Looking for a spot for a quick, long weekend getaway far enough away from home to feel like we truly got away yet close enough that we did not spend too much time on travel, my daughter and I honed in on Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Lake Winnebago for a summer adventure. On a recent June weekend, we made the drive up to Oshkosh and enjoyed a few days full of beautiful views, hiking, adventuring, great food, and restoration. Below is a snapshot of our exploration:
Natureland Park offers hikers a spectacular nature respite featuring four trails, Whitewater Lake, springs, wetlands, and woodlands in Whitewater, Wisconsin. On a recent adventure, I planned to just visit Natureland for a quick lunch stop with a view. However, I quickly became so captivated that I had to try out the trails.
Big Foot Beach State Park is a picturesque 271-acre forest preserve nestled along the shores of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin. Hikers will find a range of natural and mowed grass trails through woodlands and meadows. Big Foot Beach State Park is certainly a favorite Lake Geneva hiking location and ideal for adding to any Lake Geneva getaway.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation During a Spa Respite at The Abbey Resort on the Shores of Geneva Lake
**Disclosure: Thank you to The Abbey Resort for accommodating my stay and services so I could bring this review to my readers. No other compensation was received. Opinions are 100% my own.
The welcoming entry and lounge decor of The Abbey Resort immediately sweep guests away to their escape -- the design and architecture quickly awes. Recently, I ventured to the shores of Geneva Lake to rejuvenate at The Abbey Resort. I certainly was swept away on a much needed recharge. Join me to learn more about this haven of renewal and relaxation just a short drive from the Chicago area:
Scenic Beloit, Wisconsin hiking trails inside the beautiful, 190-acre Big Hill Park beckon to be explored. Just as the name Big Hill Park indicates, the preserve offers nature adventurers the opportunity to wander bluffs up above the Rock River. On a recent summer day, we reveled in fantastic river views, the shade of the woodlands, and rolling trails at Big Hill Park.
Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Brightens Up the Season with a Christmas Holiday Lights Tour Through December 26
The Pleasant Prairie Christmas Holiday Lights Tour delighted our hearts as we discovered incredible displays with snow flurries dancing about. The tour includes 21 homes throughout the city each uniquely decorated with the holiday spirit. Every home created its own magical wonderland that will lift spirits with holiday joy!
After visiting Marinette, Wisconsin and Seagull Bar State Natural Area, we wandered to the Hemlock Curve Nature Trail near Peshtigo. Hemlock Curve Nature Trail is part of the larger Peshtigo Harbor Wildlife Area and represents one of the trails created as part of a partnership between the Marinette County Land & Water Conservation, UW-Extension and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that was funded by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Project. We had this trail to ourselves so it was an entirely soothing experience surrounded by nature.
Upper Lake Park in Port Washington, Wisconsin offers quite a magical view of Lake Michigan. We visited on one quiet Sunday morning and quickly found ourselves amazed by the breathtaking views of the lake. Port Washington truly has some of the best views of Lake Michigan I have seen.
Enchanted by Stunning Nature at Cave Point County Park in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Door County's Cave Point County Park dazzled us with incredible view after incredible view. We spent a morning crawling along this stunning glacially created, wave-worn landscape. We found Cave Point to be a spot where you really want to pause and be in the moment.
Our first day visiting Green Bay, Wisconsin was initially quite rainy yet we opted to explore the outdoors a bit anyway. We headed to Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary which is a wildlife refuge featuring animal exhibits, hiking trails, bird viewing areas, and more. As we parked we immediately saw a pair of sandhill cranes that seemed to welcome us.
Period Park in Madison, Wisconsin, invites visitors to an amble through a late 19th-century garden. Upon walking through Period Park, we felt transported to the carefully crafted and maintained gardens of the Gilded Age. Period Park provides a for a short pause in a stunning natural setting!
Cherokee Marsh In Madison, Wisconsin Offers A Pleasant Hike With Great Birding
Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park in Madison, Wisconsin welcomed us on a recent late spring afternoon. We savored a hike through Dane County's largest wetland, admiring various birds including great blue heron and sandhill cranes.
**Disclosure: Thank you to Janesville Area Convention &Visitors Bureau for hosting and accommodating my visit so I can bring this series to my audience. Opinions are 100% my own.
Robert O. Cook Memorial Arboretum in Janesville, Wisconsin contains approximately 8 miles of trails weaving visitors through a mature forest, prairie, marsh and wetlands. The Arbor Ridge Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail crosses through the arboretum. This section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail provided us with such a beautiful nature respite during our Janesville weekend getaway.
**Disclosure: Thank you to Janesville Area Convention &Visitors Bureau for hosting and accommodating my visit so I can bring this series to my audience. Opinions are 100% my own.
While relishing a getaway exploring Art Infusion in Janesville, Wisconsin, my husband and I appreciated a weekend full of art, history, nature and unique local businesses. Take a little adventure with me through our spectacular weekend unwinding and see why Janesville is perfect for a getaway:
Delighting in Ravines, Wildflowers and a Rocky Beach at Sheridan Park in Cudahy, Wisconsin
Continuing on our adventurous Southeastern Wisconsin hikes, we traced Lake Michigan to discover Sheridan Park in Cudahy, Wisconsin. A few weeks ago, we hiked at Warnimont Park in Cudahy and loved it. So, we were excited to explore another park nestled on Lake Michigan.
Learning Delavan, Wisconsin History Through Murals
We recently headed up to Delavan, Wisconsin for a little stop at Crystal Garden Rock Shop to shop through a wonderland of rocks, minerals, fossils and crystals. While adventuring, we noted the beautiful murals throughout Delavan. Delavan has an incredible collection of 20 murals providing for a little art and history aside in any season. So, we wandered a bit appreciating interesting artworks presenting the stories of Delavan.
Looking for a little adventure on a winter day, we drove up to Menomonee Falls to gaze at waterfalls. We then trickled our way back to the Chicago area, stopping at a variety of hiking spots to savor some fresh air in short stints. My grandparents drove me all over Wisconsin as a child. However, I do not remember ever stopping in Menomonee Falls. So, I thought it would be fun to check out the waterfalls.
