Chapter 1 : Parks of the Hidden Valleys region in Wisconsin Wisconsin State Park System State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas and Trails A healthy! This is the year and Wisconsin state parks are the place to get out and active. Copper Culture Park encompasses a 2, year- old Native American burial ground. Features an independentlyowned park museum with details of the Copper Culture, handicap- accessible picnic area. Features 55 campsites, 13 electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, backpack camping, handicapaccessible picnic area and campsites, concessions, seasonal naturalist programs, lookout tower, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, 1. Features a physical fitness trail, 55 campsites, 19 electric sites, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, concessions, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating electric motore only, fishing, 0. Features campsites, electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area dna campsites, concessions, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shorel;ine with marked beach area, canoeing, boating electric motor only, fishing, 1. Fischer Creek State Recreation Area This acre area has nearly a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic wooded bluffs, grasslands and wetlands - managed by Manitowoc County. Much of the Lake Michigan shoreline consists of scenic bluffs that rise 40 to 8 feet above the water level. The recreation area also includes more than feet of river frontage on Fischer Creek, including the mouth of the creek. Eight miles south of Manitowoc. Flambeau River State Forest Two forks of the Flambeau River provide 75 miles of uninterrupted natural beauty and whitewater excitement. Features rustic camping by permit, 60 campsites, a dumping station, backpack camping, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, 1. Governor Dodge State Park Governor Dodge includes steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys with two lakes and a waterfall. Features campsites, 77 electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, backpack camping, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, concessions, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating electric motor only, fishing, 2 miles of nature trails, Features effigy mounds in the wooded upland, a dumping station, handicapaccessible campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, 0. Two miles SW of SR The main parcel creating the park is the former 1,acre Paust Woods Lake Resort and about acres of wild-looking lakefront bought from Wisconsin Public Service Corporation on Caldron Falls Reservoir. Fifteen miles northwest of Crivitz. Call or Harrington Beach State Park Peacefulness and serenity draw people to this mile-long stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. Features handicap- accessible campsites, concessions, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline, fishing, 0. Features campsites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, horseback trails, surface bicycle trails, off- road bicycle trails, snowmobile trails, cross- country ski trails. Features environmental center, naturalist programs, 1 mile of nature trails, 7 miles of hiking trails, 2. One block west of Sherman Blvd. Heritage Hill State Park Experience living history at this acre outdoor museum. Twenty-five historic buildings dating from through, with costumed interpreters. Call or toll-free Features effigy mounds, lime kiln and quarry, campsites, 32 electric sites, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, concessions, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, lookout tower, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails, hiking trails, horseback trails, off- road bicycle trails, snowmobile trails, cross- country ski trails. Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area A foot observation tower offers sweeping views of this rugged hill country. Features backpack camping, observation tower, 2 miles of nature trails, 8 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of cross- country ski trails. The Ice Age Interpretive Center includes photographs, murals and other information about the great glaciers. Features 85 campsites, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, interpretive center, naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails, hiking trails, cross-country ski trails. Just S of US 8. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit The Northern Kettle is a Page 1
