Wisconsin may be known as “the frozen tundra,” but it offers much more than its chilly reputation. The Badger state’s unique natural formations make it an excellent destination for outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore ice caves and hike scenic trails adorned with fall foliage or admire rock formations that were sculpted by glaciers.
Here are some of the most remarkable parks in Wisconsin.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
While visitors from outside the Midwest may be unaware of this Wisconsin gem, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a true must-see. Home to 21 islands, it offers beautiful beaches, trails, and sandstone cliffs along the shores of Lake Superior.
The Apostle Islands are filled with opportunities for adventure in both summer and winter. In the summer, tourists can hike, bike, kayak, or take a scenic cruise through the boat-accessible caves. As winter arrives, the region transforms into an ice cave paradise perfect for exploring. Snowmobiling, skiing, and other winter activities await in the Northwoods.
Bird watchers will find plenty to love about the Apostle Islands. With over 300 bird species present, the area boasts one of the busiest bird migrations in the Great Lakes region. Bring your binoculars to spot eagles, owls, and sparrows among other wildlife.
Visiting Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Travelers often stay in Bayfield, Wisconsin. A 25-minute ferry ride from Bayfield to La Pointe leads to Madeline Island, the largest but non-national lakeshore Apostle Island, for a $17 roundtrip. Cyclists can take their bikes on the ferry for as little as $7, while car transport starts at $30.
Travelers can access the Bayfield and Little Sand Bay Visitors Center and Meyers Beach by road. However, reaching the 21 islands requires boat transportation. For camping on the mainland, hikers must trek the 6-mile Lakeshore Trail starting at Meyers Beach or travel by kayak; vehicle camping is not permitted. The fees for camping are $15 for individual sites, $30 for group sites, and a $10 reservation fee. Ice cave events are free for children 5 and under and $5 for those age 16 and older.
Lake Geneva Shore Path
Hikers seeking a manageable trail with stunning lake views should visit the Lake Geneva Shore Path. Located about an hour south of Milwaukee, Lake Geneva rests on land historically belonging to the Potowatomi people.
Known for its magnificent mansions and summer homes, originally built by Illinois residents fleeing the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, walkers on the Lake Geneva Shore Path can enjoy breathtaking sights of these residences on one side and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Geneva on the other.
The shore spans approximately 21 miles, while the path extends 26 miles. Walking the paved trail typically requires 8 to 10 hours to complete; however, various sections contain more gravel, wood, hills, rocks, and grass than others. Given Wisconsin’s harsh winters, traversing the path can be challenging after early November unless you prefer a snowy trek.
Visiting the Lake Geneva Shore Path: One of the greatest features of the Lake Geneva Shore Path is that it is free and open to the public. If visitors prefer not to stay in Lake Geneva, several lodging options exist in the nearby cities. Madison is located just over an hour northwest, while Milwaukee and Kenosha are under an hour to the northeast. Many choose to visit Lake Geneva for a day trip; nevertheless, summer resorts are available for extended stays. With its popularity peaking in the summer, it is advisable to plan your stay by March or April. Renting a car is often necessary since public transportation options are limited, though there is street parking and designated parking near Library Park in downtown Lake Geneva. Access points to the shore path include Williams Bay, Fontana, and Big Foot Beach State Park.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Combining history and nature, the 1200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers a unique experience for over 2 million visitors annually who wish to trace the steps of ancient mammals and glaciers.
Completing the entire Ice Age Trail can take between 8 to 12 weeks; however, numerous shorter segments permit day trips or overnight stays, making it a favorite among both visitors and locals. The trail supports hiking, biking, and bird watching in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Interstate State Park, the oldest of Wisconsin’s state parks on the Ice Age Trail, is located on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Notably, the park features the Dalles of the St. Croix, a steep gorge within its 1400 acres. The park contains 9 miles of summer trails and 12.5 miles of winter trails, including the beginner-friendly Silverbrook Trail that leads to the 18-foot Silverbrook Falls. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can explore the Ice Age Interpretive Center, which provides insights into Wisconsin’s glacial history through a film, murals, and photographs.
Visiting Ice Age National Scenic Trail: There are several points from which to start the Ice Age Trail. One popular segment is Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Other access locations include Dells of the Eau Claire Park, Gibraltar Rock (near Madison), Kettle Moraine State Forest (ideal for a day trip from Milwaukee), and the Interstate State Park at Saint Croix Falls. Keep in mind that state parks along the trail are part of the Wisconsin State Park System, requiring a vehicle admission sticker for all visitors. Out-of-state vehicles must pay $11 daily (with the exception of Devil’s Lake, which charges $16).
