Wisconsin

An unusual hike to see the falls, Saxon Falls sits next to a flowage station. On foot, follow the short, wooded hiking trail to the east of the parking area, which leads to the overlook location. For better viewing, continue down the path. The falls sports one of the deepest gorges in the region....

It is filled with effigy mounds, thousands of plant and animal species, and unlimited places to explore.  You can run, hike, bike, and even drive through the Arboretum.  There is a visitor center and you can host an event here.  Trail info  One of my favorite trails is in the Grady Tract area nea...

You will find plenty of unique things going on at this park at all times. People swimming at the beach on the east end of the lake, people canoeing from the boat launch, grilling, hiking around the perimeter of the lake, and plenty of people fishing on one of two piers. Dogs are welcome and encou...

This park has it all! Lake Park Bistro, golfing, hiking, a lighthouse, hiking trails, biking trails, and picnic spots galore!  Take the Oak Leaf Trail throughout the park to make a loop around all of the main landmarks in this historic park!  There are many things to see in this park! Multiple ...

Starting at the parking lot for Loon Lake, follow the signs for Red Granite Falls across a grassed yard and into the woods. The trail is a wide, well-maintained gravel trail that creates a figure-eight loop as it crosses itself twice. Halfway along the trail (regardless of which loop direction y...

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...

Take Cloverland or Parrot Avenue off the hustle of Rib Mountain Drive in the Southern community of Wausau to enjoy access to the Wisconsin River and broadened Lake Wausau. This park provides many amenities, plenty of parking, a boat launch, shoreline trails, shelters, grills, benches and picnic t...

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...

Hiking around this lake at all times of the year is fun. You can park by the beach on any side of the lake and you are greeted with breathtaking views of Menomonee Park's pond, or "Lannon Quarry" as others have called it. It will take you about 30 minutes to hike the whole thing if you are explor...

I like to put in at the Camp Randall Rowing Club Brittingham Boat House located at 617 N Shore Dr, Madison, WI 53703.  There’s a dock and free 3 hour parking.  Once in the water just paddle straight towards John Nolen Drive and go under the bridge and you’ll be in Lake Monona. Keep going and soak...

Kayaking on Lake Wausau lends to many adventures with bird watching at the Rookery as one of the most rewarding. On the south end of old Snake Bridge, now called McCleary on 17th Avenue, a small landing on Mallard Lane provides a less crowded location to drop your kayaks and easily park. Here you...

There are no specific trails in this conservancy, so just choose the path that looks the best to you.  It would be hard to get lost here and all the trails put together are only about 3 miles.   There are some hills, but nothing too serious. bathrooms in the parking lotsmall parking lotfreecommon...

This lakeside park has a newer bike/walking path. The park itself is an excellent spot for a picnic or catching a sunset! There is a nice play area and a rocky beach.   The path is known as the Lower Yahara River Trail and opened in 2017. It provides a non-road connection between Madison and McFa...

Just off Highway 35, on the south side of Fountain City, you will find an easy access boat landing with ample parking and suitable ramps to launch your kayak, canoe or motor boat. Coming from central Wisconsin, we drove 95 that runs the ridges of the driftless region and offers beautiful views of...

This garden is open to the public from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, free of charge.  The gardens are tended by summer interns.  During the off-season they are maintained by volunteers and apprentices.  We made our first stop here earlier this week.  It was beautiful. Tons of plants and lots of sp...

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...