20 Incredible Wisconsin State Parks To Discover Nature!

If you know anything about Wisconsin, it is probably that the state is known for its cheese. Though Wisconsin has a long tradition and history with dairy products, there is far more to the state than farming. There are a variety of landscapes to discover through the Wisconsin state park system. From lakeside parks to parks with many fun activities to enjoy, heading out to Wisconsin’s state parks is fun for the day or even longer.

Wisconsin State Parks

20 State Parks in Wisconsin

1- Copper Falls State Park

Along the Bad River in northern Wisconsin, around four miles (6.4) outside of Mellen, is Copper Falls State Park.

This state park is all about the views defined by its ancient lava flows and meandering gorges.

This 3,000-acre (1214 ha) park offers 17 miles (27 km) of trails, all leading to incredible nature spots.

There’s a waterfall and a hike that goes from Bad River to Brownstone.

Copper Falls is one of the park’s most stunning waterfalls.

Head there in winter to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

In summer, enjoy swimming in the river, fishing, picnicking, and camping.

Copper Falls State Park is at 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546.

Stay at: Black River Crossing Bed & Breakfast

2- Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park is, you guessed it, Wisconsin’s peninsula, which is flanked by Green Bay to the park’s west and Lake Michigan to its east.

The park is around a 1.5-hour drive north of Green Bay, with lots of fun activities.

There are 460 campsites, an 18-hole golf course, a theatre and a historic lighthouse.

Among these attractions, there are more than 20 miles (32 km) of hiking trails.

In winter, there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and sledding.

Peninsula State Park is at 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212.

Recommended tours:

• Peninsula State Park Segway Tour with Private Tour Option
• Peninsula State Park Kayak Tour

Stay at: The Ephraim House

3- Whitefish Dunes State Park

You will find the Whitefish Dunes State Park along the Door Peninsula in eastern Wisconsin.

The park is an hour’s drive from the city of Green Bay and less than three hour’s drive from Milwaukee.

The park looks out over Lake Michigan and is one of the most fragile landscapes in Wisconsin.

From delicate dunes to the ecosystems that thrive there, this place is a beautiful place to visit.

The dunes are the park’s most popular natural attraction, but the peaceful Lake Michigan scenery is also a great place to relax.

During summer, you can swim in Lake Michigan.

If you want to learn something while visiting this state park, head to the Whitefish Dunes’ Nature Center.

Whitefish Dunes State Park is at 3275 Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

Recommended tours:

• Cave Point/Whitefish Dunes Segway Tour
• Cave Point Fat Tire E-Bike Tour
• Cave Point Kayak Tour

Stay at: The Foxglove Inn

4- Devil’s Lake State Park

Devil’s Lake State Park is around 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Madison on the lake’s northern shores.

This is Wisconsin’s most popular state park, receiving around 3 million visitors per year.

The park is around 10,000 acres (4046 ha) and is also known as “Tewakacak” or Spirit Lake as part of the ancestral Ho-Chunk land.

It doesn’t matter which season you find yourself in Wisconsin; this park is worth visiting.

The park provides visitors with views of the surrounding landscape from 500-foot quartzite bluffs, where you can also see the 360-acre (146 ha) lake.

The park has around 30 miles (48 km) of hiking trails, a swimming beach and picnic areas right on the lake that are perfect for a family day out.

Devil’s Lake State Park is at S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913.

Stay at: Pinehaven Country Inn

5- Amnicon Falls State Park

Amnicon Falls State Park is situated on the southern shores of Lake Superior, close to the border with Minnesota.

This park offers picturesque scenery and not one but four waterfalls to enjoy.

Trails around the falls lead to viewing spots, and the Amnicon River flows peacefully through the trees.

On a warm day, you’ll enjoy a dip or a paddle in the water.

If you plan on exploring as part of a road trip, this park is perfect as it has 36 campgrounds.

Amnicon Falls State Park is at 4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874.

Stay at: Cobblestone Hotel & Suites

6- Big Bay State Park

Another beautiful northern Wisconsin state park is Big Bay.

Big Bay State Park is on Madeline island, near Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior.

You can take a short ferry ride from Bayfield to reach this island and state park.

Once on the island, you can enjoy four miles of sandstone bluffs along the Lake Superior shoreline.

The park has one mile of boardwalks, a swimming beach, a campground and seven miles of hiking trails.

For boating and fishing, this is also a wonderful park to visit.

