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Fun Facts & Points of Interest

Outdoor recreation is getting even sweeter this year due to the efforts of local water enthusiasts who have taken on a project to officially mark off a canoe and kayak trail on the Sugar River. Sixteen landing stations will be designated starting in Harrison, Illinois (where the Sugar River meets up with the Pecatonica River) and continuing north through all of Green County to the community of Belleville, Wisconsin. Small wooden kiosks will be set to mark the landings. Each includes a map with a “you are here” location, estimated paddling time to the next landing, and information on the wildlife sharing the river corridor. The trail is divided into three separate segments; each with

corresponding QR code (scan with your smart phone) taking paddlers directly to a custom Google map with details on paddling conditions plus visitor tips. For example, the northern segment includes Exeter Park Landing, featuring picnic facilities and a playground for kids on site; and the southern segment includes Head Gates Park with

restroom facilities and picnic areas, as well as a connection to various amenities in Brodhead. The waterway trail project was led by John Winters of the Decatur Lakes Mill Race Association and involved collaboration with Ron Phillips (owner of Brodhead Signs) and a donation of materials by Ordfordville Lumber.

100+ acres of parkland in the area = outstanding options for outdoor recreation with fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and biking for your enjoyment. The Sugar River Trail begins in downtown Brodhead and a short ride north will take you to the Clarence Covered Bridge. Exchange Square in downtown Brodhead is the backdrop for events like Autumnfest in October, and the nearby Veteran’s Park sets the stage for a Sunday Twilight in the Park concert series in summer. The Wildflower Art Festival (held during the city’s annual Covered Bridge Days in August) draws juried artists displaying original works in jewelry, stained glass, fiber, wood, photography, paintings, ceramics and more. Brodhead’s Fire and Ice Festival continues to grow in popularity – with signature events on the schedule for the weekend including chainsaw ice carving and a lighted holiday parade. Brodhead visitors will notice murals popping up around town.

The latest one reflects the local airport and the city’s connection to the “golden age of aviation.” (See related article on page 28.) Reminisce: the Brodhead Historical Society offers an excellent, searchable online

and fresh pie from Country Lane Bakery. Throughout the community you will see areas of native wildflower plantings which serve the dual purpose of adding beauty along with providing habitat for butterflies and birds.

archive of photographs and other materials. Visit brodheadhistory.org. Explore: a restored caboose and locomotive on the grounds of the Depot Museum. The museum itself showcases local history and railroad memorabilia. An expansion and renovation which began in November 2017 is expected to be ready for visitors in time for their annual Memorial Day opening. Taste: squeaky-fresh cheese curds at Decatur Dairy, sweet and juicy apples at Ten Eyck Orchard,

SUGAR RIVER CANOE & KAYAK TRAIL

Bakery

Pies, donuts and cream sticks, cookies, cinnamon rolls, bread, jams and jellies. Bakery Open: Fri & Sat 8 AM - 6 PM Brodhead Harnesses *Home cooked Amish dinners for larger groups - by reservation. New and Used Harnesses & Repair Mon - Sat 8 AM - 6 PM

Map Key page 61.

1602 Scotch Hill Road Brodhead, WI 53520 608.897.3820

When Brodhead residents refer to “the race” they’re not talking about a 5K. The Mill Race, originally created to power a water wheel at the grist mill, is a man-made tributary which flows from the Sugar River and later rejoins it. The divergence of the race from the river formed an island between – creating the idea for the Pearl Island Recreational Corridor. Hike, bike, bird watch, canoe, kayak, fish and even stand-up paddle board…Pearl Island is Brodhead’s outdoor recreation gem. Thank you to the dedicated group of volunteers for their continued hard work on the project.

Exceptional Apples

Our Family Farm Since 1839 Ten Eyck Orchard 2 miles west of Brodhead 10 miles east of Monroe Hwy. 11 & 81, Brodhead Open end of August through mid-November 608.897.4014 teneyckorchard.com

PEARL ISLAND RECREATIONAL CORRIDOR