The public is invited to Frank’s Hill in southern Richland County on Saturday, December 21st, to view the setting sun on the day of the year with the least amount of daylight, known as the winter solstice. The site is a small knoll peppered with effigy mounds located on STH 193 just off STH 60 a few miles west of Muscoda and has been a gathering place for many solstice and equinox events in the past. Weather permitting, area residents are invited to join the festivities and remember events of the past year. A moment of silence will be observed for those who have passed away since the last trip around the sun. Following the sunset, attendees are welcome to gather around the campfire to share stories and learn more about Frank’s Hill, considered a sacred site by the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Native American peoples. The event is sponsored by the Three Eagles Foundation.
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 event will occur. The site offers a panoramic vista of the area which once contained the highest concentration of bird effigy mounds found anywhere in the world, including the remnants of the giant Ghost Eagle mound with a wingspan of nearly 1300 feet. The Ghost Eagle mound factors into the alignment with the setting sun on the winter solstice. Most archeologists agree the mounds were built a thousand or more years ago.
Participants should arrive by 4:00 p.m. to allow for time to hike to the top of the hill. Dress warmly and bring your own food and drink, and a chair for sitting around the fire. Directions to Frank’s Hill are as follows; from the north end of the Muscoda bridge at the intersection of STH 80 & 60, drive west on Hwy. 60 for two miles and turn north on STH 193. Park by the first gate on the east side of the road, a short distance from Hwy. 60, and follow the field road to the top of the hill.
To learn more about the solstice event or for directions, contact Brian McGraw at (608) 778-2260. Additional information may be found at the Three Eagles Foundation website or Facebook page.