Of all the unusual sites scattered throughout the state, Man Mound has got to be one of the most intriguing. As the name implies, it’s a mound that’s shaped like a man. Not only is the site unusual, it’s unique, too. It’s actually one of the few surviving effigy mounds in the area. Read on to learn more about this wonderfully weird Wisconsin gem.
Man Mound is the centerpiece of Man Mound Park, which is located just a few miles north of Baraboo.
Russell Wagner/Google To reach the park, follow State Road 33 to Man Mound Road. There are a few signs along the way to lead you in the right direction.
Pretty rare, the mound is one of only a few surviving effigy mounds in the area. At one time, Sauk County alone had at least 900 mounds!
Andy Gump/Google Making the mound even more unique is the fact that it’s the only surviving example of an anthropomorphic effigy mound, which means that it has human-like characteristics.
Though Man Mound Park wasn’t established until 1908, the mound itself dates back much further.
www.co.sauk.wi.us At one time, historians speculated that refugees from Atlantis or the Lost Tribe of Israel were responsible for the construction of Man Mound.
Details regarding the mound’s construction aren’t the only thing shrouded in mystery. There’s also its shape – exactly what kind of person is the mound supposed to represent?
Donna Hatzinger/Google Some believe it’s a shamanic figure and attribute the two horns to a bison headdress. Still others theorize it’s a hero-god who came to Earth to battle giants and evil spirits.
Archaeologists still aren’t exactly sure how effigy mounds were used or why they were built. It is believed, though, that they represent clans and lineages.
www.co.sauk.wi.us Some ancient mounds have been found to contain human bones, which could be the case with Man Mound; however, there’s no way to know since it’s never been excavated.
One thing’s for sure; constructing the man-shaped mound couldn’t have been an easy feat since it originally measured 214’ long by 48’ wide!
Katie Hart/Google In the late 1800s, the mound became much smaller when the legs were hacked off during the construction of Man Mound Road. The legs have since been painted on the roadway, which affords visitors a visual of the mound’s sheer size.
The mound came close to complete destruction in 1905, when it was set to be plowed over.
www.co.sauk.wi.us Luckily, a local photographer, a school teacher, and the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Club raised enough money to purchase the property that contained the mound from a local farmer.
Though far from a typical park, Man Mound Park does contain some standard amenities.
www.co.sauk.wi.us In addition to the mound, the park includes picnic tables, a merry-go-round, benches, and restrooms.
For more information on Man Mound, visit the Sauk County website or Facebook page.
Russell Wagner/Google
To reach the park, follow State Road 33 to Man Mound Road. There are a few signs along the way to lead you in the right direction.
Andy Gump/Google
Making the mound even more unique is the fact that it’s the only surviving example of an anthropomorphic effigy mound, which means that it has human-like characteristics.
At one time, historians speculated that refugees from Atlantis or the Lost Tribe of Israel were responsible for the construction of Man Mound.
Donna Hatzinger/Google
Some believe it’s a shamanic figure and attribute the two horns to a bison headdress. Still others theorize it’s a hero-god who came to Earth to battle giants and evil spirits.
Some ancient mounds have been found to contain human bones, which could be the case with Man Mound; however, there’s no way to know since it’s never been excavated.
Katie Hart/Google
In the late 1800s, the mound became much smaller when the legs were hacked off during the construction of Man Mound Road. The legs have since been painted on the roadway, which affords visitors a visual of the mound’s sheer size.
Luckily, a local photographer, a school teacher, and the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Club raised enough money to purchase the property that contained the mound from a local farmer.
In addition to the mound, the park includes picnic tables, a merry-go-round, benches, and restrooms.
Did you know about Man Mound? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only strange roadside site in the state. Read about another here.
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Address: E13097 Man Mound Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
