Riverside Park - Watertown, WI
The history of Riverside Park reaches back to its establishment in 1910. The 29-acre park was developed from an island along the Rock River, which was connected to the mainland via a rustic bridge. Even in its early days, the park became a hub for local events, social and otherwise. As time passed, additions to the park were made - Concession stands, a bandshell, a bathing beach, a bathhouse, and restrooms. Many of these buildings still stand today.
Tall and majestic willow trees frame the island, their branches reaching out over river banks. Evergreens, Oaks, Maples, and Dogwoods, too. Park benches are scattered throughout, providing respite and scenic views for rest and contemplation. A sign near the crossing bridge details rules for feeding the ducks and geese that frequent the park, and fishing rules, too.
There's a popular children's playground, called Chamberland. Originally built in 1996, by a community of over 2500 volunteers, the playground was recently updated in 2015 with some general repairs, and wheelchair accessibility; along with an accessible swing for children with disabilities. The entire playground has a castle motif, which harkens back to the original children's playground at the park. One of the earliest structures in the children's original playground was a stone turret, with a large bird house on the top. The bird house no longer remains, but the stone building does. It adds a bit of character to the landscape, and it's fun to look inside.
There are several rentable shelters throughout the park, including a handsome gazebo that is a popular wedding ceremony spot. Other amenities include tennis courts, baseball fields, a horseshoe court, aquatic center, volleyball, basketball, fishing, and plenty of picnic benches. A crushed gravel walk surrounds the park, though it was covered in snow when we visited.
The park holds special events throughout the year, in particular, the annual RiverFest, which is a large, free admission festival including food, music, an art fair, a car show, and more. It's also the site of the popular Watertown Farmer's Market, which opens the first Tuesday in May, and runs through October. In recent years, a Fall Festival has also been hosted at the park.
With so many offerings, it's one of Watertown's premier parks. Although it was quiet on the snowy winter day we visited, I've no doubt that as the weather turns towards spring, it will host many outdoor enthusiasts. I expect one of them will be me.
Hours: Daily, 6am - 11pm
Parking: Multiple parking lots available
Rentals: Multiple shelters and a gazebo available for rental
Location: 812 Labaree Street, Watertown, WI (Dodge County)
For more information click here and here.
Tall and majestic willow trees frame the island, their branches reaching out over river banks. Evergreens, Oaks, Maples, and Dogwoods, too. Park benches are scattered throughout, providing respite and scenic views for rest and contemplation. A sign near the crossing bridge details rules for feeding the ducks and geese that frequent the park, and fishing rules, too.
There's a popular children's playground, called Chamberland. Originally built in 1996, by a community of over 2500 volunteers, the playground was recently updated in 2015 with some general repairs, and wheelchair accessibility; along with an accessible swing for children with disabilities. The entire playground has a castle motif, which harkens back to the original children's playground at the park. One of the earliest structures in the children's original playground was a stone turret, with a large bird house on the top. The bird house no longer remains, but the stone building does. It adds a bit of character to the landscape, and it's fun to look inside.
There are several rentable shelters throughout the park, including a handsome gazebo that is a popular wedding ceremony spot. Other amenities include tennis courts, baseball fields, a horseshoe court, aquatic center, volleyball, basketball, fishing, and plenty of picnic benches. A crushed gravel walk surrounds the park, though it was covered in snow when we visited.
The park holds special events throughout the year, in particular, the annual RiverFest, which is a large, free admission festival including food, music, an art fair, a car show, and more. It's also the site of the popular Watertown Farmer's Market, which opens the first Tuesday in May, and runs through October. In recent years, a Fall Festival has also been hosted at the park.
With so many offerings, it's one of Watertown's premier parks. Although it was quiet on the snowy winter day we visited, I've no doubt that as the weather turns towards spring, it will host many outdoor enthusiasts. I expect one of them will be me.
Hours: Daily, 6am - 11pm
Parking: Multiple parking lots available
Rentals: Multiple shelters and a gazebo available for rental
Location: 812 Labaree Street, Watertown, WI (Dodge County)
For more information click here and here.
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Literatus & Co. Books...and More
After walking through Riverside Park in the snow and cold, we decided to check out local independent book store Literatus & Co. Books...and More. Not only do they have a wide selection of new and used books, the atmosphere in the historic downtown shop is comfy-cozy; and the coffee, teas, and bakery are delicious. Location: 401 E. Main Street Watertown, WI 53094 Hours: Mon-Sat 7am - 7pm Sundays: 8am - 4pm |
Mr. Bear will greet you with great book recommendations.
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What you'll find at Literatus & Co.: A great selection of new and used books, plus great coffees and teas.
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All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2023 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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