Walking The Trails: A Journey Through Time ♪

Imagine yourself standing at the trailhead, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves overhead. The path before you winds through ancient woods, whispering secrets of those who walked here long before you. You begin your journey, boots crunching softly on the gravel, eyes scanning the landscape for signs of wildlife or perhaps a fleeting glimpse of history etched into the earth.

The trail meanders through the forest, and you can’t help but feel a sense of tranquility. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the ground. As you walk, you notice small signs, markers of another time: a mound here, a depression there, each telling a silent story. You pause to consider their meaning, but the woods hold their secrets close.

A guide might have told you that these shapes in the earth are more than mere mounds; they are messages from the past, left by hands long gone but not forgotten. These hands shaped the earth into animals—bears, birds, and other sacred forms—imbuing the landscape with their spirit and significance.

You press on, the trail becoming steeper as it leads you towards the cliffs. Here, the view opens up, revealing the river far below, winding its way through the valley. It’s a breathtaking sight, but your attention is drawn to something closer: another mound, this one more distinct, shaped like a great bird taking flight. Standing before it, you can almost hear the echo of ancient ceremonies, the songs and stories of a people connected to the land in ways you are just beginning to comprehend.

It’s here, with the river flowing endlessly below and the sky stretching infinitely above, that you start to feel a deeper connection. The wind picks up, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and earth, and you close your eyes, letting your imagination transport you back in time.

You see a young man, not unlike yourself, walking these same trails. But his world is different, filled with the bustle of a thriving community. He is an observer, a recorder of knowledge, meticulously documenting the shapes and stories of these mounds. He listens to the elders, respects their wisdom, and understands the sacredness of the land he walks upon.

This man, though not of the native tribes, shares their reverence. He sketches the mounds, maps their locations, and strives to preserve their stories. His dedication ensures that future generations will not forget the hands that built these sacred shapes.

As your walk comes to an end, the trail returning to the modern world, you reflect on the connection between the past and the present. The names and faces may have changed, but the spirit of the place remains. You think about that young man, his life’s work a testament to the enduring legacy of these mounds.

His name is whispered among those who value the preservation of history, a name that carries weight and respect. It is only at the end of your journey, as you stand at the visitor center, that you read his name: Increase Allen Lapham. You realize that his story, intertwined with the ancient mounds, is now part of your story, too.

Increase Allen Lapham, renowned 19th-century naturalist and archaeologist, whose work laid the foundation for the study of Native American mounds in the Midwest. [Photo Credit: Wisconsin Historical Museum]

In the quiet of the moment, with the mounds behind you and the world ahead, you understand the true significance of your journey. These trails are more than a path through the woods; they are a bridge between the past and the present, a reminder of the interconnectedness of all who walk them. And as you leave, a tear slips down your cheek, not of sadness, but of profound gratitude for the history preserved and the stories yet to be told.

Lapham’s legacy lives on, not just in the mounds that dot the landscape, but in the hearts of those who seek to understand and honor the past. This place, now named Effigy Mounds National Monument, stands as a testament to both the native peoples who first shaped the earth and the man who ensured their stories would never be forgotten.

Discover More About Our Heritage

Lapham Peak: Named in honor of Increase Allen Lapham, Lapham Peak is a beautiful part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. It offers scenic trails, a lookout tower, and various recreational activities. Learn more about the natural beauty and historical significance of Lapham Peak.

Effigy Mounds National Monument: Located in Iowa, Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans, including many shaped like animals. This site offers a profound connection to the past and stunning natural landscapes. Explore the rich history and beauty of Effigy Mounds National Monument.