9-1-14   Tower Hill State Park

We arrive and the first thing we see is this structure and this sign. The land for this park was donated by the Jones family in 1927, and now everyone can enjoy it.  There used to be a shot tower here, used to make lead shot for guns, just like the one in Dubuque, IA.

Just before walking the trail to the shot tower building, we saw a plaque on a rock on the edge of the parking lot.  The town of Helena used to be located on the park site. Also a sign describing the Smelter House.

We hike up the trail to the top of the hill.

And here we are!

We went inside the building and there were pictures showing how the smelting process worked. Also this sign.

This pot for melting lead, and a bar of lead called a “pig” were found on site in 1976 using a metal detector.

And you can look down the shaft of the shot tower.

Outside is a great view of Spring Green below, also the Wisconsin River.

What an exciting chance to learn more about the lead smelting and shot industry in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. This park is well worth the time to visit!