Newport State Park’s massive footprint gives you miles of trails and acres of unspoiled Michigan shoreline to enjoy, even at Door County’s busiest. As Wisconsin’s only formally designated wilderness state park, it is far less groomed than other county and… Continue Reading →
Door County is an immensely beautiful region that often verges on the fantastic. Cave Point County Park has a magical quality. On a windy day, there are waves as large as on the ocean. The trails are on a rock… Continue Reading →
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of people at beaches like Pewitt’s Nest, Dells of the Wisconsin River or Peck’s Landing? Head over to Sauk City. A beautiful, smooth river walk trail runs along the Wisconsin. Park along Riviera… Continue Reading →
There are actually two entrances to the Dells of the Wisconsin River – north and south. The north entrance is right down from the now boarded-up entrance to Witches Gulch. There are some lovely trails that wind around through pine… Continue Reading →
There aren’t a lot of places in Wisconsin where you can hike without hearing traffic. The Pine Barrens edge the Wisconsin River and are rich with amphibian, plant and insect life. As much of the area is low-lying, marshy land,… Continue Reading →
Stoughton’s Viking Park has a marvelous, clean, well-groomed dog park. The park is grassy and open with plenty of room for your mutt to run (or wander and sniff). Even nicer are the small, sandy beaches that dot the adjacent… Continue Reading →
If you need a nice stretch of the legs on the way back from the MOWA or a quiet, out-of-the-way place to camp, check out Ledge Park. Stroll the upper trail along the edge of the ledge for striking views… Continue Reading →
The beach at Peck’s Landing is perfect in every way. Directly across the Wisconsin River from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Guest Center, the beach checks all the necessary boxes for a great afternoon. While the lot is often pretty full… Continue Reading →
The new Upper Yahara River Trail in DeForest is a lovely, smooth paved trail that follows the meandering Yahara River. Walk, canoe, fish or bike while enjoying glimpses of water, wild birds and a variety of native plants. Due to… Continue Reading →
Because of its close proximity to Madison, many people seem to forget Governor Nelson State Park exists. The largest trail loop is clearly visible from the road, often making it far from peaceful. However, the trails further back are quiet,… Continue Reading →
The University of Minnesota’s Landscape Arboretum is a short drive from Minneapolis. With its more rural location, the Arboretum has the opportunity to spread and sprawl in a highly satisfactory manner. At over 1100 acres, plan to spend at least… Continue Reading →
Frontenac State Park is on the Mississippi river in Minnesota. The park has dramatic, sweeping views of the river. The smooth paved trails are well groomed. The real stars of the park are the eagles, swooping up and down the… Continue Reading →
Located on the Mississippi, Merrick State Park is a pleasant, piney park to wander through. The park is an ideal location for boating and a nice place to stretch your legs after visiting some of the folk art in Fountain… Continue Reading →
Paul and Matilda Wegner, immigrants from Germany, were so deeply impressed by the Dickeyville Grotto that they decided to create their own installations. From the late 1920s to mid-30s, they decorated the yard of the farm with wondrous creations –… Continue Reading →
The Pheasant Branch Conservancy has something for every outdoor enthusiast – from hikers, runners, bikers and bird-watchers. The Conservancy is 550 acre areas of prairie and woodlands in the heart of Middleton, WI. There are multiple access points, including two… Continue Reading →