There’s nothing quite like a season spent in the state of Wisconsin. No matter the time of year, there’s a little something for everyone across the state, from hiking to fishing and wandering the lakefronts scattered from north to south. Wisconsin isn’t all about cheese, after all. We’ve put together a list of the 13 best state parks in Wisconsin. Trust us, you’re going to love every single one.

1. Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo, WI)
daniel baker/Flickr
Mirror Lake State Park is located in the Wisconsin Dells region of the state and boasts over 2,000 acres of beautiful natural space. Most folks know it for the dramatic vew of Mirror Lake, a reservoir with steep sandstone walls that jut 50-feet in the air.
2. Devil's Lake State Park (Baraboo, WI)
Lotzman Katzman/Flickr
Devil's Lake State Park just might be the most popular state park in Wisconsin for its expansive beauty and radical rock faces. It also is the largest state park in the state.
3. Council Grounds State Park (Merrill, WI)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Council Grounds State Park is a tiny state park at only 509-acres, and it was once actually a Merrill city park. Nowadays you can wander the lakefront and go camping at one of its 52 campsites.
4. Governor Dodge State Park (Dodgeville, WI)
Good Free Photos/Flickr
Governor Dodge State Park contains over 5,000 acres of natural beauty in the heart of Wisconsin's Iowa County. Come and visit to experience the cool geologic features found in the Driftless Area. There's truly nothing else like it!
5. Peninsula State Park (Fish Creek, WI)
Phil Roeder/Flickr
Found in Fish Creek, Peninsula State Park has eight-miles of shoreline and 460 campsites perfect for outdoorsy folks and families alike. Visit for expansive hiking, cycling, and group camp opportunities.
6. Newport State Park (Ellison Bay, WI)
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
If you're looking for shoreline views, then Newport State Park in Ellison Bay is where you need to head. It's the only wilderness-designated state park, and it's also a dark-sky preserve.

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7. Rib Mountain State Park (Wausau, WI)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Rib Mountain State Park is a day-use park that offers radical views and hiking trails for visitors of all ages. We'd recommend checking out their picnic spots too! Rib Mountain State Park is truly a hidden gem when it comes to Wisconsin state parks.
8. Perrot State Park (Trempealeau, WI)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Trempealeau, Wisconsin is home to the 1,200-acre Perrot State Park where steep limestone bluffs border river valleys. It's a beautiful place to enjoy breathtaking river views and a top camping spot for families.
9. Lakeshore State Park (Milwaukee, WI)
Tim Cigeiske/Flickr
Lakeshore State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. It's a great place to go jogging, to take a day for fishing, or boating.
10. Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan, WI)
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
Kohler-Andrae State Park boasts some of the most arresting views in the state of Wisconsin. It's made up of two adjacent state parks and is great for both tent and cabin camping.
11. Brunet Island State Park (Cornell, WI)
Aaron Carlson/Flickr
Brunet Island State Park is based in Cornell, Wisconsin, and can be found right on the corner of the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers. There's ample room for recreational opportunities and quiet lagoons perfect for photos.
12. Harrington Beach State Park (Belgium, WI)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Harrington Beach State Park boasts more than a mile of shoreline along Lake Michigan. You'll find a hardwood swamp and a series of white cedar trees within the 715-acre park.
13. Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds, WI)
benet2006/Flickr
Blue Mound State Park boasts the highest point in southern Wisconsin and can be found near the village of Blue Mounds. Make sure you come on by to hike to some of the most spectacular views in Wisconsin!

Have you been to any of the best state parks in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

If you haven’t been to Wisconsin, then hopefully this was enough to convince you! It’s truly one of the most beautiful states in the midwest. You can learn more about it by way of our site archives!

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More to Explore

best state parks in Wisconsin

Meghan Kraft | October 24, 2020

What are the most unique things to do in Wisconsin?

There are all sorts of fun things to do in Wisconsin, but some of the best tend to be found outdoors. Make sure you head to the 500-foot russet bluffs surrounding the ever-beautiful Devil’s Lake State Park or perhaps go on a duck ride through the Wisconsin Dells. The Elroy Sparta State Trail is always a winner, and you simply can’t miss a trek to Lambeau Field. There are all sorts of unique things to do in Wisconsin if you just take a look!

Where can I go in Wisconsin that only the locals know about?

If you’re looking for a hidden spot to visit in Wisconsin, then you may want to head to Delavan Lake. It’s known by locals as one of the most underrated lakes in Wisconsin, and it remains a top spot for families and tourists alike for natural experiences in the heart of the state. Candlewood Cabins is also a place to look into, a beautiful hidden resort with fairy tale vibes found in the heart of Wisconsin.

Which hidden gems in Wisconsin should I visit?

Have you ever been to Princeton? Most folks haven’t heard of this charming small town in Wisconsin, but it’s truly one of the most beautiful spots to visit. It even hosts the biggest flea market in the state! A hidden gem with hidden treasure, there’s truly nothing better.

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Explore Wisconsin

Featured Addresses
Mirror Lake, Wisconsin, USA
N1895 Council Grounds Dr, Merrill, WI 54452, USA
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
Newport State Park, 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USA
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, USA
Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
Lakeshore State Park Inlet, Wisconsin 53202, USA
Kohler-Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
Brunet Island State Park, 23125 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732, USA
Harrington Beach State Park, 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004, USA
Blue Mound State Park, Mounds Park Road, Blue Mounds, WI, USA