Escape Into Nature at These 23 Scenic Wisconsin State Parks
Wisconsin’s state parks are a haven for all types of outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and enjoy a wealth of natural beauty.
From the towering bluffs of Devil’s Lake to the serene waters of Mirror Lake, and from the historic landscapes of Tower Hill to the geological wonders of Rib Mountain, each park presents its own unique slice of Wisconsin’s rich environmental tapestry.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Located in Baraboo, Devil’s Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most popular parks and a must-visit for a mix of beauty and outdoor adventure. Its stunning quartzite bluffs surrounding a 360-acre lake make it a popular spot for rock climbers and hikers of all ages, who can go at their own pace to enjoy panoramic vistas of the lake and landscape.
The lake also has two sandy beaches, making it a perfect place for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and relaxation.
Peninsula State Park
Located on the Door County peninsula, Peninsula State Park draws visitors with its expansive shoreline along Green Bay, the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Golf can enjoy the park’s 18-hole course, while summer theater performances at the Northern Sky Theater provide fun and unique entertainment. Visitors who love being by the water can enjoy several beaches within the park and spend time boating, fishing, and swimming.
Copper Falls State Park
Nestled in northern Wisconsin, Copper Falls State Park is celebrated for its dramatic waterfalls, deep gorges, and ancient lava flow, creating a picturesque landscape that feels untouched. Visitors who love scenic views can follow the Doughboys’ Trail along the Bad River to admire the rushing waters of Copper and Brownstone Falls.
For those interested in a quieter visit, the park’s remote location also makes it an ideal spot for peaceful picnics, contemplation, and the simple joy of a campfire under the stars.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan near Sheboygan, Kohler-Andrae State Park is known for its unique sand dunes, and miles of sandy beach. The Dunes Cordwalk allows visitors to walk through the majestic dunes on an elevated boardwalk, providing beautiful views and educational insights. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species migrating through the area, and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Mirror Lake State Park
Just a stone’s throw from Wisconsin Dells, Mirror Lake State Park offers a quieter alternative to the bustling resort town. The park is named for its remarkably still lake, which reflects the surrounding forest and sandstone bluffs.
Visitors can explore over 19 miles of trails from gentle walks through the woods to more challenging hikes with scenic overlooks. The park’s quiet, no-wake policy ensures a peaceful experience for all visitors and the beach is a popular family spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Wyalusing State Park
Perched on the bluffs where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet, Wyalusing features breathtaking views atop 500-foot limestone bluffs, Native American burial mounds, and a variety of birdlife, making it a prime spot for bird watching — especially eagles and songbirds — and photography. Hiking trails and canoe routes offer plenty of adventure for visitors and numerous access points in the park allow for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Newport State Park
As Wisconsin’s only wilderness-designated state park, Newport offers a more secluded experience on the Door County peninsula. With minimal light pollution, it’s an exceptional place for stargazing. The park’s trails wind through forests and along the Lake Michigan shoreline, perfect for hikers seeking solitude. The park’s beaches and coves provide perfect spots for picnicking and relaxation, with the sound of the waves adding to the peaceful ambiance.
Amnicon Falls State Park
Located near Superior, Amnicon Falls State Park features a series of stunning waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River. The park’s trails allow visitors to explore the scenic beauty up close, with footbridges and viewing platforms for spectacular views of the falls. It’s a great spot for photography, picnicking, and hiking.
Amnicon Falls State Park is rich in geological history, with interpretive signs that explain the park’s unique rock formations and the forces that shaped the landscape.
Big Bay State Park
Situated on Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, Big Bay State Park boasts magnificent cliffs, a long sandy beach, and over 9 miles of hiking trails. The park is accessible by ferry from Bayfield and offers camping, kayaking, and swimming opportunities, along with stunning views of Lake Superior.
Blue Mound State Park
Located west of Madison, Blue Mound State Park is the highest point in southern Wisconsin, offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside. The park has unique geological features, two observation towers, and a variety of well-marked trails for hiking and wintertime skiing and snowshoeing.
It also features some of the best mountain biking trails in the region, with routes and plenty space for cooling off in the summer, including an outdoor pool and a splash pad.
Governor Dodge State Park
One of the state’s largest parks, Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville is located in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The park is arguably one of Wisconsin’s most diverse state parks and a versatile destination with steep hills, deep valleys, sandstone bluffs, Cox Hollow Lake and Twin Valley Lake, and a waterfall.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an all-season landscape with chances for horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Visitors can hike a short trail to Stephens Falls or visit both lakes to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and other lakeside fun.
Hartman Creek State Park
Located in central Wisconsin near Waupaca, Hartman Creek State Park is a peaceful retreat with a chain of seven beautiful lakes, making it perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
The park’s extensive trail system caters to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, and in the winter, to cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Cyclists can enjoy a mix of paved and off-road paths and explore more of the 25-mile Wau-King Trail, which connects to the park.
High Cliff State Park
Overlooking Lake Winnebago, High Cliff State Park is notable for its limestone cliffs and effigy mounds. The park offers hiking trails with views of the lake, picnic areas, and access to a marina, making it easy to enjoy a day on the water.
