Fifty. That’s the number of Wisconsin State Parks there are around the state. But the Wisconsin State Park System goes well beyond that. From the Driftless Region to the Northwoods to the Door Peninsula, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages 1.2 million acres or recreation areas as part of the park system. This includes 15 state forests, 44 state trails, nine state recreation areas, 6,500 campsites and so much more. 

Maybe it’s because I grew up in Girl Scouts, collecting badges. Perhaps it’s because Pokemon taught me the “gotta catch ’em all” mentality. Or possibly, it’s because my mom’s flight attendant benefits put me on the fast track for traveling to all 50 states. Whatever the cause, I’m a completionist. When I say I want to explore Wisconsin’s state parks, I mean every last one of them. All 50.

My love for these destinations started when I was a little rosy-cheeked rascal with an affinity for wandering off. My extended family used to pile into our ’90s minivans and caravan across the state to some of Wisconsin’s most picturesque destinations. I remember panting as I hiked up the bluffs at Devil’s Lake State Park, howling in the tunnels of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and playing on the beaches at Peninsula State Park.

The whole noisy lot of us would set up camp and spend the night staring at a crackling campfire as my uncle Jerry made up stories to entertain my cousins and me. While Jerry was the storyteller, it was my uncle Roger who had the science. As we hiked, he would quiz us on the different types of rocks, marvel at the plant biodiversity and tell us about the glacial history of the state.

Recently, I was speaking with a geoscientist whose fascination with Wisconsin’s unique landscape reminded me of my uncle Roger. The professor travels around the world for his research, to destinations like Iceland and New Zealand, but at the end of the day he’d rather just be digging holes in Wisconsin because of how dynamic our state’s glacial history is.

That sentiment warmed my heart. At 29, I’ve seen a lot of friends leave Wisconsin for more trendy states. I’ve heard these traitors’ justifications: California’s coast, Colorado’s mountains. Yes, those are wonderful, but do they realize what Wisconsin has? Two Great Lakes, the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, massive forests, bluffy peaks, fresh coast islands and so much more. I wonder, if they had explored our state parks more, would they better appreciate our grand home state?

I’m still early on my quest to see them all – so far I’ve tallied 20 – but each year I check off a few more of these dazzling destinations and return to my favorites. And as an aunt now myself, I plan to continue the legacy of sharing the beauty of our state with the next generation like my parents, aunts and uncles did with me.

Let’s Go! This guide includes info about all 50 of Wisconsin’s state parks, with similar parks grouped together. To help with your planning, there’s a general geographic designation as well.

State Parks Within an Hour Drive of Milwaukee 

Lakeshore State Park

SE » MILWAUKEE COUNTY | 22 ACRES 

Located on the edge of Downtown Milwaukee, this oasis offers a quick nature break and unbeatable views of Lake Michigan. The 17-year-old park on a manmade peninsula extending from the Summerfest grounds features a small beach, a fishing pier and a paved path that hooks up with the Hank Aaron State Trail. Have your camera ready at the footbridge, where you can catch one of the best skyline views in the city.

Aztalan State Park

SE » JEFFERSON COUNTY | 172 ACRES

One of Wisconsin’s most important and fascinating archeological sites, Aztalan preserves an ancient Late Woodland Native American village from between roughly the 11th and 13th centuries. In 1919, an excavation of the area uncovered much of the original settlement along with portions of the wall that surrounded it. A map available at the park enables a self-guided tour, including Aztalan’s reconstructed mounds.

Kohler-Andrae State Park

SE » SHEBOYGAN COUNTY | 1,028 ACRES 

You get two parks for the price of one here. Kohler-Andrae State Park combines Terry Andrae and John Michael Kohler state parks just south of Sheboygan. Hit the cordwalk – a boardwalk for dry land – and check out the delicate sand dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. There are more than 2 miles of beaches where you can watch the waves or, if you’re lucky, whitetail deer prancing in the sand.

