Over 29 acres (recently increased from 16) of our 200 acre property is being designated as the Blue Rock Glade Nature Reserve. This natural setting is home to some of the finest rock outcroppings on the site and in the state. When completed, the Blue Rock Glade Nature Reserve will offer access for bouldering, hiking and climbing. And will always remain just as nature created it and never quarried.
Teaming with unusual plant life, the reserve is home to many Wisconsin animals and birds. A planned highlight of the reserve is an elevated viewing deck where quarry operations can be viewed, including the ability to safely watch production shots (controlled blasts). But watch closely as today’s methods are very quiet and can actually be missed if you’re not focused! Free guided tours of the designated reserve area along with presentations on the quarry operations are available for groups and school classes. The development of the reserve began in 2023 and continues.
The Blue Rock Glade Nature Reserve is privately funded.
Linking Stower 7 Lakes Trail and Gandy Dancer Trail
The connection of these two excellent WI Dept of Natural Resources trails has been a goal of many in both the DNR and the general public. Blue Rock families support the concept and will consider access through Blue Rock and through additional property controlled by a Blue Rock family. This will bring the trail connection much closer with only one major property left to access through for completion. Blue Rock families are pleased to consider contributing to this worthwhile goal.
Historic Osceola Scenic Passenger Train
Many of you have ridden the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) tourist train running from Marine on the St. Croix to Dresser from the railhead at the Osceola Historical Society’s restored depot in Osceola. Blue Rock families are strong supporters of this train. Through our relations with the Canadian National Railroad, who is the primary supplier of rail services for our quarry rock hauling, we will help insure that the tourist train continues to be allowed the privilege of operation on the Canadian National track. In addition, Blue Rock may make available a stop at the quarry and the reserve to see how a quarry operation and a park function together for the benefit of many. Quarries, trails, glade reserves and trains all can work together and support each other for their existence – with no burden on public funding.
Blue Rock Quarry 