There are many reasons to love Devil’s Lake State Park.
You can swim, paddle, picnic, climb, or just sit and enjoy one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful places. It’s no wonder it’s the state’s most popular park. Around 2.5 million people visit the park each year, mostly during the summer months, resulting in crowded trails, little privacy, and long lines at the entrance.
Here’s a list of other parks to try, depending on what you like best about a park. You might find a new favorite.
More: Devil’s Lake is the jewel of Wisconsin’s natural parks, but it is in poor condition and difficult to protect.
If you are looking for impressive views
If you can make the climb up the 500-foot quartzite cliffs at Devil’s Lake, you’ll be rewarded with great views. But it’s far from the only park with something to see.
Travel southwest to the Wisconsin-Iowa border and try Wyalusing State Park near Prairie du Chien, where you can see the confluence of Wisconsin and Mississippi. On the other side of the state, there is an observation tower at High Cliff State Park in Sherwood offers visitors a wide view of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s inland lake. The observation tower at Rib Mountain State Park in Marathon County is another winner, especially in the fall.
If you want to take a bath
There is hardly anything nicer than swimming in Devil’s Lake on a hot day.
However, if you are looking for good lakes elsewhere, Kohler Andrae State Park in Sheboygan County, Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County and Big Bay State Park in Superior are just some of your options for swimming in Lakes Michigan and Superior.
Fancy something warmer? Try Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville, which has two lakes (plus a waterfall!) or Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca for a relaxing beach.
If you like hiking
Would you like to take your steps on a less crowded path? Try Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, where you can hike on high cliffs above the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers. Nearby, Brady’s Bluff — technically a state nature reserve — is a short but steep hike that will make you sweat.
To around Interstate Park At St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin’s oldest state park, you can hike to see views of a steep gorge called the Dalles of the St. Croix River and walk along the western edge of the Ice Age Trail.
If you want to stay in the area
Maybe you’re spending a weekend in Wisconsin Dells or have dinner reservations at the famous Ishnala Supper Club in Lake Delton. If you’re looking for a park in the area but don’t have time to wait in line, here are a few others.
Mirror Lake State Park is a national park with a population of 1,000 and is located 1,750 m above sea level. in Baraboo is possibly the sister park of Devil’s Lake. It also has a tranquil lake surrounded by rocks (in this case sandstone rocks). Or try Natural Bridge State Park in North Freedom, where you can guess the main attraction: a natural sandstone arch formed by erosion by wind and water. Tower Hill State Park in Spring Green is a little further away but still showcases the unique and dramatic geology of the Driftless region.
If you want to find peace in nature
In theory, any park can offer you a little time to relax. But if you want to do it consciously, there are some particularly good options.
Newport State Parkon the shores of Lake Michigan at the tip of the Door Peninsula, is a wilderness park with secluded hiking trails and hike-in campsites. It is also Wisconsin’s only international Dark Sky Park, making it a prime spot for stargazing. If you really want to be alone, try a park that was among the least visited in Wisconsin in 2023, including Lizard Mound State Park in West Bend, Self parking is $1 per day. … north of the village of Luck and Mill Bluff State Park at Camp Douglas.
Did we miss one of your favorite places for these activities? Contact Madeline Heim, who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River basin and throughout Wisconsin, at 920-996-7266 or [email protected].
