Wisconsin

High Cliff State Park has some great hiking and cool spots throughout the park, but something that isn't on the map is located right next to the Observatory Tower atop of the bluffs. From the main parking lot area, left of the observatory tower, there is an old stone entrance behind a wooden fenc...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

An incredibly popular campsite that surrounds Crystal Lake and that offers access to Muskellunge Lakes. The State Park off County Road N, near Sayner, is great for bike enthusiasts and families looking to dip their paddles into the blue waters. Prime campsites include high, dry ground with level ...

This is an excellent trail right in the city of Madison and doing this portion made me very excited to continue hiking more of the Ice Age Trail in this area.  The Ice Age Trail is more than 1,000 miles long and it follows the edge of the last continental glacier in Wisconsin.   - - - - - For thi...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...