Wisconsin Vacation Ideas
Wisconsin's state park system is well known, and widely admired, with some hot spots that offer great trails, views, camping and swimming.
Places like Pattison State Park showcase the state's largest waterfall.
Wisconsin is home of 14,000 lakes, great fishing, plenty of outdoor activities, and a lot of fun.
Amnicon Falls State Park
This park has nearly 2 miles of hiking trails along the river, showcasing Wisconsin's rich geologic and natural scenery.
A crack in the bedrock known as the Douglas Fault provides the stunning geologic formations along the river. They are the result of earthquakes from a half billion years ago.
Along the prehistoric rock formations, you can see evidence of an ancient ocean that once covered Wisconsin millions of years ago, as well as volcanic material.
The scenic River trail uncovers mini-pools, cascades and waterfalls.
Branching to the west of the River trail is Snake Pit Falls and branching to the east is Now and Then Falls.
Head to the Island by crossing the historic Horton Bridge,
The Thimbleberry Nature Trail is a great place to enjoy the forested natural setting of the park while you view wildlife and unique vegetation, including deer, coyote, thimbleberries and Indian Pipe.
Rock Climbing
Places like Devil's Lake provide great rock climbing oppertunity for beginners as well as advanced climbers. The nearly 10,000 acre state park is full of scenery that will amaze you. The best part about it is that it makes for a great day trip because it is only 40 miles north west of Madison.
There are other places in the state like Aladdins Castle, but Devils Lake is arguably the best.
Willow River State Park
Camping, fishing, kayaking and swimming, and hiking are terrific ways to see the tranquility and beauty of this park. 13 miles of hiking trails showcase the park's magnificent views and remarkable scenery.
Willow Falls looks over the river valley and is the best view of the area. The park has four overlooks with views of the waterfalls and the Willow River gorge.
Big Bay State Park
This mile-and-a-half of secluded beach is one of the state's best secrets.
Tucked away in a bay on Madeline Island's shore of Lake Superior, you must take a car ferry, which departs from Bayfield and will take you to the Island.
The park is a must stop to view some of state's undisturbed wilderness.
Perrot State Park
Over 1,200 acres of land surrounded by bluffs, where the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers meet, is the perfect setting to set up camp. The park offers a multitude of activities and amenities including backpacking and hiking, biking and canoeing while camping there. So bring your map and compass.
Hike on Brady's Bluff to catch a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and Trempealeau Mountain. You can also canoe in the calm waters of Trempealeau Bay,
Additionally, the area outside the park provides a variety of things that visitors can do. You will find access to the Great River State Trail, which spans 24-miles, winding its way through the park to the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge.
Rock Island
Rock Island, just a ferry-ride away from Washington Island is a truly rustic camping experience. No bikes or cars are allowed on the island so getting there may require a bit more manpower, but it will be well worth the effort.
It's 40 campsites to go with 10 miles of hiking trails and 5,000 feet of beach, Rock Island is an immersive nature experience. Door County's Peninsula State Park is also thought of as the premier camp ground in the area.
La Farge
Tucked among the rugged coulees of the Kickapoo Valley, La Farge is a secluded wonderland to be explored. You can get there by car but the most immersive way would be to paddle downstream in a canoe for 10 miles.
This postcard-perfect scenic backdrop is a must see. Don't worry, and complimentary shuttles provided by the canoe rental company will drive you back so you don't have to paddle upstream if you don’t want to.
There is more than 8,000 acres of native plants and animals as well as this preserved natural wonderland to explore. For the adventurous traveler, primitive campsites among the sandstone outcroppings that tower over the Kickapoo River are available on the Reserve also.
Fishing
Wisconsin is one of the best Steelhead fishing opportunities to be had. Wisconsin has many Lake Michigan tributary streams that support fine steelhead runs.
The most popular streams for steelhead fishing along Lake Michigan include the Kewaunee, Root, Oconto, Manitowoc, Menominee, Milwaukee, East Twin, Peshtigo, Ahnapee, and West Twin rivers.
Wisconsin stocks three different strains of steelhead and they each run at different times of the year. 10- to 15- pounds trout has been caught in small streams.
The fish swim up the lake tributaries to spawn for short time each spring but they spend most of their life far out in Lake Michigan.
They spend their lives in huge waters and their run up the small tributaries makes them uncomfortable and easily spooked. Because of this the fish are very wary and getting them to bite is a challenge.
Reeling a 10- to 15- pound fish in is also a fight.
Smaller steelhead streams include the Pigeon, Little, Pike, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic rivers, Stony, Oak, Heins, Sauk, Whitefish Bay, Fischer, Silver, and Reibolts creeks.
Bird Watching
More than 300 species alone have been sighted at the U.S. Coast Guard impoundment on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.
Wisconsin is a spectacular place to bird-watch. Loons can be seen on northern lakes in summer. Bald eagles are seen on the Wisconsin River in winter and the spring and fall bring the migrations of swans, cranes, geese, and others.
Horicon Marsh
The largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States brings in 268 species of waterfowl, including once-scarce American white pelicans.
Some 100,000 to 200,000 Canada geese stop here each fall.
Known as the "Everglades of the North," Horicon Marsh, every fall as many as one million Canada Geese migrate through Horicon Marsh in southeastern Wisconsin. More than 200,000 geese may be in the vicinity of the 32,000-acre marsh at one time.
One great way of seeing the marsh is by canoe. While paddling through the marsh, visitors are treated to unbeatable, up-close views of the surrounding wetland habitat.
At the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers is Wyalusing State Park. This is a great place to see migrating birds along the Mississippi flyway. Bald eagles soar over the rivers. It also attracts birds normally found much farther south, like the cerulean warbler and Acadian flycatcher.
The thick forest and ravines of Devil's Lake State Park in the Baraboo Hills is a nesting area for 105 species. A total of 220 species have been recorded here, among them 14 species of warblers; including the rare worm-eating warbler. Barred owls, ruffed grouse, and four species of woodpeckers are also found at Devil's Lake S.P.
The Lake Michigan shoreline has attracted 257 different species including migrating hawks, falcons, and other raptors in the fall.
Bayfield
A chain of 21 islands just off the shores of the town of Bayfield offer stunning rock formations as well as six historic lighthouses that are considered to be one of the finest collections in the country.
The islands are known worldwide for their breathtaking sandstone cliffs and accessible sea caves. Kayakers come here from around the country for the many sheltered areas as well as the chance to explore the many sea caves.
The islands are also a haven for deepwater fishing and sailing.
Those who prefer to see the islands on foot can traverse more than 50 miles of hiking trails and explore abandoned quarries, historic logging sites and old farmsteads.
Caving
Caving in wisconsin is also a fun and interesting way to spend some time. No matter if you are an experienced caver or if you just want to see how caves are made there is a place for you. Places like Crystal Cave and Kickapoo Indian Caverns give tours. Remember, any caving you do syould be done with safety and respect in mind.
Wisconsin is a land of plenty for outdoors aficionados of all kinds. Take some time to explore this great state.
Enjoy your vacation!