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If you’ve been wondering which Wisconsin state parks deserve a spot on your 2026 travel list, this guide has your answer. With 66 state parks and forests across the state, you have nearly endless ways to experience the outdoors, but not every park offers the same kind of adventure.
Some feature sandy beaches and scenic lakes, while others invite you to explore rugged trails and hidden waterfalls. Each park has its own story, shaped by Wisconsin’s natural history and the people who protect it.
Whether you visit for a day or plan a week-long camping trip, there’s always something new to discover across the Badger State’s trails and shorelines.
Sneak Peek
Coming up in this post, you’ll discover:
The most scenic Wisconsin state parks to visit in 2026, from waterfalls to forested trails
How to make the most of your visit with helpful details on passes, rentals, and park hours
Which parks are perfect for hiking, camping, and year-round outdoor adventures
Overview
Wisconsin has many beautiful state parks that you can enjoy all year long. The best park to visit depends on what you like to do and what season it is.
Top Parks and What They Offer
Devil’s Lake State Park: Famous for its tall bluffs and pretty lake views. Great for swimming in summer and seeing colorful leaves in fall.
Willow River State Park: Known for its 45-foot waterfall and river gorge. A good spot for hiking and kayaking in spring or summer.
Governor Dodge State Park: Has two lakes, sandstone cliffs, and lots of trails. Perfect for hiking and taking pictures in the fall.
Peninsula State Park: Along Lake Michigan, it has bike trails, a lighthouse, and great campsites.
High Cliff State Park: Sits on cliffs above Lake Winnebago, great for hiking and picnicking in fall.
Copper Falls State Park: Has big waterfalls and deep gorges formed by ancient lava. Fun for hiking in spring and snowshoeing in winter.
Kettle Moraine State Forest: Full of hills and trails shaped by glaciers. Great for hiking and biking, especially when the leaves change in fall.
Rib Mountain State Park: One of Wisconsin’s highest spots. Go skiing in winter or enjoy the trails and views in summer.
Kohler-Andrae State Park: Offers sandy dunes and beaches along Lake Michigan. A fun place for swimming and camping in summer.
Planning Your Trip
Admission: Most parks require a vehicle sticker. Annual passes cost $28 for residents and $38 for non-residents. Daily passes are also available.
Rentals: Many parks rent kayaks, bikes, canoes, and snowshoes during different seasons.
When to Go: Spring has strong waterfalls, summer is best for swimming and camping, fall brings colorful trees, and winter is great for skiing and snowshoeing.
Helpful Tools: The Wisconsin DNR website has maps, trail details, and updates about park conditions.
Best Parks by Season
Spring: Copper Falls and Willow River for waterfalls, High Cliff for hiking, and Governor Dodge for birdwatching.
Summer: Peninsula and Kohler-Andrae for camping and swimming, Kettle Moraine for biking, and Rib Mountain for cool breezes.
Fall: Devil’s Lake and High Cliff for colorful leaves, and Peninsula for lakeside bike rides.
Winter: Governor Dodge and Rib Mountain for snow fun, and Copper Falls for peaceful winter hiking.
Hidden Gems
Rib Mountain: Amazing views with fewer crowds.
Kohler-Andrae: Quiet dunes and wooden boardwalks.
Mauthe Lake (in Kettle Moraine): Great for canoeing and camping.
High Cliff: Beautiful limestone cliffs and lake views.
Learn Something New
Devil’s Lake: Nature center with exhibits on rocks, glaciers, and early settlers.
Kettle Moraine: Ice Age Visitor Center shows how glaciers shaped Wisconsin.
Peninsula: White Cedar Nature Center offers guided hikes and nature programs.
Accessibility and Amenities
Many parks have paved trails, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Bigger parks like Devil’s Lake and Peninsula also have visitor centers and rentals.
Campgrounds often include showers and electricity.
Pets are welcome on leashes in most areas.
Respect Nature
Always stay on trails, take your trash with you, keep noise low, and only use fire rings for campfires. Let’s keep Wisconsin’s parks clean and beautiful for everyone!
Explore the Best Wisconsin State Parks to Visit in 2026
As per 2023 visitor data, Devil’s Lake, Peninsula, Governor Dodge, and Willow River State Parks have consistently ranked among Wisconsin’s most-visited destinations over the past three years. Each offers its own mix of scenic beauty and outdoor recreation that draws locals and tourists year after year.
Here are a few standout parks that combine natural beauty, accessibility, and year-round appeal:
Each of these parks showcases a different side of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Willow River State Park draws waterfall seekers, while Governor Dodge State Park appeals to campers and families who want easy access to lakes and trails. High Cliff State Park and Kettle Moraine State Forest are perfect for fall hikes, while Kohler-Andrae State Park offers peaceful beaches and dunes that feel miles away from city life.
