State Parks and Forests

Wisconsin State Parks

Rushing waterfalls, peaceful lake beds and gorgeous views from bluffs stretching for miles. See these sights and others across the more than 100 state parks, forests and trails statewide.

Some parks feature miles of manicured trails, perfect for long hikes or even longer bike rides. Others feature winding rivers that call you to grab a kayak or canoe and paddle your way through. Spend the day at a park or stay overnight at the campgrounds.

Whichever parks and activities you choose to do, we bet you and your family will be talking about your Wisconsin trip at the dinner table for years to come.

Legendary Outdoor Spots

Visit some of Wisconsin’s top state parks and forests and see what the fuss is all about.

Hike up and enjoy the lake views at the Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin’s largest one. While there, explore a portion of the more than 1,000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail that weaves throughout the park. Devil’s Lake also features picnic areas, swimmable beaches and reservable shelters.

Tucked away in Northwest Wisconsin is the Willow River State Park. Here, you and your family will discover a trout-stocked river for fishing, scenic views of the Willow Falls and Willow River Gorge and nearly 3,000 acres of rolling countryside.

Spanning counties between Walworth and Sheboygan, the Kettle Moraine State Forest is home to high hills and wetlands and valleys created tens of thousands of years ago when two glacial sheets crashed into each other. Go hiking or biking along the nature trails or canoeing on one of the many lakes.

Hidden Gems

Discover a gem where the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers merge in Wyalusing State Park. Here, hiking trails go on for 14 miles and feature picturesque caves. Other amenities include campgrounds, a fishing pier and even a Native American burial mound.

Lake Wissota State Park is both a winter and summer paradise. In the wintertime, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling. During the summer, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming are just some of the fun activities available.

The highlight of the Peninsula State Park is, indeed, a light. An 1860s lighthouse towers over the park’s sandy beaches, campsites, 18-hole golf course and nature center, offering a well-rounded family getaway.

Accessible Exploration

Wisconsin's great outdoors is for everyone. And by everyone, we mean everyone. Check out this map from the Wisconsin DNR to learn about accessibility features throughout our state park system. Happy exploring!

Before You Arrive

Many of our parks feature selfie stands to help you snap the perfect family photo; no filter is necessary. Check out our map for all the best selfie spots. 

Another important note: if you plan on traveling by car to a state park, forest or recreational area, you will need a vehicle admission sticker to enter. Click here for the most up-to-date information on how and when to buy a sticker.

Visit any of our state parks and forests and create unforgettable memories you’ll talk about for many years to come.