Complete Guide to Lizard Mound State Park
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In Farmington, a few miles north of West Bend in Washington County, you will encounter some of the best-preserved and mysterious effigies/mounds built by the Native Americans who resided in the region many years ago. The Lizard Mound State Park may not be large, but it is a very important historical site, tied to the Native Americans.
The park also offers great outdoor exploration opportunities, with amazing walking trails, great camping spaces, and wonderful nature (wildlife, birds, and trees) to explore. Here’s the complete guide on how you can explore the Lizard Mound State Park and nearby attractions whenever you find yourself in West Bend.
History of Lizard Mounds State Park
Lizard Mounds became a park in 1950. It was registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 after being recognized as one of the parks that still maintains a lot of Native American history in Wisconsin.
Originally, the park was known as the Hagner Indian Mounds State Park. Washington County acquired the park from the state in 1986. In 1996, archaeologists started working on the mounds and effigies to try to determine what mysteries were being held inside.
The journey to becoming a park started when concerned citizens wrote to newspaper editors and government officials asking them to try to prevent the destruction of the mounds inside the park. Over half of them had already been destroyed either through landfills or by human activity as people cleared the land for cultivation purposes.
Consequently, the Department of Natural Resources bought the land in 1948. After some restoration, the land was opened to the public as a preserved park in 1950. The park does not charge for visits, as long as you observe the set rules and regulations when you come here.
The Mounds in Lizard Mound State Park
The Lizard Mound State Park derives its name from one of the 28 mound effigies present in the park. Each of the effigies is shaped differently. Some mounds look like birds. Others look like panthers, and others have acquired more general shapes, such as cones.
As of today, you will find 1 oval, 10 linear/tapering linear, 1 lizard, 2 birds, 9 panthers/water-spirits, and 5 conical mounds inside the park. There is a lizard-shaped effigy at the Southern end of the park. This is the mound that gave the park its name.
The Lizard Mound is the most prominent, stretching several hundred feet long and several feet wide. No one is sure why they built a lizard-shaped mound (considering that Wisconsin isn’t known for lizards) but whoever discovered the park first thought that the effigy looked like a lizard, and the rest is history.
Historians believe that the inspiration for the shapes of the mounds in the park came from the interaction of the builders with the nature surrounding them. Other shapes may have been built from mythical creatures these Natives had (such as the pared effigy where two panthers have been connected head-to-head).
The natives seemed to live a nomadic yet centralized life. During the summer season, they created abodes close to rivers and lakes, and when the winter season came, they sought shelter in sheltered valleys and state parks.
The shape of some of the mounds in Lizard Park may be a reflection of what these natives saw during their travels as they sought food, or during the interactions they had with other communities. Originally, there were 60 mounds. Over the years, archeological and human interventions have reduced these effigies to the current 28.
The largest section of the park is sparsely populated and open, something that allows you to see these mounds easily, especially from the air. Each mound is well-marked with clear information about what it contains and why it is considered an important historical item.
Sometime back, the Park had installed Plexiglas panels so that visitors could get a glimpse of what was inside one of the mounds instead of having the artifacts removed to a museum. This was in 1960. Lee Parsons (of Milwaukee Public Museum) sought to find a mound that could be developed into an exhibit.
He found a burial mound, and he placed the glass display that allowed visitors to get a glimpse of the skeleton lying intact inside. The Plexiglas no longer exists after the site was vandalized in 1975, and the skeletal bones (including the head) were stolen. The bones were later recovered. It was argued that since the integrity of the site had been compromised, the mound would be closed and restored to the original pre-excavation form.
A walk through the park will take you close to every mound, some wooded areas, and past a meadow. There is an interesting and interactive map that shows you the mounds (and their characteristics) on a round table at the entrance of the park.
You can press a button and take a minute or two as you listen to an audio explanation of why these mounds were important to the natives in the region and why it is important to us that this historical find remains preserved and protected.
The Native Americans in Lizard Mound State Park
The archaeological action on the mounds in Lizard Mound State Park led to the discovery of interesting items. These mounds are believed to have been built by prehistoric Indians (predominantly the Potawatomi and Menominee tribes- although no evidence points to this) who lived in central and Southern Wisconsin (and other nearby States) about 800-1500 years ago.
Some of the mounds contained human remains, while others contained the remains of dogs and other animals. Other mounds contained artifacts and tools (such as pottery, tools, and weapons) that shed light on the kind of life the Native Americans lived. While visiting here, ensure you hold the utmost respect for the land because it still holds a lot of significance for the Native American ancestor who still lives within the region.