No matter which park you choose, every visit offers a mix of recreation and relaxation. Each destination reflects Wisconsin’s long-standing care for its wild spaces, giving visitors a chance to experience nature up close while enjoying well-maintained facilities and scenic routes.
Planning Your Visit: Passes, Rentals, and Timing
Exploring Wisconsin state parks is simple once you know how to plan your trip. Whether you’re hiking for a day or camping for the weekend, the right pass, timing, and preparation make all the difference.
Admission Passes
Most parks require a vehicle admission sticker to enter.
You can choose between:
Annual pass: residents pay about $28 per year, while non-residents pay $50 for unlimited entry.
Daily pass: ideal for short visits; available at park entrances or self-service stations.
Annual passes can also be purchased online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Equipment Rentals
Many popular parks have on-site or nearby rental options, including:
Kayaks and canoes at Governor Dodge, Peninsula, and Willow River State Park.
Bicycles at Kettle Moraine State Forest and Peninsula State Park.
Snowshoes at High Cliff and Governor Dodge State Park during winter.
Rentals are seasonal, so check park websites or call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
For visitors bringing their own gear, most parks provide launch areas, bike racks, and trailheads for easy access.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: see powerful waterfalls at Copper Falls and Willow River.
Summer: camp and kayak along the beaches of Peninsula and Kohler-Andrae.
Fall: enjoy colorful foliage at Kettle Moraine and High Cliff State Park.
Winter: try snowshoeing or skiing at Governor Dodge and Rib Mountain State Park.
Local tip: weekday mornings are quieter, while weekends, especially in the summer, fill quickly at Devil’s Lake and Peninsula State Park.
Planning Tools
Visit the DNR’s Wisconsin State Park System Map for:
Trail maps and elevation details.
Real-time park alerts.
Accessibility and parking updates.
Weather forecasts and seasonal alerts are updated regularly to help visitors plan safe and enjoyable trips.
Best Parks by Season
Wisconsin offers something special in every season. From waterfalls in spring to ski trails in winter, each park transforms with the changing weather. Planning your visit around the time of year helps you experience the best views and activities across the state.
Spring
Visit Copper Falls and Willow River for their powerful waterfalls, which flow at their peak during snowmelt.
High Cliff State Park is a good choice for hiking among budding trees and spotting early wildflowers.
Governor Dodge State Park is ideal for fishing and birdwatching as lakes and trails reopen after winter.
Summer
Head to Peninsula State Park or Kohler-Andrae for warm-weather camping, swimming, and kayaking.
Kettle Moraine State Forest offers shaded bike paths and scenic lakes that are great for picnics.
Rib Mountain State Park provides cool breezes and panoramic views, making it a relaxing summer hike.
Fall
Enjoy brilliant foliage in Kettle Moraine and High Cliff State Park as the trees turn red and gold.
Devil’s Lake offers striking views of colorful cliffs reflected in the water.
Peninsula State Park hosts popular fall bike rides along its shoreline trails.
Winter
Governor Dodge and Rib Mountain State Park feature snowshoeing and skiing trails maintained throughout the season.
High Cliff and Copper Falls have peaceful winter paths for hiking and photography.
Many parks, including Kettle Moraine, open select campgrounds for winter camping for those seeking solitude and quiet scenery.
No matter the season, Wisconsin state parks provide year-round beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you prefer hiking through spring blooms, relaxing by a summer lake, or skiing snowy ridges, there’s always a park ready for your next adventure.
Hidden Gems Worth Exploring
Beyond the popular destinations, several Wisconsin state parks offer quieter, less crowded experiences that highlight the state’s natural variety. These hidden gems are ideal for travelers looking to enjoy peaceful trails, scenic views, or local charm.
Rib Mountain State Park – Located near Wausau, this park features one of Wisconsin’s highest peaks and a scenic observation tower with sweeping views. Its trails are less crowded in summer, making it a perfect spot for hiking or picnicking.
Kohler-Andrae State Park – Along Lake Michigan near Sheboygan, visitors can walk through soft sand dunes and boardwalks that stretch for miles. It’s a calm alternative to busier lakeside parks and is great for sunrise photography.
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area – Nestled within the Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, this peaceful park is a favorite for canoeing and easy shoreline camping. It’s also home to birdwatching trails and quiet paddling routes.
