Dane County Parks to Receive Ho-Chunk Nation Dugout Canoe Donation at June 24 Event

June 24, 2026
Land & Water Resources

Media Advisory

Dane County Parks will formally receive the donation of a Ho-Chunk dugout canoe crafted by Bill Quackenbush, soon to retire from his role as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation. The canoe was made from a cottonwood tree removed from McDaniel Park during construction of the Lower Yahara River Trail.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Heritage Center Solar Shelter
William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park
3101 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI 53711

BACKGROUND: 
The donation has special significance in Dane County, where ancient dugout canoes discovered in Lake Mendota have helped deepen public understanding of the region’s Indigenous history. The canoe also carries a unique local connection, having been carved from a cottonwood tree removed during Lower Yahara River Trail construction.

For several years, the Ho-Chunk Nation has used this canoe as part of an educational project, taking a dugout canoe onto various bodies of water that have served generations of the Nation well.

Dane County Parks will work with the Ho-Chunk Nation on storage and display plans so the canoe can be available for the public to view, while also remaining accessible to the Nation for educational and cultural events.

 

Media Contacts:

Bill Quackenbush
Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
715-896-2795
Bill.Quackenbush@ho-chunk.com

Joleen Stinson
Dane County Parks Director 
608-224-3730
stinson.joleen@countyofdane.com