Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center brings family and community together through the presentation of music and other arts.

Vision: To present excellent performing arts in an authentic rustic venue

Value:To provide affordable, quality arts to the Northland.

In 1992, community members, Douglas County Forestry and the University of Wisconsin - Extension met to develop long-term plans to enhance the economy of Solon Springs. One idea was the creation of a performing arts venue in the natural bowl shaped area of the Lucius Woods Park. The music venue was a dream of Frank and Mary Giesen who envisioned a smaller version of the famed Ravinia. Frank and Mary took the reins by fund-raising and organizing. They created a 12-member Board of Directors, incorporated and with the help of the Wisconsin Arts Board, researched other venues. Music in the Park was brought to fruition through the dedication and leadership of Frank and Mary Giesen and those who made in-kind contributions, financial gifts and gave thousands of hours of volunteer time.

A Minneapolis firm was hired to assure the best sound resonance possible. The exterior of the concert shell was crafted from red pine logs and the interior of tamarack panels. The wood was harvested from the black forest in Gordon, Wisconsin. The concert shell is the property of Douglas County.

Lucius Woods Park is a County Park located in a beautiful 40-acre sanctuary named in honor of Nicholas and Emma Lucius who preserved the land and the environment during the early 1900s. The park is located in the Village of Solon Springs, Wisconsin on the shores of the Upper St. Croix Lake. It offers a beautiful swimming beach, playgrounds, nature trails, camping facilities, picnicking areas with grills, pavilion, two picnic shelters and the Giesen Concert Shell. For more information about the park, including camping and rental of the pavilion and / or concert shell, call DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY DEPARTMENT at 715-378-2219.

The first concert was held in July of 1994.The magnificence of both nature and the natural amphitheater can be enjoyed at the outdoor summer concert series.

Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center is a 501(c) (3) non-stock, not for profit corporation formed in 1994.

For more information regarding the Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Inc, call Teresa (Mick) Salmen, Executive Director at (715) 378-4272.

E-mail address: luciuswoods@lwmusic.org.