Thinking of moving to Wisconsin? The stunning midwestern state is luscious and full of natural beauty—after all, it has over 15,000 lakes! The Badger State—given that moniker because of 19th-century miners who searched for lead and cut into hills as badgers would—is composed of five different geological areas. The state spans into flatland in Lake Superior Lowland, woodlands and lakes in the Northern Highland (which covers nearly a third of the state), a U-shaped fertile region of the Central Plain, and Eastern Ridges and Lowlands.
Wisconsin is jam-packed with amazing wildlife like badgers, black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, porcupines, and flying squirrels (among many other animals and reptiles). Birds are plentiful here, and it’s common to spot robins, purple finches, bluebirds, and other grouse. With all this in mind, the state is a bounty of natural sights and scenic adventures, providing plenty of opportunities to be out and about in nature.
Learn all about the best state and national parks in Wisconsin:
1. Devil’s Lake State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
The first spot on your to-do list? Head on over to Devil’s Lake State Park, which is just 48 miles from Madison, Wisconsin. Dotted with scenic trails and marvelous views, visitors love to see the quartzite bluffs and the stunning 360-acre lake. Head right into a camping adventure or explore the 30 miles of hiking trails. But there’s more to explore: Visitors can also enjoy swimming beaches, lakeshore picnic areas, paddling, concessions, rentals, and loads of naturalist activities.
2. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
Google Rating: 4.8
If you’re living in Milwaukee, plan a trip to the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest—it’s only 40 miles outside of the city, and so worth it! The state park boasts more than 22,000 acres of magnificent forested glacial hills, prairies, and lakes. Trail enthusiasts rejoice because there are over 100 miles of nature and hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and horseback riding trails. Hunker down for a camping trip and add even more activities to the docket: Paddle, boat, swim, fish, hunt, and even get into some much-loved winter sports too.
3. Peninsula State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Next up, Peninsula State Park. It’s a total bastion of campsites—over 460 of them! —and natural splendor. This state park has 8 miles of Green Bay shoreline, and it’s a large place to visit with over 3,700 acres of the state park. The park is open year-round with seasonal activities to match including a summer theater, an 18-hole golf course, a sandy beach, a lighthouse, bike trails, three group campsites, a nature center, and eagle towers. Explore away!
4. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
Google Rating: 4.8
No outdoor excursion is complete without a visit to Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit, which is 51 miles from Milwaukee. The state park is the largest unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, plus it’s open year-round for activities. This immense state park has over 125 miles of trails for hiking (the Ice Age trail is very popular), snowshoeing, and horseback riding. And you don’t have to be a trail fan to enjoy this park. In fact, there are three swim beaches, skiing, campsites, nature programs, and the Ice Age visitor center, or stroll through beautiful prairies and meadows.
5. Kohler-Andrae State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Milwaukee city living has major perks, as Kohler-Andrae State Park is also a reasonable drive from the area (just 52 miles to be exact). This state park is composed of two parks—Terry Andrae State Park and John Michael Kohler State Park. Take a day to view wildlife, walk miles of the sandy beach, and view the impressive nature preserves on the Michigan shore. Even more activities include camping, picnicking, and visits to the nature center.
6. Lapham Peak Unit
Google Rating: 4.8
Immerse yourself in forested wonder at Lapham Peak Unit, which is a mere 27 miles from the Milwaukee city center. Nestled in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the history of the park, specifically Lapham Peak Unit itself, goes as far back as 10,000 years (yep, really!) when a glacier covered most of the state of Wisconsin. The state park is a sought-after spot for scenic views and hiking, plus lots of bird watching. Visitors can explore a prairie restoration area, a butterfly garden, three picnic sites, and over 17 miles of trails (hiking, backpacking, or cross-country skiing). Don’t leave without visiting the park’s most popular attraction, a 45-foot observation tower for glorious views.
7. Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Google Rating: 4.7
Between Milwaukee and Madison is Glacial Drumlin, 52 miles of multipurpose rail trail that (mostly) follows an abandoned rail corridor. The state trail is perfect for walking, biking, in-line skating, and more. Note: Trail passes are required for visitors ages 16 and over for in-line skating and biking.
8. Wyalusing State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Plan a visit to Wyalusing State Park, one of Wisconsin’s oldest state parks. This state park is well-known for its camping, trails (for hiking, cycling, and canoeing), birding, sacred Native American burial mounds, boating, and fishing. Find a picnic spot overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, stay at the lodges and dorms overnight, or visit the astronomy learning center.
9. Governor Dodge State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
No nature experience is complete until you plan a visit to one of Wisconsin’s largest state parks, Governor Dodge State Park. The 5,270-acre state park is named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory, and the photo-worthy spot is loaded with hills and valleys, bluffs, a waterfall, and two lakes. Visitors can plan an immersive trip with camping and lodging, or spend the day exploring hiking trails, off-roading, fishing and boating, hunting, cross-country skiing, and even horseback riding.
10. Willow River State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Ready for some eye-catching views? Add Willow River State Park to the docket. The 2,891-acre state park is 34 miles outside of Minneapolis, Wisconsin and it’s famous for the show-stopping sights of Willow Falls, the Little Falls Reservoir, and the Willow River Gorge. Aside from picture-perfect moments, attendees can dive right into a plethora of outdoor experiences including 12 trails, rock climbing, boating and fishing, camping, and swimming, and wrap up the experience with a visit to the nature center.
The Badger State
Considering a move to Wisconsin? Check out our other articles on the best places to live and notable safe cities to call home. And when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.
*All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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