There is a lot of connection and similarity between these mounds and others in other parts of Wisconsin. For instance, the mounds in Aztalan Mounds State Park were also burial grounds for the Native Americans, even though they were not built to resemble any sort of animal.
Although most of the mounds were burial sites, others were used for ceremonial purposes. The Native Americans would place their dead inside small pits and then build a mound around them. Why some people were buried in mounds that had specific shapes while others were buried elsewhere remains an enigma. By the time the European settler came to Kettle Moraine, none of the existing Native Americans could tell conclusively who built these mounds and for what reason.
Archaeological excavations and tests place the age of the mounds at over 1,000 years. Many people have suggested that, apart from being the site for burial grounds, the mounds could have been built for other reasons.
They could have been built to mark territories, places where the native people met, or before or after they split into small groups for winter survival, or maybe they were political monuments built to symbolize power. The effort to build one mound meant that it was an important communal affair.
Subsistence of the Native Americans in the region
Most of the tools found in this park suggest that the Native Americans were fishermen, hunters, and gatherers who established their homestead in one location but traveled out in search of food for their families before coming back home. Preserved plants and animal remains showcase their expertise in hunting and gathering.
Studies from other state parks in Wisconsin (such as the Aztalan Mounds State Park) suggest that the Native Americans lived in a close-knit society. They were also experts in pottery and cloth-weaving (from the charred woven bags found inside these mounds). Clay pots, pipes, snail-shell necklaces, projectile points (used as weaponry), copper items, bows, and arrows were some of the important artifacts found inside some of these mounds.
The presence of copper items in some of the mounds suggests that there is a possibility that these Natives also engaged in commerce, as a way of supplementing what they could not find locally.
Things to Do in Lizard Mound Park
It will all be about exploring the history of the Native Americans whilst observing stunning mounds in this Park. You can probably have a picnic, enjoy the leisure hiking trails, or go bird watching while you are here as well. Here are some of the things to do inside Lizard Mound State Park.
Camping in Lizard Mound Park
There are no camping facilities inside the park at the moment. However, if you are looking to spend time in the woods and still get a chance to explore what the park has to offer, here are excellent camping options to explore near Lizard Mound State Park.
Campgrounds Near Lizard Mound Park
Since you can’t camp AT the park, we found places that are NEAR the park for you.
Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground
Location: 7053 Lenwood Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin
Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground is a great location for people seeking to see the mounds at Lizard Mound Park while still enjoying water sports and lounging on the beach. The campground is a 20-acre property that offers excellent swimming and fishing. Some of the fish species to catch here include perch, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and bass.
Kindly note that fishing here is on a catch-and-release kind of adventure only. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or fishing boat and related equipment in the facility.
Campers have access to all modern amenities. Although you can enjoy all the activities the lake has to offer, you will be staying a little further in the woods, enhancing your privacy while allowing you to wild-camp. They have a strict pet policy.
Kindly consult the Lake Lenwood website for more information on their rules and regulations.
Lazy Days Campground
Location: 1475 Lakeview Road, West Bend, Wisconsin
The Lazy Days Campground is a family-owned and operated campground that has been in business for almost six decades. With over 1600 feet of Lake Frontage, this campground offers one of the best sandy beaches in Wisconsin.
The beach is also very private and open to the campers only. They currently offer 313 camping sites that come with water and electric hookups. Other modern amenities, including laundry facilities, are also available on the property.
Timber Trail Campground
Location: 7590 Good Luck Lane, West Bend, Wisconsin
Spacious campsites under a canopy of tall maple trees are the highlights of this campground. Big rigs will have no problem edging into the well-leveled sites here. All the camping infrastructure and amenities you can think of are available in this 120-acre piece of property.
Lizard Mound State Park Activities
It will all be about exploring the history of the Native Americans whilst observing stunning mounds in this Park. You can probably have a picnic, enjoy the leisure hiking trails, or go bird watching while you are here as well. Here are some of the things to do inside Lizard Mound State Park.
Hiking At Lizard Mound State Park
Hiking under the canopies of the leaves of tall pines in Lizard Mound State Park is an enthralling experience. All the trails are well-marked and easy to explore on foot or by bike. Hikers are advised to be on the lookout for poison Ivy and stay on the trails while hiking here. A rough irritation or rash on your skin could quickly spoil a well-planned adventure.
Information centers have been erected at strategic places throughout the park. This makes it easy to enjoy and understand every effigy you will come across.
Lizard Mound County Park Loop
Length: 0.9 miles
This is the most prominent hiking and running trail inside the park. It is a moderate trail that begins near West Bend before taking you through different nature variations, mounds, and back to the small parking area.
Other trails either branch or converge from this trail. Although it may not be a good idea to veer off the trail into the woods, you can easily create new trails in the less densely populated areas of the park. In the areas where the forest cover is dense, stay on the original trail, as you may not know what lurks in the dark.