glacial landscape of rolling, wooded hills dotted with serene lakes and hidden ponds. Part of the Ice Age Trail. Features 32 campsites, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline with marked beach area, fishing, 0. Features handicap- accessible picnic area, vista, shoreline with beach, large swimming area, canoeing, boating, fishing, boat-in camping, 7 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of snowmobile trails. Kohler-Andrae State Park This scenic gem on the shore of Lake Michigan offers a peaceful getaway with wooded campsites and 2 miles of sandy beach. Features campsites, 49 electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, concessions, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline, canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails, hiking trails, horseback trails, snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails. Lake Kegonsa State Park One of the best-kep secrets of southern Wisconsin, Lake Kegonsa offers a variety of recreational and natural delights. Features 80 campsites showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, 1. Lake Wissota State Park Located on a manmade lake, this park attracts anglers after walleyes, muskies and bass. Features 81 campsites, 17 electric sites, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails, hiking trails, horseback trails, surface bicycle trails, off-road bicycle trails, snowmobile trails, cross- country ski trails. Five miles NE of Chippewa Falls. Lakeshore State Park In downtown Milwaukee, Lakeshore State Park provides a unique urban oasis with recreational opportunities and amenities geared to the urban population. It is open from 6 am - 10 pm, but at other times anglers, people going through the park on designated trails, and registered guests at the marina leaving or returning to their boats may be in the park. Features Handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, observation tower, lighted trails, enclosed shelters, Merrick State Park Located on the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this park is a year round haven for anglers. Its marshy bayous are home to egrets and herons. Features 67 campsites, 15 electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicap accessible picnic area and campsites, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline, canoeing, boating, fishing, 0. Mill Bluff State Park Spectacular view of picturesque rock formations. Features 21 campsites, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline, 0. Call or off-season. Mirror Lake State Park A picturesque lake surrounded by sandstone bluffs. Wooded campsites and boat, bike and canoe rentals: Features campsites, cabin for people with disabilities, 28 electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, concessions, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails, hiking trails, off-road bicycle trails, cross-country ski trails. Natural Bridge State Park See a breathtaking natural sandstone arch created by the eroding effects of wind and water. Open for day use from spring through autumn. Features handicapaccessible picnic area, 1. Call Nelson Dewey State Park Take in a panoramic view of the Mississippi from a campsite atop the river bluffs. Features 43 campsites, 16 electric sites, showers, a dumping station, handicapaccessible picnic area and campsites, vistas, canoeing nearby, boating nearby, fishing nearby, 0. Features picnic area, playground, 32 campsites, showers nearby, backpack camping, handicap- accessible picnic area, seasonal naturalist programs, 4. Features 16 campstes, winter camping, backpack camping, handicapaccessible picnic area, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline, canoeing, fishing, 2 miles of nature trails, 30 miles of hiking trails, 13 miles of off- road bicycle trails, 23 miles of cross- country ski trails. Features group camping, rustic camping by permit, campsites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, backpack camping, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails, hiking trails, off- road bicycle trails, snowmobile trails, cross- country ski trails. Features 59 campsites, 18 electric sites, showers, a dumping station, backpack camping, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, 2 miles of nature trails, 6. Peninsula State Park High bluffs and sandy beaches, an s lighthouse, a challening hole golf course and professional summer theater performances make this park extremely popular. Features campsites, electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, nature Page 2
center, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails, hiking trails, bicycle trails, snowmobile trails, cross- country ski trails. Perrot State Park Perrot is nestled among foot bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers meet, with breathtaking river views. Features 96 campsites, 36 electric sites, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline, canoeing, boating, fishing, 0. The forest is open to the public with opportunities for canoeing, fishing, boating, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Features indoor and outdoor group campsites, campsites, 66 electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, concessions, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, shoreline, fishing, 1 mile of nature trails, hiking trails, 4 miles of off- road bicycle trails, 11 miles of cross- country ski trails. Rib Mountain State Park This billion-year-old hill is one of the oldest geologic formations on earth. The top of the foot observation tower offers spectacular