Big Foot Beach State Park

SE » WALWORTH COUNTY | 271 ACRES

Located on picturesque Geneva Lake, this park brings the natural beauty of a state park into the heart of the bustling tourist area. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and fishing, plus there are 5 miles of hiking trails. Keep in mind, the crowds are typically denser than you’d traditionally find at a state park.

Harrington Beach State Park

SE » OZAUKEE COUNTY | 715 ACRES

It’s best known for its sandy stretch of the Lake Michigan shoreline, but this park also preserves a historic Wisconsin quarry town. From 1901-25, Lake Shore Stone Co. owned the lakefront property and built a company town known as Stonehaven. The clear quarry lake still remains, looped by a hiking trail on which you can peer into the 45-foot pit where the mining was done.

Best Hiking Spots in Wisconsin State Parks  

Wyalusing State Park

SW » GRANT COUNTY | 2,674 ACRES

Camp 500 feet above the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers in this Driftless Area gem. One of many highlights is the Bluff Trail, which stops at Treasure Cave en route to some outstanding viewpoints. From the Signal Point overlook, you can see across the state border to Iowa’s Pikes Peak State Park. The two rivers make this a popular destination for paddlers and boaters. 

Mill Bluff State Park

C » JUNEAU COUNTY | 1,603 ACRES

Not all bluffs are the same. Large ones are called “mesas,” smaller ones are named “buttes,” and some slender bluffs are called “pinnacles.” All three are represented at Mill Bluff State Park, which is dotted with steep sandstone bluffs as well as other interesting rock formations. Climb to the top of the namesake bluff to get a view of the rest.

Perrot State Park

NW » TREMPEALEAU COUNTY | 1,270 ACRES

You’ll have to work for it, but one of the state’s best views of the Mississippi River is found here. Climb to the top of the park’s 500-foot Brady’s Bluff for a rewarding overlook. From this park, you can also connect with the 24-mile Great River State Trail, which is a favorite for cyclists.

High Cliff State Park

NE » CALUMET COUNTY | 1,147 ACRES

The namesake limestone cliff, part of the Niagara Escarpment, overlooks Lake Winnebago. The Lime Kiln Trail takes you up to the top of the bluff, with some steep hiking required to get you there. History buffs will want to stop by the towering statue of Winnebago Chief Red Bird and check out the Indian Mound Trail, which goes past effigy mounds built by Native American people more than 1,500 years ago. And don’t miss the 40-foot observation tower that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the largest inland lake in Wisconsin. 

Rocky Arbor State Park

C » JUNEAU COUNTY | 245 acres

Skip the waterslides and long lines; Wisconsin Dells has plenty of natural beauty to check out, too. With wooded trails, access to the Wisconsin River and sandstone bluffs, Rocky Arbor is a hidden gem that offers a little respite from the thrumming tourist town.

Tower Hill State Park

SW » IOWA COUNTY | 77 ACRES

The tower in question is a reconstruction of the Helena Shot Tower, which was used to make lead shot munitions (a surprisingly tricky craft) in the early 1800s. A tunnel in the sandstone bluff was dug out by hand. The hiking here is no joke, with challenging bluff trails that lead to sweeping views of the Wisconsin River.

Rib Mountain State Park

C » MARATHON COUNTY | 1,627 acres

It’s not every day you can visit one of the oldest geological formations on the planet. Standing 670 feet above the surrounding area, the 1.7 billion-year-old ridge known as Rib Mountain is one of the largest vertical elevation gains in the state. From the top, you’ll get spectacular views of the Wausau area and the Wisconsin River. Skiers and snowboarders know its Granite Peak ski area well.

Natural Bridge State Park

SW » SAUK COUNTY | 530 ACRES

Created through erosion by wind and water, the park’s natural bridge is a sandstone arch, 25 feet high and 35 feet wide. A rock shelter nearby was used by Native American people 11,000 years ago.

