Don't take for granted Wisconsin's wealth of state parks
It’s easy to see how you could find joy just Wandering Around Wisconsin!
By Rhonda Daily
Did you know that Wisconsin has 50 state parks, 15 state forests and 44 state trails? Did you also know that this year Wisconsin will celebrate 125 years of state parks?
Winter, spring, summer or fall … Wisconsin has got it all! We all know that Wisconsin has amazing forests and lakes, but we also have kettles and cliffs, dells and the driftless area, marshes and wetlands, caves and waterfalls, dunes and beaches. It’s easy to see how you could find joy just Wandering Around Wisconsin!
In this series, we plan to showcase all that Wisconsin has to offer for the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast. The best part is that you don’t have to wait for summer to get out there. Winter is the perfect time for a quiet hike, whether it be on foot, snowshoe, or ski.
Photos by Rhonda Daily
High Cliff State Park
High Cliff State Park has always been one of my favorite parks. Not just because it is close by, but because it is truly beautiful. With camping, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, a beach and a marina, you can really enjoy every season at this park.
My guess is that when most people picture High Cliff State Park, they are picturing the Niagara escarpment and the cliffs. They are the namesake after all! They are absolutely beautiful and fun to scramble around on. But be prepared, the cliff side and the Lime Kiln Trail can be icy and the cold wind does blow in off the lake.
In the winter, my favorite hike is the Forest Management Trail. It seems to be less popular than some of the other trails, but that’s what makes it great! It’s tucked up behind the tower and pavilion. You can hike through the woods and out into the fields if you’d like. Hiking the wooded area is a great way to avoid the wind while still enjoying a peaceful winter hike.
Photos by Rhonda Daily
Point Beach State Park
While it’s tempting to spend winter snuggled up indoors awaiting nicer weather, there is beauty to be found even on the coldest days. When you think of a day on the beach, you may be picturing a hot sunny day, but it’s worth checking out during winter as well.
We were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to see snow balls on the shoreline at Point Beach State Forest. There were thousands of these soccer-ball-sized snow balls piled up by the lighthouse at Rawley Point!!
Point Beach State Forest has miles of hiking trails, ranging from a half-mile to more than seven miles. There are six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline to explore as well!
