25 Best State Parks in Wisconsin in 2022

A guide to all the cool parks in Wisconsin you must visit, including where to stay, hike and enjoy beautiful waterfalls

Bordered by Lakes Michigan and Superior, Wisconsin is more than just dairy and cheese!

There are so many desirable travel locations, from big cities to beautiful landscapes, but the state parks in Wisconsin are some of the most beautiful in the world!

They offer a range of sights and attractions for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and families.

For romantic getaways in Wisconsin, state parks with cabins are also a great option!

In this article, I share the best state parks ov Wisconsin for hiking, mountain biking, all-terrain vehicle riding, backpacking, camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

No matter what you like to do, there are parks to visit in Wisconsin that will suit your needs.

Even if you can’t decide on any other park, you must visit the largest state park in Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park! If people had Wisconsin state parks ranked, it would easily be number 1.

Wisconsin State Park Systems have nearly 156,000 acres of land available for visitors to enjoy.

Nature provides beautiful backdrops all-year-round with recreation areas, trails, more than 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 659 miles of Great Lakes shoreline for travelers’ enjoyment. 

You can also simply enjoy the natural landscape with your family at some of the top state parks in Wisconsin.

And if hiking isn’t peaceful enough, you can check out some of the top yoga retreats in Wisconsin for more zen!

At the bottom of the post, you will also find a handy map of state parks in Wisconsin for reference.

This post contains affiliate links. if you buy via them, I’ll earn a small commission which helps me to keep this blog running. I received services for free for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Useful Travel Information for Wisconsin

✎ Plan the ultimate Wisconsin road trip (no backtracking!) with the Perfect Wisconsin Road Trip itinerary – Get it here

✈ Find the best hotel deals in Wisconsin with Trivago

➳ Book vacation rentals in Wisconsin with VRBO

✔ Book tours in Wisconsin with Viator

☘ Get the best discounted outdoor gear (outlet) at REI.com

$ Get Wisconsin hiking guides and maps at REI.com

✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at SafetyWing. It is easy to set up, cheap, and reliable.

How many State Parks are there in Wisconsin?

There are 66 state parks in Wisconsin.

The beautiful Parks in Wisconsin cover more than 60,570 acres and each is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks, and Recreation.

Where to book Wisconsin State Parks Cabins?

There are many Wisconsin state parks with cabins that you can camp in overnight or for a few nights.

However, please note that Wisconsin state parks’ camping fees are additional and range from $15 to $35, plus a $7.75 reservation fee.  

Booking.com – Astonishingly, Booking.com offers much more than hotel rooms. I found them to have a vast offer of State Park cabins in Wisconsin. They even have a large selection of Wisconsin State Park campsites. – Check prices and read reviews

Airbnb – If you are looking for Wisconsin State park cabins with a personal touch, I recommend booking at Airbnb. Additionally, their park cabins are often very affordable. They have a vast choice! – Check prices and read reviews.

VRBO – In my opinion, VRBO has the largest offer when it comes to Wisconsin State Park cabins. Whether you’re looking for lakefront cabins or beachside, it’s very likely that you can find your cabin at VRBO. – Check prices and read reviews

I also have several articles on accommodation options throughout the state. Including the best luxury resorts in Wisconsin, the best luxury cabins in Wisconsin, and even the best pet-friendly cabins in Wisconsin.

1. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The Ringling House Bed & Breakfast has the best reviews in town and the Inn at Wawanissee comes with a hot tub! Cabin lovers, this area is heaven for you! Check out this quirky Log Cabin or stay in this gorgeous contemporary home on a quiet wooded lot.

Devil’s Lake State Park is the most visited state and largest state park in Wisconsin.

It is also considered by many to be the best state park in Wisconsin – it’s definitely one of the best state parks near Wisconsin Dells!

And it’s easy to see why with it offering gorgeous scenery in every season, and the opportunity to enjoy that with your favorite outdoor activity.