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s most frequented state park for summer adventures and breathtaking fall foliage. Known for its impressive 500-foot quartzite bluffs and rocks, Devil’s Lake attracts about 3 million visitors annually who wish to hike, climb, and capture memorable photos against the backdrop of the 360-acre lake. Many seek the iconic “Devil’s Doorway” for a picture, but caution is advisable since these rocks date back over 15,000 years, formed after the glacial period.
Currently, the land belonging to the Ho-Chunk Nation has seen human habitation for more than 300,000 years. The lake is also part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which stretches across 1200 miles of the park, including 29 miles of dedicated hiking trails. For those not interested in hiking, picnic areas, two sandy beaches, and concessions offering activities such as paddle boating, canoeing, and kayaking are also available.
Camping enthusiasts enjoy Devil’s Lake as well, with three campgrounds (Quartzite, Northern Lights, and Ice Age) providing a total of 423 campsites and nine group camping sites for a maximum of 240 campers. Quartzite is the only campground available in winter, and some facilities, such as flushable toilets and showers, may not be accessible. Planning ahead is essential, as camping is no longer available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visiting Devil’s Lake State Park: Devil’s Lake is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, almost two hours from Milwaukee and less than an hour from Madison. While many choose to visit for the day, making it a popular day trip destination from both Milwaukee and Madison, it is advisable to plan visits for the summer and fall months, starting as early as June. In the summer, the fees are $25 for non-electrical sites and $40 for sites with electricity on weekdays. Weekend rates rise slightly to $27 for non-electrical and $42 for electrical camping. Group rates start at $40 per night for 1-20 campers. For those looking to visit for the day, a day pass is priced at $16 for non-residents.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Spanning 4600 miles from New York to North Dakota, the North Country National Scenic Trail is perfect for hikers and campers wishing to explore northwestern Wisconsin. With numerous waterfalls, serene lakes, and winding streams framed by lush forestry, adventurers can enjoy 220 miles of stunning wildlife.
Copper Falls State Park is a favorite stop along the North Country Scenic Trail. Visitors can explore the Copper and Brownstone waterfalls, bask in the sun at Loon Lake, or hike Doughboy’s Nature Trail for 1.7 miles along the scenic Bad River.
While summer draws the most visitors, the Marengo River segment in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers activities throughout different seasons, including snowshoe hiking in winter. Generally, this segment is more challenging for beginners, whereas experienced visitors can enjoy three breathtaking overlooks of the Marengo River Valley, known as the most picturesque path in the forest.
Visiting North Country National Scenic Trail: Like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the North Country Scenic Trail has several entry points. The path crosses through Bayfield, Ashland, Iron, and Douglas counties. Utilizing state parks and forests is the best way to navigate the North Country Trail, including Copper Falls State Park, Pattison State Park, Brule River State Forest, and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. All state parks require visitors to secure a vehicle admission for $11 daily, and most are open year-round, 24 hours a day. It is advisable to confirm with each state park for any changes, and hunting and fishing licenses may be required. Campers should reserve their spots online.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Travelers can relax on summer days tubing along the Saint Croix or Namekagon rivers in the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. Connecting Minnesota to Wisconsin, the riverway stretches through eight Wisconsin counties, including Bayfield, Saint Croix, Douglas, Washburn, Burnett, Sawyer, Pierce, and Polk. Numerous forests and parks dot the 252-mile route, providing campers and hikers with access to some of the best trails for their adventures.
Governor Knowles State Forest spans 55 miles and covers 32,500 acres of exciting outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, canoeing, and paddling. This forest boasts three primary campgrounds for eager campers: St. Croix, Trade River Equestrian, and Sioux Portage Group. Summer is the prime time for visits, with the delightful woody views of the Sandrock Cliffs trail being a preferred easy hike along the river.
Visiting Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway: Accessing the riverway itself is free; however, parking and admission fees may apply on state and county lands. All state parks charge a daily vehicle admission fee of $11. If visitors want to experience both the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Ice Age Trail, camping at Interstate State Park and then heading to Governor Knowles State Forest in Grantsburg is advisable, as these locations are only a 40-minute drive apart. Reservations for camping can be made through the Wisconsin State Parks Reservation System.
