Eagle Tower
By the Numbers
It took a lot of wood , steel , bolts , nails , and screws to construct Peninsula State Park ’ s new one-of-a-kind Eagle Tower . The graphic at right details the quantities of key materials used in the project .
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in their research of other similar tower projects seeking to increase accessibility .
Other solutions do not give visitors the same opportunities as the Eagle Tower design , said Eric Hyde , who works with the WDNR as the Peninsula State Park superintendent .
“ For example , placing a 360-degree webcam on top of a tower or putting up an interpretive sign at the base of the tower – that ’ s not really the same experience as traveling that 850-foot ramp through the canopy and up to the tower ,” Hyde said . “ There are not any others like this in the Midwest . There are a few around the country and around the world that are somewhat similar , but this is still a very unique and kind of a fresh look at accessibility when it comes to observation towers .”
Sydow agreed .
“ Something like this that incorporates an ADA-accessible ramp to an observation tower of this kind is to our knowledge quite unique ,” Sydow said . “ There aren ’ t many of them out there . It ’ s quite an investment , obviously , to make it happen , but it ’ s definitely worthwhile .”
The Eagle Tower approach ramp also enhances visitors ’ experiences through
10 lookout areas situated along the climb to the tower ’ s observation decks . The lookouts provide the WDNR with the opportunity to educate visitors through a series of illustrated signs about what can be observed along the route to the top : the flora and fauna of the various levels of the forest ; the geology of the surrounding region viewable from the walkway ; and key places that can be seen from the tower ’ s panoramic vantage point .
A View for All
While challenges during the coronavirus pandemic prevented the WDNR from keeping an exact count of visitors to the new Eagle Tower , all indications are that the numbers are up .
36 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .