Whether you’re looking for the ultimate camping site or for a hike through a forested area with beautiful scenic views, Wisconsin has something for everyone. Cozy up in an accessible lakeside cabin with loved ones or paddle out onto the crystal-clear water at one of our many lakes. Wisconsin State Parks are full of hidden gems, unforgettable adventures, and best of all, comfortable and accessible options for everyone to enjoy.
Check out this map from the Wisconsin DNR for a great visual about the accessibility features throughout our state park system.
Read on for a few of the top accessible options for your park adventures across the state.
For a Comfortable Cabin Campsite
The Wisconsin State Park System offers 10 fully accessible cabins across the state. If immersing yourself under a canopy of trees is on your bucket list, try a rustic accessible cabin located in Blue Mound State Park. These cabins are wheelchair accessible and can hold up to six people, making it a great group escape — all you have to do is make an online reservation for a weekend getaway. This site has an accessible fire ring, so don’t forget to pack your marshmallows and chocolate bars for some late-night s’mores!
And that’s just the start. There is more to explore when it comes to accessible campsites across the state, including Kettle Moraine State Forest, High Cliff State Park and Copper Falls State Park.
For an Afternoon on the Water
Wisconsin has a variety of activities to experience all the beauty the state parks have to offer, but to make the most of the refreshing lakes throughout the state, consider visiting the five parks that offer accessible kayaks. Explore Devil's Lake, a glacial lake forged in the location where the Wisconsin River once flowed. The crisp, crystal-clear water makes this park an excellent kayak escapade, surrounded by rocky 500-foot quartzite bluffs and a fabulous scenic spot to take a selfie of your aquatic adventure.
Looking to explore more areas? Buckhorn, Council Grounds, Mirror Lake and Perrot State Parks all have specialized kayaks that offer incredible stability and support when out on the water.
For a Scenic Hike
Watching the sun rise or set over the lush oasis that is Wisconsin is a memory you won’t soon forget. And there are plenty of accessible options to hike through scenic trails to find just that moment. Take in the vast views atop Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park. The Canopy Walk — an 850-foot wheelchair- and stroller-accessible ramp — winds through beech tree forest before ending on an observation deck 250 feet above the Bay of Green Bay. Nearby, explore Newport State Park and enjoy one of its Discovery Pen audio guides through educational panels strung along the 2,000-plus acres of forest. Go for a stroll with your loved ones along the Fern Trail, a mile-long, wheelchair-friendly path, complete with interactive panels set up for anyone to become as knowledgeable as a park ranger about the ecosystem around them. Or catch your breath and recharge from your informative hike at one of the serene picnic areas along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. If you’re already planning your next hiking adventure, consider Copper Falls State Park, which offers a variety of activities and some of the most scenic views in the state. Don’t believe us? Uncover a waterfall or a deep gorge forged in the ice age — or stroll on down for a view on a paved accessible path along the edge of the water at Loon Lake Beach.
For a Memorable Picnic
What could be better than throwing out a picnic blanket, snacking on a fresh charcuterie board and sipping on some wine while you watch the sun set? Wisconsin has plenty of accessible options for picnic locations, so pack up a bag of tasty snacks for the kids and spend the afternoon at a state park. If wind in your hair and the sound of the rippling water on the shoreline is your go-to vibe, check out Mirror Lake State Park. Cook up a hearty meal at one of the camping areas that offer accessible picnic shelters with electricity and grills — like the Boat Landing and Bluewater Bay picnic areas. Or go a little farther north, and you’ll find Potawatomi State Park’s wheelchair accessible picnic shelter with large garage-style doors kept open in the warm months complete with fire pits and electrical outlets. Reserve the place ahead of time or stop by for an impromptu picnic and enjoy the dazzling views of Sturgeon Bay.
To Cast a Line
From flat shorelines to beautiful piers and platforms on Wisconsin’s lakes, fishing is another accessible activity in many of our state parks. If you’re looking to spend an afternoon seeing if you can get any bites, check out Kettle Moraine State Park’s Northern Unit. You’ll find three accessible piers: Long Lake Fishing Pier, Mauthe Lake Fishing Pier and Mauthe Lake Dam. Those aren’t your only options, though. Every fishing pier the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources builds is designed to be accessible for all — with wider platforms, lower railings and rod holders for easy fishing. So, grab your rods and bait. The lakes are calling!
For a Winter Activity
During the chillier months, skiing is the perfect opportunity to play in a winter wonderland and adventure through Wisconsin’s State Parks. Make your way across the tundra in one of Wisconsin’s cross-country sit skis, free for use at a number of parks. Slide down to a great view of the state capitol at Governor Nelson State Park, or ski across one of the other six accessible ski trails, all groomed for easy maneuvering at Buckhorn State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Mirror Lake State Park and Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Wrap up your adventure with a nice cup of hot chocolate, reliving your adventure with all the pics you snapped throughout your journey. (Psst: We’d love you to share that with us, too!)
Looking for more accessible activities and places to visit in Wisconsin? Check out this guide to barrier-free fun.