High Cliff State Park – Perched on the Niagara Escarpment, this park overlooks Lake Winnebago and offers limestone cliffs, shaded trails, and picnic spots with panoramic views. It’s a local favorite for hiking and wildlife photography.
Each of these parks delivers the beauty and recreation of Wisconsin’s better-known destinations, but with a more relaxed and personal feel.
Educational Experiences
Many Wisconsin state parks provide learning opportunities for visitors who want to understand the natural world beyond the trail. The state’s nature centers and interpretive programs are designed for all ages and operate throughout the year.
Devil’s Lake State Park – The nature center here offers exhibits on geology, glaciers, and the region’s early settlers, helping visitors connect the park’s unique landscape to its history.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Its Ice Age Visitor Center includes interactive displays on how glaciers shaped Wisconsin’s hills, valleys, and lakes.
Peninsula State Park – The White Cedar Nature Center runs guided hikes and workshops on local wildlife, ecology, and sustainable recreation.
These programs blend education with adventure, helping visitors see how conservation and outdoor fun go hand in hand. They’re especially popular with families, students, and anyone curious about the stories behind Wisconsin’s natural landmarks.
Accessibility and Amenities
Wisconsin state parks are built for visitors of all abilities, offering features that make outdoor recreation comfortable and inclusive.
Many parks include accessible trails, picnic areas, restrooms, and parking spaces.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Accessibility Guide lists detailed information on trail surfaces, slopes, and accessible facilities by park.
Larger parks such as Devil’s Lake State Park and Peninsula State Park feature:
Paved paths and accessible viewing areas.
Visitor centers and concession stands.
Equipment rental facilities for kayaks, bikes, and snowshoes.
Campgrounds across the state often include modern restrooms, showers, and electric hookups for RVs.
Pets are allowed in most Wisconsin state parks, provided they remain on a leash no longer than eight feet.
Some parks, like Governor Dodge State Park and Kohler-Andrae State Park, feature pet-friendly trails, beaches, and camp areas.
These thoughtful amenities make Wisconsin’s park system one of the most accessible and family-friendly in the Midwest.
Responsible Recreation
Caring for Wisconsin’s parks helps preserve them for future visitors. Following simple outdoor ethics keeps the state’s natural spaces clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Stay on designated trails to protect plants and prevent erosion.
Pack out all trash and leftover food, or use the park’s waste and recycling bins.
Keep noise low to protect wildlife and ensure a peaceful experience for other visitors.
Use fire rings and grills only in approved areas and extinguish all fires before leaving.
Follow fishing, camping, and pet rules posted at each park to protect ecosystems.
Learn about the Leave No Trace principles before your visit for helpful outdoor etiquette tips.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Wisconsin state parks is one of the best ways to experience the state’s natural beauty. From quiet forests and winding rivers to cliffs and waterfalls, every park offers a glimpse of Wisconsin’s rich landscape and history. Whether you spend a few hours hiking or a full week camping, each visit brings something new to enjoy.
With 66 parks and forests to choose from, you can plan a trip that fits your style, relaxing by a lake, hiking forested trails, or discovering hidden viewpoints along the way. These parks continue to reflect Wisconsin’s dedication to conservation and outdoor recreation, giving locals and travelers alike a reason to return season after season.
Ship Your Car Easily with AmeriFreight Auto Transport
Before you head out to explore Wisconsin’s incredible parks and trails, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. AmeriFreight Auto Transport offers top-rated vehicle shipping services to and from Wisconsin, helping travelers, students, and families move their cars safely anywhere in the country.
Whether you’re relocating for a new opportunity, spending the summer near one of Wisconsin’s scenic parks, or planning a seasonal move, AmeriFreight Auto Transport connects you with vetted carriers nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are dogs allowed on the swimming beaches at Governor Dodge State Park?
No. Dogs are not allowed on designated swimming beaches at Governor Dodge State Park, but they are welcome on most trails and in pet-friendly picnic and campground areas.
Which Wisconsin state parks have a nature center that is open year-round for educational programs?
Nature centers at Devil’s Lake State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest, and Peninsula State Park operate year-round, offering guided hikes, exhibits, and programs that teach visitors about local wildlife and conservation.
Do any Wisconsin state parks offer equipment rentals, such as kayaks or snowshoes?
Yes. Several Wisconsin state parks, including Governor Dodge, Peninsula, and Willow River State Park, offer seasonal rentals for kayaks, canoes, and snowshoes through on-site or nearby vendors.
How much does an annual vehicle admission pass for all Wisconsin state parks cost for non-residents?
As of 2025, a non-resident annual vehicle admission pass costs $50, providing unlimited access to all Wisconsin state parks and recreation areas for one year.
