From Prairie to Planes and Back Again
A brief chronology

Before 1800:	Territory of grassland, wetland, and oak savanna traversed by Potawatomi American Indian tribes.

Mid-1800's:	Land was surveyed for statehood. Settlers from England and Germany arrive and till the rich soil for crops.

1954:	U.S. Air Force purchased land from 59 owners to establish jet interceptor and/or Strategic Air Command Base.

1958:	Air Base construction begins. Base is named in honor of Wisconsin's World War II Flying Ace, Richard I. Bong.

1959:	Air Base project was cancelled.

1974:	Department of Natural Resources buys 4,515 acres, which becomes Richard Bong State Recreation Area. (Wisconsin’s first recreation area).

Today:	Wetlands restoration, prairie establishment, interpretive programs, camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, skiing, hunting, fishing, trapping, falconry, all terrain vehicle/dirt bike riding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, dog training and trials, model airplane flying, horseback riding, hang gliding, ultra light flying, hot air ballooning, land sailing, model aircraft/rocket flying, and more.