Description - In 1836 a young man by the name of Timothy Johnson stumbled upon ruins of an ancient village. Immediately attracting interest, the site has been examined for two decades in an attempt to unmask what appear to be remains of mixed cultures. Encompassing ground of approximately 20 acres, much of the ancient village was surrounded by wooden stockade protecting earthen platform mounds and a central plaza. Some believe the ancient civilization was the birthplace of the Aztec Nation, hence the name Aztalan. Experts believe the civilization to be a blend of two societies, the Middle Mississippian and Woodland. Remaining shrouded in mystery, this historic park was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Attractions
- Aztalan State Park is a day use facility offering expansive open areas where families gather for picnicking, Frisbee toss, and impromptu ball games. The picnic facilities include shelters, tables, grills, drinking water, and restrooms. Kids enjoy wading and fishing Crawfish River. Appropriately named, the river is a kid destination for catching pan fish and crawfish. Ask for the interpretive historic brochure upon entering the park. An interpretive trail corresponds to the brochure providing information about the village's platform mounds, stockade walls, and archaeological digs. A seasonal museum depicts the once thriving pioneer village of Aztalan. The staff that managed the nearby Glacial Drumlin State Trail manages this park.
Recreation - Recreations at Aztalan State Park include exploring the grounds of an ancient civilization, touring a pioneer village / museum, picnicking, field games and limited fishing. Climate - Southeast Wisconsin has four distinct seasons with warm summers and long winters. January's average temperature is above 16 degrees F (-9 degrees C). Average July temperature is 85 degrees F (29 degrees C). During summer, temperatures can climb to above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). The area's average yearly precipitation ranges from 32-34". Annual snowfalls in the Southeast Region can range from 20 - 50". Dressing in layers is a good way to remain comfortable in Wisconsin. Location -
Aztalan State Park is located south of Interstate 94 near Lake Mills.
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