Top 10 Nature & Parks in Wisconsin, United States

August 1, 2021 Ying Subia

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. Olbrich Botanical Gardens

3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704-5808 +1 608-246-4550 [email protected] http://www.olbrich.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,636 reviews

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

One of Madison's most popular attractions, this oasis of green includes a sunken garden, perennial garden, rose garden, rock garden, herb garden, wildflower garden and a tropical conservatory.

Reviewed By Valedia - McHenry, United States

Some friends and I try to meet up somewhere every fall. This year I read about and picked this spot as Madison is a halfway point for all. I was absolutely amazed at this gem - free parking, free access to the outdoor areas and only $2.00 to explore the indoor conservatory. The volunteers greeted us when we walked into the conservatory, and one went so far as to walk us around and point out all the different areas so that we wouldn't miss any of it. There is a gift shop that is stocked with seeds, bulbs, cards that can be planted, clothing and much, much more. The conservatory has lush plants, trees, ferns, a koi pond and other water features. After exploring inside we went out and walked all of the different paths and areas that were very well maintained, and a true sensory treat! Photography is a hobby of mine, and I came home with almost 60 pictures and could easily have taken more. We are looking forward to meeting up again in other seasons. If you are in the Madison area, do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy this wonderful place!

2. Cave Point County Park

5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-8266 http://www.door-county-wisconsin.net/cave-point-door-county.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,203 reviews

Cave Point County Park

The park is open everyday from 8 to 5.

Reviewed By AndrewFromMadison - Madison, United States

Whenver we go up to Door County - whether to pick cherries or to relax on Washington Island - we almost always stop at Cave Point Park to get amazed at the way the lake pounds under the shore, creating these unique "caves" down below. It's hard to get tired watching the work of waves...

3. Green Bay Botanical Garden

2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay, WI 54303-4841 +1 920-490-9457 [email protected] http://www.gbbg.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 503 reviews

Green Bay Botanical Garden

For WPS Garden of Lights hours, visit https://gbbg.org/. Open all year, Green Bay Botanical Garden is designed to provide interest with display gardens that capture the beauty of northeastern Wisconsin’s four distinct and wonderful seasons. Learn about the vital role plants play in our lives and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Be refreshed by gardens overflowing with beauty and serenity.

Reviewed By deborahbZ1450CQ

This was our first time visiting the light show before Christmas. It was Beautiful! We had a great time.

4. American Birkebeiner Trail

from Cable, WI to Hayward, WI 14269W Nordic Lane, Hayward, WI +1 715-634-5025 http://www.birkie.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

American Birkebeiner Trail

50+ mile hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoe trail that runs between 2 small towns in northern Wisconsin

Reviewed By Pkcrowley - Williamsburg, United States

Since I have started cross country skiing, I have wanted to ski the famous Birkebeiner Trail . Especially since we have very little snow in Southeast Virginia. It wasn't so easy to get there- plane and rental car needed-but I not expecting such a wonderful time. Hayward- the town and people are great. Thank you especially to the Welcome center of the Birkie Trail. The employee on duty was MORE than helpful. Be sure to eat at the Norske Nook after you ski. The trail was beautifully groomed. I never felt lonely out there as a single skier-there were always occasional skiers. The warming huts are special places.

5. Bookworm Gardens

1415 Campus Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081-3183 +1 920-287-7895 [email protected] http://www.bookwormgardens.org/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 437 reviews

Bookworm Gardens

Open seasonally, May 1- Oct. 31. Botanic Garden based on children's literature in Sheboygan, WI.

Reviewed By Elaissdriss

Bookworm Gardens is a vibrant and engaging destination for families and school children in Wisconsin and beyond. This 7 acre property with 2 acre garden based on children's literature offers educational programming as well as free, unstructured play in a beautiful environment for the young and young at heart. Really, i like this place of culture, it gives our childrens to developpe its competences and to have an excellente way of thinking in the futur. You can come to visite this great place . You will change your minde.

6. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves

90500 Meyers Road, Bayfield, WI 54814 +1 715-779-3397 http://www.nps.gov/apis/mainland-caves-winter.htm
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 212 reviews

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves

Reviewed By PrairiePaddler - Madison, United States

Outstanding, definitely one of the better narrated scenic cruises we've experienced. Our 2-1/2 hour Grand Tour was conducted by a lifetime local resident who grew up on the water and had a wealth of information to share. The ice caves on Devil's Island alone are worth the trip.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Grandad Bluff

3020 Grandad Bluff Road, La Crosse, WI 54601 +1 608-789-7533 http://www.cityoflacrosse.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/75/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,059 reviews

Grandad Bluff

At 590 feet, this area offers scenic views.

Reviewed By CurlyH - Milwaukee, United States

We had a group of 30 motorcyclists venture up the winding road to the top of the bluff on a perfect weather day to view the expanse of LaCrosse and the Mississippi River. It was well worth the ride.

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