views. Features 30 campsites, handicap- accessible picnic area, concessions, seasonal naturalist programs, observation tower, vistas, 0. Features campsites, 53 electric sites, winter camping, showers, a dumping station, handicapaccessible picnic area and campsites, nature center, naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline with marked beach area, canoeing, boating, fishing, 1. The park also has an observation platform which is staffed during this Swan Watch period. The platform also has mounted scopes and interpretive panels all year long. This area also has bald eagles, egrets, herons, several kinds of ducks all within close viewing and great for photography. The park also has restrooms and camping. Radio AM only within park. Climb the stairway to the top for a panoramic view. Native American petroglyphs can also be seen on the rocks. Features 41 campsites, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, seasonal naturalist programs, lookout tower, vistas, fishing, 6. Call summer or off-season. No wheeled vehicles are allowed. Stone buildings, built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between and, now house exhibits. Features primitive camping, 40 campsites, backpack camping, nature center, seasonal naturalist programs, vistas, shoreline, canoeing, boating, fishing, 1 mile of nature trails, 9. By passenger ferry from the NE corner of Washington Island. Rocky Arbor State Park A quiet and secluded escape just 1. Pines and sandstone bluffs. Features 89 campsites, 18 electric sites, showers, a dumping station, handicap- accessible picnic area and campsites, 1 mile of nature trails. State officials envision that much of the 2,acre park will be used for silent sports including hunting, fishing, hiking, non-motorized boating and primitive camping. A state wildlife area to the north, is open for deer, small game, waterfowl and turkey hunting. Fishing is allowed, and boats must be carried in. Tiffany Wildlife Area Tiffany Wildlife Area offers 12, acres of free rustic walking trails, fourteen public boat launching ramps on Hwy 25 at Hwy 35 just north of Nelson. Hunting, fishing, trapping, nature photography, birding and wild berry picking are popular activities. Motor vehicles are not allowed anywhere in the wildlife area. Primitive camping is allowed by permit only. Camping permits are available at the DNR office in Alma. Challenging bluff trails and panoramic views. Page 3
Chapter 2 : Wisconsin State Park Dogs Outdoor Adventures Find a Wisconsin state park, forest, recreation area or trail. Camping opportunities in state parks and forests. How to buy a vehicle admission sticker or state trail pass. Visitors can enjoy views of the falls and the river on the scenic River trail. The park also has a covered foot bridge and more. This park also gives travelers the opportunity to learn about the Douglas Fault, which is the geologic formation that created the falls. Amnicon Falls State Park is filled with fascinating features and interesting activities. Travelers take a car ferry to reach the island. The park has plenty of wilderness, as well as sandstone cliffs, a lagoon and more. Buckhorn State Park Located in Necedah, this park is a fantastic peninsula. Visitors will enjoy the wide variety of recreation available at this park, including camping, hiking and even hunting. In addition the park also offers plenty of water recreation on the Wisconsin River, including boating, fishing and even riverside camping. The site is the oldest known burial ground in the state. In addition visitors to this park can enjoy tours of the river and enjoy fishing the river as well. While exploring the park visitors can also lean about the geology of the park, which includes lava flows which created waterfalls and are highlighted on the parks trails. It is an especially great destination from late spring to early fall. In addition to the beautiful lake, the park also has a great trail system, over 29 miles, that visitors can enjoy recreating on. The park is located along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Visitor can enjoy the amazing views of the river. In addition the park offers scenic views of the gorge, known as the Dalles of the St. This park also has an Ice Age Interpretive Center, which has information on the glaciers that formed the region. Peninsula State Park This state park offers a huge variety of recreational options for visitors to enjoy. In addition there are many options for camping. Visitors to Peninsula State Park can play a round of golf at the hole course, or spend a day enjoying the sandy beach. The park also has plenty of other types of recreation, including bike trails, plenty of hiking and more. Visitors can also enjoy the summer theater and lighthouse. Visitors to this park can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities within this park, including hiking, biking and canoeing on the rivers. Hiking Trempealeau Mountain is one excellent hiking opportunity within the park. Visitors can enjoy exploring the primitive island in Lake Michigan. In addition visitors can enjoy learning about the oldest lighthouse in the state. Rock Island State Park also offers many hiking trails. Visitors cannot bring their vehicles to the island and a ferry ride is required to reach the island. Visitors to this park can enjoy over 25 miles of trails. In addition, the Kickapoo River is an excellent destination for a canoe trip. Visitors to this park will enjoy amazing views and much more in this beautiful Wisconsin park. Page 4
