Crossroads at BIG CREEK

We are delighted to welcome visitors to Crossroads at Big Creek. Members of the Door County Historical Society offer tours of the Historical Village weekends from 1:00-3:00 and folks can stop by our Wisconsin Wildlife Exhibit any time from 11:00-3:00 Monday through Saturday and 1:00-3:00 on Sundays.

Some children bring their adults to visit the animals on a regular basis and we enjoy hearing the children explaining the boundaries to their parents. While rules sometimes frustrate young people, boundaries create a sense of security. When children know their boundaries, they also know they are safe.

On Monday, August 20, at 1:00, we offer a Family Program called "Meet the Beaver" during which visitors will learn that beavers have boundaries for their territories. The parents beavers create mounds out of mud. Some of these mud piles are substantial, as are the oily secretions from beaver castor glands.

I had always believed that beavers anoint their scent mounds in order to warn other beavers to stay out of their territories, and that probably is true. However, some behaviorists speculate the malodorous secretions of the parents help the young know their boundaries. And beaver kits which know their boundaries feel secure.

Families will also have a chance to explore fossils and The Sun during naturalist programs, or to check out insect nets, binoculars, and field guidesto explore the preserve on their own. (You need not bring a family to attend family programs. We welcome learners of all ages.)

For those interested in local history, we have scheduled Cherryland USA and A Rich Life: The History of Door County Dairy Farming on the weekends so visitors to the Historical Village can also enjoy films in the air conditioned comfort of the Collins Learning Center.

Crossroads at Big Creek is an historical and environmental learning preserve where learners of all ages can focus on science, history and the environment. Trails are open to the public. Dogs (on leash and under control) are allowed. Crossroads is located at the Intersection of Highway 42/57 and Michigan Street ( County TT ) in Sturgeon Bay.