It is located in south-central Wisconsin, about 3 miles south of Baraboo, and is well connected.

You can easily reach this State Park by car following the brown and white Devil’s Lake State Park signs at turns. 

Climbing the huge boulders that make up the East Bluff trail offers views of the lake. The surrounding valleys are absolutely breathtaking and the most amazing activity to do.

As the name suggests, it is also home to Devil’s Lake, one of the best lakes in Wisconsin.

With downtown Lincoln City a few minutes away, one can glide quietly by canoe or kayak on the lake.

With three campgrounds, Devil’s Lake Wisconsin camping has 423 sites that can accommodate a family of 6.

Camping at Devil’s Lake is one of the best things to do in Central Wisconsin, and the park has one of the best campsites in Wisconsin Dells.

Devil’s Lake is great for hiking year-round, and a great activity in Wisconsin Dells in winter.

It’s also a popular destination for families during spring break in Wisconsin.

Book Devils Lake Wisconsin camping

2. High Cliff State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: Honestly, the best way to enjoy the beauty of this area is by renting a cabin or a cottage. This house offers gorgeous views on the lake and this luxury home comes with a spacious garden and stunning views.

This park overlooks the largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin and is situated on limestone cliffs (once sacred to Native Americans), and is well connected by the road.

The park’s most popular destination is the magnificent 12-foot statue of Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird standing on a huge granite rock overlooking the lake.  

The park also has a marina, historic sites, a campground, picnic areas, a beach, an observation tower, shelters, and play areas.

This is one of the best Wisconsin state parks with cabins. In fact, many facilities include a specially designed cabin, accessible for people with disabilities.

High Cliff State Park Wisconsin has 112 regular campsites with firewood available at the park wood yard.

The park also has four picnic areas with tables, grills, water, and restrooms.   

The park is about 40 minutes drive from Green Bay and makes a great day trip. There are plenty of great resorts in Green Bay if you rather stay in the city.

Book here waterfront cabins in High Cliff State Park

3. Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The best way to enjoy the beauty here is by renting a cabin or a cottage. On VRBO, I found this scenic waterfront Log Home and this cabin rental comes with its own dock.

It’s easy to see why Copper Falls is considered one of the top northern Wisconsin state parks.

The deep gorges, ancient lava flows, and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park Wisconsin one of the most scenic parks.

Additionally, it’s considered one of the best Wisconsin state parks with waterfalls.

Located about two miles northeast of Mellen in Ashland County, one can reach it by taking State Highway 13 to the north side of Mellen and turning (northeast) on State Highway 169. Go about 1.8 miles and the park’s entrance will be on your left. 

This state park offers hiking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming as well as other activities, but one of the main highlights is the North Country National Scenic Trail.

This trail offers some of the best hiking in Northern Wisconsin and is well worth a trip to the park.

The park has 54 regular campsites with a group camping area big enough for 40 people, offering an overnight stay and for people with disabilities, a rustic bin.

Copper Falls is in the heart of the prime fishing area, offering all kinds of sport fishing within easy traveling distance. It’s thus perfect to bring your inflatable fishing kayak!

That’s why it is one of the most popular state parks in Wisconsin since it is home to some of the best waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin.

Book Waterfront Cabins in Copper Falls State Park

4. Mirror Lake State Park, Wisconsin

• Best Thing to do: Visit the Ringling Brother Mansion
• Accommodation Options: the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wisconsin Dells *** is always a great choice, while I love the backyard of the Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells ***. For Airbnb fans, check out this cute deluxe cottage in Christmas Mountain. It’s one of my favorite Airbnbs in Wisconsin Dells.

Just a few miles from Wisconsin Dells, Mirror Lake State Park Wisconsin is a great place to spend some quality time with family in the summers.

It is conveniently located just off Interstate 90-94, exit I-90-94 to U.S. Highway 12, south of Wisconsin Dells.

The lake is surrounded by beautiful sandstone bluffs that go up to 50 feet offering excellent fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching opportunities.

