Wisconsin boasts a plethora of some pretty phenomenal state parks, forests and recreational areas. And I'm an advocate for all 64 of them. I find though that many folks make the assumption our parks only offer rustic camping. While there are some great areas for countryside camping, they really do offer so much more to visitors. In fact, I think they'll really surprise you.
For the busy body
Keepin' busy is my thing. That's why I love places like Harrington Beach State Park in Belgium where you can choose your own adventure: camp, sunbathe, hike, geocache, bird watch, fish or practice astronomy at the observatory. There's also the urban oasis that is Lakeshore State Park in downtown Milwaukee. It's right across from the Henry W. Maier Festival Park and Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. Keep Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek on your radar, too - you won't get over the amazing bluffs and eight miles of cobblestone shoreline with an 1868 lighthouse, 18-hole golf course, outdoor summer theater and observation tower. Our crew is also a big fan of Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville. This 4,515-acre property is a popular spot for just about everything including dog training, model airplanes, rocketry and falconry.
For the view finder
Every single state park offers extraordinary views. Every. Single. One. Now that we've cleared that up, there are a handful that come to mind for those of you who wander Wisconsin for the postcard vistas. First on my list is Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds. Take in the spectacular scenes and unique topography before hitting up the swimming pool (which is equipped with a lift for people with disabilities). Or climb to the top of the 60-foot observation tower at Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area in Menomonie for a little wildlife watching. If the heights still aren't giving you the heebie jeebies, go catch the view available to you at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak in Delafield, which is Waukesha County's highest point. Heading to northeast Wisconsin, it has been said you can see 16 miles across Green Bay on a clear day from Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay. In Southwest Wisconsin, journey to Wisconsin's oldest state park - Wyalusing State Park - and camp 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.
For the history lovers
I do believe there's a history nerd in all of us; unleash him or her at Aztalan State Park in Lake Mills and experience the location of a 12th century Native American village. At Copper Culture State Park in Crivitz, you'll get a kick out of exploring this 5,000-year-old burial ground along the Oconto River. There's also a park museum that details the ins and outs of the Copper Culture. Speaking of copper, don't miss out on Copper Falls State Park over in Mellen, home to ancient lava flows, cavernous gorges and gorgeous waterfalls. Experience the 48-acre outdoor museum at Heritage Hill State Park in Green Bay or head down to Cassville to discover Nelson Dewey State Park and the nearby Stonefield Historic Site, home of Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey. At Rock Island State Park on Washington Island, you'll take a ferry for a tour of the Pottawatomie Lighthouse and a view of the building constructed by a wealthy inventor.
For the water lovers
If you love water, you'll love Wisconsin - thanks to our 15,000+ lakes. Make your way to Council Grounds State Park in Merrill and relish the quiet beauty of the Wisconsin River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Big Manitou Falls - Wisconsin's highest waterfall - at Pattison State Park in Superior. Swinging over to northeast Wisconsin in Crivitz is Peshtigo River State Forest. Fly fisherman will geek out over the five-mile stretch of fishing along the Peshtigo River as well as the 9,000 acres of recreational opportunities in and around the Peshtigo River Flowages.
Time to get out there and Discover Wisconsin for yourself. Happy trails.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
For the busy body
Keepin' busy is my thing. That's why I love places like Harrington Beach State Park in Belgium where you can choose your own adventure: camp, sunbathe, hike, geocache, bird watch, fish or practice astronomy at the observatory. There's also the urban oasis that is Lakeshore State Park in downtown Milwaukee. It's right across from the Henry W. Maier Festival Park and Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. Keep Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek on your radar, too - you won't get over the amazing bluffs and eight miles of cobblestone shoreline with an 1868 lighthouse, 18-hole golf course, outdoor summer theater and observation tower. Our crew is also a big fan of Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville. This 4,515-acre property is a popular spot for just about everything including dog training, model airplanes, rocketry and falconry.
For the view finder
Every single state park offers extraordinary views. Every. Single. One. Now that we've cleared that up, there are a handful that come to mind for those of you who wander Wisconsin for the postcard vistas. First on my list is Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds. Take in the spectacular scenes and unique topography before hitting up the swimming pool (which is equipped with a lift for people with disabilities). Or climb to the top of the 60-foot observation tower at Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area in Menomonie for a little wildlife watching. If the heights still aren't giving you the heebie jeebies, go catch the view available to you at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak in Delafield, which is Waukesha County's highest point. Heading to northeast Wisconsin, it has been said you can see 16 miles across Green Bay on a clear day from Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay. In Southwest Wisconsin, journey to Wisconsin's oldest state park - Wyalusing State Park - and camp 500 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.
For the history lovers
I do believe there's a history nerd in all of us; unleash him or her at Aztalan State Park in Lake Mills and experience the location of a 12th century Native American village. At Copper Culture State Park in Crivitz, you'll get a kick out of exploring this 5,000-year-old burial ground along the Oconto River. There's also a park museum that details the ins and outs of the Copper Culture. Speaking of copper, don't miss out on Copper Falls State Park over in Mellen, home to ancient lava flows, cavernous gorges and gorgeous waterfalls. Experience the 48-acre outdoor museum at Heritage Hill State Park in Green Bay or head down to Cassville to discover Nelson Dewey State Park and the nearby Stonefield Historic Site, home of Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey. At Rock Island State Park on Washington Island, you'll take a ferry for a tour of the Pottawatomie Lighthouse and a view of the building constructed by a wealthy inventor.
For the water lovers
If you love water, you'll love Wisconsin - thanks to our 15,000+ lakes. Make your way to Council Grounds State Park in Merrill and relish the quiet beauty of the Wisconsin River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Big Manitou Falls - Wisconsin's highest waterfall - at Pattison State Park in Superior. Swinging over to northeast Wisconsin in Crivitz is Peshtigo River State Forest. Fly fisherman will geek out over the five-mile stretch of fishing along the Peshtigo River as well as the 9,000 acres of recreational opportunities in and around the Peshtigo River Flowages.
Time to get out there and Discover Wisconsin for yourself. Happy trails.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.