You will get to see the Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower a little longer.

Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole announced on Tuesday that it was moving forward with a Request for Architectural and Engineering Services for the tower after it concluded its public comment period earlier this year. According to the Public Feedback Summary released by the state, 353 of the 361 responses voiced their support for the structure to remain. The majority of the reactions were indifferent or did not mention making a rebuilt tower ADA accessible or its historical significance.

Both Evers and Cole recognized the tower’s importance to the park and its role in improving access to the outdoors. In January, dozens of people participated in the hearing as state officials debated whether the historic structure should be repaired, rebuilt, or torn down. Comments in favor of keeping the structure point to the historic nature of the structure and the modest price tag for repairs. One participant called ignoring and delaying repairs to the tower a “direct attack on this community as a whole” by the DNR. Opponents to keeping the outlook say it should be accessible for all people to experience, similar to the newly rebuilt Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park. Doing something similar would cost millions instead of the hundreds of thousands of dollars being suggested to repair the tower.

The tower is on the National Register and State Register of Historic Places for its role in the state’s tourism history, but it has been closed to climbers since 2017. After it was closed permanently, Dr. Dan Tingley of Wood Research and Development announced that the tower’s primary support and the majority of its components could be saved.

COMMENTS FROM STATE OFFICIALS

“It’s clear folks want to see a restored or reconstructed tower at Potawatomi State Park, and we also recognize that accessibility is a critical consideration for any building project, especially one as cherished as the Potawatomi Tower,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m proud of this administration’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for all visitors at state parks and facilities. The concept plans developed as a result of this request will balance the tower’s historic importance with our shared commitment to accessibility.” 

“It was crucial for us to hear from the public regarding the future of the Potawatomi Observation Tower, and we thank everyone who took the time to weigh in. The department recognizes the tower’s importance to Potawatomi State Park visitors and the surrounding community,” said DNR Secretary Cole. “The comments we received and the overwhelmingly positive public response to the fully accessible Eagle Tower at nearby Peninsula State Park drive home the importance of improving access to our outdoors. We look forward to building on that important work at Potawatomi.”