Diving into Wisconsin’s state parks can satisfy not just your wanderlust and quest for natural beauty; it can also scratch that itch of getting a great deal. The windshield sticker that gets you admission to the parks (and state forests – bonus!) sets you back just $28, while a day pass for most parks is $8. Visiting four state parks is a piece of cake, especially if you’re hitting a few parks that are close together, like the Door County circuit. Plus, you’re supporting the DNR’s efforts to improve and maintain the park system.

Take an Island Trip Stateside

Rock Island State Park

NE » DOOR COUNTY | 912 ACRES

It takes two ferries to get to this remote island, but the journey is worth it. This well-cared-for protected property is surrounded by crystal-clear water and loungeable beaches. Cars don’t fit on the second boat, so you’ll be hoofing it on foot here. The 10 miles of hiking trails wind you through forests and prairies. Make sure to take the tour at the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the state.

Brunet Island State Park

NW » CHIPPEWA COUNTY | 1,303 ACRES

Surrounding this island are the Chippewa and Fisher rivers, which are a unique destination for paddlers. The lagoons make for great bird-watching, and there are biker-friendly roads, as well as campsites and hiking trails.

Big Bay State Park

NW » ASHLAND COUNTY | 2,475 ACRES

Madeline Island is the largest of the Apostle Islands archipelago, and Big Bay is nestled onto its eastern side. The state park skirts 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, which is lined with picturesque sandstone bluffs. Other notable features include a 1-mile boardwalk, swimmable beaches and tons of hiking trails. To get here, you’ll have to catch a ferry from Bayfield, which only runs as long as it can break through the lake’s ice; if you really want to brave the park in the depths of winter, you’ll have to resort to an ice road or a wind-sled for transport.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

ONE OF WISCONSIN’S NATIONAL PARKS | NW » BAYFIELD COUNTY | 69,372 ACRES

To get around this coastal park at the tip of the Bayfield Peninsula – the northern- most mainland point of Wisconsin – you’ll need water transportation like sea kayaks or private boats. None of this park’s 21 Lake Superior islands, protected by the National Park Service, are accessible by car. The sea caves are a must-see, and, if you’re scuba-certified, there are stunningly clear waters to explore, along with a handful of shipwrecks.

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Wisconsin’s Must-See Waterfalls

Amnicon Falls State Park

NW » DOUGLAS COUNTY | 825 ACRES Douglas County, 825 acres

Before you see the four large waterfalls (or the smaller ones), you’ll hear them – the thunder of crashing water. Don’t miss the stunning covered footbridge, which is not only an over-100-year-old landmark but also a lookout point for the upper and lower falls. There are 2 miles of trails along the Amnicon River where you can watch for beavers, mink and otters.

Pattison State Park

NW » DOUGLAS COUNTY | 1,476 ACRES

Home to the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin – and the fourth-highest east of the Rockies – this park is a showstopper. Big Manitou Falls drops a towering 165 feet, and Little Manitou Falls offers a 31-foot twin waterfall, both fed by the Black River. There are 9 miles of hiking trails that offer varied views of the cascades. Consider stopping by peaceful Interfalls Lake and its spacious beach.

 

Copper Falls State Park

NW » ASHLAND COUNTY |  3,496 acres

The falls here tumble through a vibrant red gorge with walls that reach 100 feet tall. The Bad River flows into the falls and winds around the western perimeter of the park. Wildlife to watch for include black bears, gray wolves and elk.

Willow River State Park

NW » ST. CROIX COUNTY | 2,891 ACRE

What the Willow Falls lack in height, they make up for in width. These more gradual waterfalls make it possible for spectators to wade into the water and get right next to the action. Paddling, swimming and fishing are also popular in Little Falls Lake.

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Wisconsin’s DNR-tist 

 

The DNR hosts an art contest every year for high school students to design the sticker. This year’s winner was Slinger High School sophomore Samantha Williams, who depicted a loon and chick floating in a body of water.