Big Bay State Park is at 2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850.

Stay at: Hidden Gem

7- Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park is around a 50-minute drive outside of Madison.

This state park is named after its natural landmark, the ancient sandstone bridge.

This natural bridge was formed over millions of years due to wind and water erosion.

The bridge is 25 feet high and 35 feet wide, it’s quite an impressive site.

As well as the natural bridge, several hiking trails meander through the park.

Visit during winter, and you can cross-country ski and snowshoe.

Natural Bridge State Park is at E7792 Co Rd PF, North Freedom, WI 53951.

Stay at: TownePlace Suites

8- Wyalusing State Park

Wyalusing State Park is in southern Wisconsin, close to the Iowa border and under two hours west of Madison.

Wyalusing is one of Wisconsin’s oldest state parks.

This state park looks out over the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.

You can discover this amazing park via hiking trails or the canoe trails.

For canoeing, there are many nooks and crannies to explore and potential wildlife sightings to enjoy.

You can camp in this state park, and it’s worth the trip as you can also visit Huser Astronomy Center to gaze at the night sky.

There are also opportunities to fish, bike and picnic.

Wyalusing State Park is at 13081 State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801.

Stay at: Waterfront Hotel

9- High Cliff State Park

High Cliff State Park is on the northern shores of Lake Winnebago in eastern Wisconsin, around a 40-minute drive from Green Bay.

This park gets its name from the limestone escarpment that runs through the park.

From these limestone cliffs, there are excellent views of the park.

One of the best places for incredible views is the Red Bird Trail.

This 3.4-mile hiking trail goes the length of the Niagara Escarpment, looking out across Lake Winnebago.

After a lovely hike, head down to High Cliff State Park’s marina.

You can rent canoes and kayaks at the marina and have fun exploring the water.

If a slow fish is more your thing, check out the lake or Butterfly Pond for some of the best fishing.

High Cliff State Park is at N7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169.

Stay at: Best Western Premier Bridgewood Hotel Resort

10- Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park is in western Wisconsin on the border with Minnesota, just a 35-minute drive from Minneapolis.

This is a pristine park for hiking, with 13 miles (21 km) of trails.

Willow Falls, fed by the Willow River, might not be the tallest waterfall, but it’s a pretty area.

The multi-tiered waterfall is a great place to cool off after a hike.

Willow River State Park also has a nature centre with educational displays about the local wildlife and strong Native American connections to the surrounding prairies.

Willow River State Park is at 1034 Co Hwy A, Hudson, WI 54016.

Stay at: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Hudson I-94

11- Perrot State Park

Perrot State Park is situated along the Mississippi River, where the Wisconsin- Minnesota border is.

This 1,200-acre (485 ha) state park provides visitors with views of the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers.

When first arriving at the park, head up the 500-foot (152 m) bluff for expansive views and to get your bearings.

The park is great for cyclists who want to head out along the 24-mile Great River State biking trail.

Hikers love exploring the 12 miles (19 km) of marked hiking trails.

Perrot State Park is at 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661.

Stay at: The Charmant Hotel

12- Kohler-Andrae State Park

Drive 50 minutes north of Milwaukee via the I-43, and you will reach the incredibly picturesque Kohler-Andrae State Park.

A combination of Lake Michigan scenery and one of the last remaining preserves, it’s a beautiful place to spend some time.

Head to the Sanderling Nature Centre to discover more about the plant and animal species in the park.

You can enjoy the wetlands and dunes along the park’s hiking trails.

During warmer months, this Wisconsin state park is popular for boating, fishing and swimming and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Kohler-Andrae State Park is at 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081.

Stay at: Lake Orchard Farm Retreat

13- Kinnickinnic State Park

Kinnickinnic is another state park close to Minnesota’s border and about a 10-minute drive west of River Falls.

Hikers enjoy exercising along the 10 miles (16 km) of woodland hiking trails.

In winter, this state park transforms into a winter wonderland full of outdoor adventure.

The landscape is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and even hiking when the snow is not so deep.

In summer, head down to the St. Croix River, a fantastic spot for all things fun on the water, like swimming, windsurfing and boating. 

You can even “park” your boat at their “boat camping” spot.

Kinnickinnic State Park is at W11983 820th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022.

Stay at: The Port of Prescott Boutique Hotel

14- Harrington Beach State Park

On the shores of Lake Michigan, just under 40 miles (64 km) north of Milwaukee, is Harrington Beach State Park.

