Taking the Cougar to North Wood County Park

When I take out the Cougar, I typically reserve my driving to around the Marshfield area. In many ways, taking a road trip with it would be cool, but from a collector's standpoint, I like to limit the amount of miles I put on the car, as well as the additional risk of damage that comes from being on the road.

The Cougar is also horrible from a pure road trip experience compared to say my 2017 Focus, which I believe is the ultimate road trip car. The Cougar lacks cruise control and air conditioning. Not having either (especially in the summer) would be miserable over long distances. The suspension and other technology aren't the greatest, so a long-distance ride can become uncomfortable. Not to mention the best I gas mileage ever got with the Cougar was 18mpg (compared to my 40-50mpg I regularly get with my Focus).

As you can see, the Cougar isn't the greatest car to take on long trips. With that being said, I still like to take it out on the highway for shorter trips and put a few highway miles on it. In this case, I had half of a tank of gas I wanted to use up so I could put fresh gas in so it could sit over the winter.

Close-up view of a classic car's circular dashboard gauge showing both an ammeter (measuring +60 to -60 amps) and fuel gauge (marked E to F), with the needle visible against the black gauge face

I figured North Wood County Park would be a perfect place to explore. This county park is only about 12 miles from Marshfield. We used to camp there a lot when I was a kid, and there's a lot of cool places to take pictures.

White 1969 Mercury Cougar classic car parked in a residential driveway, showing the passenger side profile with its distinctive long hood, chrome trim, and period-correct wheels View through the windshield of the white Mercury Cougar showing a person waving from inside the car, with residential houses and trees visible in the background Woman with wavy blonde hair wearing blue mirrored aviator sunglasses and a burgundy shirt, smiling and waving from the passenger seat of the classic car's black leather interior Dashboard view of the Mercury Cougar showing three circular gauges - ammeter/fuel gauge on left, speedometer in center (reading 0-120 mph with 33,535 miles), and tachometer on right Driver's perspective from inside the white Mercury Cougar traveling down a rural two-lane highway flanked by trees and farmland under partly cloudy skies

Some of the best drives are on the alphabet highways. You take County A to get to North Wood County Park.

View from the Cougar's hood showing a rural intersection with directional signs for routes A and EE, with the road stretching ahead through flat countryside Stone and brick entrance sign reading NORTH PARK with a small emblem, surrounded by green grass and trees

When you turn in, there's a long road that is tucked between some fields.

View over the Cougar's white hood showing a curved paved road through North Park with grassy areas and trees on both sides Rural agricultural landscape with freshly tilled brown fields in the foreground, green crops beyond, and a distant farm building under cloudy skies Straight rural road stretching into the distance with agricultural fields on both sides, trees lining the horizon, viewed from inside the moving Cougar Light green metal storage buildings or agricultural structures along a country road, with trees in the background, seen from the driver's perspective

There's a split in the road where you can go to the campground or around to the day use area that includes a swimming area, picnic areas, and disc golf. We headed towards the day use area.

Park entrance with information signs and a decorative rock feature, surrounded by mature trees and grass, viewed through the Cougar's windshield Tree-lined park road with other vehicles parked along the sides, showing the interior dashboard and hood of the Cougar in the foreground Wooded park road with dense trees on both sides and an open grassy area to the right, captured from the driver's seat of the moving vehicle Shaded park road tunnel formed by overarching trees with decorative rocks lining the edges, viewed from inside the classic car

We took it a bit slow and made it to the pavilion area where I parked the car, and we got out to explore.

Magnificent tree-lined park avenue creating a natural cathedral effect with tall straight trunks on both sides of the paved road Rear three-quarter view of the white Mercury Cougar with its distinctive Eliminator styling, rear spoiler, and chrome bumper, parked in a tree-lined parking lot Front three-quarter view of the 1969 Mercury Cougar showing its aggressive grille, hood scoop, chrome bumper, and period Goodyear tires in a park setting Stone pavilion or shelter building with metal roof and covered seating area, surrounded by grass and mature trees in an overcast park setting Wide view of North Park showing a large open field with scattered trees, decorative rocks placed as parking barriers in the foreground, and dense forest in the background under partly cloudy skies Distant view of the white Mercury Cougar parked in a nearly empty paved parking lot surrounded by dense forest, with faded parking space markings visible on the asphalt

North Wood County Park has been around a while and still has old school pit toilets.

Glimpse through pine trees of a small beige utility building or storage shed visible across a grassy clearing in the wooded park area

We decided to walk over by the playground and then off to the dam. There was a large branch of a tree down due to a recent storm.

