One of the Milwaukee area's best parks is a bit off the beaten path, but it's worth making tracks to Lizard Mound County Park in Washington County. A peaceful, wooded path winds around nearly 30 Native American effigy mounds, including the one shaped like a huge lizard which gives the park its name.

The relatively flat and easy to maneuver mile-long path makes its way among stands of beech, maple and oak trees as well as the mounds, believed to be built between 500 and 1200 AD by tribes now called Effigy Mound Builders, according to the Planning and Parks Department of Washington County. Shaped like various animals -- there are two bird mounds, eight panther mounds and the lizard mound -- the mounds, others of which are conical or linear, are unique to Wisconsin. Only a few similar ones have been found in bordering states.

Lizard Mound, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, became a park in 1950 -- the county acquired it from the state in 1986 -- and archeologists arrived to examine the site a decade later. They found human remains in some of the mounds as well as the remains of dogs in others. The builders buried the remains in pits -- often with pottery, weapons and other items -- and built the mounds atop the pits.

From their research, archeologists were able to discover that the builders were not farmers, but, rather, hunters and fisherman who roved around but usually returned to a special site. They were adept at making pottery and weaving cloth.

Following the trail, there are signs beside each mound showing an aerial view of its shape. Other boards explain what is known about the history and culture of the builders. One of the mounds once had a plexiglass panel installed so that visitors could get a glimpse inside, but that has since been removed.

Usually, the park is quiet and cool, even on hot days, thanks to the canopy of leaves. In addition to offering a fascinating peek into Wisconsin's past, the path occasionally offers a tempting glimpse of neighboring farmland and woods.

Lizard Mound County Park also has picnic tables and outhouses near the small parking lot. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Admission is free and the park is open seven days a week from April 1-Nov. 1.

To get to Lizard Mound County Park, take 144 north from West Bend, two miles to Cty A. Turn east and park entrance is one mile ahead.

For more information, visit Washington County's Web site.