Autumnal equinox observance scheduled for Frank’s Hill

RICHLAND COUNTY, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Frank’s Hill will be open to the public for observance of the autumnal equinox.

Fall officially begins at 1:19 Monday afternoon, Sept. 22.

Everyone is invited to gather at the effigy mounds site near Muscoda to view the sunset and gather around a campfire on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 20, to bid farewell to summer. Early risers are welcome to view the sunrise on the mornings Saturday through Tuesday, Sept. 20-23, or sunsets on those days, as weather permits.

The site also may be visited during the day anytime to see the mounds and the grand vista. The Three Eagles Foundation will have a tour guide available at 6 Saturday evening prior to the sunset.

Participants should arrive by 6:30 p.m. to view the sunset. The events are subject to suitable weather conditions. A short hike will be required to the top of the hill that offers a view of the lower Wisconsin River Valley.  

The Three Eagles Foundation will have a tour guide available at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, Sept. 20, prior to the sunset. 

Participants should arrive by 6:30 p.m. to view the sunset.  The events are subject to suitable weather conditions.  A short hike will be required to the top of the hill that offers a stunning view of the lower Wisconsin River valley. The site is located two miles west of Muscoda near the intersection of Hwy. 60 and Hwy. 193. Bring a chair, blanket, water or snacks, camera or binoculars. 

Frank’s Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places.  A group of unique effigy mounds is situated on the east ridge where the observances will occur.  Across Hwy. 193, the west ridge is situated where a line of features, believed to be calendar indicators related to the summer solstice, are located. 

The lands around the site once contained the highest concentration of bird shaped mounds found anywhere in the world.  The mounds are thought to have been built during the Late Woodland period dating back to one thousand or more years ago. 

The Ho-Chunk Nation consider the mound builders to be their forefathers and honor the effigy mounds as deeply spiritual sites.

To learn more about the equinox event or for directions, contact Mark Cupp at (608) 739-2179.

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