The Best State Parks to Visit in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to over 60 state parks that between them offer visitors no end of excitement and adventure. Spanning a diversity of landscapes that include everything from scenic lakes and rivers to dense forests and dramatic waterfalls, these areas of outstanding natural beauty are an excellent choice for visitors wanting to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor activities, or learn more about the state's native wildlife.
Boasting a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and birdwatching, state parks are equally suited to families and couples as they are to solo adventurers. However, they’re experienced, and exploring Wisconsin's state parks is a fantastic way to appreciate the state's scenic diversity and discover hidden treasures. For ideas and inspiration, here are eight of the best state parks to visit in Wisconsin, each offering something unique and memorable.
Devil's Lake State Park
Ranked one of the best state parks in the United States, Devil's Lake State Park, located near Baraboo and just an hour north of Madison, the state capital, is Wisconsin's largest state park. It’s also one of the most popular places to visit in Wisconsin, attracting in excess of three million visitors each year. Established in 1911, it spans nearly 10,000 acres and is known for its stunning 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking the 360-acre lake after which it’s named.
Devil's Lake's rich history includes evidence of Native American habitation, with numerous effigy mounds found within the park. Visitors will see some of these ancient structures as they explore the park’s more than 29 miles of hiking trails, as well as the popular Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway rock formations. Other summer activities on offer here include rock climbing, swimming, fishing, and boating, while in winter, the park transforms into a hub for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Peninsula State Park
Its location, which is around an hour northeast of the city of Green Bay and near the attractive lakeside town of Ephraim, makes Peninsula State Park an easy day trip. This 3,776-acre property on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay was established in 1910, making it one of Wisconsin's oldest and largest state parks. While perhaps best known for its rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, and dense forests, one of its most iconic landmarks is manmade: the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Built in 1868, guided tours of the structure are available and provide excellent views from the top of the building.
Hikers have over 20 miles of trails from which to choose, including the scenic Eagle Trail, which provides great views over Green Bay. Camping, biking, golf, and theater performances at the Northern Sky Theater are also great activities to participate in. Winter fun includes snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along 16 miles of groomed trails, as well as ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park is located in Wisconsin’s Iowa County, just a few miles north of Dodgeville. Covering over 5,000 acres of scenic hills, bluffs, and valleys, it was established in 1948 and named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory. The star attractions here are its two lakes, Cox Hollow and Twin Valley, both popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. The park also features over 40 miles of trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Another highlight is Stephens' Falls, a beautiful waterfall accessible via a short trail from a sizeable parking area. The park also has a rich cultural history, with Native American burial mounds scattered throughout the area. In winter, fun activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking along 12 miles of groomed trails, as well as sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan near the idyllic small town of Sheboygan just off the I-43 connecting the area with Milwaukee, Kohler-Andrae State Park features a unique topography of sandy beaches and forested dunes. Established in 1927 and named after John Michael Kohler and Terry Andrae, who donated the land, the park's 1,000 acres feature a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and sand dunes.
Must-does here include walking the Dunes Cordwalk, a two-mile long boardwalk trail that winds through the park's sand dunes with views of the lake. The park also offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, and is also home to the Sanderling Nature Center with its educational programs and exhibits about local flora and fauna.
Willow River State Park
Just a short drive across the St. Croix River from the state border with Minnesota, Willow River State Park is known for its stunning waterfall and scenic river valley. Established in 1967 and one of the state’s newer parks, it spans over 2,890 acres and is home to the 200-foot Willow Falls, which cascades over a series of limestone ledges. Visitors can hike to the falls via a network of trails that offer varying levels of difficulty, an especially fun activity when the fall colors arrive.
Willow River State Park is also home to a variety of wildlife including rare turtles and snakes, as well as wrens, blackbirds, and herons, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature photography. The park also features a large lake (though called Little Falls Lake!) as well as a river, making it a great spot for fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. In the winter, it’s all about snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as dog-sledding adventures.
High Cliff State Park
High Cliff State Park is located on the northeast shore of Lake Winnebago near the friendly town of Sherwood and is a great place to visit in Wisconsin for those who enjoy a gentler park experience. Created in 1957, it’s named after the dramatic limestone cliff that rises 200 feet above the lake, making for a stunning backdrop to a variety of outdoor activities. Thanks to its diverse ecology - a mix of forests, prairies, and wetlands - it’s a good place to get in some wildlife spotting, with potential sightings including foxes, opossums, and deer, along with other native Wisconsin wildlife.
There are over 16 miles of trails to explore here, too, including the scenic Red Bird Trail with its excellent views of the lake. High Cliff Escarpment itself is a must-see and also offers opportunities for rock climbing and fossil hunting. The park also features a marina with 100 slip rentals, showers, and other marine-related facilities, making it a popular destination for boating and fishing.
Copper Falls State Park
Established in 1929 near the town of Mellen in northern Wisconsin, Copper Falls State Park covers an area of over 3,000 acres and features a variety of natural attractions. Two of the best are Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, both formed by the Bad River and boasting a series of cascades cutting through deep gorges. This dramatic backdrop makes exploring the park’s 17 miles of hiking trails, including Doughboys' Nature Trail, a memorable experience.
Other fun things to do in Copper Falls State Park include swimming, fishing, camping, and picnicking, while in winter it’s a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Perrot State Park
Perrot State Park, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers, is well worth including on a list of must-visit Wisconsin state parks. Founded in 1918, this 1,200-acre paradise for outdoor enthusiasts is named after French explorer and fur trader Nicolas Perrot, who first brought the area to the attention of Europeans. The park's attractive scenery includes steep bluffs, deep ravines, and lush forests, much of it accessible by a network of over 12 miles of trails.
If there’s only time in your itinerary to tackle a single trail, make it the Brady's Bluff Trail, a 90-minute affair that takes in some great views of the Mississippi River Valley. The park also features a variety of historic sites, including ancient Native American burial mounds and remnants of early European settlements. Recreational opportunities include camping, fishing, and boating, while in winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and a mile-long skate-skiing experience are the big attractions.
Wisconsin's state parks are a testament to the state's scenic beauty, as well as its commitment to preserving its rich natural heritage. Each park offers a variety of unique experiences, from breathtaking waterfalls and scenic bluffs to historical landmarks and diverse ecosystems. Whether you're an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, the best state parks to visit in Wisconsin provide something for everyone and are perfect for family outings, solo adventures, and everything in between.
