If you’re searching for the path to peace and harmony, the best vehicle to get there could be your own two feet.
We visited White River County Park – it’s Walworth County’s largest at nearly 200 acres – to soak in the beauty of the rolling hills, views of the surrounding countryside, the wildflowers bursting with color and the quiet trails leading to secluded sites.
It’s only minutes from busy downtown Lake Geneva but it may as well be a thousand miles. Occasionally trading the hustle and noise for the soothing sounds of silence can be good for the soul.
Our guide for the day is Don Root, president of the Friends of the White River County Park organization. Don is a character and a conversationalist. He’s lived in the area for about 25 years, but you get the sense he’s most at home wandering the park grounds.
“Keep it natural,” is his guiding philosophy.
“It’s a blessing to be part of this,” he told us. “I came here when the county first opened the park and had an open house. To me, property like this, like our national parks, shouldn’t be privately owned. It should be for everybody.
“There used to be Native Americans living here. They’re gone but we like to keep part of that in our heads. To me, they lived a good life. They respected nature and the land.”
He’s familiar with big-city ways, growing up and working as a carpenter in the Chicago area, while truly appreciating the quiet of a rural setting. Wit and humor are part of his package.
“I love people that love concrete and asphalt like downtown Chicago,” he said, “because they’re all congregated together and they give us more room out here.”
The park is located at 6503 Sheridan Springs Road. It’s open from sunrise to one hour after sunset. There are two picnic shelters for rent – everything else is free – that can accommodate 60-80 people.
Like most of the region, White River County Park suffered significant damage from the ferocious July 3 storm. Several trees and large limbs came down, obstructing trails. County crews have been working to clear the trails, which were closed for a time. Hiking paths are reopening. We saw a few individuals and families trekking the grounds during our visit.
The White River – a clean body of water fed by Geneva Lake – runs through the park and normally is a favorite for kayakers. Don warns that it can be dangerous and urges caution because the storm also dumped limbs and debris into the water, creating hazards. He knows what he’s talking about, in the past experiencing an accident on water that put his daughter in danger.
“We were able to save her,” he said. “Nature is wonderful but we have to treat it with respect.”
During our visit, to take in as much as we could, Don chauffeured us on an ATV sightseeing tour. The machine is a relatively new acquisition destined to be a blessing for people with disabilities or age limitations. The Friends group plans to use the ATV to give rides for people who otherwise would not be able to experience the trails.
Friends maintains a website (whiteriverparkfriends.org) and a Facebook page, which can be accessed to inquire about ATV tours.
The park boasts a lovely rock garden with an interesting backstory. George and Clara Malsch created the garden on their farm in 1907, with rocks found in surrounding fields and also scooped up during their travels. The working farm stayed in the family until 1967, when it was sold to Duane Clark. He loved the land and, wanting to preserve its beauty for future generations, sold the property to Walworth County in 2014.
It takes a lot of work to keep 200 acres accessible and accommodating for the public. County crews regularly do the heavy lifting, including mowing and clearing trails. Members of the Friends group pitch in to police the grounds and carry out various projects. White River Park advocates often work with Lake Geneva Conservancy to implement improvements, such as picnic sites at strategic locations.
One of the newest additions is a fenced dog park, not yet open but coming soon. Pets are welcome around the park, on a leash.
The park hosts multiple special events each year, offering visitors a chance to get to know what’s available.
“The biggest activity of the year is the Winter Solstice,” Don said. “We have a campfire, we have food, we have music. We’ve had 400 people here for that.”
The solstice occurs annually on Dec. 21, and the park’s event is scheduled for the nearest Saturday. It’s all free.
““It’s cold outside and there’s snow on the ground, and you see people out here talking and just being with one another,” he said. “We had a couple of Native American speakers, and you could hear a pin drop. That’s what you want to see, people outside enjoying themselves. “
Wildlife is abundant – deer, beaver, wild turkeys, lots of birds including the occasional eagle. There’s a pond, nestled way back in the trees, suitable for fishing. The Friends group hopes to add a fishing derby for kids someday.
Limited hunting and trapping is allowed, which raised our eyebrows a bit. Not to worry, Don said, it’s by permit only and exists as part of the original deal for the county to acquire the land.
Hey, if you want water slides, fireworks and other crowd magnets this is not the place. Here, nature reigns.
A pleasant change of pace for us. See you on the trails.
