UW Arboretum Big Spring Trail

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 fence. Climbing around the fence, explorers can walk down the stone steps and loop around the bluffs bel...

Inside of High Cliff State Park, Lime Kiln Trail is a unique spot right off the shores of Lake Winnebago. The trail extends 1.7 miles, but has a early cutoff to shorten the hike if desired. In the winter, the trail is not marked well, but hikers can follow the tracks to continue on the loop.The trail also runs next to the old kiln lines of the Western Lime and Cement Company that operated for o...

Located southwest of Plymouth, WI, the Parnell Observation Tower is located just west of the intersection of Cty Road A and Cty Road U. At the trail-head, the parking lot has a restroom facility, drinking water, and a picnic area.The start of the trail has well established wooden steps along the entire walk to the base of the tower. On your left, there is an alternative route to begin the Parne...

This park is known for its sand dunes, which rise above the blue waters of Lake Michigan. In addition to the well-known dunes, the park features many forested areas with towering pines that makes for absolutely beautiful and fantastical scenery. There are 7 trails ranging from 0.25 miles up to 2.5 miles.You will need an admission ticket ($5) that last for the entire day. The park office takes c...

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 Kettle Moraine State Forest had been shaped and sculpted by glacier thousands of years ago, leaving...

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. Hundreds of species of birds visit the marsh throughout the year, offering many opportunities for bird w...