EQUINOX OBSERVANCE SET FOR FRANK’S HILL – SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

Sep 17, 2026 by Brett

            Frank’s Hill, an effigy mound site in southern Richland County, will be open to the public for observance of the autumnal equinox.  Fall officially begins at 7:05 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, September 22^nd.  Everyone is invited to gather at this sacred location near Muscoda to view the sunset and bid farewell to summer and welcome fall on Tuesday evening.  Early risers are welcome to view the last sunrise of summer on the morning of September 22^nd or the first sunrise of autumn on Wednesday, September 23^rd,  weather permitting.  The site may be visited for sunrise or sunset viewing the weekend prior to the actual equinox or during the day anytime to see the mounds and the grand vista. 

            The Three Eagles Foundation will have a tour guide available at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, September 22^nd,  prior to sunset.  Participants who wish to view the sunset only should arrive by 6:15 p.m.  The events are subject to suitable weather conditions.  A short hike will be required to the top of the hill that offers a stunning view of the lower Wisconsin River valley. The site is located 2 miles west of Muscoda near the intersection of Hwy. 60 and Hwy. 193.  Bring a chair, blanket, water, snacks, camera or binoculars. A campfire and social time will follow the sunset.

            Frank’s Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places.  A group of unique effigy mounds is situated on the east ridge where the observances will occur.  Across Hwy. 193, where the west ridge is situated, a line of features tracks the setting from spring to mid-summer and is thought to be a type of calendar, including a connection to the summer solstice.  The lands around the site once contained the highest concentration of bird shaped mounds found anywhere in the world.  The mounds are believed to have been built during the Late Woodland period dating back one thousand or more years ago.  The Ho-Chunk Nation consider the mound builders to be their forefathers and honor all effigy mounds as deeply spiritual places.

            To learn more about the equinox event or for directions, contact Mark Cupp at (608) 739-2179 or visit the Three Eagles Foundation website or Facebook page.