There's nothing quite like a season spent in the state of Wisconsin. No matter the time of year, there's a little something for everyone across the state, from hiking to fishing and wandering the lakefronts scattered from north to south. Wisconsin isn't all about cheese, after all. We've put together a list of the 13 best state parks in Wisconsin. Trust us, you're going to love every single one.
1. Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo, WI)
Mirror Lake State Park is located in the Wisconsin Dells region of the state and boasts over 2,000 acres of beautiful natural space. Most folks know it for the dramatic vew of Mirror Lake, a reservoir with steep sandstone walls that jut 50-feet in the air.
2. Devil's Lake State Park (Baraboo, WI)
Devil's Lake State Park just might be the most popular state park in Wisconsin for its expansive beauty and radical rock faces. It also is the largest state park in the state.
3. Council Grounds State Park (Merrill, WI)
Council Grounds State Park is a tiny state park at only 509-acres, and it was once actually a Merrill city park. Nowadays you can wander the lakefront and go camping at one of its 52 campsites.
4. Governor Dodge State Park (Dodgeville, WI)
Governor Dodge State Park contains over 5,000 acres of natural beauty in the heart of Wisconsin's Iowa County. Come and visit to experience the cool geologic features found in the Driftless Area. There's truly nothing else like it!
5. Peninsula State Park (Fish Creek, WI)
Found in Fish Creek, Peninsula State Park has eight-miles of shoreline and 460 campsites perfect for outdoorsy folks and families alike. Visit for expansive hiking, cycling, and group camp opportunities.
6. Newport State Park (Ellison Bay, WI)
If you're looking for shoreline views, then Newport State Park in Ellison Bay is where you need to head. It's the only wilderness-designated state park, and it's also a dark-sky preserve.
7. Rib Mountain State Park (Wausau, WI)
Rib Mountain State Park is a day-use park that offers radical views and hiking trails for visitors of all ages. We'd recommend checking out their picnic spots too! Rib Mountain State Park is truly a hidden gem when it comes to Wisconsin state parks.
8. Perrot State Park (Trempealeau, WI)
Trempealeau, Wisconsin is home to the 1,200-acre Perrot State Park where steep limestone bluffs border river valleys. It's a beautiful place to enjoy breathtaking river views and a top camping spot for families.
9. Lakeshore State Park (Milwaukee, WI)
Lakeshore State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. It's a great place to go jogging, to take a day for fishing, or boating.
10. Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan, WI)
Kohler-Andrae State Park boasts some of the most arresting views in the state of Wisconsin. It's made up of two adjacent state parks and is great for both tent and cabin camping.
11. Brunet Island State Park (Cornell, WI)
Brunet Island State Park is based in Cornell, Wisconsin, and can be found right on the corner of the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers. There's ample room for recreational opportunities and quiet lagoons perfect for photos.
12. Harrington Beach State Park (Belgium, WI)
Harrington Beach State Park boasts more than a mile of shoreline along Lake Michigan. You'll find a hardwood swamp and a series of white cedar trees within the 715-acre park.
13. Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds, WI)
Blue Mound State Park boasts the highest point in southern Wisconsin and can be found near the village of Blue Mounds. Make sure you come on by to hike to some of the most spectacular views in Wisconsin!
Have you been to any of the best state parks in Wisconsin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
If you haven't been to Wisconsin, then hopefully this was enough to convince you! It's truly one of the most beautiful states in the midwest. You can learn more about it by way of our site archives!
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