Lush green park landscape showing a winding dirt and gravel path through mature hardwood and pine trees with open grassy areas on both sides Storm damage in the park showing a large fallen tree with exposed root ball, branches still covered in green foliage lying across the grass near standing evergreens Park picnic area featuring multiple green metal picnic tables arranged on a concrete pad, with expansive grass field and tree line in the background Solitary green park bench facing a vast open field with mowed grass, dense forest visible in the distance under overcast skies Children's playground area with metal swing set on left and bright yellow tube slide structure on right, set in sand with open field and forest beyond Shaded picnic area with two green metal picnic tables positioned among tall pine trees with distinctive straight trunks and pine needle ground cover Wide dirt and gravel path through North Park lined with mature pine and hardwood trees, showing typical mixed forest composition and dappled sunlight Park pond view framed by large pine tree in foreground, showing still water reflecting trees and sky with pastoral landscape beyond

We got a good view of the suspension bridge.

White suspension footbridge spanning a park pond with vertical support towers and cable suspension system, reflected perfectly in the calm dark water

We then got close to the dam, looked at the suspension bridge again, and then the vast open areas around the park.

Wide view of flooded park area with brown water covering low-lying ground, pine trees along shoreline reflecting in still water under overcast sky Park dam spillway with orange DAM warning sign in foreground and RESPECT DAM sign visible, showing flooded conditions and water flowing over concrete structure White painted suspension footbridge spanning calm pond water, showing symmetrical reflection of the bridge structure and surrounding pine forest in the mirror-like surface Active dam spillway with water rushing over concrete weir creating white foam and turbulence, brown-tinted overflow visible between dark calm pools on either side Woman in burgundy shirt and blue jeans standing on grass field in North Park with trees in background, smiling at camera on overcast day Expansive mowed grass hillside sloping gently upward with single picnic table visible in middle distance and dense tree line marking the top of the hill

We walked towards the suspension bridge.

Park walking path lined with towering white pine trees creating a natural corridor, with characteristic long needles and straight trunks typical of mature pines Memorial sign reading PLANTED IN HONOR OF EMIL MUELLER CO. PARK SUPT. 25 YRS 1944-69 mounted on wooden post frame with large tree trunk behind Upward view into the sprawling canopy of a large mature pine tree showing its complex branching structure silhouetted against an overcast sky Peaceful park pond scene with calm water reflecting trees, metal railings visible along the shore, and open grass areas stretching toward distant tree line Stone restroom building with flat roof in Wood County Park, featuring rustic stonework construction set on grass lawn with paved path approaching

We noticed some kayakers enjoying the lake.

Distant view across park pond showing two kayakers in blue and orange/red kayaks paddling on dark water with forested shoreline behind

North Wood County Park has been around forever. The stone building where there's flush toilets and a place to change for the swimming area has been around since 1940. It was actually dedicated in 1935.

Historic stone structure with arched openings and long stone wall extending to the right, featuring Depression-era WPA-style construction with metal roof visible Close-up of stone building cornerstone reading WOOD COUNTY PARK 1940 carved into brown stone tablet mounted on tan and brown stonework facade Bronze dedication plaque dated 1935 listing Wood County Park Commission members including chairman Ben Hanneman and other officials, mounted on multicolored stone wall

We continued to walk towards the suspension bridge.

View of white suspension footbridge spanning pond with people visible crossing, stone wall structure on right, grass slope in foreground under overcast sky Wooden sign reading LAKE KAUNEWINNE mounted on rustic posts with white suspension bridge visible in background across grassy park area View across Lake Kaunewinne showing stone arch bridge or culvert at water's edge with people standing on it, dense forest reflected in calm water Concrete and metal stairway leading up to suspension bridge entrance, featuring modern accessibility railings and industrial design against wooded background

The suspension bridge freaked Victoria out, so I went solo on it. You can get some great views!

Close-up view up concrete stairs showing metal framework and X-bracing of suspension bridge support structure against cloudy sky First-person perspective down weathered wooden plank walkway of suspension bridge with wire mesh safety fencing on both sides View from suspension bridge showing white rope handrail and wire fencing overlooking brown pond water and green grass below On-bridge perspective showing metal tower support structure with NO MET BRIDGE sign (partially visible), looking through suspension cables toward opposite shore View from middle of suspension bridge showing calm Lake Kaunewinne with tree-lined shores and sky reflected in dark water, concrete dam visible in distance Suspension bridge cable detail showing turnbuckle hardware and metal support posts along wooden deck railing overlooking brown river water below River view from bridge showing brown water flowing between wooded banks, with ripples on surface indicating gentle current through forested corridor Symmetrical view down suspension bridge walkway showing wooden deck, vertical cable supports, DO NOT SWING BRIDGE warning sign, and perspective toward far end

I made it to the other side, where the campground is located. I saw a hiking trail I was tempted to go down, but Victoria was still waiting for me on the other side.

Narrow dirt hiking trail winding through dense deciduous forest with lush undergrowth including ferns and saplings creating tunnel-like effect

I decided to come back and walk across the suspension bridge.

End of suspension footbridge showing metal support structure and wooden approach ramp from concrete landing, with brown pond water visible and open park fields beyond

I looked over at the corner of the swimming area. This swimming area is stagnant, and I always thought it was kind of gross to swim in (the actual area where it's sectioned off isn't as bad).

