CALUMET COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As we reach the end of March, the ice cover on the eastern shoreline of Lake Winnebago is starting to look a little bit like spring, which means those giant formations often appear.
“We have one large pile, kind of in the middle of the green area of the park, probably 35 to 40 feet tall. I stood over by it and checked it out up on the shore, and it’s massive,” said Sabrena Werner, Calumet County Parks Program Assistant.
Werner says ice started shoving ashore at Calumet County Park a few days ago.
“And then by what we call The Point, or the swimming area, it just started to pile up a little bit. Not a ton, but we got a couple.”
It was enough to attract hikers like Jim School from Kaukauna.
“I was surprised to see them. I didn’t know they were here until this morning. It was a discovery for me. So, I was happy to see it.”
A few miles south, large piles of ice were spotted off the landing at Stockbridge Harbor Thursday morning. Recent wind and open water combined to form the frozen towers.
“They’re just massive mounds of ice that are just quite beautiful — almost like ice sculptures,” said Werner.
Werner say the shoves are a sign of the season, signaling change and an opportunity.
“Definitely. Especially during this quiet time at the park. We see a lot more foot traffic of just people wanting to come out, maybe take a hike and check them out.”
People like School.
“Pretty soon, it will be open, and it will change. It always does. It’s like a ritual. I come out here in the spring. It does good for my soul.”
People are reminded to be careful around the shoves.
Officials say the ice formations can be dangerous, and conditions can change on an hourly-basis.
