Silence.

There’s nothing in the air, but the sound of rushing water dancing its way down the stream.

Serenity.

Robins float above the treetops, where the sun peaks through the branches, singing their favorite songs.

For most, these are the types of images and sounds that come to mind when thinking of paradise, but who knew paradise was only 20 miles away from Whitewater?

Paradise Springs is a beautiful little escape from reality just outside of Eagle. It is part of the southern unit of the Kettle Moraine.

Anybody who enjoys feeling at one with nature would truly love the experiences that Paradise Springs has to offer. Walking multiple winding trails that weave throughout the forest is a peaceful way to spend a weekend afternoon.

I have spent hours at a time exploring the beauties of this park. Amongst the trees lies a frog wading pool. This pool is clear enough to see the many frogs that reside there. The spring holds many minnows, turtles and rainbow trout. Although there is a catch and release rule at the park, the fish still present a real addition to the spring.

Paradise Springs is known for its spring house that was built in the 1930’s by the Petit family. The spring house was one of the most elaborate ones in Wisconsin and was very well known for it. It houses the spring that the nature park is known for. The spring begins in the circular, brick house and travels out into what becomes a little pond. The pond then is continued by a waterfall that brings the water to continue downstream throughout the trails of the park.

Paradise Springs has had multiple different owners since its construction in the 1930s. One of the owners was August J. Pabst, founder of the Pabst Brewing Company.

The spring was formed by the movement of the glaciers from the Ice Age time. It was created because of the natural flowing body of ground water that sits below the local water table. Spring houses were built to help protect the springs and allow access to the waters.

The Fieldstone Spring House that resides at Paradise Springs was originally a colorful, copper dome, but was ruined over the years.

Blessed with fine natural springs, the town of Eagle became known for its natural beauties. Because of the tourism the springs brought in, the park used to present a hotel for those who traveled a long way to come see it. However, the hotel was also ruined years ago.

I would recommend this park to anybody who loves a great nature walk and appreciates the true beauties in life. Since this is a Wisconsin State Nature area, you must either purchase a yearly sticker or pay a daily admission fee at the pay station near the park.

Our generation seems to be so hooked on videogames and social networking that we often forget about the natural essences of life. Take a few hours out of the weekend to take a trip to paradise and I promise you won’t regret it.