Marshy pond edge with bright green algae covering water surface, cattails and reeds growing along shore, open grass field and dense forest in background

We hopped back into the Cougar and then drove around a bit more. I decided to stop at a bridge and get some pictures before heading back to explore the camping area.

Historic stone restroom building on right side of paved park path lined with mature trees, showing classic WPA Depression-era architecture in sunny afternoon light Driver's view from Mercury Cougar showing paved park road ahead flanked by dense forest, with sandy area visible on right side of road View through Cougar's windshield of open park field with scattered mature trees and picnic tables visible in distance under partly cloudy skies Exit view from park showing paved road with yellow metal gates on either side, expansive green agricultural fields stretching to tree line under blue sky Disc golf basket visible among tall pine trees in wooded park area with pine needle-covered ground and dappled shade from dense canopy View from parking area showing pond through mature hardwood trees, with asphalt lot in foreground and peaceful water reflecting surrounding forest Rustic wooden sign reading LAKE MANAKIKI with decorative carved fish and directional arrows, mounted on posts with flooded brown pond visible behind View from inside Cougar driving through tree-lined park road with picnic tables visible on right, playground equipment in distance, classic car dashboard in foreground Driver's perspective crossing low concrete bridge structure with metal railings, tree-lined park road continuing ahead through mature forest Rear view of white Mercury Cougar positioned on narrow concrete bridge with exposed steel beam construction over small stream in wooded park setting Side angle of Mercury Cougar on industrial-style concrete and steel bridge with I-beam construction, lush green park landscape and pond visible beyond Another angle of the Cougar on the utilitarian concrete bridge showing weathered construction, park facilities and open fields with scattered trees in background View through tall pine tree trunks showing open grassy clearing with pine needle ground cover and distant park facilities visible through forest Rear three-quarter view of white Mercury Cougar parked on wet asphalt with pond and mature trees in background on overcast day Driver's view from Cougar showing narrow paved park road winding through dense deciduous forest with bright green summer foliage creating tunnel effect

We made it to the camping area to be greeted by high water. The gates weren't closed, but I wasn't going to risk it with my Cougar like some other people decided to do.

North Park informational sign on stone base with park amenity icons and regulations, large decorative boulder in foreground, lush grass and forest backdrop Welcome Campers information board with brown shingled roof displaying camping rules and regulations on white panel, surrounded by grass and white stone border Dark-colored pickup truck driving through flooded low-water crossing with orange warning posts, creating splash as it traverses water over paved road ford Multiple warning signs at park entrance including HIGH WATER ENTRANCE/EXIT TO NORTH WOOD COUNTY PARK CAMPGROUND GATE IS: OPEN, map, DANGER sign about crossing conditions, and FIREWOOD BAN notice White Mercury Cougar parked on side of paved park road lined with tall trees and pine needle ground cover, with open grass field visible in background Two people standing in brown floodwater on low-water crossing, examining the flooded concrete ford with water flowing across paved road surface Wide view of flooded low-water crossing showing brown water flowing across paved surface with foam patterns visible, green grass banks and dense forest on both sides Flooded area showing brown water covering grass and roadway, fallen log visible in water, with lush green vegetation and trees surrounding the inundated area Two people wading through brown floodwater on low-water crossing marked with orange warning posts, water flowing actively across concrete surface Yellow diamond HIGH WATER warning sign mounted on orange metal gate barrier at edge of flooded low-water crossing with rushing brown water visible beyond

I turned around and headed back to Marshfield.

Driver's view from Mercury Cougar traveling down straight two-lane rural road with tree-lined edges, residential buildings visible in distance under partly cloudy sky View over Cougar's hood down straight rural highway with dense forest on both sides creating tunnel effect, bright blue sky visible ahead Similar highway view through dense forest with afternoon sun illuminating green foliage along roadside, straight asphalt road stretching into distance View from Cougar across open agricultural landscape showing vast green fields on both sides of highway, small farm with trees and buildings visible in distance under dramatic sky

While I didn't get to explore the campground, my mission was accomplished for using up the gas I wanted to. I took the Cougar to the gas station and filled it back up. I then went and put it away in the garage.

Close-up of Mercury Cougar's ammeter and fuel gauge combination instrument showing fuel needle near empty (E) mark, with classic circular gauge design Front three-quarter view of white Mercury Cougar parked at modern gas station under white canopy, with small town visible in background Rear three-quarter view of white Mercury Cougar parked inside wooden garage with paneled walls, showing classic fastback roofline and chrome bumper on tarp-covered floor

This little mini-road trip was fun in the Cougar. It was nice to take it out a little bit and also see North Wood County Park again. The suspension bridge is always fun to walk across, and there's a lot of natural beauty in the park. Maybe next time the water won't be as high, and I'll be able to go across and explore the campground.

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