Hidden gems are scattered throughout the state, and we’ve got a new one for you to seek out: Toft Point State Natural Area. Like something straight from a fairy tale, the natural area features an easy trail that winds through an enchanted forest straight to a charming cobblestone shoreline. It’s truly magical! Take a look:

One of the state’s best-kept secrets, Toft Point State Natural Area is located on a 1-mile-wide peninsula, which is bordered on the north by Moonlight Bay and on the south by Baileys Harbor.
Aaron Carlson/Google
Brimming with both beauty and history, it features towering cliffs, two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, historic ruins, over 400 vascular plant species, and one of the state’s most diverse collections of mosses and liverworts.
Mike Schrauder/Google
Luckily, there’s an easy 1-mile trail that makes taking in the natural area’s stunning sights a breeze.
Aaron Carlson/Google
The first portion of the trail winds through a forest filled with a myriad of trees, including sugar maple, yellow birch, hemlock, balsam fir, white pine, and white spruce.
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
The trail passes by several sites from the past, including cottages that were once part of the Toft Point Resort, which opened in the 1920s.
Katerina Baar/Google

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A barn, remnants of a stone quarry, and an old lime kiln can also be found along the trail.
Patrick Gray/Google
Somewhat significant, the historic kiln is the state’s “best intact example of early circular kilns.”
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
Saving the best for last, the trail comes to an end at the rocky shoreline on Moonlight Bay.
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
The wave-cut dolomite cliffs are absolutely breathtaking – and you’ll be treated to close-up views.
Emmanuel Villagomez/Google
The limestone cobble beach is perhaps just as stunning. Though the trail is flat and easy, the rocky shoreline is wet and slippery, so remember to use caution.
Aaron Carlson/Google

For more information, call the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at (888) 936-7463. You can also visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

Did you know about this often-overlooked natural area? Ever visited? If so, what did you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the state’s only secret site. Read about another here.

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