The Eagle Mound
The Madison area is blessed with a large collection of native mounds, many of which are preserved in city parks. A nice grouping that may have escaped your notice is located in Vilas Park, right behind the zoo. We stumbled upon them one day–six rounded mounds, one oblong, and one fabulous eagle- when heavy parking at the zoo lot forced us to park on a side street further from the zoo then we typically venture.
The mounds are in great shape. Exploring these fascinating structures is a simple way to discuss history with your kids. How did they get here? Who created them? What do they represent? It’s a chance to discuss who came before us, and what legacy our society might leave behind. Indian mounds are found throughout the USA! What a fabulous and educational destination to add to any road trip. Check to see which ones are located near your home.
Tip1: There’s also a nifty art-deco style mermaid fountain to check out near the mounds. It doesn’t function anymore, but it’s still way cool.
A small plaque explains the mounds.
To see these Vilas Park area Indian mounds, and the mermaid fountain, park on Erin and Wingra Streets. You can spot the eagle mound from the sidewalk. There’s a small plaque that explains that the mounds overlooked a village, long, long ago.
Then just follow the path in the center of the park down to the zoo entrance. It’s a fun little side jaunt during a trip to the zoo.
The Mermaid Fountain
Tip2: If you continue on to the zoo, be sure to say “Hi!” to the red pandas. They’re our favorite.