First opened in 1930, a new facility opened in 2018.
We learned a bit about buttons.
Yesterday we saw freshwater mussels being propagated. At one time mussel shells were cut out for shaping into mother-of-pearl buttons on a machine like this.
The Wisconsin Pearl Button Company opened in 1900 made millions of buttons. Depleted mussel stocks and the invention of plastic brought an end to this local La Crosse business.
A foot long Lake Sturgeon was on display in one of several aquariums.
These ancient looking fish can live over one-hundred and fifty years and grow to over twelve feet in length.
Walking across the street we found they have their own Sturgeon Building.
Here there were thousands of tiny sturgeon bulking up so they can be released into the wild.
Departed the fish hatchery at 1243
1321 56,430 La Crosse, WI
We enjoyed great views of LaCrosse from Grandad Bluff Park. Fireworks launch from here on New Year’s Eve.
Nice signage gave a brief overview of the area’s history.
Limestone from the cliff face was used to make park structures like this lovely picnic shelter.
A video of the view captures a passing train.
And one last panoramic of La Crosse and the Mississippi Valley.
1429 56,445 86°F West Salem, WI
Turning east from La Crosse, our next stops were at Lake Neshonoc and this unique octagon house.
1505 56,471 85°F Sparta, WI
Passing a field with odd shapes poking above the grass, we turned around and parked at
FAST Fiberglass. They make fiberglass animals for theme parks, restaurants, and any other use you can think of. I was surprised to see that we were welcome to explore the old mold graveyard even “at our own risk.”
There were molds of every shape and size. This shark appeared to be a vegetarian.
Reading up on the company later, we learned that waterpark slides are a popular product line.
They made the giant flamingo for the Tampa International Airport. Click this link to see the finished bird in the airport. Apparently her name is Phoebe.
We witnessed a talented painter putting the finishing touches on a giant cow.
A few other examples of completed statues released from their molds, with Beth for scale. FAST Fiberglass was a fun and unexpected stop.
1550 5,471 85°F Sparta, WI
Camp Sawaka – Harvest Host
Paid for power because it was going to be another hot night.
The cabin is available for rent and there are four 30 amp parking spots available for $30 per night. Harvest Host guests can stay one night for free if they don’t need power.
If you are interested in the Harvest Hosts program, here’s a link to a discount code. We’ve been happy members for eight years.
Views of the sunset were lovely.
This would be a good base camp for exploring the 32 mile long Sparta-Elroy Rail Trail. Join us tomorrow when we do just that.
Good night from Sparta, WI
P.S. The fiberglass pheasant must be fairly realistic because Siri identified it as a Common Pheasant. Siri did not offer to identify Beth.