 

 

 

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Off the Beaten Path

1. Roznos Meadow Trail

DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK | SW » SAUK COUNTY | 10,200 ACRES

The most popular hikes at Wisconsin’s largest and most-visited state park take you to the tops of its 500-foot quartzite bluffs. And while the Devil’s Doorway, Balanced Rock and East Bluff trails are all worthy of their fame, DNR parks and recreation specialist Sara Bernaski recommends heading to Devil’s Lake’s newest trail for a hidden gem. The Roznos Meadow Trail is a flat, grassy walk through a prairie restoration project in the park’s valley that offers a great view of a glacial terminal moraine – the debris left where a glacier petered out and melted. It’s part of why the trail is also a segment on the 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It’s a fantastic spot to catch a sunset, Bernaski says.

2. Northern Sky Theater

PENINSULA STATE PARK | NE » DOOR COUNTY | 3,776 ACRES

This beloved state park is a peninsula on the west side of Door County’s much larger peninsula. The hiking, camping and boating here are all top-notch – and close to just about any city-slicking amenity. But you don’t even have to leave Peninsula to catch a good show. Nestled in the park is an open-air theatrical stage where Northern Sky Theater has been putting on original productions for more than 50 years. Many of the shows have Midwestern hooks, like this season’s The Fisherman’s Daughters, which tells the story of two sisters in 1908 Fish Creek who must reckon with their differences when Wisconsin’s governor decides to turn their homestead into part of … wait for it … Peninsula State Park. The summer lineup also includes the long-popular Belgians in Heaven, as well as the world premiere of its prequel, Hell’s Belgians. 

3. Big Cave

GOVERNOR DODGE STATE PARK | SW » IOWA COUNTY | 5,350 ACRES

With steep bluffs, deep valleys, swimmable lakes and a picturesque waterfall, it’s obvious why this park is a fan favorite. You’ll find a lot of hikers on Lost Canyon Trail, which is a 3-mile loop that takes you past Stephens’ Falls and through the namesake canyon. For a quieter geological gem, Bernaski recommends Big Cave. You can get there from Cox Hollow Beach via the Meadow Valley Trail, which features restored prairies, lush forests, open meadows and wooded ridges. Know that to get into Big Cave, you’ll have to crawl through a tunnel. “Remember to bring a flashlight,” Bernaski says. It is a dark cave, after all.

State Parks Along Lake Michigan 

Newport State Park

NE » DOOR COUNTY | 2,373 ACRES

Newport is the unusual park you’ll definitely want to visit at night. There are only 60 “Dark Sky” parks in the U.S. that offer viewing of the stars unobstructed by light pollution, and this expanse on the quieter Lake Michigan side of the Door Peninsula is one of them. Pack your telescope and get ready for some amazing stargazing. Before the sun sets, you can hit the 30 miles of trails, which traverse forests and shoreline. Backpackers love Newport as a respite from the touristy area’s hustle and bustle.

Potawatomi State Park

NE » DOOR COUNTY | 1,225 ACRES

Gentle rolling upland terrain makes for a more gradual climb at this park, named after the Native tribe that lived in the area. The reward is worth the hike, with a 120-foot bird’s-eye view of scenic Sturgeon Bay. A number of features were designed for users with disabilities, including a cabin, campsites and a new fishing pier and boat launch.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

NE » DOOR COUNTY | 867 ACRES

Thousands of years ago, these sand dunes cut off a former bay of Lake Michigan to form Clark Lake. But the dunes are fragile – you have to check them out from afar, on a trail along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Cave Point – officially in a county park surrounded by the state park – is a favorite Instagram spot with a stunning view of the water.

Historically and Culturally Significant State Parks in Wisconsin

Roche-A-Cri State Park

C » ADAMS COUNTY | 604 ACRES

While the flat-topped, cliff-sided mound that bears the park’s name is cool, the real reason to visit is to see the only publicly displayed petroglyphs and pictographs in the state. The rock art carved into the cliff was etched into the stone before 900 A.D., likely by ancestors of the Ho-Chunk people. Helpful interpretive panels direct you where to look. 

