Merrick State Park #36

Merrick State Park, Perrot State Park, and Wildcat Mountain State Park were undertaken on one weekend, when we also took G to his first overnight at a hotel (obviously he loved it, pool and pizza, what could be better?)

Merrick was our first stop, followed by Perrot and Wildcat. Merrick was very quiet, we didn't see anyone else when we were visiting, which we have noticed is not unusual for many state parks we have visited during the "off-seasons". Merrick is 322 acres and is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, surrounded by the Coulee region. It is a park that is most popular for fishing, canoeing and hunting, and has two boat landings with an adjacent canoe landing to support these activities.

Unfortunately, since I have yet to trust I can keep a 2 year old in a boat, we weren't able to partake of these options. We did enjoy a very nice and peaceful hike along the Mississippi River, the park has two miles of easy trails to enjoy. There is a conservation and nature center that is open during the summer months and weekends in the Spring and Fall. G's favorite part of this hike was definitely the brightly colored mushrooms we came across as we walked. He wanted to touch all of them, which is understandable, (they were really pretty!), but luckily, we can still pick him up an bodily move him, so we did just that. :) 

Merrick State Park was established in 1932, with land donated by John Latsch. Latsch was a wealthy grocer who was canoeing on the river, when he was caught in a storm. He took shelter on the banks under his overturned canoe, but was forced off by a local farmer. It is said that Latsch was so shaken by the event, the next day he requested his agent purchase all of the land the incident had taken place on that day.

By the time Latsch died in 1934 at the age of 73, he had acquired more than 18,000 acres. The 229 acres he donated to the State of Wisconsin became the core of Merrick State Park. Latsch requested the park be named after George Byron Merrick, famed steamboat captain and historian of the bygone days of heavy steamboat traffic on the Mississippi River. All in all a nice park, and they have winter activities like cross country skiing and show shoeing! Next stop (as you know from above) Perrot State Park!