BIG HILL PARK
SCENIC TRAILS AND HISTORICAL STORIES
Big Hill Park: today
Located just at the top of the bluffs overlooking the Rock River in Beloit, Big Hill Park is one of the city’s most stunning destinations, spanning 193 acres of natural beauty. The park features winding nature trails, biking paths, cross-country skiing routes, and the Welty Environmental Center, an environmental education hub for children and adults. Its scenic overlook offers the most captivating views in all of Beloit. Why should visitors explore Big Hill Park? According to Brenda Plakans, Executive Director of the Welty Environmental Center, “Big Hill Park is a great way to get a state park experience in a city park, without the long drive”, which is why the park welcomes over 10,000 visitors every year. There’s something for everyone at this hidden gem on Beloit’s northern edge.
Big Hill park: In the past
Big Hill Park saw much of its construction in the early 1930s under the Wisconsin Civilian Conservation Corps. The park’s 90-foot bluff provided the perfect location for what was once a venue for ski jumping competitions hosted by the Beloit Ski Club. While the ski jump has since been removed, the panoramic views from the bluff’s summit are still present, inviting visitors to enjoy the magnificent view from the scenic overlook.
Throughout the park, visitors come across seven different interpretive signs that Welty Environmental Center made in partnership with the City of Beloit and Visit Beloit. To spot them, they are marked with question marks and include historical and natural information about the park. One in particular includes details about the Big Hill Ski Jump, which was located within the park until 1959. Brenda explains, “We’ve had a number of visitors stop by the center who used to live in Beloit in the 1950s, and they remember attending jump competitions when they were younger.”
Welty Environmental Center
The Welty Environmental Center has been a vital resource for environmental education in southern Rock County for over 25 years. Founded by Beloit College biology professors, it has grown with the help of students and local partnerships. Welty offers a variety of educational programs, including school field trips, teacher workshops, and family festivals. This is how Brenda Plakans, Executive Director, first got involved with Welty. “I got involved when my children were young and I wanted to support the summer camps,” she recalls. “My boys were so happy splashing in the mill pond at Beckman Mill (the previous Welty location) and catching crayfish.” In additional to these fun activities, Welty has strong partnerships with local schools, organizations, and volunteers. “I’m really proud of the work we do in the Stateline region,” Brenda shares. “I’m happy that we can connect so many folks in our community with nature activities.” Since 2003 at Beckman Mill County Park and since 2015 at their current location at Big Hill Park, Welty has hosted school-age children for hands-on learning in the great outdoors.
outdoor recreation hotspot
Big Hill Park continues to thrive as an outdoor recreational destination, just like it has in the past. With activities to do all year round in spring, summer, winter, and fall, there’s something for all ages. Bring your bike or lace up your hiking shoes to explore the park’s accessible nature trails. In the winter months, you can try cross-country skiing with routes that are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, or even rent snowshoes from the Beloit Public Library to use on the trails! For those who love photography or simply want to take in the stunning views, the park’s iconic scenic overlook is a must-see. Even though it’s pretty during any season, make sure to visit during fall to capture the beautiful fall color foliage. Also in the park, the diverse habitats make it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. And, if you are exploring with family, there’s even nice picnic areas and playgrounds to enjoy.
UPCOMING events
Back when Beloit College students visited the park by boat or canoe, it led the college to sponsor an annual event called “Big Hill Day” from 1906 to 1927. The event featured a variety of fun activities, including a fall picnic. While this annual celebration no longer takes place, other exciting events have since taken its place, continuing the fun and community engagement within the park.
- Watch for fun outdoor activities during Beloit Winterfest, hosted by the City of Beloit Parks & Recreation. In past years, visitors had the chance to ride on a horse-drawn sleigh through Big Hill Park and Welty Environmental Center hosted a bonfire with s’mores treats. Keep an eye out on our website for event updates.
- Join for the annual Maple Sugar Fest at Welty Environmental Center! The festivities include a pancake breakfast, featuring real maple syrup, and a variety of activities for the whole family. Tap into sugar maple trees, make crafts, join in on indoor nature activities, and more. Keep an eye out on our website for more event details.
For more information about Welty Environmental Center and Big Hill Park, please visit their website.
Categories: All • Attractions • Fall & Winter Ideas • Getaway for Families • Outdoor Adventures • Spring & Summer Ideas