing, and the views along the easy walking trail incredibly scenic. I'm anticipating it will be just as lovely in the fall.
Hours: Open Daily, 24 hours
Fees: None
Parking: street parking spots located on Mill Street
Location: Mill St. (just south of Main St.), Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI (Walworth County)
For more details, click here.
HILDEBRAND IN SUMMER
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Coffee Mill - Village of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake
I stopped in at Coffee Mill after a walk through Hildebrand Nature Conservancy, just across Mill Street. On a brisk January day, a hot brewed beverage was just what I needed. I splurged and bought a tasty chocolate chip cookie as well. The atmosphere in the Coffee Mill is charming. Perfect for a quick stop, or to linger a bit, with a friend, a laptop, or a good book. The staff was welcoming, and the aesthetics charming and cozy. They have a nice outdoor patio for warmer seasons as well. If you're in the area, or you'll be visiting one of the nearby nature preserves, or the Yerkes Observatory, treat yourself and stop by the Coffee Mill. Location: 441 Mill Street, Fontana, WI Hours: Monday-Friday 6am - 5pm Saturday: 7am - 5pm, Sunday: 8am - 3pm |
Coffee Mill, in Fontana. A cozy spot for coffee, tea, and tasty treats.
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All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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