Sometimes you don't have to travel very far to feel like you're in a whole new world! These are eight of our favorite State Parks around Wisconsin and what to do there.
1 - Copper Falls State Park
Location: Mellen, Ashland County, WI
Copper Falls features a unique landscape and a plethora of Wisconsin history with records of mining dating back to the late 1800's. The park offers accessible campsites and is open year-round for hiking, fishing, swimming, and more outdoor activities.
2 - Kohler-Andrae State Park
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Following the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Kohler-Andrae State Park features sandy beaches and walking paths. This park is one of very few nature preserves along Lake Michigan, offering year-round activities to enjoy all of Wisconsin's seasons.
3 - Devil's Lake State Park
Location: Baraboo, WI
One of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin, Devil's Lake is located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail providing ample opportunity for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and more. The lake is surrounded by bluffs that provide incredible 360 degree views of the park.
4 - Wildcat Mountain State Park
Location: Ontario, WI
This park overlooks the Kickapoo River and is known to be one of Wisconsin's oldest state parks. With equestrian trails, lookout points, water sports and more, this park is a popular Wisconsin destination.
5 - Harrington Beach State Park
Location: Belgium, WI
With an emphasis on wetland restoration, Harrington Beach State Park plays an important role in environmental preservation. Bordering Lake Michigan and covering 715 acres, there are opportunitites to see wildlife, camp, swim, fish, and even monthly astronomy viewings in their observatory.
6 - Big Bay State Park
Location: Madeline Island, Apostle Islands
Features 4 miles of the Lake Superior shoreline on the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands, north of Bayfield, WI. The park includes wheelchair adaptive equipment and an accessible boardwalk along with an accessible campsite.
7 - High Cliff State Park
Location: Sherwood, WI
High Cliff State Park is the only part of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest lake, that is owned by the state for recreational purposes. A 12-foot tall statue of Chief Red Bird of the Winnebago Tribe serves as a landmark in the park, overlooking the lake.
8 - Governor Dodge State Park
Location: Dodgeville, WI
Covering over 5,000 acres, Governor Dodge State Park is on of the largest in Wisconsin and offers almost every recreational activity you can think of. From horseback riding to off-road biking to cross-country skiing, there is something for everyone here.
