Oconomowoc River Conservancy Park - Merton, WI
The town of Merton is home to Oconomowoc River Conservancy Park, a 25-acre natural park managed by Tall Pines Conservancy. We picked a mild spring Sunday to hike the park, and were rewarded with a zenful experience.
There are several trail options: a healing/nature trail that crosses through prairie, woodland and marsh; a mowed/gravel trail, a labyrinth trail, as well as connections with the Ice Age Trail, and an overlook trail. Since we visited in early spring, the prairie was wide open space under a big blue sky. We will have to return in summer to experience the beauty of walking the flowering native prairie trails.
The labyrinth trail welcomes you in for a meditative walk among strategically placed rocks and stones. It's a chance to put the phone away, and quietly walk it's paces, letting your mind clear, your body relax, your breath calm. A walk through the different patches of woodlands reveals more Healing Trail. More opportunity for quiet contemplation among rocks and tangles of tree stumps and branches. We wanted to take the trail down to the river, but somehow missed it. More to explore come summertime.
Atop the peak of a hilly climb is an observation deck with a stunning view of the surrounding terrain. In the distance, you can see over the tops of the trees to spy the Oconomowoc River flowing by. The main part of the climb up the hill through the woodlands, from the parking lot, is a gradual incline. The final trek to the observation deck climbs upward on a long flight of stairs. Easy for some, but for me and my new-ish knee, a walking stick came in handy. The overlook is definitely worth the effort!
The main activities supported at the park include walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Some future projects include a bird observation deck, butterfly/pollinator garden, and an outdoor amphitheater/classroom.
A small parking lot is available.
There are no restrooms on-site.
Location: W307 N8280 Laskin Road, Merton, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
There are several trail options: a healing/nature trail that crosses through prairie, woodland and marsh; a mowed/gravel trail, a labyrinth trail, as well as connections with the Ice Age Trail, and an overlook trail. Since we visited in early spring, the prairie was wide open space under a big blue sky. We will have to return in summer to experience the beauty of walking the flowering native prairie trails.
The labyrinth trail welcomes you in for a meditative walk among strategically placed rocks and stones. It's a chance to put the phone away, and quietly walk it's paces, letting your mind clear, your body relax, your breath calm. A walk through the different patches of woodlands reveals more Healing Trail. More opportunity for quiet contemplation among rocks and tangles of tree stumps and branches. We wanted to take the trail down to the river, but somehow missed it. More to explore come summertime.
Atop the peak of a hilly climb is an observation deck with a stunning view of the surrounding terrain. In the distance, you can see over the tops of the trees to spy the Oconomowoc River flowing by. The main part of the climb up the hill through the woodlands, from the parking lot, is a gradual incline. The final trek to the observation deck climbs upward on a long flight of stairs. Easy for some, but for me and my new-ish knee, a walking stick came in handy. The overlook is definitely worth the effort!
The main activities supported at the park include walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Some future projects include a bird observation deck, butterfly/pollinator garden, and an outdoor amphitheater/classroom.
A small parking lot is available.
There are no restrooms on-site.
Location: W307 N8280 Laskin Road, Merton, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
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