One can also enjoy wooded campsites, picnic areas, a boat landing, and miles of biking, hiking, and cross-country ski trails, making it an ideal spot for a weekend vacation idea in Wisconsin.

It’s considered one of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells and close to the best Airbnbs in Wisconsin Dells.

This Wisconsin Dells State Park features 147 campsites and various other types of lodging, camping, and great fishing.

It also offers adaptive equipment available for people with mobility impairment.

Book an AirBnB at Mirror Lake

5. Rocky Arbor State Park, Wisconsin Dells

• Best Thing to do: Visit the Ringling Brother Mansion
• Accommodation Options: the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wisconsin Dells *** is always a great choice, while I love the backyard of the Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells ***. For Airbnb fans, check out this cute deluxe cottage in Christmas Mountain. It’s one of my favorite Airbnbs in Wisconsin Dells.

Rocky Arbor State Park is one of the best state parks in Wisconsin Dells. It offers an escape from the water parks to enjoy the outdoors and some of the best hiking in Wisconsin Dells.

This seasonal park is open for camping from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

During the off-season, hikers and picnickers are still welcome to use the park.

Hiking is also a great way to spend a romantic getaway in Wisconsin Dells. The city is also home to some of the best romantic hotels in Wisconsin.

The park is well connected to the road, from Interstate Highway 90/94, take the U.S. Highway 12/16 and exit on the north side of Wisconsin Dells.

From here, go east on Highway 12/16 about 0.8 miles. The park entrance will be on your right.

This park and recreation retreat offers pine trees and sandstone bluffs for a cool escape for the picnicker, camping family, or hiker.

Hike through the park to get a glimpse of pine trees, sandstone bluffs, and animals of all sorts.

Walk quietly and you may see deer, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and chipmunks.

Wooded campsites are another great feature of this park and offer a 1-mile self-guided nature trail. The campground also has showers, flush toilets, and electricity.

Don’t forget to bring your Wisconsin hiking guidebook in order to explore the best trails, and your Wisconsin Like a Local itinerary to find all the best-kept secrets.

Book Yogi Bear Camp Wisconsin

6. Amnicon Falls State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The best way to enjoy the beauty here is by renting a cabin. You’ll love this Lakefront Superior Cottage w/Deck & Boat Dock or this beautifully decorated Home near Spirit

Located about 15 miles east of the Superior city limits in Douglas County, you can reach Amnicon Falls State Park through US Highway 2/53 to the southeast out of Superior.

The park offers 36 nicely spaced wooded campsites and attractive hiking and walking trails.

The covered Horton Bridge is the best spot to take photographs.

The park also features a series of delightful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River.

You can view them from a covered footbridge or trails along the river.

The park offers a place to picnic, camp, walk in the woods, and you can also learn about the Douglas Fault, the geological formation that created the falls.

No wonder, that the area was a film location for some of the best movies set in Wisconsin.

Amnicon Falls State Park is more orientated towards tent camping and has vault toilets and water, but no electricity, showers, or dump station.

For outdoor enthusiasts, this is the best camping in Wisconsin state parks you’ll find. That’s why it is considered one of the best northern Wisconsin state parks.

Book here your northern Wisconsin cabin getaway

7. Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The Waterfront Hotel is such a gorgeous hideaway. If you love cabin getaways, have a look at this gorgeous cabin retreat near Wyalusing State Park or this secluded log home. For Airbnb fans, you’ll enjoy this Bunk House in Prairie du Chien.

Located on a high bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, a land of sculpted limestone can be found amid a swath of preserved hardwood forest, the Wyalusing State Park.

You can easily reach the park from US Highway 18 and State Highway 35.

Wyalusing state park Wisconsin is one of the oldest parks and a world heritage site, featuring Indian burial mounds, canoe trial, and bird watching.

But even if you’re not a history buff, there are plenty of reasons to visit one of the best county parks in Wisconsin.

