The Fort Themed Playground In Wisconsin That’s Oh-So Special
By Ben Jones|Published January 12, 2023
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
Kids have been building and playing in forts for as long as they have been playing outside, but a play fort in southeast Wisconsin is bigger and better than anyone’s backyard dreams. The Fort Cushing Playground is a wooden fortress that delivers endless fun while offering a side of real-life military history. It’s one of the best playgrounds in Wisconsin – here’s why.
Cushing Memorial Park is a tranquil park that’s located in the Waukesha County community of Delafield. It’s on the west side of town, right on the Bark River.
Long before this was a city park, it played a small but important part in U.S. Civil War history. It was a gathering spot for Grand Army of the Republic Veterans (Civil War), and in 1915, at the urging of locals, it became a state park.
The fort is a labyrinth of wood, complete with a stockade. It’s constructed to be very safe for kids, and there are tons of fun things to climb over, under, and through.
Near the fortress, there’s an area filled with large trees that has a special monument honoring three Civil War heroes: William, Alonzo, and Howard Cushing.
There’s also a peace garden in the park, and there are plenty of scenic places to relax and reflect by the Bark River. After kids experience all the nooks and crannies of the fort, they may need to rest!
The park is an easy drive from anywhere in southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee. It also has connections to the Veteran’s Memorial Riverwalk, the Lake Country Bike trail, and the Cushing Park Road bike trail. Learn more about Cushing Memorial Park on the city of Delafield website. If you’re looking for more family fun, there’s a toy store in a barn that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
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