Chapter 3 : Gold Seal Award Contest ~ Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) A Wisconsin state park is an area of land in the U.S. state of Wisconsin preserved by the state for its natural, historic, or other resources. The state park system in Wisconsin includes both state parks and state recreation areas. Camping, picnicking, and interesting geology. Aztalan State Park South of I, near Lake Mills, this park is an important archaeological site, the location of a 12th century Indian village. The park offers picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing. Main, Lake Mills Belmont Mound, an outlier of the famed Niagara dolomite escarpment, reaches nearly feet above the Village of Belmont. From the foot observation tower on top, you can see for many miles in all directions. The wooded mound abounds in berries and wildlife. It has picnic and playground facilities but no camping. A family campground, including walk-in campsites; outdoor and indoor group camps; hiking and nature trails; and 1. Box, Bayfield Big Foot Beach State Park This acre park on the shores of Lake Geneva offers wooded campsites, 2, feet of sand beach and picnic areas. Located in resort and recreation area. Open mid-may through October. H, Lake Geneva Black River State Forest Located in Jackson County off I, this four-season recreation area is best known for its hiking and cross-country ski trails. Camp, swim, hunt, fish, snowmobile, ATV and canoe on nearly 67, acres of pine and oak forests. Observation towers, wooded campsites, swimming pool with a lift for people with disabilities, picnic areas and hiking, and nature and cross-country ski trails offer year-round recreation. Rustic cabin for people with disabilities. Enjoy nature trails and explore a acre wildlife area. Tables, grills and shelters provided. Box, New Glarus Enjoy exciting white-water canoeing, kayaking, and fishing as well as camping and wilderness solitude. Hiking and nature trails in the summer offer snowmobiling and Camping, swimming, canoeing and fishing opportunities abound. Enjoy the abundant plant and wildlife. A paradise for hunters, hikers and nature lovers. Outdoor group camp, 24 cart-in campsites, two-level accessible wildlife blind. W Buckhorn Park Ave. Although still in the planning process, Capital Springs offers many recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife watching, picnicking and camping. It is known for its spectacular natural scenery and fishing. Public access points on the flowage are a starting point for a wilderness experience. Camp at one of the primitive island sites. Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area Situated in an area of unspoiled beauty with kettle lakes and glacial features. The interpretive center sits atop a hill that was once a glacial lake bottom. The tranquil Ice Age Trail traverses through hilly, heavily forested terrain where a multitude of bird life abound. A visitor center generally is open from 8: Box, County Hwy. M, New Auburn Copper Culture State Park This acre park features an Indian burial ground from the Copper Culture about 6, years ago, the oldest cemetery site in Wisconsin. Locally owned park museum offers a detailed look at Copper Culture life and times. Also enjoy the acre short-grass prairie or fish the Oconto River. Vehicle admission sticker not required. Copper Falls State Park Canyons, streams and waterfalls to delight photographers, hikers and cross-country skiers; just north of Mellen in Ashland County. Swimming beach, miles of trails. Family campgrounds, plus walk-in and backpack campsites available. Route 1, Box 17AA, Mellen A campground with modern rest rooms, swimming beach, picnic areas, shelter house and a physical fitness trail await visitors. N Council Grounds Dr. Swimming, fishing, boating electric motor only, canoeing, scuba diving, hiking, nature center by appointment during off-season, year-round naturalist and cross-country skiing. S Park Rd, Baraboo Fischer Creek State Recreation Area This acre area has nearly a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic wooded bluffs, grasslands and wetlands. It is managed by Manitowoc County. Flambeau River State Forest Two forks of the Flambeau River provide 75 miles of uninterrupted natural beauty and white-water excitement. Rustic camping at 35 sites along the river and two campgrounds. Nearly 90, acres of forest, canoe landings, and fishing for muskie, walleye, bass, trout and panfish. ATV and ski trails. Forest map Governor Dodge State Park 5, scenic acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys, plus two lakes offering swimming, fishing and boating electric motors only. Hike through oak-hickory woods, ride horses over rolling hills, picnic near sandstone bluffs. Croix River in northwestern Wisconsin. Group and family camping. Rustic river and backpack camping by permit. Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, cross-county skiing, snowmobiling, horse trails and hunting. Box, Grantsburg Boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming are favorite activities. Restored prairie and savanna, Page 5
