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Art on the Great Sauk State Trail!
Do you have a love for artistry? Well, you should know that the Great Sauk State Trail has 10 artwork pieces spread out across the 10.5-mile trail!
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If you download the StriveOn App, you can use the Great Sauk State Trail Art Audio Tour to learn more about each piece as you pass by! Scan the QR code to download the app today.
Without further ado, here are the 10 pieces of art you should keep an eye out for while you are biking, running, and walking on the Great Sauk State Trail:
1. Love, Daydreamer, Trust
This piece was created by artist Ryan Fielding of Prairie du Sac, WI, and was installed in 2019. This piece was donated by the Culver Franchising System, Inc., Lea Culver, and The Craig C. Culver Foundation. Made from steel & stainless steel, this is one piece you do not want to miss. Keep an eye out for this art piece at the intersection of Dallas Street and Phillips Blvd, Sauk City, next to the very first Culver’s!
2. Railroad Switch Art
This switch stand is from the Milwaukee Railroad line, restored by John Hansen and installed in 2019. It’s the type commonly found in the Milwaukee RR system, from Indiana throughout the Midwest, and to the Pacific Northwest! This art piece is located at 209 Water St, Sauk City between Locale Beauty & Goods and Sauk Prairie Liquor Store.
3. Photo Ride
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This fun piece was created by artists Kim and Ann Pahlas from Ripon, Wisconsin and installed in 2019. The Photo Ride piece is actually made from polished and painted stainless steel donated by Prairie Clinic. This piece is the perfect photo opportunity when biking along the trail with family and friends! You can find this art piece near the intersection of Lincoln Ave. and Water St. in Prairie du Sac.
4. Happy Chair & Sandals
This art piece was created by artist Peter Flanary from Mineral Point, Wisconsin and installed in 2018. This is a special piece donated in memory of Mark Gerry. The empty “Happy Chair” and sandals left in the driveway meant Mark was out enjoying a bike ride. Today, his bronze sandals are permanently placed at the foot of his bench while he’s enjoying his best ride ever. This art piece can be found near the intersection of Water St. and Grand Ave. in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.
5. Celebrate Health
This colorful mural was created by artists Bernie, Maggie, and Susan Poff from Polliwog Studio of Prairie du Sac, WI, and artist Chris Barry of Madison, Wisconsin in 2021. The Celebrate Health piece was donated by the Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation with additional grant funds provided by the Sauk County Extension, Arts & Culture Committee, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin. It’s a hard piece to miss but is located behind the Ruth Culver Community Library.
6. Untitled Eagle
This 104-foot Eagle Mural was originally created by artist Michael Connors from Madison, Wisconsin in 1977. The original piece was funded by a grant through the Village of Prairie du Sac. In 2014, restoration work was provided by artist Mike Habada from Mazomanie, Wisconsin, and the original artist Michael Connors. The restoration was funded through the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council. This piece is located behind the building at 670 Water Street in Prairie du Sac, WI underneath the Prairie du Sac Bridge.7. Protector of the River
The Protector of the River art piece was brought to life in 2019 by artist John Pahlas from Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. The eagle sculpture was made out of salvaged metal and was donated by the Bank of Prairie du Sac with additional funding provided by Sauk County UW Extension Arts & Culture Committee and Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. This piece can be found just north of the Prairie/Water St. Intersection before the VFW.
8. Ways of Going
This archway, made of steel and stone, was created by artist Peter Flanary from Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and installed in 2021. This piece was donated by Deborah S. Kern and can be found near the intersection of Hwy 78 and Hwy Z. You can admire its beauty as you bike, walk, or run beneath the archway on the trail!
9. Time Keeper
The Time Keeper sundial was created by artist John S. Miller and installed in 2019. This art piece is made of wood, stone, and metal, located further out on the trail between mile markers 7 and 8. Donated by Darlene Ballweg, this art piece is a nice addition to the Great Sauk State Trail and is a piece you will likely never forget!
10. Earth, Sky, and Water
The final art piece along the Great Sauk State Trail, installed in 2020, was created by several lead artists including:
- Melanie Tallmadge Sainz
- Muneer Bahauddeen
- Martina Patterson
- Felix Saintz Jr.
- Kate Clausius.
Earth, Sky, and Water was also created in collaboration with Ho-Chunk Families of Sauk County including:- Eli Leonard and Family: Morningstar Leonard, Elizah Leonard, Elijah Leonard, Eleana Leonard, Elise Leonard, and Elicia Leonard
- JoAnn Jones and Family: Naawahuu, Toree Jones, Joyce Warner, and Tom Jones
- Nela Stacy and Family: Devinn Sky, Cole Sky, Ravinn Hilterbrand, Robbie Hilterbrand, Sr.
- Connie Lonetree and Family: Daryl Lonetree
- Lenore Sweet and Family: Laura LaMere, Giana Ortega, Gysela Ortega, Angie Lowe, and Adreian Lowe
This beautiful art piece was created out of clay, mosaic, & metal, and was donated by the Ho-Chunk Nation with additional grant funds provided by the Sauk County Extension, Arts & Culture Committee, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin. The final art piece of the Great Sauk State Trail can be found between mile markers 8 and 9.
For more information regarding the Great Sauk State Trail, please visit: https://www.greatsaukstatetrail.org/
Which art piece is your favorite? Let us know in the Comments!