Wyalusing Park is a place to go for fishing, boating, cycling, picnicking, and enjoying nature. There is an interpretive center and four historical markers within the park.

The park has two campgrounds with 109 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. There are 33 campsites with electricity. 

Book Wyalusing cabins and read reviews

8. Kettle Moraine State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The Hidden Serenity B&B is a great hideaway. But a cabin getaway is the best way to enjoy the natural beauty here. You’ll love the McJugger’s Loft close to trails and the lake. The Lillibridge Lake Home is just steps from the water on quaint Tittle Lake, nestled in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Kettle Moraine State Park Wisconsin is divided into two units: North and South.

The Northern Unit is located 45 minutes north of Milwaukee in Sheboygan County, while the Southern unit is 61 miles east of Madison and 37 miles southwest of Milwaukee in Washington County.

Considered one of the best day trips from Milwaukee, the chief feature of the reserve is the Kettle Mountain, a highly glaciated area. 

Visitors here can explore and enjoy almost 30,000 acres of rolling hills, lakes, forests, and grasslands in the Northern unit, while the Southern unit offers a recreational area of 22,000 acres.

Visitors can camp in one of the three family Wisconsin state park campgrounds, or the area is home to some of the most romantic cabins in Wisconsin.

The park also has some of the best places to hike in Southern Wisconsin!

Summer provides picturesque horseback riding, camping, bicycling, hiking, and fishing.

Fall in love with the colors as you meander through winding roads during the autumn season in Wisconsin.

Winter provides excellent opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, and tubing.

Book here your Kettle Moraine cabin getaway

9. Newport State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The Open Heart Lodge has the best reviews in town and the Country House Resort comes with a spacious garden. For Airbnb fans, this cozy renovated home is located close to the town center.

Newport State Park is located near the tip of the Door County Peninsula off State Highway 42 and is one of the best Wisconsin State parks on Lake Michigan.

Situated northeast of Ellison Bay, the state park in Door County Wisconsin is the only formally designated Wilderness Park.

That’s why it’s one of the best county parks in Wisconsin for nature lovers.

While there are a lot of fun things to do in Door County, it can be nice to get away from the busier areas.

Newport State Park has 2,373 acres and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, offering quiet alternatives to bustling Door County.

Newport State Park Wisconsin is very popular for hiking as it has 30 miles of trails tracing the Lake Michigan shoreline.

No wonder it’s considered one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

It also has beautiful waterfront locations with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, and where you can spend an entire day paddling through the waves.

Newport has 16 backpack campsites, 13 of which are reserved, and also offers winter backpack camping, which is one of the best things to do in Door County in winter.

If you need more accommodation options, check out my articles on the best Airbnbs in Door County, the best cabins in Door County, and the best resorts in Door County.

Don’t forget to bring your Wisconsin hiking guidebook in order to explore the best trails in the area, and your Wisconsin Like a Local itinerary to find all the best-kept secrets.

Book here your awesome Door County accommodation

10. Big Bay State Park, Wisconsin

• Best Thing to do: Rent a kayak – or bring your own inflatable one
• Accommodation Options: The Pinehurst Inn Bed & Breakfast is perfect for those who want to splurge a bit and the Old Rittenhouse Inn is a fabulous mid-range option. For Airbnb and cabin lovers, this Madeline Island Cabin is located right on the lakeshore on Madeline Island. And this Library Street Cottage is the cutest!

Located on Madeline Island, the largest of 22 Apostle Islands, the Big Bay State Park Wisconsin has rugged wooded cliffs with dramatic views of Lake Superior, offering great weekend or week-long retreats for families. 

Apostle Island is one of the top state parks in northern Wisconsin for families, and for romantic getaways.

The park offers a family campground, including walk-in campsites, hiking and nature trails, and 1.5 miles of sand beach awaits visitors.

The park also offers a picnic area with tables, grills, water, and toilets. 

The Big Bay State Park is famous for having some of the best fall foliage in Wisconsin.

