EXPLORE WISCONSIN'S WATERS
recommended reading

Derleth, August William and John Steuart Curry. The Wisconsin, River of a Thousand Isles. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1985.

August Derleth wrote this classic account of the exploration of the Wisconsin River from the early days of the French voyagers and Jesuit priests through the 1940s.

Metcoff, Jill. Along the Wisconsin Riverway. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1997.

This photo essay combines photographs of the Lower Wisconsin River with excerpts from Aldo Leopold, August Derleth, John Muir, Frederick Jackson Turner, Frank Lloyd Wright, and other voices from the past and present.

McGuffin, Gary and Joanie. Superior: Journeys on an Inland Sea. Erin, Ont.: Boston Mills Press, 1995.

Gary and Joanie McGuffin tell the story of their 2,000-mile trip around Lake Superior canoeing, kayaking, hiking, skiing and snowshoeing in photographs and personal narrative.

Durbin, Richard D. The Wisconsin River: An Odyssey Through Time and Space. Cross Plains, Wis.: Spring Freshet Press, 1997.

History buffs, but also boaters and outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy the description of a trip down the Wisconsin River blended with twenty-five essays covering the people, places, and events associated with the River during the nineteenth century.

Brockwell-Tillman, Elizabeth and others. Discovering Great Lakes Dunes. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2653. East Lansing: Michigan Sea Grant, 1998.

The sand dunes along the Great Lakes are the most extensive freshwater dunes in the world. Most of the dunes are along the Michigan shore, but some are in Wisconsin. This book combines beautiful color photos of the dunes plus information about their ecology.

Holzhueter, John O. and State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Madeline Island & the Chequamegon Region. Madison: The Society, 1986.

Holzhueter writes the history of Madeline Island and the Chequamegon region and sprinkles it with numerous photographs of days gone by from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Apps, Jerold W. and Allen Strang. Mills of Wisconsin and the Midwest. Madison, Wis.: Tamarack Press, 1980.

Apps describes the mills of Wisconsin and the Midwest with warmth and nostalgia.  He discusses "milling and mills from the perspectives of mechanics and poetry, economics and aesthetics, reality and myth -- all within a social and historical context."

Wardius, Ken and Barb. Wisconsin Lighthouses: A Photographic & Historical Guide. 1st ed. Madison: Prairie Oak Press, 2000.

If you are interested in visiting or learning more about Wisconsin's lighthouses, you will be interested in the photographs, descriptions, history, and travel tips contained in this volume.

Ross, Hamilton Nelson. La Pointe, Village Outpost on Madeline Island. Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 2000.

First published in 1960, the book describes the 300-year history of La Pointe on Madeline Island.  "Madeline Island served initially as a refuge for the local Ojibway from their enemy the Sioux . . ., then an epicenter of the fur-trade era in the eighteenth century, and finally a summer vacation spot for businessmen and industrialists."

Lisi, Patrick J. Wisconsin Waterfalls: A Touring Guide. 1st ed. Madison, Wis.: Prairie Oak Press, 2000.

Organized by county, this descriptive guide to Wisconsin's waterfalls also contains information on photographing falls and calculating their flow.

Gone Fishing. Madison: Wisconsin Public Television, 1999.

This video celebrates the sport and the culture of fishing in Wisconsin. Meet anglers statewide who view fishing as an important aspect to life in the Badger state. 60 min.

Rashid, Bob. Gone Fishing. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1999.

This companion volume to Wisconsin Public Television's program with the same name is a collection of photographs featuring Wisconsin anglers of all types, skill levels, and ages.  It reveals that the joy of fishing involves much more than simply reeling in the catch.

Born, Stephen M. Exploring Wisconsin Trout Streams: The Angler's Guide. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1997.

Information about fishing opportunities in Wisconsin for both veteran and novice anglers with an emphasis on the importance of environmental preservation.

Schoff, Gretchen H. and David Hugh Thompson. Reflections: The Story of Cranes. Baraboo, Wis.: International Crane Foundation, 1991.

Schoff tells the story of the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo as well as the cranes it is dedicated to saving.

Klein, Tom. Loon Magic. 10th Anniversary Collector Ed. Minocqua, Wis.: NorthWord Press, 1996.

This revised edition of a classic follows the loon through the four seasons and its life cycle, and also contains an overview of the latest research.