Wisconsin Outdoor Activities

Show off your fishing skills in the Great Lakes, tee off at a pro-level golf course or ski our pristine snow-covered slopes.

Explore these outdoor activities and more with your family and friends, all while connecting with nature in fun and unexpected ways.

Thrill-Seeking Adventures

Defy gravity, rev a motor or bag a white-tailed deer. Discover an outdoor playground for both kids and adults right here in Wisconsin.

Hop on an ATV or UTV and go off-roading. Trail riding is an exciting way to explore our lush terrain, lakeshore vistas and historic bridges. If you’re looking for a scenic ride, explore the 33 miles of trails found at the Black River State Forest in central Wisconsin. Got a specific destination in mind? Drive along the Tri-County Corridor Trail — perfect for snowmobiling in the winter — until you reach the awe-worthy Amnicon Falls near Lake Superior, a fun attraction for the entire family.

For a day of hunting, bring your gear and sense of adventure. With five million acres of public hunting land, Wisconsin wildlife is diverse and includes bears, pheasants, deer and more. There is a season for just about anything that roams wild here.

Or try rock climbing for a different type of adrenaline rush and thrilling sights. Adventure solo or with a professional instructor at the Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, which features tall quartzite bluffs unique to Wisconsin.

Relaxing Excursions

If you’d rather steady your heart rate and enjoy nature and your family with leisurely outdoor activities, try any one of our popular pastimes. 

Fishing is always time well spent outdoors here. From bass to bluegills, more than 160 species of fish swim in our rivers and lakes. Lake Winnebago, for instance, is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake where you can catch a trophy-size northern pike or large-mouth bass. Fish from a riverbank or a chartered boat and spend the day on the water with your family.

Fishing is far from the only relaxing water activity. Try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding and enjoy the cool, refreshing water all the same.

Golfing is just as popular. More than 500 public golf courses make up our landscape. Play where PGA champions have at the Brown Deer Golf Course. If you’re visiting us for a golf retreat, consider staying at one of our family-friendly resorts. And if you’re dreaming of going horseback riding, look no further than our scenic routes and riding trails.

Don’t forget to document your outdoor adventure. Many of our state parks, from Lake Wissota to Big Bay, feature selfie stands that make snapping photos on vacation a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying nature with your family.

From the thrills to the relaxation, we welcome you to explore the Wisconsin outdoors with your family.