The Red Bird Trail provides panoramic vistas from the top of the cliffs and passes by the historic limestone kilns. The observation tower on the park’s highest point provides panoramic views, and the park’s history is highlighted through various interpretive sites.
Kettle Moraine State Forest
Spanning over 100 miles through southeastern Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine State Forest is divided into two main units: Northern and Southern. The forest is known for its unique glacial landforms, including kettles, kames, and eskers. With hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling, plus lakes for fishing and swimming, it’s a comprehensive destination for outdoor activities year-round.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which runs through the forest, offers stunning views of the glacial landscape and is a favorite among serious hikers, and the trails are also a haven for equestrians, with miles of horse trails and designated equestrian campgrounds. The park’s clear, spring-fed waters provide excellent conditions for paddling and angling too.
Perrot State Park
Nestled where the Trempealeau River meets the Mississippi, Perrot State Park is famous for its towering bluffs, such as Brady’s Bluff, which offer stunning views of the river valleys in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The park has a rich Native American history, extensive trails for hiking and biking, and waterways ideal for canoeing and fishing.
The adjacent Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge adds to the area’s appeal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The park’s archaeological sites, including ancient Native American burial mounds, offer a chance to learn about the region’s interesting history.
Roche-A-Cri State Park
Located in central Wisconsin, Roche-A-Cri State Park is named for its most prominent feature, a 300-foot-high rock outcropping known as the Roche-A-Cri Mound. Visitors can see Native American petroglyphs and pictographs at the base, and a stairway allows access to the top for panoramic views. Interpretive signs provide information about the significance of these ancient carvings, offering a glimpse into the past.
In addition to hiking and historical exploration, Roche-A-Cri State Park is a great spot for picnicking, birdwatching, and nature observation, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Situated along the Lake Michigan shoreline on the Door Peninsula, Whitefish Dunes State Park boasts the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin. The park protects fragile dune environments and offers miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails through dunes and forests, and the opportunity to visit an 1800s-era Belgian farmstead.
The Red Trail provides stunning views of the dunes and the lake, as well as access to the park’s highest dune, “Old Baldy,” which offers a panoramic vista of the surrounding area. The clear, blue waters of Lake Michigan provide a refreshing escape during the summer, allowing visitors to enjoy a wealth of activities along the scenic shoreline.
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Overlooking the Kickapoo River Valley, Wildcat Mountain State Park offers some of the best views in central Wisconsin. The park’s hiking and horseback riding trails navigate through hilly, wooded terrain, offering scenic vistas. Canoeing and fishing in the Kickapoo River are popular activities, and the park provides a peaceful setting for camping.
The Hemlock Trail leads visitors through a beautiful hemlock forest and offers stunning views of the Kickapoo River Valley, providing the perfect scenery for photography and wildlife viewing. The park also has miles of horseriding trails and a designated horse campground, making it an ideal spot for equestrians.
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Located in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, Yellowstone Lake State Park features a 455-acre lake that makes it a paradise for anglers, swimmers, and boaters. The park’s sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, with nearby picnic areas for family gatherings. The lake is well-stocked with fish, including bluegill, bass, and northern pike.
Buckhorn State Park
Nestled on a peninsula in Castle Rock Lake, Buckhorn State Park is a great destination for water enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park has a unique system of cart-in campsites, providing a more secluded camping experience. Its trails and boardwalks are perfect for wildlife observation and nature walks.
The trails range from easy walks to moderate hikes, providing scenic views of the flowage and opportunities to spot wildlife. The Barrens Nature Trail is very popular and educates visitors about the unique sand barrens ecosystem.
Rib Mountain State Park
One of the oldest geological formations on earth, Rib Mountain State Park is home to a 60-foot observation tower that offers stunning views of the Wausau area and the Wisconsin River. The park also features a 60-foot observation tower that provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
The park’s trails cater to hikers and, in the winter, to snowshoers. The Quarry Trail leads visitors past historic quarry sites and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. In the winter, Rib Mountain State Park transforms into a bustling hub of activity with the Granite Peak Ski Area, one of the premier skiing and snowboarding destinations in the Midwest.
Tower Hill State Park
Tower Hill State Park offers a glimpse into a unique look Wisconsin’s industrial history. This park is best known for its reconstructed shot tower and melting house, where lead shot was made in the 1800s.
Elsewhere, visitors can meander along hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks of the Wisconsin River and glimpses at the shot tower. The park’s serene environment makes it a fun spot for picnicking with several picnic areas and shelters available for visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the park’s natural beauty.
Harrington Beach State Park
Located near Belgium on the shores of Lake Michigan, Harrington Beach is a hidden gem that offers a place to retreat quietly into nature. The Puckett’s Pond area is a favorite among anglers, offering a peaceful setting for fishing.
Visitors can also explore multiple trails at their own pace, discovering the park’s rich history including the remnants of a stone quarry and pier that once operated on the site. Beach-goers can enjoy a mile-long sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
Explore More Wisconsin State Parks
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a passionate bird watcher, a history enthusiast, or someone who loves to relax in nature’s embrace, Wisconsin’s state parks cater to every interest. So, pack your bags, grab your gear, and set out to discover the natural wonders of Wisconsin. Happy exploring!
