Once called Gooseberry Point.
Picnic Point peninsula stretches for one-half mile into the lake. It housed a small Ho-Chunk encampment up to 1889. Two linear Native American mounds
and four conical mounds along with restored prairies are still visible on the peninsula.
E.J. Young had grand plans when he bought the Breese J. Stevens farm, including Picnic Point, in 1925.
Young planned a sprawling private estate on one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Mendota. The
massive gate was built and remains to welcome Picnic Point visitors.
Young and his wife, Alice, renovated the farm house and lived there until 1935 when it burned. A
brick walkway still leads from the road (uphill from the entrance gate) to the site of the former
house. Young lost a good share of his fortune in the Depression and moved to Shorewood after the
fire; the estate was never finished, including a mansion designed by Frank Riley that was never
built.
bought by the University in 1939.
