Richard Bong State Recreation Area, originally planned as a jet fighter air base, now offers nearly 30 miles of trails for biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, and ATV riding, along with horseback trails and a special use zone for model airplanes, rockets, and hot air balloons. The area was named after Major Richard I. Bong, Wisconsin’s top air ace in World War II. After the air base plans were abandoned, local citizens worked to preserve the land for future generations.

The park features two family campgrounds with 217 sites, including 54 with electric hookups, and six group campsites accommodating up to 225 campers. It offers a range of accessible amenities, including a fully accessible cabin, an observation ramp, a wheelchair sand rover at the beach, an accessible fishing pier, and accessible hunting and campsites. Additional campground amenities include showers, flush toilets, and a firewood vending machine.

The Visitor Center showcases live animals, hands-on exhibits, and seasonal displays. Birding is popular due to the park’s diverse habitats.

Located 9 miles west of I-94 on Hwy. 142.