7 Wisconsin State Parks with Gorgeous Picnic Areas

Wisconsin offers an abundance of spectacular views, from river bluffs to Great Lake lookouts to rolling countryside. One of the best ways to enjoy our vistas is by gathering with your favorite people and sharing a meal in the fresh open air. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or just passing through, stop for a picturesque picnic at these Wisconsin state parks.

Peninsula State Park - Fish Creek

For the perfect Door County picnic, visit Peninsula State Park. With seven designated picnic areas that each include tables, charcoal grills and onsite bathrooms, you and your group can enjoy expansive views of shimmering Green Bay as you gather together. Grab sandwiches and snacks ahead of time from the family-owned Fish Creek Market to savor while surrounded by nature.

After your picnic, be sure to check out Eagle Tower, a true Wonder of Wisconsin. Choose from climbing the 100 steps or strolling the wheelchair-accessible canopy walk to reach the awe-inspiring summit with views of the park, surrounding islands, the Upper Michigan shoreline and the charming waterfront village of Ephraim. 

Kids will love the playground at Nicolet Beach, which offers a wheelchair-accessible surface and accessible playground equipment, including a flush-mounted merry-go-round for users of all abilities and a universal swing. With tons of other fun activities like an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor theater with summer performances, a lighthouse and a nature center, this Wisconsin park is excellent for both day use and extended stays. Reserve one of the 460 campsites for the ultimate vacation that can include hiking, biking, swimming and more.

Blue Mound State Park - Blue Mounds

Perched atop the highest point in southern Wisconsin, Blue Mound State Park offers a spectacular setting for picnics with loved ones. At an elevation of 1,719 feet, the park provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, Baraboo Bluffs and miles of the gently rolling countryside. Work off lunch by climbing the observation towers at the far east and west ends of the picnic area for the most dramatic views and great photo-ops.

Sunn Cafe in nearby Mount Horeb makes tasty sandwiches, salads and soups ideal for picnic lunches. After eating, explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and take a dip in the park’s onsite swimming pool. Find more adventure down the road at Cave of the Mounds, an astonishing limestone cave formed over millions of years.

Wyalusing State Park - Bagley

Nestled atop the majestic bluffs where the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers converge, Wyalusing State Park offers a beautiful setting for a memorable picnic. The central picnic area provides easy access to scenic overlooks and nearby hiking trails as well as a shelter and playground. 

For those seeking a more secluded experience, the Homestead, Henneger Point and Green Cloud picnic areas offer tranquil spots to dine amidst nature's splendor. Pack a sandwich or salad from Simply Cafe in nearby Prairie du Chien for easy and delicious picnicking. 

Beyond sharing a meal with a view, you and your group will find plenty to do in Wyalusing State Park. With over 14 miles of hiking trails, adventurers can explore diverse terrains, from lush forests to captivating caves. Native American burial mounds offer a glimpse into the region's storied past and canoe rentals make for scenic afternoons on the water. Whether you stay for a few days or just pass through, don’t miss this special state park.

Harrington Beach State Park - Belgium

Less than an hour north of Milwaukee, discover more than a mile of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline at Harrington Beach State Park. In the summer months, feel the gentle breeze as you enjoy a picnic under the tree groves looking over the lake. Bring the whole family to enjoy the universal playground and wheelchair-accessible trail. Stop at Dockside Deli in Port Washington beforehand for tasty sandwiches that make for the perfect lakeside meal. 

Beyond the impressive beach, this state park is also home to a white cedar and hardwood swamp, old field grasslands with restored wetland ponds and a scenic limestone quarry lake. Explore hiking the varied landscapes, learn about the offshore shipwreck at the park’s welcome center and visit the observatory for the ultimate outing.

Perrot State Park - Trempealeau

In Western Wisconsin, discover Perrot State Park among 500-foot bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers meet. Choose from six picnic areas, each with grills and bathroom facilities. A shelter near the nature center offers sunset views over Trempealeau Bay as well as a volleyball net and horseshoe pits for group games. Come prepared by picking up picnic supplies at The Station, a quirky coffee shop and deli in downtown Trempealeau.

The hiking trails here are steep but rewarding, with breathtaking river views at every turn. Bring bikes along for direct access to the 24-mile Great River State Trail, or rent canoes from the park for river adventures. With over 100 campsites, it’s easy to stay the night and explore all Perrot State Park has to offer.

Mirror Lake State Park - Baraboo

Looking for the perfect picnic spot near Wisconsin Dells? Enjoy a meal with friends surrounded by stunning sandstone bluffs at Mirror Lake State Park. Choose from a picnic on the beach or by the boat landing, where you and your crew can rent kayaks and paddle across the scenic water through the lush landscape for miles. With a sand volleyball court, grills, a playground, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and fishing pier, this park is ideal for spending quality time together in the sun (and the shade, with three picnic shelters). 

Bring some cheese curds and crackers from Carr Valley Cheese to share or grab some snacks from the park’s concession stand. You can also upgrade your outdoor dining experience by visiting the iconic Ishnala Supper Club, located right in the park with a pristine view of the lake.

Brunet Island State Park - Cornell

Picnic on an island in Northwest Wisconsin! Whether you’re biking the Old Abe State Trail, hiking along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail or planning a picnic outing with your crew, Brunet Island State Park makes for sunny memories. Find the ideal spot amidst almost 20 acres of designated picnic areas with spectacular views of the Chippewa River and surrounding countryside. Kids will love the playground and everyone can have fun playing on the baseball diamond. Stop at Dylan’s Dairy in nearby Cornell beforehand to pick up tasty cheese curds, burgers or sandwiches, or stop by after adventuring for homemade ice cream treats. 

Plan more memorable outings at these easy-access, picnic-perfect Wisconsin waterfalls.