Nelson Dewey State Park

SW » GRANT COUNTY | 756 ACRES

The land preserved in this park was once part of the estate of Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey, and you can tour his home, built in the 1860s. The park itself sits atop a 500-foot-tall bluff with panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

Lizard Mound State Park

SE » WASHINGTON COUNTY | 32 ACRES

Lizard Mound is one of the best-preserved Native American effigy mounds in the country, and this park has 27 others, as well. A trail winds through the network of mounds, which were designed by Native
American people who piled dirt on top of graves to create elevated animal and human shapes. 

Copper Culture State Park

NE » OCONTO COUNTY | 51 ACRES

At the center of this property along the Oconto River is a prehistoric burial ground of the Old Copper Complex people, who lived in the Midwest from around 4000-2000 B.C. Make sure to stop by this park’s museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits regarding the park’s long and interesting history.

Heritage Hill State Park

NE » BROWN COUNTY | 48 ACRES

Coined an “outdoor museum,” this park overlooking the Fox River features real historic buildings as well as recreations from northeastern Wisconsin’s past. (So it’s something like Old World Wisconsin, though quite a bit more compact.) The park is divided into four primary sections: the fur trade, Fort Howard military outpost, small towns of the 1800s, and a Belgian farmstead of 1905. Check heritagehillgb.org for tour info and event listings.

Interstate Park

WISCONSIN’S FIRST STATE PARK | NW » POLK COUNTY | 1,330 ACRES

Next year, the Wisconsin State Park System will celebrate 125 years since its founding, and it all started with Interstate Park. In 1878, the Wisconsin Legislature approved the protection of what was then called “The State Park,” one of the first of its kind in the country. It wasn’t until 1900, though, that the vision became reality, with the state establishing Interstate Park and the WSPS. Today, it’s still obvious why the land was protected: breathtaking views of the St. Croix River, thick wooded forests and a striking, steep-sided gorge called the Dalles of the St. Croix.

Visiting Wisconsin Rivers  

Buckhorn State Park

C » JUNEAU COUNTY | 8,190 ACRES

With cart-in camping and canoe trails, this is one of the more remote parks in the state. The reward for your trek: campsites with incredible waterfront views of Castle Rock Flowage. The park has shorelines on the Wisconsin and Yellow rivers, too, and it’s a great spot for fishing. 

Council Grounds State Park

NE » LINCOLN COUNTY | 508 ACRES

Towering white and red pines surround the Wisconsin River shoreline at this state park. The name Council Grounds originally came from unsubstantiated legends that Native American people used to gather on the land to hold major councils.

Hartman Creek State Park

C » WAUPACA COUNTY | 1,500 ACRES

The aquamarine color of Marl Lake is almost surreal. You can hike there through the Whispering Pines trail or, even better, hop in a kayak at Knight Lake and explore a few of the other spring-fed lakes before treating yourself to a dip in Marl’s waters. This area of Waupaca is known as the Chain O’ Lakes, and Hartman Creek’s five-lake circuit is only a small sliver of what the popular region has to offer.

Kinnickinnic State Park

NW » PIERCE COUNTY | 1,239 ACRES

Two very different rivers meet at this state park. The quiet Kinnickinnic River Valley offers seclusion for paddlers, while the St. Croix River is a popular hub for motorized boating. The sandy delta between the two rivers is a popular spot for boat camping.
(A permit is required for overnight mooring.) 

Merrick State Park

NW » BUFFALO COUNTY | 320 ACRES

These backwaters of the Mississippi River are a haven for anglers. Turtles are so common that the volunteer group that supports the park is called the Merrick State Park Turtles.

Lost Dauphin State Park

NE » BROWN COUNTY | 19 ACRES

Named for the legend of a secret heir to the French throne, this tiny park features easy hikes on rolling hills, stops along the Fox River and lots of good picnic spots.

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

ONE OF WISCONSIN’S NATIONAL PARKS |NW » POLK COUNTY | 25,087 ACRES

This national park is a paddlers playground. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is the confluence of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. Together, they offer more than 200 miles of clean water that passes through a lush, forested landscape. Along the river routes are rustic campsites sprinkled on islands that you can only access by water. Check nps.gov/sacn for recommended paddle trails.

