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Chicago: Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy

Take a leisurely, 3.6-mile stroll to the more remote northern shore of Wisconsin's Lake Geneva, and discover a quiet, intimate, photogenic retreat.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 5.7

Waypoints

KIS001

Location: 42.5789413452148, -88.5321884155274

Head NW on boardwalk as it veers W through wetland waterfowl habitat, then N on Lake Trail into tallgrass prairie

KIS002

Location: 42.5832786560059, -88.5401916503906

R onto Southwick Creek Trail; this bubbly creek drains more than 1 million gallons daily into Lake Geneva

KIS003

Location: 42.5867805480957, -88.5373229980469

Veer L onto Tower Trail, moving from renovated lowland prairie to pasture of honeysuckle and buckthorns

KIS004

Location: 42.5872993469238, -88.5375366210938

Climb watchtower to see sun-kissed prairie and sparkling Williams Bay

KIS005

Location: 42.5884017944336, -88.5356292724609

L @ onto Old Growth Forest Trail; in early summer, it’s decorated with blossoms from black cherry trees

KIS006

Location: 42.5890998840332, -88.5326538085938

R @ T; large “kettle” depression in soil is a signature from melting glaciers. In 450 ft., L @ next T

KIS007

Location: 42.5874290466309, -88.5347366333008

Bear R, close loop back to WPT 5, then go L onto new trail and head S to WPT 3; turn L

KIS008

Location: 42.5868911743164, -88.5357131958008

R @ Y through native grasses; local species grow in bunches among the newer, single-stem European strands

KIS009

Location: 42.5829582214356, -88.5332870483398

L @ intersection to arboretum: groves of oak, sugar maple, and shagbark hickory are vibrant in autumn

KIS010

Location: 42.5828704833984, -88.5315093994141

L @ Harris Rd., follow road to Church Trail and turn R

KIS011

Location: 42.583610534668, -88.5280532836914

R @ Railroad Trail; this track between Chicago and Williams Bay was active until 1966. Cross Harris Rd. back to lot

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