Ledge Park Climbing

Ledge Park offers great views of the rolling countryside from atop the Niagara Escarpment's limestone bluffs.  But for rock climbers, observing a couple distant grazing cows is uninteresting, unimportant, and unoriginal.  We prefer to gaze in the complete opposite direction from the cornfields at a rock face, inches away from our noses while we grunt and claw our way up the cliff.  But whether you enjoy the former or the latter, this park has enough activities for anyone.  Take in the fresh air and beautiful Wisconsin landscape, hike among the chossy ledges, toss some horseshoes, spike a volleyball, hit up the playgrounds for a little nostalgia, and stay a night or two.  And, you know, climb rocks.
 
As previously mentioned, the rock here is limestone with most of the climbable spots being average to low quality (with exceptions).  Some climbable walls are the perfect height for bouldering or a little short, and some toe the line between a highball and a toprope - the bouldering potential here outweighs the number of quality topropes.  Most problems range from V1 to V4; it's hard to find difficult problems here since there is often a ledge halfway up and numerous footholds to choose from.  Even when considering that the star ratings are relative/specific to Ledge Park, there is low potential for 4-star routes due to the rock quality.  Do not let this discourage you however, as this is the closest outdoor bouldering for dedicated lakeshore climbers and worth the drive.  There is still potential for new route development, so get out there with a brush, gloves, and bug spray.
 
Please be respectful of other park enjoyers; keep the music volume low, pack out all of your trash, and brush your tick marks before leaving.  You can even pick up rogue trash from other disrespectful users if you feel so inclined - it's a constant battle to collect energy drink cans and empty Swisher Sweets packages.  There are garbage and recycling dumpsters south (downhill) of the "Scenic Overlook" parking lot.

For more pics and info, check out the forum post here:
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/midwest/horicon_ledge_park__limestone/106176349

Info on Ledge Park:
http://www.co.dodge.wi.gov/government/departments-e-m/land-resources-and-parks/parks-and-trails/ledge-park

More info on the Niagra Escarpment:
https://onmilwaukee.com/visitors/articles/niagaraescarpment.html