Winter has not yet relinquished the icy grip on the landscape, but the calendar says spring will arrive soon. The tradition of observing solstice and equinox events at a site in southern Richland County will continue with marking the vernal equinox amongst the ancient effigy mounds at Frank’s Hill near Muscoda. The Three Eagles Foundation will welcome people for the sunrise and sunset on Sunday, March 20th, in recognition of the changing of the seasons. Spring officially begins at 10:33 a.m. (CDT) on Sunday, March 20th, meaning the first sunset of spring will be that evening. Representatives of the Three Eagles Foundation will be on Hill East on Sunday evening for the sunset. Frank’s Hill will be open to the public for self-guided tours on the days before and after the official equinox. The sunrise/sunset observations 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. Guests should arrive by 6:15 a.m. for sunrise or 6:15 p.m. to observe the sunset. The site is located 2 miles west of Muscoda near the intersection of Hwy. 60 and Hwy. 193. Park well off the road on the shoulder and enter by the gate.
Frank’s Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places. A group of unique effigy mounds is situated on Hill East where the observances will occur. The mounds are thought to have been built a thousand or more years ago by the people of the Late Woodland Tradition, recognized by many as the ancestors of the modern Ho-Chunk Nation. To learn more about the equinox event or for directions, contact Three Eagles Foundation President Dave Martin at (608) 739-4198 or Vice-President Mark Cupp at 739-2179 or visit the Foundation’s website or Facebook page.