10 State Parks in Wisconsin That You Shouldn't Miss

November 4, 2021 Margarita Chappel

When you think “adventure travel” you probably think of far-flung places like Belize and Alaska—not Wisconsin. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of places to explore in Wisconsin. A vacation in Wisconsin can put you close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which has excellent biking trails. Or choose Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—kayakers will love exploring Lake Superior’s many caves and shipwrecks.

Packers fans don’t wear those cheese-wedge hats for nothing! Foodies will love tasting as many of Wisconsin’s artisanal cheeses as possible. Either drive from cheesemaker to cheesemaker, or choose a Wisconsin vacation in a town with a good farmers’ market—then the cheesemakers bring their wares to you. And what goes better with artisanal cheese than craft beer? In Milwaukee, visit the Lakefront and Sprecher Breweries for tours and tastings.

Wisconsin Dells is a classic family vacation destination. A vacation in Wisconsin Dells will put you close to all the excitement—you’ll have to tear the kids away from the theme parks, wave pools and water parks in Wisconsin Dells!

Lake Geneva boasts clean beaches, golf, and a small-town feel that definitely appeals to city dwellers—it’s a popular getaway for residents of Chicago.


Restaurants in Wisconsin

1. Amnicon Falls State Park

4279 County Highway U, South Range, WI 54874 +1 715-398-3000 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/Amnicon
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 166 reviews

Amnicon Falls State Park

Reviewed By mmd0926 - Wausau, United States

This park was amazing! There are so many great waterfalls and photo opportunities! It is extremely beautiful!

2. Copper Falls State Park

36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546-9103 +1 715-274-5123 [email protected] http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/copperfalls/
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 261 reviews

Copper Falls State Park

Reviewed By mshalvy - Hamilton, United States

we loved our day at copper falls! we did the doughboys nature trail first—two waterfalls and a great hike, then picnicked at the lake and the girls swam, and then we finished with the red granite falls hike. made for a perfect day while exploring northern wisconsin!

3. Peninsula State Park

9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212-9696 +1 920-868-3258 http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/peninsula/index.htm
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,680 reviews

Peninsula State Park

This park's 3,775 acres have miles of hiking and biking trails, and clean, uncrowded beaches.

Reviewed By snorthey05 - Milwaukee, United States

Peninsula State Park is a Wisconsin treasure. Biking and hiking trails, a comfortable beach, a historic stop at the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, serene drives and camping grounds. It is a must stop for us every single time we visit Door County.

4. Devil's Lake State Park

S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913-9299 +1 608-356-8301 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/devilslake/
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,230 reviews

Devil's Lake State Park

Devil's Lake has great hiking trails.

Reviewed By GenevieveK466

I’ve been in love with Devils Lake ever since I first came here more than 30 years ago. No matter what time of year, it never fails to deliver beautiful views and great walks. Whether here for the day or the week, this place is worth the visit. There’s a beach in both the north and south shore and boat rentals (kayaks, row boats and paddle boats) to rent, concession stands, charcoal grills and LOTS of picnic tables. And the trails are wonderful. If you plan on camping, make reservations as soon as possible as they fill up quickly. Only $3/car if you’re a senior. Great way to spend a day.

5. Big Bay State Park

2402 Hagen Rd La Pointe, WI, WI 54850-1500 +1 715-747-6425 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/bigbay
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Big Bay State Park

Year-round park located on Madeline Island, offering camping, swimming, hiking, fishing and picnicking.

Reviewed By Photowanderer_NWF - Omaha, United States

Beautiful, easy walk on the Point Trail to see fall colors and waves of Lake Superior splashing on all manner of rock formations. At certain points you can walk out on the rock outcrops and just sit and listen to the waves coming and going. There were sections at the beginning of the trail that were roped off due to erosion and unstable soils. It is a pricey park since you have to pay for the ferry to get there, plus pay for the park pass (purchased on line). Came here when the boat ride out of Bayfield was postponed due to heavy fog. The beach looked nice, but didn't extend out very far at the time I went. There is a change house next to the bathrooms. Didn't spend any time there because of rain and cool weather. Looks like they have a good campground.

6. Perrot State Park

W26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661-7253 +1 608-534-6409 http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/regions/wcr/perrot.html
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 118 reviews

Perrot State Park

Wisconsin park that is home to Brady's Bluff and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge.

Reviewed By SANDYW29 - Rochester, United States

Great hiking with gorgeous Mississippi valley views. It’s worth a drive experience this lovely state park.

7. Kettle Moraine State Forest

W7796 Kettle Moraine Drive, WI 53190 +1 262-473-7501 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kms/index.html
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Split into two "units" south and north of Milwaukee, both sections contain part of the Ice Age Trail, a 1,000-mile trail throughout Wisconsin.

Reviewed By 34denaem

Paradise Springs is an extremely easy hike/walk. You would be able to take a stroller or wheel chair and see almost everything. A must see if you go to Kettle Moriane . We went during the start of the Covid-19 outbreak. They had the drinking fountains and restrooms closed for safety precautions. Was nice to see it taken seriously but still able to enjoy the outdoors.

8. Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park Road Jackson Harbor, WI 54246 +1 920-847-2235 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/rockisland/
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Rock Island State Park

9. Whitefish Dunes State Park

3275 Clark Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-7904 +1 920-823-2400 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/whitefish/
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Reviewed By ChicaGracie

Lovely state park with beach access near protected sand dunes. There are multiple hiking paths, all of which are hilly, past dunes and through woods or wildflower fields. Lots of birds and insects to observe. A lovely park for a walk, job or run. So Much Poison Ivy! But if you stay on the trails, you will be fine.

10. Kohler-Andrae State Park

1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081-8836 +1 920-451-4080 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/kohlerandrae/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 323 reviews

Kohler-Andrae State Park

This popular lakefront state park was established in the 1920s.

Reviewed By GBAmandaR - Green Bay, United States

We loved the boardwalk trail—very different from the hiking trails at other parks. The beach was very narrow but we were able to access it and find space easily.

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