Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Wisconsin
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
Have you ever wondered how many state parks in Wisconsin there are? Well, I have discovered there are 69 state parks and recreation areas. With the sheer number of options, overwhelm can be a problem if you’re trying to decide which ones to visit first. From the most popular to the lesser-known, from parks with excellent hiking to parks known for camping, here are some of the best state parks in Wisconsin:
Most Popular State Parks In Wisconsin
With so many state parks to choose from, which ones are among the most popular? Well, there are a few, and once you visit, you’ll understand why so many people visit these Wisconsin state parks.
1. Devils Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
This popular state park sees 3 million visitors annually, and at 10,000 acres, there's a lot to see! Among the attractions here are a 360-acre lake, 500-foot bluffs that tower above the landscape, and over 30 miles of trails including a portion of the famous Ice Age Trail. That's not all! Devil's Lake State Park offers opportunities to go swimming, canoeing, and kayaking as well. Discover more things to do in Devils Lake State Park.
2. Peninsula State Park
9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
At nearly 4,000 acres, Peninsula State Park in Door County sees nearly 1 million visitors each year. Within this park is an 18-hole golf course, a lighthouse, bluffs, part of the Niagara Escarpment, 8 miles of shoreline in Lake Michigan, hiking trails, biking trails, a campground with 460 campsites, and so much more! Come here for a day trip or longer. There are so many things to do in Peninsula State Park.
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3. High Cliff State Park
n7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169, USA
With its incredibly massive rock formations and lake views, it's no wonder why this is another popular Wisconsin state park. Here you'll also be able to view the Niagara Escarpment limestone cliffs that give this park its name as well as a 12-foot-tall statue of Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird. Aside from its beauty and unique features, you can enjoy a variety of recreation including horseback riding and boating. Take a look at more things to do in High Cliff State Park.
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Best State Parks In Wisconsin To Camp
Ready to pitch a tent at one of the incredible Wisconsin state parks? Grab your gear and let’s go camping, and don’t forget the supplies to make s’mores.
4. Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
This is another large state park with over 5,000 acres within Wisconsin's driftless area. Here you'll find two lakes, a waterfall, bluffs, and valleys. Needless to say, the landscape is scenic and varied. Among the popular activities are hiking, road biking, picnicking at one of the picnic areas, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and, of course, camping. The campground has 269 standard campsites and 80 sites with electrical hookups. Discover more things to do in Governor Dodge State Park.
5. Pattison State Park
6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, USA
The biggest draw to this Wisconsin state park has to be the 165-foot Big Manitou Falls, an impressive waterfall that's the fourth highest east of the Rockies. While an outstanding park for the scenery alone, it's also a great place to camp. Of the 59 campsites, 18 have electric hookups. During the summer months, there are showers and flush toilets available. Check out more things to do in Pattison State Park.
6. Brunet Island State Park
Brunet Island State Park, 23125 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732, USA
Located in Chippewa County along the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers, Brunet Island State Park is a quiet, serene 1,300-acre park with scenery galore. There are two campgrounds here -- the South Campground has 24 campsites with electricity while the North Campground has 45 campsites with no electricity. Take a look at more things to do in Brunet Island State Park.
Best State Parks In Wisconsin To RV
If you love the freedom of taking road trips in an RV, several Wisconsin state parks have campgrounds that allow RVs and trailers. If you don’t happen to own an RV, you can rent one from RVshare.com.
7. Harrington Beach State Park
531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004, USA
The 715-acre Harrington Beach State Park is home to a sandy beach and a stunning waterfall. Camping here is quite peaceful, and each site has its own fire ring and picnic table. During the summer, there are flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and a trailer dump station available. Take a look at more things to do in Harrington Beach State Park.
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8. Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park, 1034 Co Hwy A, Hudson, WI 54016, USA
This 2,800-acre state park is home to Willow Falls and Willow River Gorge and has lakeside picnic areas, a nature center, and campgrounds. The 100 Campground, as it's called has 50 sites that can accommodate both tents and large RVs. The 300 Campground has 70 campsites for tents or RVs. Camping here in a tent or an RV is a pleasant experience in a gorgeous location! Discover more things to do in Willow River State Park.
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9. Mirror Lake State Park
Mirror Lake State Park, E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Mirror Lake State Park is a nearly 2,200-acre state park in the Wisconsin Dells. With sandstone cliffs, wetlands, a lake with a swimming beach, and picnic areas, this is an attractive place to camp. The campground here has 151 campsites spread out among three campgrounds. The Sandstone Ridge Campground is found by the lakeshore and has 68 sites, some of which have electric hookups. The Cliffwood Campground has 35 sites, 29 of which have electricity, and the Bluewater Bay Campground has 63 non-electric campsites. Check out more things to do in Mirror Lake State Park.
Best State Parks In Wisconsin For Hiking
Wisconsin has more than 1,700 miles of hiking trails. I find that number to be quite staggering, don’t you? If you want to hit the trails, lace up your hiking boots, make sure you have your hiking gear packed, and bring plenty of water with you to hike the following state park trails:
10. Copper Falls State Park
36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA
This Wisconsin state park is so pretty and best explored on one of its hiking trails. The most popular trail here is the 1.7-mile Doughboy's Nature Trail that meanders along the Bad River. Throughout the park, you'll see deep gorges, waterfalls, and ancient lava flows along with log buildings that were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Learn more things to do in Copper Falls State Park.
11. Wyalusing State Park
Wyalusing State Park, 13081 State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801, USA
Located at the confluence of the Wisconsin River and the Mississippi River, Wyalusing State Park is one of the oldest parks in the state of Wisconsin. With many miles of trails to hike, you can explore Native American burial grounds, take in views from atop bluffs, and enjoy the river valley. Several trails go through the forest but if you can only hike one trail make it the Sugar Maple Trail. This trail leads to a fascinating site -- Pictured Rocks Cave! Check out more things to do in Wyalusing State Park.
12. Newport State Park
475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USA
While a big draw to this Door County park is its designation as a Dark Sky Park, other attributes include its vast shoreline along Lake Michigan and 30 miles of hiking trails. If you've never hiked at Newport State Park, you should make plans to go! And with fewer crowds than at other parks around the state, you'll find some solitude here. Discover more things to do in Newport State Park.
Little-Known State Parks In Wisconsin
There are a few hidden gem state parks in Wisconsin that you may want to visit at some point. With fewer crowds, you may even feel as though you have the entire park to yourself!
13. Rock Island State Park
1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington, WI 54246, USA
Home to Pottawatomie Lighthouse which overlooks Lake Michigan, this lovely island is remote and primitive. A ferry is available to the island between Memorial and Columbus Day weekends. Visitors enjoy exploring this unspoiled island's hiking trails and enjoying the peace, quiet, and wildlife here. Discover more things to do in Rock Island State Park.
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14. Perrot State Park
26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
If you enjoy a hike with a view, you must take the Riverview Trail Loop to Brady's Bluff. This loop trail is just about 3 miles long and offers scenery along the way. But when you get to the bluff, prepare to be in awe of the panoramic views. Incredible! Perrot State Park also provides access to the Great River State Trail. Take a look at more things to do in Perrot State Park.
15. Big Bay State Park
2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850, USA
Located on Madeline Island, this state park is serene and remote. Explore its 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline along the trails including a 1-mile boardwalk. You'll love this hidden gem of a park! Check out more things to do in Big Bay State Park.
Have you been to any of the best state parks in Wisconsin? Are there any others you would add to this list? Let us know!
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