Lizard Mound State Park Nature and Vegetation
When taking a walk inside the park, the chirping of numerous birds will accompany you all the way and keep you entertained. Some of the animals you may see, either in the sparsely populated or dense areas, include the white-tailed deer, elk, small animals such as raccoons, and maybe a turtle. Bear sightings are rare inside the park, even in the winter season.
Tree species you can find here include sugar maples, basswood, and oak. There are several pine trees as well, although they are not as dense as the rest of the natural vegetation. If you venture away from the set hiking trails, you will encounter dense woodlands with very little undergrowth.
Picnic Inside Lizard Mound State Park
There are several picnic areas inside the park, close to the parking lot. Tables have been set in the picnic areas, and the shelter house is also close by. All picnic areas are wheelchair accessible, with a drinking fountain and a toilet.
There is a round gazebo that can accommodate a considerable number of people, and it is mainly used by people who come in groups to hold birthday parties and other social events.
Lizard Mound State Park and Dogs
Let’s start with the obvious: dogs shouldn’t be left unattended, and you should pick up the poop. Waste should be disposed of in dumpsters or trash receptacles. Dogs are allowed in most campgrounds, trails, roads, and outlying areas of the parks. They must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. If they are not under control at all times, they can be seized and subject to local laws on stray animals.
ID tags are a good idea if your dog isn’t microchipped. If you do lose your pet, you can contact the Madison County Humane Society at (262) 677-4388.
Rabies could be a thing, as there are wild animals like raccoons your pooch could come in contact with, so make sure your pooch has all current vaccinations.
Other animals like deer, chipmunks, squirrels, gray wolves, skunks, fishers, elk, and porcupines can be found there.
Pets are not allowed in the following places:
- Buildings
- Picnic areas and picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- No Pets are allowed on the ski trails when they are snow-covered.
Of course, if your dog is a service animal, those rules do not apply.
Attractions Near Lizard Mound State Park
When visiting Lizard Mound State Park to see the historic effigies, take some time from your schedule to explore some of the other attractions that are close to the Park.
Lac Lawrann Conservancy
Location: 300 Schmidt Road, West Bend, Wisconsin
Just a few miles past West Bend on your way to Lizard Mounds, you will come across a 145-acre conservancy that is an outdoor lover’s haven. The tall, dense pine plantation, grassy prairie, beautiful wetlands, vast grasslands (that are great for hiking and taking stunning photos), scenic walking trails, and beautiful wildflowers make this place a must-visit.
Bird watchers will also be at home here, thanks to the hundreds of bird species that can be seen on this property. There is other wildlife here as well -including mammals and reptiles. You will find deer, beavers, minks, muskrats, and small animals like squirrels running all over the place. The Friends of Lac Lawrann Conservancy ensures that this property is well-preserved throughout the year.
Regner Community Park
Location: 800 N Main St, West Bend, Wisconsin
Regner Community Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, and this has seen it become an important spot to visit with family in West Bend. There is a beautiful beach where your kids can swim and play with water. Regner Park also has fish ponds, great nature trails, a museum, picnic areas, a soccer field, and horseshoe courts. Ice hockey and ice skating are also popular events during the winter.
Shalom Wildlife Zoo
Location: 1901 Shalom Dr, West Bend, Wisconsin
There are 267 acres of outdoor space in this park. You will find meticulously maintained golf courses, scenic hiking trails, skiing loops, and a wonderful beach area. Other recreational facilities and activities you can find here include basketball courts, picnic areas, and beach volleyball fields.
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo is open 7 days a week. The zoo is home to over 75 animal species, and it is fondly referred to as “Wisconsin’s Wildest Zoo”. If your kids want to feed the animals, they can purchase food inside the zoo.
Take note that not all animals can be fed, and there will be signs to direct you to the ones you can safely feed. Cougars, grizzly bears, foxes, tigers, coyotes, and more than 700 other animals are housed in this zoo.
Restaurants Near Lizard Mound State Park
Feeling adventurous enough to try hanging out with the locals and enjoying good food and a drink while camping near Lizard Mound State Park? Here are some of the best restaurants you should check out.
Krimmer’s Restaurant
Style: Casual fine dining
Distance from the Park: 4.8 miles
Location: 114 North Main Street, West Bend, Wisconsin
Krimmer’s is the place to go if you love fine wine and a good steak. The restaurant has a very relaxed, accommodating, but classy ambiance that makes you feel immediately at ease when you walk through the doors.