effigy mounds, boat launch, swimming area, pet swimming area, hiking and ski trails. Master planning for it is underway. Harrington Beach State Park Peacefulness and serenity draw people. The acres with a mile-long Lake Michigan beach leave room to be alone with nature. Hiking, fishing, picnic areas, nature and cross-country ski trails are available. Year-round camping, Hellestad House log cabin, Whispering Pines day use area on crystal-clear Marl Lake on the upper "chain. Havenwoods State Forest Havenwoods is an island of nature within an urban Milwaukee environment. Environmental education programs and walking trails are available for educators, youth groups, families and adults. Per person admission charged. Webster Avenue, Green Bay History and geology buffs will want to visit the park to learn about effigy mound builders, lime kiln, quarry operations, camping and the scenic overlook. N State Park Road, Sherwood Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit A 29,acre gift of the glacier--the rolling, wooded landscape is dotted with serene lakes and offers a unique outdoor recreational experience of endless variety. Forest Headquarters, N Hwy. Humans contributed beaches and boat launches, trails for horses, off-road mountain bikes, snowmobiles, cross-country skiing and hiking, picnic areas and four campgrounds. Cabin for people with disabilities. Kinnickinnic State Park The Kinnickinnic, a cold water trout stream, forms a large, sandy delta where it flows into the St. This day-use park features river scenery, trails meandering through tall grass prairies and upland forests, a large swim area and boat-in camping. W th Avenue, River Falls Relax in a shady campsite, walk barefoot on two miles of beach, tour the nature center, or stroll along two nature trails. The woodlands, prairies and wetlands attract campers, hikers and skiers. Scenic trails edge the shoreline and wind through woodland, prairie and marsh. Lakeshore State Park This new acre park in Milwaukee is not yet open to the public. Box, Milwaukee The glaciated topography also provides excellent hiking and cross-county skiing. Enclosed shelters for all seasons. It is open to low-impact recreation, including hiking, hunting, and horseback riding no camping. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway A diverse resource with a wide variety of historical and archaeological sites, wildlife, fisheries, and scenic beauty. The riverway contains 79, acres, more than 44, of them state owned, along Camping is allowed on state-owned islands and sandbars except for a 2-mile stretch downstream of Ferry Bluff. It has a wildlife exhibit, conservation museum, self-guided nature trails, a picnic area, and facilities for rearing and study of pheasants and other animals. Bbunkhouses for organized groups, but no camping. Primarily limited to foot travel only, the area provides opportunities to view waterfalls and birds, canoe, hunt, fish, and hike. Several one-night undeveloped camping sites are available along the river. Box, Wausaukee, WI Chapter 4 : Wisconsin (U.S. National Park Service) Wisconsin State Parks. With over 14 million visitors, Wisconsin's State Parks feature some of the best scenery in the Midwest. Explore all the natural wonders the state parks have to offer! Chapter 5 : Best State Parks in Wisconsin AllTrails List of parks in Wisconsin. Featuring Plover River State Fishery Area, Prairie River State Fishery Area, Rabe Lake State Fishery Area, Sand Creek State Fishery Area, Schuyler Creek State Fishery Area, Shawano Lake State Fishery Area, Trump Lake State Fishery Area, Upper Neenah Creek State Fishery Area. Chapter 6 : Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Top Wisconsin State Parks: See reviews and photos of state parks in Wisconsin, United States on TripAdvisor. Chapter 7 : Wisconsin State Parks Directory Travel Wisconsin The Wisconsin State Park System provides places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation. The 95 state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas report about 14 million visits a year. Page 6
Chapter 8 : THE 10 BEST Wisconsin State Parks (with Photos) - TripAdvisor 10 top Wisconsin state parks to visit this summer. From popular hot spots like Devil's Lake to hard-to-get-to gems like Rock Island, the state is packed with parks to visit in the summer. Chapter 9 : State Park Guide Wisconsin The Wisconsin Parks System generates annual estimates of the number of individuals visiting State Parks. These statistics fluctuate with the season and are reported at the end of the state fiscal year. Page 7