Franklin, Wisconsin

This park has 5 trails ranging from 0.5 mile to 2 miles long which vary terrain, elevation, and scenery. There are plenty of amazing views here, especially as the sun is about to set. You can bring your dog, bring a picnic, and cross country ski in the winter!  Park Hours: 6 AM - 9 PMPark is open...

Holy Hill National Shrine is a landmark within the Wisconsin area, both as a tourist spot and a great location for fall colors. Located outside of Hubertus, WI, it is east of the Kettle Moraine Scene Drive and Cty Rd 167 intersection. Once arriving, there are three parking locations: the top of t...

The scenic tower at Holy Hill is one of the highest accessible peaks in the area if you do not own a drone! The views are endless! There are many glacial drumlins, bluffs, and hills everywhere that fill the eye to meet the horizon. You can park in any of the main parking lots at Holy Hill. You w...

Parking There is a small parking lot off of County Rd H. The trailhead is marked at the back of the lot. Please be advised that there are no facilities here. Trail Description The Bald Bluff Trail starts at the trailhead marked behind the parking lot. From there, the trail traverses 0.5 miles up ...

Park in the lot off of Butler Lane (see map) to access the trail. This trail is open year round, is dog-friendly, and offers a variety of activities. In the winter, bring your snow gear!

Lion's Den Gorge is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, ...

This is a longer hike than just simply appreciating the lake from the top. Follow the signs along the Gorge loop toward the "Stairs". This entire loop will take you approximately 1 hour from the parking lot to the lake roundtrip.  There are multiple routes to the bottom.  For those that want a st...

At 1350 feet, Powder Hill is the second highest point in southeastern Wisconsin. You can start the hike to Powder Hill from the Nature Trail parking lot (0.5 miles) or from the beach/picnic area parking lot (1.1 miles). There is an observation tower near the top of the peak that provides a pano...

Glacial Park is located in McHenry County Conservation District, near Richmond, Illinois. The park features prairies, a flowing river, and over 40 endangered plant and animal species. The park is open for hikers, horseback riders, fishers, and those wishing to canoe. Glacial Park is part of the H...

This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. From the parking lot, you can go and hike one two areas (of course the...

This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. From the parking lot, go south toward the signs for Quarry lake. There...

The Milwaukee River Trailhead for the Ice Age Trail (IAT) is located on WI-28, east of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Before the hike, make sure to pack water, or hike off-trail to the New Fane trailhead (1.1 mile round trip, we got caught doing this) for an early water source on the trail. The...

The Hollows Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, Illinois.

Park in the lot off of half day road (see map) to access the trail. Accessible year round, great for all skill levels, and dog-friendly.

Horicon Marsh is located about an hour north of Milwaukee. The wildlife refuge features several trails ranging from a quarter mile up to nearly 3 miles long. Terrain can vary slightly, but most of the land, especially around the wetlands, is flat. The marsh features an abundance of wildlife. Hund...