The owner (who also doubles as the chef) has over 20 years of experience as a chef and a wealth of culinary industry that will astound you. The staff is also friendly, and they go out of their way to ensure you have a fantastic time when you visit the restaurant.
The Braising Pan Restaurant and Bar
Style: Local Cuisine
Distance from the Park: 4 miles
Location: 1100 N Main St, West Bend, Wisconsin
The menu in Braising Pan restaurant has German influences, with dishes such as roulade, schnitzels, and sauerbraten. The restaurant has a long history and tradition, with the owners coming from a generation of German immigrants. If you are not into German cuisine, you can enjoy a blend of other cultures with their Italian, Irish, and American dishes.
The Norbert Bar and Kitchen
Style: Casual and Classy
Distance from the Park: 5 miles
Location: 115 S Main St, West Bend, Wisconsin
If you love tapas, there is no better location to get these delicacies than at Norbert Bar and Kitchen when you are in West Bend. You can have cocktails at the bar as you wait for your food to be ready.
Hotels near Lizard Mound State Park
People who love luxury accommodations and nature can enjoy the unique combination by staying in some of the best hotels near Lizard Mound Park. You will be exposed to many other attractions within the county as well. Here are some of the best hotels to stay in near Lizard Mound State Park.
Townplace Suites
Distance from Lizard Mound State Park: 6.95 miles
Location: 175 East Water Street, West Bend, Wisconsin
Towneplace Suites is a pet-friendly hotel that offers excellent and luxurious accommodation options. As part of the Marriott Hotel brand, you can expect great service and hospitality during your stay. The spacious suites come with flat-screen high-definition TVs.
Their guest rooms come equipped with fully functional kitchens and grills. Room service and free parking are some of the extras you can expect from this hotel.
AmericInn by Wyndham West Bend
Distance from Lizard Mound Park: 8.30 miles
Location: 2424 West Washington Street, West Bend, WI, 53095
Another beautiful place to stay while visiting the Lizard Mounds Park or West Bend is the AmericInn by Wyndham. The hotel is conveniently located just off Hwy 33 and 45, allowing you to have the joy of luxury accommodation with easy access to all the attractions the region has to offer.
Their breakfast is complimentary, with free Wi-Fi, a free fitness center, and free parking. You will be offered guided tours to explore the attractions that are available in West Bend and beyond – including the Kettle Moraine State Forest and Lizard Mounds State Park.
Quality Inn and Suites
Distance from Lizard Mound Park: 8.64 miles
Location: 2433 West Washington St, West Bend, WI, 53095, US
The Quality Inn and Suites is a great hotel for people seeking an affordable option that places them close to the attractions they want to visit in West Bend. The hotel has a courteous and friendly staff, always on standby to take care of all your needs.
Their rooms have recently been renovated to offer a fresh look and increase the space. Some of the amenities you can expect here include free Wi-Fi, a business center, free continental breakfast, laundry services, and free parking.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Distance from Lizard Mound Park: 9.76 miles
Location: 2000 Gateway Court, West Bend, Wisconsin 53095
Country Inn by Radisson is located close to Shalom Wildlife Zoo, one of the many attractions in West Bend, and just 30 miles from Milwaukee. The highlight feature of the hotel is the heated indoor pool and hot tubs.
Other amenities you will find in this hotel include free Wi-Fi, king-sized beds, a microwave, a fridge, complimentary tea and coffee, and free parking. You will get guided tours to visit the attractions close to the hotel.
Hampton Inn & Suites, West Bend
Distance from Lizard Mound Park: 5.5 miles
Location: 1975 South 18th Avenue, West Bend, Wisconsin
Hampton Inn and Suites is located just off Hwy 45 and only 10 minutes from West Bend’s downtown. The Lac Lawrann Conservancy is just 5 miles away from this hotel. There are many other attractions you can explore within a short distance of the hotel.
Be sure to check out the Museum of Wisconsin Art. Some of the standard amenities you will get while staying here are free breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi, a free fitness center, a free business center, and room service. The hotel is not pet-friendly.
Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast
Distance from Lizard Mound Park: 1.7 miles
Location: 1876 Shalom Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin
After a long day exploring nature and the outdoors in Lizard Mound Park and other places in Washington County, how does a relaxing massage sound? This hotel has one of the best spas in the region.
The Hidden Serenty Bed and Breakfast is also located in a large piece of property that invites you to take lazy evening strolls or bike to explore the vast and serene wilderness while still enjoying the comfort of a luxury hotel. Their amenities include luxury hot tubs and cozy fireplaces.
Directions to Lizard Mounds Park
Lizard Mound State Park is located in the town of Farmington. From West Bend, take the 144 North towards Barton and drive for two miles to County Hwy A. Head East for another mile up to the park’s entrance.