’23 SUMMER SOLSTICE OBSERVANCE SET FOR FRANK’S HILL

Jun 12, 2023 by Brett

The public is invited to Frank’s Hill in southern Richland County to observe the setting sun on the summer solstice, which marks the most daylight between sunrise and sunset in the calendar year. The official start of summer will occur at 9:57 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21st. Weather permitting, the Three Eagles Foundation will provide a guided tour and a campfire for sharing stories in the evening. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 p.m. to have time to walk around the mounds and should be there by 8:00 p.m. to enjoy the sunset.

Frank’s Hill is a small knoll peppered with effigy mounds that offers a commanding view of the lower Wisconsin River valley. The neighboring ridge to the west contains a group of small conical mounds thought to be calendar mounds that track the setting sun from May 1st to the summer solstice and back to August 1st. Those attending the June 21st event should bring chairs or blankets, insect repellent and their own food and beverages. Also, feel free to bring a telescope or good set of binoculars and a camera. Persons unable to attend the June 21st event are welcome to visit the site at another time.

Directions to Frank’s Hill are as follows; from the north end of the Muscoda bridge at the intersection of STH 80 & 60, drive west on Hwy. 60 for two miles and turn north on STH 193. Park by the first gate on the east side of the road, a short distance from Hwy. 60, and walk to the top of the hill. For questions regarding the event, contact Mark Cupp at (608) 739-2179. More information on Frank’s Hill may be found at the Three Eagles Foundation website at www.3-Eagles.org or by visiting the Foundation’s Facebook page