Thus it’s a great fall activity in Wisconsin and definitely one of the best things to do in Northern Wisconsin.

If you have more time to spend in the area, you can check out my top recommendations for things to do in Apostle Island.

Although Big Bay is a state park, Apostle Island is actually a national park, and it is one of the best national parks in Wisconsin.

Book here your Wisconsin AirBnb

11. Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The Homestead Suites comes with outdoor and indoor pools, a spa bath and the White Gull Inn is a great option for adult-only stays. If you prefer an Airbnb in Door County next to Fish Creek, you’ll love the cute Creekside Cottage or this homey Cottage. 

Established in 1909, Peninsula State Park Wisconsin is a 3,776-acre state treasure on the Door County peninsula. You can reach this park through State Highway 57 north towards Sturgeon Bay.

High bluffs and sandy beaches, an 1860s lighthouse, a challenging 18-hole golf course, and professional summer theater performances make Peninsula State Park extremely popular.

Hiking or bicycling is the best way to explore the trails that wind through the quiet interior of the park. Staying at a wood cabin is one of the best ways to enjoy its beauty.

The recreational opportunities are numerous such as hiking, biking, boating, golfing, and swimming during the spring, summer, and fall. It’s thus a lovely place to vacation in Wisconsin.

Check the best AirBnbs at Peninsula State Park

12. Interstate State Park, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. Croix Valley is the best address in town. There are great Airbnb options such as this The Artists Loft or this cozy Copper Room apartment.

Interstate State Park is Wisconsin’s oldest state park, and one of the best Western Wisconsin state parks.

It is known for Dalles of the St. Croix gorge and gorgeous views of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, one of the best national parks in Wisconsin.

Located on the state’s western border, the park shares its name with the bordering State Park of Minnesota.

Interstate Park is in St. Croix Falls, on Wisconsin Highway 35, just 1/2 mile south of U.S. Highway 8. 

The Interstate State Park Wisconsin has an excellent swimming beach and Beach House at scenic Lake O’ the Dalles and has several picnic areas with tables, grills, as well as open shelters.

The park also has two campgrounds with a total of 85 family campsites, and a primitive group camp that can accommodate up to 60 people.

If you happen to be visiting in the fall, St. Croix hosts one of the best fall festivals in Wisconsin.

Book here pet-friendly cabins in Wisconsin

13. Rock Island State Park

• Accommodation Options: The Open Heart Lodge has the best reviews in town and the Country House Resort comes with a spacious garden. For Airbnb fans, this cozy renovated home is located close to the town center.

Located on Rock Island in Lake Michigan off the tip of the Door Peninsula, one can reach this state park by two ferry rides.

Take Wisconsin Highway 42 to its end at Northport, the tip of the Door County Peninsula, and then take the Washington Island Ferry to Washington Island.

Cars and bikes are not allowed, offering an experience unlike any other state park in Wisconsin. It’s a fabulous idea when looking for cool weekend trips in Wisconsin.

The park has 10 miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile interpretive trail, a naturalist program, and 5,000 feet of beach.

These are some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin state parks.

Rock Island State Park Wisconsin has 40 campsites with pit toilets, and picnic tables and fire rings are provided.

There is also drinking water near the dock and the boathouse.

Check Rock Island cabins and campsites

14. Blue Mound State Park

• Accommodation Options: The Grandstay Hotel and Suites comes with BBQ facilities, a spa, and a wellness center. For Airbnb fans, this luxury retreat home comes with a cozy fire pit and large yard, I also love the dreamy scenery of this stunning Villa with hot tub.

Located on the highest point in southern Wisconsin at 1,719 feet of elevation, sits Blue Mound State Park, one of the best parks in Wisconsin.

The park offers spectacular views along with unique geological features.

It is just north of the Village of Blue Mounds, about 25 miles west of Madison via US Highway 18/151.

That makes it one of the easiest state parks near Madison, WI for a day trip.

