Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest
Lapham Peak | |
---|---|
Location | Wisconsin |
Nearest city | Delafield |
Coordinates | 43°2′26″N 88°24′1″W / 43.04056°N 88.40028°W |
Elevation | 1,233 feet (376 m) |
Established | 1851 |
Founder | Charles Hanson |
Hiking trails | 5-mile (8.0 km) multi-use trails |
Lapham Peak is a Wisconsin state park located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It is just south of Delafield and seven miles (11 km) west of Waukesha. The park entrance is two miles (3 km) north of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
Activities
The park includes three picnic areas,
Hausmann Nature Center
In 1984, Bernice and Dr. Paul Haussmann donated their 8700-square-foot home to the state of Wisconsin to be converted into a nature center that would promote environmental education.[3][4] The three-story 1960s building features a "rustic contemporary design" with elements of fieldstone, glass, and wood.[4] Madison-area architect Mark Alan Kraft created the final blueprint for the rehabilitation from private residence into nature center.[4] The center opened in June 2012.[4]
The nature center is open two weekends a month to showcase displays and host programming; the center is staffed by volunteers.[5] It is also available to rent for private events.[1]
Lapham Peak
The park takes its name from a hill found within its borders. Lapham Peak has an elevation of 1,233 feet (376 m) above sea level, and is the highest point in
History
The Lapham Peak area was formed 10,000 years ago by a glacier that covered much of Wisconsin (see Wisconsin glaciation). Examples of moraines, eskers and kettles can be found in the park. The peak itself is a moulin kame.
The land was developed in 1851 by Charles Hanson as a tourist attraction. He built a 20-foot (6.1 m) tower on top of the hill and charged visitors to picnic and climb the tower. Originally known as Stoney Hill,[6] the hill was later named Government Hill,[6] after the government teams that used it for surveying.
In 1870, the
The state of Wisconsin purchased the land in 1907 for a
References
- ^ a b c "Lapham Peak – Friends of Lapham Peak Unit – Kettle Moraine State Forest". Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "Home". SummerStage of Delafield. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ "Hausmann Nature Center | Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit | Wisconsin DNR". dnr.wisconsin.gov. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ a b c d Barber, Keith (2012-07-24). "Hausmann Nature Center reaches its peak". Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ Boudreaux, Phillip (2023-09-01). "Hausmann Nature Center promotes environmental education". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ^ a b Barquist, Barbara; Barquist, David (1987). "The Beginning". In Haley, Leroy (ed.). The Summit of Oconomowoc: 150 Years of Summit Town. Summit History Group. p. 9.