Wisconsin Lake Parks 

Mirror Lake State Park

SW » SAUK COUNTY | 2,192 ACRES

Just outside the commotion of the Wisconsin Dells, Mirror Lake gets its name for its incredibly tranquil, glass-like surface. Reflected on the water is the surrounding hikable shoreline and cliffs. This is a peaceful spot to swim, kayak or canoe.

Lake Kegonsa State Park

SW » DANE COUNTY | 342 ACRES

Located just 20 minutes southeast of Madison, this park makes for an easy, fun day trip. The lake stretches well past the park’s borders, but within the property you’ll find a swimmable beach and a boat launch. Hiking trails traverse the park’s woods, wetlands and prairies. 

Lake Wissota State Park

NW » CHIPPEWA COUNTY | 1,062 ACRES

Lake Wissota is a manmade reservoir of the Chippewa River that’s surrounded by forests and prairies. Fishing is a good bet here – for walleye, bass or even big ol’ muskie.

Straight Lake State Park

NW » POLK COUNTY | 2,066 ACRES

Thanks to restrictions on motorized boats and other louder activities, this is one of the state’s most peaceful and rustic parks. You walk up to the campsites here, which are generously spaced from their neighbors. Be sure to bring your own water, as there isn’t any on site. This is a great place to do some birdwatching – look for bald eagles, cerulean warblers, red-shouldered hawks and trumpeter swans.

Yellowstone Lake State Park

SW » LAFAYETTE COUNTY | 1,000 ACRES

This park’s combination of rolling hills and its namesake lake make for striking vistas of the Wisconsin countryside. In the woods, you’ll be surrounded by pines and oaks and encounter some unique rock formations. Every summer, the park becomes home to over 4,000 brown bats that take roost in the park’s 31 bat houses.

Governor Nelson State Park

SW » DANE COUNTY | 422 ACRES

Gaze at the Madison skyline and State Capitol from across Lake Mendota at this park. It contains 8 miles of trails, including the Woodland Trail, which brings hikers past Native effigy mounds.

Wisconsin’s Woody State Parks 

New Glarus Woods State Park

SW » GREEN COUNTY | 435 ACRES

The park’s hiker- and biker-friendly trail system connects with the longer Sugar River State Trail, so it’s a great spot to begin longer treks. The trails pass through a mix of forest and prairie covering rolling hills.

Belmont Mound State Park

SW » LAFAYETTE COUNTY | 274 ACRES

From the French belle monte, Belmont translates to beautiful mountain. Hiking to the top puts you at 1,400 feet above sea level, with some striking views of the surrounding landscape. 

Blue Mound State Park

SW » DANE COUNTY | 1,153 ACRES

At the highest point in southern Wisconsin, you’ll be surrounded by trees, wildflowers and geological formations. There are two observation towers in the park where you can take in views of the area and watch for wildlife like red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures.

Wildcat Mountain State Park

SW » VERNON COUNTY | 3,821 ACRES

This network of rugged ridges rises high above the Kickapoo River in the Driftless Area. Large “virgin” pine and hemlock trees grow on the north-facing cliffs of Mount Pisgah – which remain cooler than the surrounding valleys. Remarkably, the trees here were never logged, which is part of why the timber was originally preserved as part of a state natural area in 1952.

Cross Plains State Park

SW » DANE COUNTY | 168 ACRES

Cross Plains State Park is known for its woodsy terrain, gorgeous wildflowers and unique glacial landforms. This is a fan-
favorite spot on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail because it’s one of the few places where hikers can traverse both driftless and glaciated terrain.

Governor Thompson State Park

NE » MARINETTE COUNTY | 3,000 ACRES

You’ll find miles and miles of Caldron Falls Reservoir’s craggy shoreline at this park, which was created in 2000 to celebrate the Wisconsin State Park System’s centennial and named after then-Gov. Tommy Thompson. Bring a bucket, as raspberries and blueberries can be found in season just off the park’s hiking trails and roads.  

State Park Pride