Wisconsin With Kids ~ Historic Point Basse

Last week I shared a few pictures of our day trip from Bloomer to Pepin and back home again.  That got me thinking about other day trips we've taken in the past.  I thought it'd be fun to share some of our experiences touring Wisconsin With Kids.

Today I have for you more on the Pioneer way of life.  Historic Point Basse in Nekoosa was a crossing point over the Wisconsin River on a trail that ran across Wisconsin.  Today the settlement has a number of buildings including the Wakely House, ice storage shack, barn, blacksmith shop, fur trading post and school house.  They have a number of events throughout the year.  We've attended both the Pioneer Festival and Harvest Fair.  We took the older kids back when they were small and we still talk about the fun times we had.  So in all fairness we thought it was about time to take the younger kids.

We started the rainy day off in the school house drawing on slates.  The teacher quizzed Sam on the original flag and the 48 star flag.  He passed.  As you can see many people dress the part at these types of festivals.  I believe these men were portraying the War of 1812 era?  I think.

The teacher even got Maria to take part, no easy task.

Joseph was in his glory when he saw the miniature horse/pony.  He took control just like he does with the horses at home.

We shucked dried corn.  It might be used as animal feed or ground into cornmeal for use in bread.

This gentleman was making ice cream, a crowd favorite.  His buddy showed us the ice house where they store ice cut during the Wakely Ice Harvest.  While waiting for the ice cream to freeze down we visited the blacksmith shop.

The blacksmith incorporated lots of science into his demonstration.  Fire, smoke, glowing iron, sparks.  Good times.

Letting the kids hold his HEAVY hammer.

I felt the need to get into the spirit of the day and braided my hair.  Sometimes I'm a dork like that.

The kids were trading in their fur pelt for a piece of candy or bead bracelet.

We visited with this man who sets up his tee-pee/encampment at this and other pioneer festivals.  He was a wealth of info on indian culture and shared a story about the # of plates in the carapace (top shell) of a turtle shell (28) corresponding to the full moon and a woman's menstrual cycle and how powerful women are when they are "on the moon".  See Sam's face.  I wish I knew what he was thinking at that point.

If you are looking for a fun, educational, and always entertaining day trip for your family check out the calendar of events at Historic Point Basse.