Wisconsin has a stellar state park system and each of the parks has something to recommend it. But acre for acre, Wyalusing State Park in the far southwest corner of the state has some of the best views anywhere in the state. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers just south of Prairie du Chien, this 2,600 acre park includes 500-foot high bluffs that offer sweeping views of the river valleys below. With land and water activities as well as some of the most picturesque campsites you’ll find anywhere, you’re going to want to stat planning a trip here immediately.
This massive state park is one of Wisconsin's oldest There is so much to do here and you will love every minute of it. This is a gorgeous part of Wisconsin and you'll love exploring it by land and by water. These are some of the most interesting camping spots with views like you've never imagined and you'll want to make sure you reserve a space early so you and your family can truly enjoy it.
Let's be honest, you're coming to Wyalusing for these views. You can see for miles from atop the bluffs here down over the rivers as they come together and fill the valley below. On a clear day, you'll see far into Minnesota and enjoy a true panoramic view to the west.
Unsurprisingly, with all that undisturbed vista west, sunsets here are stellar. And with the totally amazing campsites perched along the bluff, you can relax after a long day of hiking or kayaking with a campfire dinner and jaw-dropping scenery.
In addition to the views out across the river, you're also likely to see bald eagles soaring out above the land. The majestic birds nest in the area and it's not unusual to see a number of eagles and even dozens of them at the same time. This area is well-known as a part of their path and they roost in the area.
One of the coolest things about this area is that it contains the first place where Europeans entered the Mississippi River. Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet are credited with being the first white people to journey down the Wisconsin River to its confluence with the Mississippi River way back in 1673.
Prairie du Chien is actually the second city ever settled in Wisconsin - the location at the confluence of these two major rivers was incredibly important to the growth of the state and it was an important fur trading hub. The building used by John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company still stands in town.
When you peer out over the land here, you're standing in the footprints of many who came before, even long before Marquette and Joliet. Wyalusing was important to the Native Americans that lived here, as well. Wyalusing means "home of the warrior" in the Lenape language spoken by Munsee-Delaware Indians who settled in the area in the 19th century after being displaced from farther east.
Though we tend to think of more inland spaces when talking about the state's Driftless Area, Wyalusing is also part of the Driftless. Though the cliffs and valleys here were carved by glacial runoff and meltwaters, the area was not crushed and trampled by the large glaciers that moved through during the last ice age.
There are endless ways to explore Wyalusing, but one of the coolest ways is to get out on the water. It lets you get a whole new perspective and access areas you otherwise couldn't get to.
The view here is somehow never the same, whether because of morning fog, a fabulous sunset or recent weather. You'll love how many times you can visit these bluffs but always find something new to discover.
Beyond the views from the top, Wyalusing is chock full of walls, caves, valleys and more to explore. The rock is thousands of years old and is so fascinating to find and explore.
Wyalusing really is a perfect place to spend time with your family. You'll love how you feel like you're on top of the world and far, far away from the stress of real life. Unplug for a few days and explore this gorgeous and unique park that gives you access to two major rivers and tells the story of our state's history.
Located at 13081 State Park Ln., Bagley, WI 53801. Learn more about Wyalusing State Park from the State Department of Natural Resources. Entrance requires either a daily or annual Wisconsin State Parks pass. Day pass is $8, annual pass is $28. All State Park camping reservations can be made online here.