Blue Mound State Park Wisconsin is the only state park with a swimming pool equipped with a lift for persons with disabilities. 

The park is also popular for hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, mountain biking (both double and single track), and for finding peace and solitude from the noisy city.

It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular state parks in southern Wisconsin.

The campground is open throughout the year and contains 77 wooded sites and a rustic accessible cabin for disabled people.

Each site has picnic tables, free rings, toilets, and water fountains.  

Buy here your ultimate Wisconsin travel guide

15. Point Beach State Forest, Wisconsin

• Accommodation Options: In Two Rivers, the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites has fabulous reviews! For cabin lovers, this cozy house is located in Point Beach State Forest and comes with a large yard. This fully renovated cabin retreat is located close to Two Rivers and boasts a waterfront location.

It is a 2,903 acre Wisconsin state forest located near two rivers, Wisconsin in Manitowoc County.

With 6 miles along the coastline, it’s no surprise this is one of the top state parks on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin.

To reach the Point Beach State Park Wisconsin, take County Highway O north about 4 miles. The entrance road will be on your right.

With dunes, one of the best lighthouses of Wisconsin, a state park camping, and hiking, biking, skiing, nature, and snowmobile trails, it is an adventure’s paradise. 

The Point Beach offers a family campground consisting of 127 sites, 70 of them with electricity.

All these sites are within walking distance of Lake Michigan, where you can enjoy more than five undeveloped shorelines. 

Book campsites and lakefront cabins here.

16. Kohler Andrae State Park

• Accommodation Options: Relax after your day out with a calming spa bath at The Rochester Inn, your new home away from home. If you prefer a vacation home, this Lake Shore House in Sheboygan, just north of the park, is one of the best romantic cabins in Wisconsin, and the perfect getaway for outdoor couples.

Kohler-Andrae State Park is comprised of two separate but adjacent state parks just a few miles south of the city of Sheboygan.

Here you can find an impressive 137 family campsites – of which over 50 have electrical hookups – as well as two group sites, and a cabin for campers with disabilities.

Like many state parks in Wisconsin, these beautiful wooded campsites are perfect for scenic and secluded getaways in Wisconsin.

You’ll also be able to explore some of the best beaches in Wisconsin, with over two miles of sandy beach running along Lake Michigan.

Along with camping, hiking, and bicycling, active visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and even hunting, as well as plenty of picnic spots to cool off in.

If you plan on staying in the area, there are a lot of fun things to do in Sheboygan, and a lot of great hotels in Sheboygan and nearby.

17. Wildcat Mountain State Park

• Accommodation Options: The Fairfield Inn is always a great choice and I love the backyard of Hilton Garden Inn. For a romantic getaway, check out all the best cabins in Wisconsin Dells.

As you might think from the name, Wildcat Mountain State Park has an abundance of wildlife.

At various times, you might catch sight of white-tailed deer, beavers, red squirrels … even bald eagles can be found here.

This has to be one of the most exciting Wisconsin fall getaways for nature lovers!

The park is situated on a ridge above the Kickapoo River, just south of the city of Ontario, overlooking Kickapoo Valley.

The valley itself contains large sandstone bluffs, with evidence of settlers dating back over 4,000 years.

This is also one of the best state parks in Wisconsin for hiking.

There are over 21 miles of hiking and equestrian trails to explore, and plenty of opportunities for paddling, swimming, and kayaking in the river waters.

In the winter months, 7 miles of cross-country ski trails are available for beginner and intermediate skiers.

This is one of the best state parks near Madison, WI (1.5-hour drive), and I recommend staying in Madison or Wisconsin Dells.

Book here your Wisconsin Dells Airbnb

18. Willow River State Park

• Accommodation Options: Hop across the Minnesotan border and enjoy a luxury stay at the Graduate Minneapolis. Want a long stay with AirBnb? This cozy loft apartment in Stillwater is the perfect place to crash after a long day exploring one of the most beautiful Wisconsin state parks.

