5 National & State Parks In Wisconsin You Have To Visit

Full of forests, hills, lakes, waterfalls, and bluffs, there are numerous state parks in Wisconsin that visitors should check out. Though Wisconsin does not have any national parks, the state makes up for it with unique state parks with must-see features and landmarks. Wisconsin’s state parks perfectly blend comfort with nature. These parks are well-maintained, accessible, and up-to-date with modern amenities while being located in some of Wisconsin’s most unique landscapes. These state parks show off Wisconsin’s natural beauty while providing family accessible fun. Here are five of Wisconsin’s best state parks to visit.

Devil’s Lake State Park - Wisconsin's Largest State Park

Wisconsin's state park system began in 1900, and just 11 years later, Devil’s Lake State Park was added to the list. Visitors can camp, explore the bluffs, and enjoy this iconic lake in the temperate weather of Wisconsin. Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s largest state park, renowned for 500-foot quartzite bluffs, Balanced Rock, Devil’s Doorway, and its 360-acre lake. During the busy months from May until October, it's recommended that visitors arrive early to get parking. The park has three campgrounds, open year-round, requiring advance reservations. The campground closest to the beach, on the south shore of Devil’s Lake, is the Northern Lights Campground, the oldest campground in the park, opened in 1939. The south shore of Devil’s Lake also has a large picnic area with shelters. There are a variety of hikes and walks, including a hard, but worth it, hike up the rocky slope of the East Bluff, or the easy 1.5 miles of trail that are paved and accessible to everyone, which include the Tumbled Rocks Trail and the boardwalk path along the south shore of Devils Lake. Devil’s Lake State Park is also a birdwatcher’s dream as over 100 different species of birds nest in the park.

Peninsula State Park - Wisconsin’s Most Complete Park

Due to all the amenities and activities offered at Peninsula State Park, this park has been dubbed "Wisconsin's most complete park.” Some of these amenities include Peninsula State Park Golf Course, built as a 6-hole course in 1921, and the greens were developed into a full 18-hole course in 1931. Within Peninsula State Park is also the Northern Sky Theater, an amphitheater in the forest that hosts live performances from June to August.. Peninsula State Park is also Wisconsin's most popular spot for camping. Across five different campgrounds, there are 468 family sites available, plus three group sites for tent camping. The State Park also offers winter camping with electrical hookups at Tennison Bay Campground.

Copper Falls State Park - Wisconsin’s State Park With The Most Waterfalls

Famous for, and named after, Copper Falls, the dramatic 29-foot waterfall, Copper Falls State Park does not disappoint. There are 17 miles of trails to explore, with the most well-known being Doughboy’s Nature Trail. Built by the CCC in the 1930s, this 1.7-mile trail overlooks Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, all while following along the Bad River. It is worth noting, however, that pets are not allowed on this trail. Along with campgrounds that provide electrical hookups year-round, there is also a rustic, accessible cabin available to be rented for people with disabilities. The cabin has a driveway, fire pit, and picnic table, and was designed to be wheelchair accessible. Copper Falls State Park is a place designed for all people to visit, with nature that won’t disappoint.

Wyalusing State Park - One of Wisconsin’s Oldest State Parks

Wyalusing State Park offers panoramic views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Perched atop 500-foot bluffs, visitors can enjoy modern amenities as well as genuine outdoor experiences. Within the park, the Huser Astronomy Center offers guests the chance to view the night sky from several high-powered telescopes. If outdoor camping isn't your thing, the Hugh Harper Indoor Group Camp is a building that provides modern camping in one of Wisconsin’s oldest state parks. The building provides dormitories, bathrooms, showers, a full-sized commercial kitchen, sand volleyball courts, and a large fire ring, just to name a few amenities. This space helps to provide accessible and fun access to Wyalusing State Park all year. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps built stone fireplaces and picnic shelters that can still be used today.

Mirror Lake State Park - Wisconsin's Most Calming State Park

Named after Mirror Lake, a lake so calm there's hardly ever a ripple, Mirror Lake State Park is a must-visit if you’re in Wisconsin. The lake is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddle boarding, all of which are available to rent at the Concessions and Rentals building in the park. The lake is not all that this park has to offer. Surrounded by 2,200 acres of forested area, there are 19 miles of hiking trails to explore. In the winter, these trails are groomed for perfect cross-country ski conditions. Another unique feature of Mirror Lake State Park is the Seth Peterson Cottage. Available for rent within the park, this is no ordinary cottage, but a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home. Designed in 1958, it was one of Wright’s last commissions. Now, visitors can enjoy the serene Mirror Lake while staying in an iconic cabin.

Escape to Nature

Though Wisconsin doesn't have national parks, it makes up for it with its unique state parks. From waterfalls to completely calm lakes, all surrounded by wooded areas, Wisconsin has a lot of nature to offer. Wisconsin’s state parks are rustic with modern amenities, which allow all to enjoy what these parks have to offer.