Top 5 Wisconsin State Parks to Visit
8/11/20253 min read
Top 5 Wisconsin State Parks to Visit This Summer, complete with historical background and fun facts to enrich your adventure:
1. Devil’s Lake State Park (Sauk County):
Why go: Wisconsin’s most visited park, Devil’s Lake showcases towering quartzite bluffs (up to ~500 ft) framing a glacial lake perfect for hiking, swimming, kayaking, and even rock climbing .
History: Established in 1911, the park lies in the Baraboo Range—formed by the Wisconsin glaciation
~12,000 years ago. Native American tribes called the lake names like Tewakakak or Minnewaukan, meaning "spirit lake." In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many of today’s trails and structures .
Fun fact: The park contains effigy mounds and is also the gateway to the Ice Age Trail, offering about 11‐miles of the national 1,200‐mile route .
2. Mirror Lake State Park (near Wisconsin Dells)
Why go: A quieter gem with calm, “mirror‐smooth” waters in a narrow sandstone gorge. Perfect for paddling and swimming at the 200‐ft sandy beach .
History: Purchased as a park in 1962 and opened in 1966. It also features the unique Seth Peterson Cottage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and available to rent .
Fun fact: A no-wake zone ensures peaceful canoeing, and nearly 30 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through forested cliffs. It's also home to Wisconsin’s first wheelchair‐accessible camper cabin, built in 1991 .
3. Peninsula State Park (Door County)
Why go: Often called Wisconsin’s most complete park—with eight miles of shoreline, picnic areas, hiking, biking, kayaking, an 18‐hole golf course, bluff views, and even summer theater performances .
History: Established around 1909–1910 as the second state park in Wisconsin. Admission was originally free to ensure affordability for working-class folks. Early development included scenic roads, two golf courses, and park lookouts. By 1919, Door County Days—an annual festival—was drawing thousands down to the lakeshore .
Fun fact: The park includes the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, built in 1868 and automated in 1926. Visitors can tour the keeper's home‐museum established in 1963 .
4. Wyalusing State Park (Bagley, overlooking Wisconsin & Mississippi Rivers)
Why go: Scenic confluence of two great rivers with sweeping overlooks from 500‐ft limestone bluffs, excellent trails, birding, and river‐side picnic spots .
History: Created in 1917, the park’s name means “home of the warrior” in Lenape. It includes prehistoric Native American mound groups—part of a national archaeological district. The park is also home to the Lawrence L. Huser Astronomy Center, built and dedicated in 2003, one of only two observatories in the state park system .
Fun fact: Wyalusing houses the only monument to the extinct passenger pigeon in the U.S., commemorating the last bird shot in Wisconsin in 1899 .
5. Big Bay State Park (Madeline Island, Apostle Islands)
Why go: A lakeside paradise on Lake Superior with towering sandstone bluffs, caves, dunes, bogs, old‐growth forest, and a long sand beach. Ideal for trails, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in a Dark‐Sky® environment .
History: Established in 1963. The park spans ~2,350 acres and protects fragile coastal habitats.
Fun fact: Big Bay is one of just three Wisconsin state parks with excellent views of the Milky Way due to its low light pollution—perfect for summer star shows .
Planning Tips for Your Summer Trip
Park passes: Most parks require a daily or annual sticker; if you're visiting multiple parks, the annual pass is worth it .
Timing: Popular parks like Devil’s Lake and Peninsula fill up fast—early mornings or weekdays are best.
Activities: Many parks offer kayak rentals, nature programs, or live‐outdoor shows in summer—check individual park websites for seasonal schedules .
These five parks offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and fun summer activities—whether you're hiking bluffs, paddling pristine waters, lounging on sandy beaches, or gazing at the stars.
Let me know if you'd like more tips—campsites, hidden trails, or kids‐friendly ideas! and let us know other great places to stay in your hometown or state!