As humans, we leave an interesting footprint on Earth. Sometimes that footprint can be a little…. entertaining. The following discoveries were submitted to the SCO by mapping professionals from around the state. Click the images to see enlargements. Enjoy!
Wait, is that a giant red shoe out in the middle of a field? A bit hard to see from the air, but if you check out Google Maps and submitted photos you can see a shoe with an unclear lineage. Some have suggested this was once part of a now-defunct Wisconsin Dells roadside attraction called the Emerald City Castle. Submitted by Kelly Felton, Sauk County. Photo date: 2015.
Have a nice day! This smiley face is located off Highway 78 in Caledonia Township. Submitted by Kelly Felton, Sauk County. Photo date: 2020.
Is this the work of a disgruntled individual with a bulldozer trying to spell out a cryptic message on the landscape? While some locals have apparently passed down that intriguing story through time, this is actually a series of “pair ponds” in the Dewey Marsh State Natural Area used by wildlife biologists to attract nesting waterfowl. You can see similar human-made structures in George W. Meade State Wildlife Area. Submitted by Joe Martell. Photo date: 2020.
Wisconsin has a rich maritime history, and as you might expect, shipwrecks have unfortunately been a relatively common occurrence over time. This picture shows the wreck of the Continental, which sank in 1904. Whether you can see the wreck from the air varies with the water conditions. Submitted by Matt Randerson, Manitowoc County. Photo Date: 2023.
This business located at 2893 S. Delaware Ave., which happens to be on a major flight path into Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, welcomes weary travelers to “Cleveland.” Photo date: 2015.
Ripon, WI is a major waypoint for aircraft headed to the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture event in Oshkosh. This rooftop sign, clearly visible in 2005 (but no longer), welcomes pilots to the area. Submitted by Terry Dieztel, Fond du Lac County. Photo date: 2005.
Smiley face on building at 7140 S 76th St, Franklin, WI. Submitted by Brad Blumer, Milwaukee County. Photo date: 2006.
Interestingly, airplanes sometimes take pictures of airplanes. This one was near Waupaca in September 1971. Submitted by Craig Surman, USDA-NRCS.
Platte Mound “M” east of Platteville, WI honors the long history of area mining and the UW-Platteville Department of Engineering. Photo date: Summer 2013.
Wait a minute, isn’t Lake Superior a little bigger than that? The developers of the Apostle Highlands Golf Course apparently wanted to honor the maritime traditions of nearby Bayfield and Lake Superior. Submitted by Scott Galetka, Bayfield County. Photo date: Spring 2009.
Corn mazes are a popular fall activity in Wisconsin, but finding them can sometimes be hit or miss because most aerial photography is acquired in the early spring prior to planting. Submitted by Jim Czaplicki, Dane County. Photo date: Spring 2005.
This corn maze pays homage to county singer Garth Brooks. Located at Govin’s farm in Menomonie, WI, the owners appear to have a long history of creative corn mazes. Submitted by Brittany Rickey, Dunn County. Photo date: 2015.
Just for you 80’s video game fans: Space Invader in Eau Claire! Submitted by Peter Strand, Eau Claire County. Photo date: Spring 2013.
Alien landing site? Actually, a wetlands restoration project north of the Dane County Rodefeld Landfill. Photo date: Spring 2014.
Local lore suggests this property located north of the Pensaukee River in Oconto County, WI was once owned by an avid bird hunter. Photo date: 2015.
Not surprisingly, it’s fairly common to see aerial tributes to the Green and Gold. Submitted by Jeff DuMez, Brown County. Photo date: May 2014.
Speaking of the Packers, check out Journey House Packers Stadium at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee. Submitted by Brad Blumer, Milwaukee County. Photo date: 2015.
Okay, one more. While no longer visible today, this homeowner in Bayfield County also wanted to express their love for the home team. Submitted by Pam Ledin. Photo date: 2018.
Check out this nicely-done peace sign in Maplewood, WI, Town of Forestville, Door County. Impressive work with a lawnmower! Submitted by Holly Hansen, Door County. Photo date: May 2, 2011.
Looks like these homeowners in the Town of Grand Chute wanted to help advertise one of their favorite products. Submitted by Brad Bastian, Outagamie County. Photo date: Spring 2014.
So what was this farmer in Rusk County implying by painting “Cell Block 9” on the barn? We’re not exactly sure, but it must be a good story! Submitted by Brittany Rickey, Dunn County. Photo date: 2024.