Wisconsin

Officially called the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, this is a great stop to learn about some plants and take some photographs.  You can even catch live music or a light show!    Location: Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory - 524 S. Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215 Admission...

Located in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, Natural Bridge State Park includes 530-acres of oak and hardwood trees, small prairie remnants with grasses and cacti, ferns, and the rare goldenrod and purple cliffbrake. Wildlife in the park includes turkey vultures, pileated woodpeckers, and bald eagles...

When I went in 2019 it was free, but their website says there is a fee now. Hike around for an hour or so and then have a picnic. I went around 6pm after work one day and had a wonderful time.  We only saw about a dozen people and during our picnic we had the place to ourselves!  This is a 135 a...

Olbrich Gardens has 16 acres of gardens including a rose garden, sunken garden, Thai pavilion, rock garden, herb garden, and more.  Each one is unique with its own pathways and plant life as well as man made structures which include bridges, pools, the Thai pavilion, and more.   Adjoining the Bot...

Situated between Fish Creek and Ephraim is Peninsula State Park, which is home to eight miles of Green Bay shoreline. Acres of northern hardwood forests, wetlands, meadows and 150-foot high dolostone cliffs showcase the beauty and magnificence of Wisconsin's Door County. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike...

This segment of the Ice Age Trail features stairs, river views, pretty rocks, a nice park, and a golf course.  We started at the north end (not the park end) and enjoyed it.  If you have kids, I would recommend starting at the park end.  It is an out-and-back type hike.  From the south end of the...

This is a fun and scenic stop near Eau Claire, WI.  It is beautiful all year round, but especially in the fall.  The mill was initially used to ground wheat, which was a very important part of Wisconsin's economy during the Civil War era.  It has been used for many different things since then.  C...

More info can be found about that here.  This is a beautiful 105 acre conservancy with several different trails.  It’s a great spot for a picnic and to bring the family.  There are interpretive signs so you can learn about the history of the land like glaciers and the different settlers.  They ev...

Being a native Wisconsinite, I think the most quintessential thing to do in Madison is beers and a sunset at Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota. There’s plenty more to do right at the Union too, including world famous ice cream,  kayaking and other water sport rentals at Hoofer’s, live mu...

These trails are located right in the town of Ashland, WI. They are off from Maple Lane right in the parking lot for the hospital.  They are the perfect option for people new to skiing and people who would like to get outside or train by taking a quick lap!  All together the trails are a total of...

It is easiest to park your vehicle in the Myrick Park parking lot versus your other options. The great thing about parking in that lot rather than along the road/neighborhoods is there is a trailhead right there (and it's free). You can begin hiking this short little trail, which will lead to and...

Ferry Bluff is a 0.8 mile lightly trafficked, very steep out and back trail located near Sauk City, Wisconsin that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until October. The entire no...

If you come on a weekend expect there to be a crowd, but there is plenty of space for everyone.  You can hang out on the shore, float in the water on an inflatable floatie, kayak, canoe, or spread out on one of the many sand bars close by.  Depending on the time of year and level of the water, yo...

Hoffman offers convenient parking; there is one large lot, and one for overflow. There are trails that are easy, moderate, and difficult.  All of the trails however, are uphill.  Most of them end at the viewing tower, which showcases Wisconsin, and the beauty that goes along with it.  A very rewa...

Just a short hike to the waterfall, this is a great spot to pull off on your way to the Park with many other trails to spend a whole day on if you wish to stay off the beaten path.  Getting there:  Going North through Osceola on HWY 35 Turn left on River Rd (county Rd S) For 1 mile. There is a sm...

There are not many sandy beaches in the lovely state of Wisconsin.  This might be the best one.  If you are from Wisconsin, you also might consider Lake Michigan an ocean when you are craving a real ocean.  And it comes close!  Even though it’s not on a real ocean, this beach has it all. There’s ...