DNR To Manage Washington County Park

The Department of Natural Resources will resume management of Lizard Mound County Park in Washington County. For more than 70 years the property, home to one of Wisconsin’s many Native American effigy mounds, has been publicly managed. The DNR managed it from 1950 to 1980, when Washington County took over until late 2021.

Effigy mounds are sacred sites linked to indigenous tribes across the state. At times used as burial mounds, the earthwork structures are nowhere more numerous than in Wisconsin. Many are shaped like birds, bears, snakes, lizards or other animals. State law protects the mounds; park goers can visit the sites, but picnicking, littering, or walking over the mounds is not recommended. Visitors should avoid digging in the ground on or around the mounds as well.

Lizard mound is located in the town of Farmington.. “We’re thrilled to welcome Lizard Mound back into our parks system,” said DNR parks director Steve Schmelzer. “The property is rich in our state’s cultural history and will join the archaeological wonders across the state, including Aztalan, Lost Duphin, Wyalusing and Copper Culture and others.”

The property gate will be physically closed  until May 1, though visitors can still access the property by parking nearby and walking past the gate. Besides the mound, the area has hiking trails, picnic areas, an interpretive shelter and other attractions. The DNR will review the property to create a future management and development plan.

DNR resumes management of Native American effigy mound was originally published by the Wisconsin Examiner.