The park occupies more than one mile of Lake Michigan’s picturesque shoreline.

Who said you needed to be by the sea to experience the beach?

This state park is the perfect summer escape where you can swim, go boating, fishing and sunbathing.

For the active-minded, there are seven miles (11 km) of hiking trails meandering through the park’s hardwood and cedar swamps.

There are also camping and picnic spots as well.

Harrington Beach State Park is at 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004.

Stay at: The Port Hotel

15- Newport State Park

This state park is at the top of the Door Peninsula, around six miles (9.6 km) outside Northport, where you can catch the ferry to Washington Island.

If you love stargazing, you should head to Newport State Park, as it’s a designated dark sky park.

Camping spots book up quickly in this state park because it’s such an amazing place to see the stars, so reserve your camping spot early.

If you can only visit during the day, this state park is still worth visiting.

It stretches 11 miles (17.7 km) of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, where you can go boating and fishing.

If hiking and biking are more your thing, then there are 30 miles (48 km) of trails.

Newport State Park is at 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210.

Stay at: Gordon Lodge

16- Wildcat Mountain State Park

Wildcat Mountain State Park is near Ontario and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve State Natural Area.

This park overlooks the Kickapoo River and offers a lot of recreational activities.

With over 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, there is plenty of time to spend outdoors.

The half-mile Old Settlers Trail to Taylor Hollow Overlook is one of the best shorter hikes.

From the lookout, you can enjoy lovely views of Ontario.

You can also head to Kickapoo River, where you can canoe and kayak.

Wildcat Mountain State Park is at E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651.

Stay at: Castle Rock and Buckhorn Beach Lake Home

17- Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain State Park is in central Wisconsin and a 35-minute drive north of Stevens Point.

Rib Mountain is not just a great place for recreational fun but a site of geological wonderment.

The four-mile-long Rib Mountain dates back 1.7 billion years and is among the oldest geological features on Earth.

The park’s 13 miles of hiking trails lead visitors to an abandoned quarry, historic homesteads, and many incredible vistas.

Visit during winter, and you will want to head to the Rib Mountain Granite Peak Ski and Snowboard Area.

There are 55 trails and four terrain parks for you to enjoy.

This snow park was the site of Wisconsin’s first-ever downhill ski run.

Rib Mountain State Park is at 149801 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401.

Stay at: Stewart Inn

18- Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is off the northern tip of the Doors Peninsular.

To reach this state park, take Wisconsin Highway 42 to Northport and the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island.

Check out Washington Island while you are there, but afterwards, make your way to Jackson Harbor to get the Rock Island ferry.

This ferry is passenger-only, with no vehicles, and you will be so grateful for this when you reach the island.

Rock Island State Park is the ultimate escape to nature.

It’s a peaceful place that gives you some insight into life on Lake Michigan back in the day.

While on the island explore the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800 and enjoy 10 miles of scenic hiking trails.

Want to extend your stay then bring your camping gear and head to the walk-up campground.

Rock Island State Park is at 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246.

Stay at: The Sister Bay Haus

19- Hartman Creek State Park

This state park in central Wisconsin is in the Chain O’ Lakes area.

The park is a 1.5-hour drive from Wisconsin Dells and around 35 minutes from Stevens Point.

If you are searching for a state park to enjoy the water, this is the one.

The park is home to multiple bodies of water, all calm and perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

The 300-foot stretch of sandy shoreline along Hartman Lake is ideal for friends and family who want to relax and swim in the water.

It’s not just about the water at this state park.

There are also hiking and horse riding trails and 10 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for winter.

Hartman Creek State Park is at N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981.

Stay at: 4 Seasons Lakehouse Luxury

20- Kettle Moraine State Forest

Technically a forest, not a park, but you can’t have a list of state parks in Wisconsin without mentioning the beautiful Kettle Moraine State Forest.

This state forest is around a 45-minute drive north of Milwaukee.

The park is divided into two parts.

The northern unit is home to many glacial landforms that you can view via the Ice Age Trail.

Then there’s the southern unit which is a mecca for biking enthusiasts.

There are 100 miles of biking trails to enjoy.

Both sections of the park will lead you through beautiful woodland and opportunities for hiking, camping and equestrian.

Kettle Moraine State Forest is at N1765 Highway G, Campbellsport, WI53010. 

Stay at: McJuggers Loft