There are so many incredible parks in this state. I thought I would provide of list of my favorite places that you may not be aware of. The large state parks are all wonderful for their own reason but most people know about those. I hope you discover something you were unaware of and will share this list with your friends and family. Enjoy!
Wisconsin has SO much beauty to offer. Here are my top 10 places to visit that are near the Madison area. Always remember to obey the signs, pay the park fees and always pick up your trash and leave the park cleaner than when you arrived. No one likes liter bugs!
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
This is a gorgeous and diverse 160 acres site that provides panoramic views of the Capitol Building, the skyline and Lake Mendota. The trails are excellent for biking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Natural springs, wetlands and a marsh provide for excellent bird activity.
Gibralter Rock State Natural Area
Climb 200 feet about the surrounding landscape to view a large leatherleaf bog and scenic valley and the Wisconsin River. Gibraltar Rock is a flat-topped butte, an outlier of the Magnesian escarpment that we highly recommend you check out.
Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area
Wisconsin’s very first State Natural Area! A deep gorge into the sandstone of the south flak of the Baraboo Hills. The moss covered walls are moist from seepage and the hike in is cool and shaded. Contrary to popular belief, swimming is not recommended and is highly discouraged.
Pewits Nest State Natural Area
Another State Natural Area that displays the beauty of a 30-40 foot deep gorge that formed during the retreat of the last glacier. Associated with this area are Skillet Creek, shaded cliffs and a beautiful forest. Glacial Lake Baraboo drained and Skillet Creek cut a narrow canyon through the Cambrian sandstone, forming a series of potholes and waterfalls. This is a must see.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit
The drive time increases to visit this park but it’s well worth it. This park features over 22,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests! This park has plenty of adventure to offer you such as excellent mountain biking, swimming, fabulous campsites, boating, picnic, hiking and so much more! The forest is 30 miles long so check the map to be sure you arrive to the section you are looking to visit. You can have lunch, grab a coffee or rent a bike at the fabulous LaGrange General Store.
Blue Mound State Park
Stunning views of the rolling hills of blue mounds. Excellent camp sites, wonderful hiking trails, a swimming pool and splash pad that is open in the summer and so much more. In the winter you can find candlelight snowshoe hikes, cross country skiing and winter camping! If you are looking for a park that is on the smaller scale with views of the rolling hills and excellent camping, be sure to check out Brigham County Park while you are out this way! It is loaded with big old oak trees and a beautiful setting.
Indian Lake County Park
At 483 acres, Indian Lake is one of Dane County’s largest parks. A winding trail leads to a historic chapel built in 1857, located on a hilltop that provides a breath taking view of the lake and surrounding valley. A trail has been developed around the entire lake, and miles of cross-country ski and nature trails in the wooded hills provide many recreational opportunities and access to a log cabin warming house.
Yellowstone Lake State Park
A fabulous place to bring you friends and family! I love the campsites this park has to offer. Located in the driftless area of South Central Wisconsin you can find this 1,000 acre park that features a 455 acre lake, boat rental, boating, hiking, swimming, a beach and picnicking. This park is home to over 4,000 brown bats which allows campers to view the bats exiting the houses and provides children entertainment at the amphitheater with an educational presentation about bats. It’s fabulous and the reduction of mosquitoes is noticeable!
New Glarus Woods State Park
This 453 Acre State Park is an about a 35 mile bike ride from Madison primarily on bike path! I bike camped there this year with friends and we had a blast! What’s fun about this park is you can bike or walk to the New Glarus Brewery or walk to town and enjoy excellent pizza or other eateries the town has to offer. The park offers excellent camp sites, hiking and picnicking along with snowshoeing in the winter.
Festge County Park and Salmo Pond
Untouched by the Glaciers, Festge County Park was established in 1963 after Otto and Evelyn Festge generously donated the original acreage for this park. It offers a scenic view 100 feet above the Black Earth Creak Valley in the Town of Berry. The hiking trails take you through 155 acres of beautiful wood including Hickory and Oak trees and a fabulous scenic overlook! The park features two new shelter facilities, softball field, play equipment and shaded picnic areas. You can read about the glacial geology at the sites marker. Salmo Pond is adjacent to Black Earth Creek south of USH 14. An old rock cory turned swimming hole is the perfect place for people and their pets on a hot summer day. The pond features shoreline fishing, accessible fishing pier and great picnic areas.
From the desk of Rachel Whaley
