About
Lapham Peak was formed about 10,000 yrs ago by a glacier which made it the highest point in Waukesha county with a elevation of 1,233 ft above sea level. With an observation tower (45 ft tall) at the peak, one can see a good view of southeastern Wisconsin and the northern edge of Illinois.
Lapham Peak is named for Increase A. Lapham, an important scientist and naturalist in Wisconsin who lived from 1811 to 1875. He came to Wisconsin in 1836 as an engineer and eventually settled in the Oconomowoc area. Lapham had many roles in his lifetime, including State Geologist, founder and president of the State Historical Society, and surveyor of Indian mounds, but he is probably best known as the Father of the United States Weather Bureau. - Whitt, Kelly. "Lapham Peak Park A Place to Hike, Bike, Ski, and Ride Horses" July 2, 2007. Online. Available: http://wisconsin-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/lapham_peak_park