Our beautiful state is home to 66 state park units spanning the whole width of Wisconsin. Most everyone has heard of places such as Devil’s Lake State Park, which welcomes around 2.5-3 million visitors each year, but there are so many more lesser-known state parks to visit in Wisconsin.

For an unforgettable experience here in Wisconsin, you’ll certainly want to avoid the crowds and consider visiting the following 11 lesser-known state parks. You’ll have an adventure like no other. You’ll also be surrounded by some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural scenery.

1. Tower Hill State Park - Spring Green
Tower Hill State Park, 5808 County Rd C, Spring Green, WI 53588, USA
Flickr/John W. Iwanski
With all there is to see and do around Spring Green, this state park seems to be forgotten. It's home to the reconstructed Helena Shot Tower, which was first built in 1832. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is situated on the Wisconsin River. According to Wikipedia, "Shot towers harness the effects of surface tension on liquids in free-fall, a technique developed in 1782. Molten lead can be poured through a strainer at the top of a tower or shaft. The droplets become spherical as they fall and cool in this shape during their descent. The pellets are caught in a water basin to break their fall and finish cooling." A businessman from Green Bay recognized this as a good spot for a tower and the rest is history.
2. Rocky Arbor State Park - Wisconsin Dells
Rocky Arbor State Park, N101 US Hwy. 12 and 16, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA
Flickr/USFWS Midwest Region
In an area with tons of state land, this place often gets passed by because it's smaller, but you definitely should add it to your to-do list. The park was created to protect the 500-million-year-old sandstone walls and ledges here. Eroded by weather and the Wisconsin River, the park now has a small stream and the Wisconsin River changed course, leaving a big gorge to explore.
3. Lake Wissota State Park - Chippewa Falls
Lake Wissota State Park, 18127 Co Hwy O, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, USA
Flickr/ S.J. & Jessie Quinney Library
The lake is a reservoir of the Chippewa River and the park is near some popular areas, but somehow doesn't seem to draw the attention that other parks do. There's access to the Old Abe State Trail and it's just a 17.5-mile hike over to Brunet Island State Park. There's big forest and open prairie, but the lake is really the star. Hike, camp, fish, and enjoy this beautiful spot.
4. Hartman Creek State Park - Waupaca
Hartman Creek State Park, N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA
Flickr/Joshua Mayer
There are several small lakes in this park as well as some swampy, marshy bog spots. The Ice Age National Trail goes through the park, as well. Just about 75 minutes from Green Bay and two hours from Madison, this is a park easily accessible to a lot of the state, yet somehow not on a lot of radars. It's usually quite quiet and the spring-fed Chain O' Lakes are waiting for you to enjoy them.
5. Roche-A-Cri State Park - Friendship
Roche-A-Cri State Park, 1767 WI-13 Trunk, Friendship, WI 53934, USA
Flickr/Steve Conger
Roche-A-Cri State Park, established in 1948, protects a 300-foot-high rock outcropping and Native American petroglyphs and pictographs. The name "Roche-A-Cri" comes from French words meaning "crevice in the rock." It's no easy feat, but if you're up to it, you can climb the stairs to the top of the 300-foot bluff that's at least 450 million years old. You might even find buzzards at the top.

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6. New Glarus Woods State Park - New Glarus
New Glarus Woods State Park, W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
Flickr/Ben Miller
So many folks head here just for the brewery and never explore all the wonderful things there are to see and do around town. New Glarus Woods State Park is a 431-acre park featuring rolling hills covered by a mix of forest and prairie. The Sugar River State Trail connects to the park, making the park accessible by bike. In the winter, they hold candle-lit hikes that add an ethereal, almost spooky air to the area.
7. Buckhorn State Park - Necedah
Buckhorn State Park, W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646, USA
Flickr/Joshua Mayer
Buckhorn State Park is a 6,990-acre park southeast of Necedah. The park occupies a peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, a reservoir formed at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Yellow Rivers. You may see osprey nesting nearby. This is a totally unique park where you can see sandy areas give away to marshy ones. There's unusual wildlife and it's unlike any other state park.
8. Merrick State Park - Fountain City
Merrick State Park, S2965 WI-35, Fountain City, WI 54629, USA
Flickr/John W. Iwanski
Merrick State Park is a 322-acre Wisconsin state park on the Mississippi River north of Fountain City. Very popular with fisherman, this is a unique, marshy area that feels just a bit removed from the bigger river, but still has access to it. You'll find tons of small islands and land masses, in addition to a wide variety of wildlife.
9. Kinnickinnic State Park - River Falls
Kinnickinnic State Park, W11983 820th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022, USA
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
This 1,242-acre Wisconsin state park is located where the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic Rivers meet. There's a large, sandy delta for boaters to picnic or camp on. The Kinnickinnic tends to be a calmer experience, and the St. Croix is a bit more heavily used for water recreation.
10. Mill Bluff State Park - Camp Douglas
Mill Bluff State Park, 15819 Funnel Rd, Camp Douglas, WI 54618, USA
google/Samuel Wagner
There are ten named bluffs in this park that's part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, the park protects sandstone bluffs that formed as sea stacks 12,000 years ago in Glacial Lake Wisconsin. The bluffs range from 80 to 200 feet. There are 400-year-old petroglyphs to be seen, and there's a spring-fed lake near the campground.
11. Nelson Dewey State Park - Cassville
Nelson Dewey State Park, 12190 Co Hwy VV, Cassville, WI 53806, USA
Flickr/Al
Located right on the Mississippi River, this park is named for our first governor who first stepped foot in Wisconsin at this very stop, at the now famous river ferry crossing, and it was also once part of his estate. There's a 500-foot bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and Dewey Historical Sites nearby.

What’s your favorite off-the-beaten-path state park? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

One of my favorite lesser-known state parks that’s not included on this list is Brunet Island State Park. Read all about the water access and amazing camping at this state park here.

 

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state parks to visit in Wisconsin

Jennifer Young | January 26, 2022

What's the oldest state park in Wisconsin?

Established in 1900, Interstate, which is located in St. Croix Falls, is Wisconsin's oldest state park. It's situated along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and is also one of the best state parks in Wisconsin. In addition to providing beautiful river views, Interstate also offers many types of recreational activities for all ages such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, camping, and more. It's also home to the wonderful Ice Age Interpretive Center, which features photographs, murals, and lots of information regarding Wisconsin's glacial history. For anyone who enjoys the outdoors, Interstate is a must-visit. It's also a great place to spend the day with your family.

What's the smallest state park in Wisconsin?

Covering 77 acres, Tower Hill State Park in Spring Green is Wisconsin's smallest state park. Established in 1922, it's also one of the best state parks in Wisconsin to spend an unforgettable day trip. Situated above the Wisconsin River, Tower Hill State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. It also offers a lot of beautiful natural scenery, including many types of plants and shrubs. There's even a 175-foot Cambrian sandstone cliff on the park grounds. As you can see, Tower Hill State Park is one of the many places that offer plenty of fun things to do outside in Wisconsin. Makes plans to visit this amazing state park soon.

What's the most beautiful hike in Wisconsin?

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.  It's also one of the state's most beautiful trails. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail happens to be one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the U.S. This scenic trail stretches for approximately 1,200 miles entirely within the state of Wisconsin. It also attracts hikers, backpackers, and outdoor lovers of all ages. This beautiful trail will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Wisconsin. If you truly enjoy hiking and exploring the natural scenery Wisconsin has to offer, you'll definitely want to add the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to your bucket list.

 

 

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