Willow River State Park has almost 3,000 acres of countryside for visitors to explore making it one of the best Wisconsin state parks for hiking.

Fortunately, the park has created a series of color-coded hiking trails, with a wide range of difficulties from the casual to the experienced, across all manner of beautiful terrain.

For old oaks and white pines, just follow the Silver markings. If birds and wildflowers are what you seek, follow the Blue.

Within the park, you can also find one of the jewels of Wisconsin: Willow Falls – where the Willow River flows through a series of small, wide drops that lead down to eventually meet the St. Croix River.

These are some of the best waterfalls in northern Wisconsin, possibly even the whole state!

Once you’ve taken in the trails, the park has plenty of picnic and grill sites, with the largest down by the beach on Little Falls Lake.

Here you can also find one of the park’s three playgrounds, as well as large patches of open grass available for anyone who brought something to throw and catch.

Located on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, this can even be a great day trip from Minneapolis or St Paul.

As it’s one of the best state parks Northern Wisconsin has to offer, it’s definitely worth the visit no matter where you’re coming from.

19. Harrington Beach State Park

• Accommodation Options: Relax after your day out with a calming spa bath at The Rochester Inn, your new home away from home. If you prefer Airbnb, this Lake Shore House in Sheboygan, just north of the park, is one of the best romantic cabins in Wisconsin, and the perfect getaway for outdoor couples.

Nestled between the village of Belgium and the formidable Lake Michigan, Harrington Beach State Park provides all the outdoor activities you could expect from such beautiful land.

Here you’ll find hiking trails through picturesque cedar swampland, a mile of beach for sunbathing and swimming, as well as family camping grounds and a one-mile bridle trail for horse riding.

But Harrington Beach State Park also has a few less-frequently seen attractions.

For example, this is one of the few state parks in Wisconsin to have its own observatory, which has monthly public viewings.

From the picnic area overlooking Lake Michigan, visitors can see the sunken remains of the wooden steamship Niagara – a freighter that caught fire and sank a few hundred feet from the shore over 150 years ago.

Scuba and diving enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the remains, which are submerged under roughly 80 feet of water.

20. Big Foot Beach State Park

• Accommodation Options: Relax and unwind in this luxury lake house along Lake Geneva. Or, wake up to a delicious home-cooked breakfast at the Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast. If neither of those suits you, there are plenty of other amazing places to stay in Lake Geneva.

One of the best parks to visit in Wisconsin in wintertime, Big Foot Beach State Park lies inside Buttons Bay on the eastern shore of Geneva Lake.

Here, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are both very popular, with trails set up by park staff along the eastern end of the park.

It’s no wonder winter in Lake Geneva is the perfect time to visit!

In warmer seasons, the park still offers a wealth of family camping and hiking activities, with 100 wooded campsites with fire rings and picnic tables available throughout the area.

There’s also canoeing, kayaking, and fishing at Ceylon Lagoon, as well as 40 acres of picnicking space, playgrounds, and volleyball courts.

And of course, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy some sand and sun on Big Foot Beach itself!

Visiting the park is one of the best romantic getaways in Lake Geneva.

Buy here your guide to Wisconsin Like a Local

21. Governor Nelson State Park

• Best Thing to do: Madison Cooking Class
• Accommodation Options: the Best Western Premier Park Hotel **** has great views on Madison’s main attraction, while the Hotel Indigo – Madison Downtown, an IHG Hotel **** comes with a cool interior design, downtown! On VRBO, this gorgeous vacation rental boasts a gorgeous interior design, and is only a jump from Lake Mendota.

Located along the shore of Lake Mendota in the town of Westport, this beautiful 422-acre green space is one of the best Southern Wisconsin state parks.

The park was established in 1975 named after Gaylord Nelson, a former governor and senator of Wisconsin and the founder of Earth Day. 

So spending a day at this park enjoying its beautiful nature is a wonderful way to celebrate his environmental activism.

