Wisconsin Aerial Photography: Oddities and Interesting Sights

Aerial photography provides us with a wonderful way to observe our planet. 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!

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This business located at 2893 S. Delaware Ave. in Milwaukee, which happens to be on a major flightpath into General Mitchell International Airport, welcomes weary travellers to “Cleveland.” Photo date: 2015.

Ripon EAA Rooftop Sign

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 now virtually invisible, welcomes pilots to the area.  Submitted by Terry Dieztel, Fond du Lac County. Photo date: 2005.

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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.

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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.

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Not suprisingly, it’s fairly common to see aerial tributes to the Green and Gold. Submitted by Jeff DuMez, Brown County. Photo date: May 2014.

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Speaking of the Packers, check out “Lambeau south” (Packer Field) at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee.  Submitted by Brad Blumer, Milwaukee County.  Photo date: 2015.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Just for 80’s video game fans: Space Invader in Eau Claire!  Submitted by Peter Strand, Eau Claire County. Photo date: Spring 2013.

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Alien landing site?  Actually, a wetlands restoration project north of the Dane County Rodefeld Landfill.  Photo date: Spring 2014.

Last updated: September 21, 2017