State Parks You Need To Visit In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a great state to be in when you just need to get away from it all and head to the park. When that urge hits, our list of Wisconsin’s best state parks will help you find a spot where you can be at one with nature. From waterfalls and famous fishing spots to picturesque lakeside beaches, these green spaces in the Badger State have it all.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Governor Thompson State Park

With more than 2,800 acres (1,133ha) of quiet, sun-dappled woodland, this state park in Marinette County is one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful spaces. Add to that its access to the famous fishing spot Caldron Falls Flowage, and this state park wins our hearts. Three campgrounds are tucked into the park, with camping sites that have boating-in ability. With a fishing pier, hiking and skiing trails and a picturesque picnic area on Little Woods Lake, Governor Thompson State Park is a surefire winner.

You’ll think that you’ve accidentally stumbled across the ocean when you arrive at this mile-long beach on Lake Michigan. One of the lake’s most photogenic spots, it comprises limestone outcrops surrounded by white cedar trees. With beaches for pets and people, a campground with kayak sites, a disabled-accessible cabin and an observatory, Harrington Beach State Park is well equipped for all activities. It might just be one of Wisconsin’s most fun state parks.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

This state park offers something a little different. With 14mi (22.5km) of trails for all-terrain vehicles to explore in the state’s southeastern corner, it’s one for the thrill-seekers out there. Whether you’re driving a buggy or a bike, you’ll have fun here. Other highlights of Richard Bong State Recreation Area include designated locations for flying hot air balloons, hang gliders and model airplanes and, most fascinating of all, areas to train falcons and hunting and sled dogs.

Wyalusing State Park

Sometimes the original is the best. Wyalusing State Park is one of Wisconsin’s three original state parks and a perfect place to spend a day. With an astronomy center, 1,300-year-old Native American mounds and stone walls constructed during the Great Depression, there’s a lot to see. Camping, biking, fishing, hiking and canoeing on the special canoe trail are all activities that will help you be at one with nature. Your biggest problem will be deciding what to do first – and deciding which of your friends to bring along for the fun.

Devil’s Lake State Park

One of Wisconsin’s largest and most popular state parks, Devil’s Lake State Park, has the huge advantage of being incredibly beautiful no matter the time of year, and with Wisconsin’s four distinct and stunning seasons, you might need to visit more than once. In the south-central area of the state, you can do everything from clambering up huge boulders and canoeing to kayaking and camping here. Best of all, it’s just a few minutes from downtown Baraboo, making it super accessible.

Copper Falls State Park

When a state park has waterfalls, deep gorges and ancient lava flows, you know it’s a winner. Found two miles (3km) northeast of Mellen in Ashland County, the most beautiful waterfalls in northern Wisconsin really need to be seen to be believed. One of the main highlights of the park is the North Country National Scenic Trail, as well as hiking, picnicking, fishing and swimming. Copper Falls is in a prime fishing area, with many kinds of fishing within easy reach.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.