We think Wisconsin is one of the best states for hiking and camping in the entire country. There are lakes and rivers, deep forests and rolling hills, marshes and lagoons, and much more to explore. Here are just a few of our scenic state parks, perfect for a family trip.
1. Peninsula State Park
This Door County gem on the shore of Green Bay has a wild beauty. There’s a sandy beach, a playground, kayak rentals, a fishing pier and a whopping 468 camping sites. A lot of the trails are super easy, but there are a few rockier, more challenging ones for older kids. Stop by Eagle Tower (which has a ramp for strollers), where you can catch a view over 250 feet above the bay.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Mirror Lake State Park
As soon as you see the calm, clear water of Mirror Lake, you’ll understand how it got its name. This park is super fun for kayaking and canoeing. It’s also right by the Wisconsin Dells so you can always combine a trip to Mirror Lake with a visit to the Dells’ unbeatable water parks.
3. Wyalusing State Park
Snap a photo at this park’s 500-foot overlook above the mighty Mississippi River. It’s one of the best views in the state. There’s also canoeing and ancient Native American burial mounds at this popular park in southwestern Wisconsin.
4. Rock Island State Park
You’ll have to sail on two ferries to reach this remote island – located off the Door Peninsula beyond even Washington Island – but the views are worth the trip. The park has 40 campsites, hiking trails all over, a peaceful beach and miles of shoreline to run around.
Find out more about these parks and explore others at dnr.wisconsin.gov
A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing
If you’ve never had the thrill of a bluegill tugging on your line, you’ve got to try fishing. And if you’re younger than 16, you don’t need to worry about getting a license. You’ll need a pole, a hook, some bait and a bobber, but you don’t even have to own any of it – the Wisconsin DNR loans out free fishing gear to use at parks around the state, including Milwaukee’s three Urban Ecology Centers. Hook your bait, cast your line, and see what you catch. And don’t forget to wear a life jacket if you fish on a pier or near moving water.
Take it With You
Bring a shoe box to collect the items in this scavenger hunt.
☐ Shell From a nut, snail, water creature or eggshell
☐ Pinecone that’s longer than it is wide
☐ Branch with thorns Don’t prick yourself!
☐ Bird feather
☐ Rock that sparkles Look closely – the sparkle may be tiny.
☐ Seed or seed pod
☐ Piece of trash Bonus points for keeping the Earth clean!
☐ Blue flower
☐ Leaf with a hole in it What do you think made that hole?
☐ Cattail
☐ Stick in the shape of a letter Try to find one that isn’t just an I.
☐ Piece of bark Don’t take it off a tree though!
Take a Picture
Find these things but leave them in nature.
1. Animal track
What do you think made it?
2. Bark patterns that look like a face
3. Three different kinds of trees
Look for differences in bark and leaves.
4. Bird
Do you know what species it is?
5. Plant that is more than two colors
6. Berries on a bush or tree
Just don’t eat them!
7. Moss or fungus
8. Hole in the ground
What do you think made it?
9. Animal dung
Is it from a bird, rodent, deer or something else?
10. Nest or cocoon
11. Ants on a log
Real ones, not the snack!
12. The most beautiful thing you saw today
Take lots of pictures and decide at the end of the day.
