The Bachelor has ended, award season is over, and Wisconsinites are now impeding the inevitable doom that is boredom. I, however, have made it my goal this spring to overcome the post-reality TV depression. Mother Nature has gifted Wisconsin with spring early this year, so it’s time for hikes along Lake Michigan and coffee in the Third Ward.

Did you know that in the early 1900s Wisconsin ranked third nationally in lime production? Are you confused because Wisconsin’s climate can’t allow for lime trees? Well, don’t be, because we’re talking about limestone, not the fruit. This week’s blog is just across the road from Muttland Meadows: Lime Kiln Park.

Lime Kiln Park was once part of limestone quarry run by the Milwaukee Falls Lime Company, and the remains of the kilns used to separate the lime from limestone still stand today. According to the Village of Grafton website, the large amount of limestone in eastern Wisconsin “played an important part in the development of many communities of the state since early territorial days, including Grafton.”

After the quarry closed in the 1920s due the Great Depression, the 28-arch property became a park. Now, not only does the park have a historic bridge built by the allusive Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company, but also a playground, 9-hole disc golf course, kayak and canoe boat launch, archery range, horseshoe pits, and a sand volleyball court.

Also, in 2010, the Lime Kiln Dam was removed for environmental and structural issues. Now the remains that jut out into the river provide for a fantastic view of Wisconsin scenery and a great fishing spot. Lime Kiln has so much to offer, it’s nearly impossible to enjoy it all in one day. That is what draws resident of Grafton and Ozaukee County to the park, so now that the trees have bloomed and the river has thawed, enjoy the outdoors before the bugs return from their winter hiatus.