Hiking in High Cliff State Park along Lake Winnebago was a must during our Oshkosh, Wisconsin getaway. While researching the trip, I learned about the preserve's rock formations and knew I had to make a visit. On a sunny Saturday morning, my daughter and I embarked on the 35-minute drive from Oshkosh to High Cliff State Park leading to a day of exploring a true natural treasure.
.png "Hiking the Echo Rock Trail at Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin")
A lovely spring day beckoned me to explore the trails of Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin. I have passed this particular preserve countless times over the years when visiting family but have not managed to find the time to stop and explore. I made it a goal on my last trip and finally wandered through the site's enchanting woodlands.
Bristol Woods Park near Kenosha, Wisconsin offers 4.28 miles of hiking trails through stunning, rich woodlands. During a recent hike, I became totally enamored with Bristol Woods as I wound through on a nest of trails through the preserve.
.png "Fall Hike Up A Butte To Fabulous Views At Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area near Lodi, Wisconsin")
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.
A sunny fall morning brought us to Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area near Baraboo, Wisconsin. We spent the morning climbing rocks, crossing a meandering stream, admiring a deep gorge, discovering a waterfall, and standing in a rain of golden fall leaves. The preserve provided such a perfect fall memory.
Last weekend, we explored a trail tucked away near an archery range in Greendale, Wisconsin. The Forked Aster Trail wound us through lovely Mangan Woods full of some of the largest old-growth trees in the Milwaukee County Park System. With few people on the trail, we found ourselves entirely at peace wandering the forest full of lofty arbors.
Spectacular views at Seagull Bar State Natural Area in Marinette, Wisconsin, eased us into a day of travel and exploration. Watching the gentle waves of Green Bay and observing birds enjoying one of the last remaining mornings of summer crafted the perfect tranquil start to the day.
Recently, I learned about a pedestrian and bike bridge crossing Lake Waubesa from Madison, WI to McFarland, WI. I knew the views had to be magnificent, so we opted to explore during our recent visit to Madison. The bridge is part of the Lower Yahara River Trail which we accessed through William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park.
A Morning of Nature Exploration at Turville Point Conservation Park
Turville Point Conservation Park in Madison, WI captivated us with over 2 miles of hiking trails. We relished fantastic summer weather while exploring woodlands along the trails. Turville hugs Lake Monona and is adjacent to Olin Park featuring spectacular views. Such a wonderful spot for a little family adventure!
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.
Hiking the trails of Wehr Nature Center in Franklin, Wisconsin offered us a tranquil start to the day while admiring a cornucopia of birds, a sprinkle of wildflowers, a calm lake, and the rush of a waterfall. During our first amble along the natural and boardwalk trails of Wehr Nature Center, we immediately became enchanted.
Serenity in Osceola, Wisconsin Discovering Cascade Falls, Wilke Glen, and the St. Croix River
Descending down wooden stairs from the charming town of Osceola, Wisconsin, we would soon find ourselves captivated by the rush of a 25-foot waterfall. The scene truly took on a magical vibe as the sun illuminated sculpted rock and the varied greens and yellows of the trees. Spectacular!
A Quilt of Ecosystems Including Prairies, Wetlands, Meadows and Woodlands Dazzle Hiking at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton, Wisconsin
Exploring trails in and around Madison, Wisconsin led us to the spectacular nature refuge Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton. Upon embarking on our first hike at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, we immediately become enamored with the rolls of the trails and striking views.
An urban state forest finds its home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Havenwoods State Forest represents the only urban forest in the state of Wisconsin inviting natural lovers to a spectacular oasis in an urban area. While hiking the trails of Havenwoods State Forest, we felt buoyed by nature discoveries we encountered in the preserve. We truly felt nestled away from hustle-bustle despite being in Milwaukee.
Located on the south shore of Wisconsin's Lake Mendota, Lakeshore Nature Preserve easily charms nature lovers with lake views, woodlands and prairie. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the 300-acre preserve serves as an outdoor classroom for university students and the local community. We quickly found the preserve to be rich in wildlife and experiences during our wander.
Warnimont Park Provides for an Intriguing and Beautiful Wisconsin Hiking Location Near Milwaukee
Warnimont Park bestows hikers with a beautiful and intriguing hiking location in Cudahy, Wisconsin, south of Milwaukee. The preserve maintains a section of the extensive and paved Oak Leaf Trail. However, for us, the natural Forked Aster Trail is the star of the preserve. This impressive trail spindles off of the Oak Leaf Trail and offers a wander through stunning nature.
Sandy Trails, Rolling Paths, Fabulous Birding and Lake Michigan Views Charm at Kenosha Sand Dunes in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Wandering in the Kenosha, Wisconsin area a few weeks ago, we stumbled upon Kenosha Sand Dunes in nearby Pleasant Prairie. Kenosha Sand Dunes forms the northern tip of the larger Chiwaukee Prairie Natural Area. The Chiwaukee Prairie Natural area incorporates dunes, coastal wetlands and prairie in both Wisconsin and Illinois.
Hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail including Devil's Staircase in Janesville, Wisconsin
** Disclosure: Thank you to the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting us and accommodating our visit. All opinions are 100% my own.
The natural charms of Wisconsin's Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Janesville transported us far from the every day. Hiking along the southernmost portion of the trails we appreciated the forces of nature that molded this intriguing landscape.