Throughout the park are over 8 miles of hiking trails, Native American effigies, and a sandy beach where visitors can picnic, swim, canoe, or fish.

Prior to 1967, what is now part of the park, was originally a boy’s summer camp that the acclaimed film director Orson Welles used to attend.

22. Hartman Creek State Park 

• Accommodation Options: If you’re fancying a city getaway near Lake Winnebago, consider the Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh *** in Oshkosh or the gorgeous Hampton Inn in Fond du Lac. If you are an Airbnb fan, you’ll love this waterfront cottage or this very cute little lake house.

First established in 1966, this is one of the best state parks in Wisconsin for camping. 

Within the park, there is a family campground with 103 slots, as well as five group camping sites.

In addition to camping, there are plenty of great recreational activities available. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and even kayaking.

Hartman Creek State Park is also one of the best state parks Wisconsin has to offer horseback riders and swimmers. 

Not only is the park near to the spring-fed Chain O’ Lakes, but it also offers its own 300-foot sandy beachfront.

For this park, a state trail pass is required for all bikers, horseback riders, and skiers who are 16 years of age and older.

23. Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee

• Best Thing to do: Milwaukee Food Tour
• Accommodation Options: The Pfister Hotel **** is a true legend in town, while the Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast ***** is probably the most scenic option. For Airbnb fans, this historic house is only a short walk from a scenic park. You can also check out my guide on where to stay in Milwaukee.

If you’re looking for the city-based state parks Southern Wisconsin offers, look no further than this Milwaukee gem!

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee on Lake Michigan, this unique Wisconsin state park makes it easy to forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city!

Many visitors to this urban oasis engage in popular activities like hiking, biking, and fishing, however it’s also great for skating and snowshoeing in the winter.

There are also various recreational things to do on the surrounding Lake Michigan like canoeing, kayaking, and boating if the weather permits.

From the Lakeshore State Park, you can also access the popular Hank Aaron State Trail if you want a longer, more challenging hiking experience.

Book here the best tours of Milwaukee

24. Aztalan State Park

• Best Thing to do: Madison Cooking Class
• Accommodation Options: the Best Western Premier Park Hotel **** has great views on Madison’s main attraction, while the Hotel Indigo – Madison Downtown, an IHG Hotel **** comes with a cool interior design, downtown! On VRBO, this gorgeous vacation rental boasts a gorgeous interior design, and is only a jump from Lake Mendota.

Aztalan State Park is easily one of the top 10 state parks in Wisconsin if you are interested in the state’s history – especially archaeological.

In fact, this park was made a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and added to the National Register of Historic Places when it was established two years later in 1966.

According to archaeological evidence, Aztalan was settled around 900 AD by the Mississippian, a Native American civilization that lived in what is now Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern USA.

The park features a village from the Middle-Mississippian era (1000 and 1300 AD). The village is surrounded by several large, pyramid mounds and a stockade.

Visitors can explore the ruins and see recreations of what the homes would have looked like when the Mississippians lived there.

25. Governor Dodge State Park 

• Best Thing to do: Madison Cooking Class
• Accommodation Options: the Best Western Premier Park Hotel **** has great views on Madison’s main attraction, while the Hotel Indigo – Madison Downtown, an IHG Hotel **** comes with a cool interior design, downtown! On VRBO, this gorgeous vacation rental boasts a gorgeous interior design, and is only a jump from Lake Mendota.

As the name suggests, this park was named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory.

Today it is a 5,270-acre nature park with some of the most amazing Wisconsin state parks hiking. You can hike year-round, including in winter.

In fact, Governor Dodge State Park is one of the best Wisconsin state parks in winter. 

Other than hiking, there are multiple great winter activities available, including winter camping, ice-fishing, and snowmobiling.

Of course, you can visit any time of year, and non-winter activities at the park include horseback riding, biking, and swimming.

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Map of Wisconsin State Parks

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FAQ about Wisconsin State Parks

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