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What can visitors expect when exploring Wisconsin’s parks?
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Lush greenery filled with diverse wildlife and migratory bird species.
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Groomed winter trails ideal for snowshoeing and
cross-country skiing.
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How many parks and recreation areas are in Wisconsin?
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Wisconsin has 66 state parks and recreation areas.
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These areas cover over 60,570 acres of natural landscapes.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Wisconsin’s parks?
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Hiking through scenic trails.
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Swimming in lakes and designated water areas.
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Boating and fishing in pristine waters.
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Canoeing and kayaking for water adventure seekers.
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Scuba diving at designated sites.
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Hunting in permitted areas.
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Camping at designated campgrounds.
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Picnicking in beautiful nature settings.
Best Time to Visit Wisconsin State Parks
- May to June – Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and great for hiking and camping.
- September to October – Vibrant fall foliage, cooler weather, and perfect for scenic hikes.
- July & August – Warm and sunny, ideal for swimming, boating, and lake activities.
- December to February – Snowy landscapes offering skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful winter walks.
- Late September – Prime time for enjoying colorful autumn leaves and crisp air.
Unique Wisconsin State Parks
⮕ Amnicon Falls State Park
Walk bridge trails and admire waterfalls on a peaceful weekend trip.
© DavidMohn/stock.adobe.com
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What is Amnicon Falls State Park?
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Amnicon Falls State Park
is an 825-acre natural park in South Range, Wisconsin.
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The park is popular for its waterfalls, scenic trails, and outdoor activities.
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What is the most iconic feature of the park?
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The park is home to a historic covered bridge, a major highlight for visitors.
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The bridge offers breathtaking views of the Amnicon River, where a series of waterfalls
flow around a small island and under the bridge.
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Due to this natural beauty, the park has been designated an IUCN Category III natural monument.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Amnicon Falls State Park?
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Swimming in the Upper and Lower Falls areas.
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Hiking along scenic trails with views of waterfalls.
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Snowshoeing during the winter months.
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Camping at one of the park’s 36 campsites.
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Where is Amnicon Falls State Park located?
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Address: 4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874
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Phone: 715-398-3000
⮕ Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Kayak sea caves and explore islands on an exciting summer adventure.
© Don/stock.adobe.com
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What is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
is an IUCN Category V protected landscape/seascape located at the
northern tip of Wisconsin.
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It features a stunning Lake Superior shoreline along with diverse natural habitats
and old-growth forests.
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What makes Apostle Islands National Lakeshore unique?
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The park has more historic lighthouses than any other National Park Service area.
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Visitors can explore sandstone sea caves, which are breathtaking natural formations.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
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Hiking through scenic trails.
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Kayaking and exploring the sea caves.
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Boating across the pristine waters of Lake Superior.
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Fishing in the park’s diverse aquatic ecosystems.
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Scuba diving to explore underwater shipwrecks.
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Camping on designated islands.
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Limited hunting in designated areas.
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Where is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore located?
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Address: 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814
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Phone: 715-779-3397
⮕ Aztalan State Park
Discover ancient mounds and learn history on an unusual educational trip.
© Alex Koch/stock.adobe.com
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What is Aztalan State Park?
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Aztalan State Park
is a 172-acre historic park located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
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It was established in 1952 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
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The park was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
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What is unique about Aztalan State Park?
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It preserves the remnants of an ancient Mississippian culture settlement that thrived
between the 10th and 13th centuries.
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Visitors can explore earthwork mounds originally built for political and religious purposes.
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The largest platform mound features steps on its eastern face, which visitors can walk.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Aztalan State Park?
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Exploring the archaeological remains of the Mississippian culture.
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Hiking through scenic trails.
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Picnicking in designated areas.
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Hunting and trapping (in permitted areas).
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Cross-country skiing during the winter months.
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Fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking on the Crawfish River.
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Where is Aztalan State Park located?
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Address: N6200 County Rd Q, Jefferson, WI 53549
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Phone: 920-648-8774
Romantic Wisconsin State Parks
⮕ Blue Mound State Park
Bike scenic trails and enjoy panoramic views on a fun fall outing.
© kelleyandsusan/stock.adobe.com
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What is Blue Mound State Park?
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Blue Mound State Park
is located at the highest point in Southern Wisconsin.
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The park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the area's geological surroundings.
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What features and facilities are available at Blue Mound State Park?
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A large swimming pool for cooling off during the summer.
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Over 20 miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
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Designated off-road biking trails for adventure seekers.
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Multiple camping sites scattered throughout the park.
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A rustic cabin designed for visitors with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all campers.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Blue Mound State Park?
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Hiking along the park's scenic trails.
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Swimming in the park’s large pool.
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Off-road biking for cycling enthusiasts.
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Cross-country skiing during the winter months.
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Camping at one of the designated sites or in the accessible rustic cabin.
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Where is Blue Mound State Park located?
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Address: 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517
⮕ Copper Falls State Park
Hike forest paths and see cascading falls on a romantic nature trip.
© kmm7553/stock.adobe.com
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What is Copper Falls State Park?
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Copper Falls State Park
is one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks, known for its spectacular waterfalls,
deep gorges, and ancient lava flows.
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The park features historic log buildings constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Copper Falls State Park?
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Hiking on trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail.
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Biking through designated park trails.
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Picnicking in scenic areas surrounded by nature.
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Swimming in the refreshingly cool waters.
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Fishing in the park’s flowing streams.
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What makes Copper Falls State Park unique?
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The park is home to majestic waterfalls and deep gorges formed by
ancient lava flows.
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Visitors can admire historic log buildings built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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It offers breathtaking views along the North Country National Scenic Trail.
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Where is Copper Falls State Park located?
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Address: 36664 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546
⮕ Devil's Lake State Park
Climb quartzite bluffs and swim the lake on an exciting summer trip.
© Harri/stock.adobe.com
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What is Devil's Lake State Park?
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Devil's Lake State Park
is the largest and most visited state park in Wisconsin.
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It is the third oldest state park, established in 1911.
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The park is open year-round for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational activities.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Devil's Lake State Park?
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Hiking nearly 30 miles of scenic trails.
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Picnicking along the picturesque lakeshore.
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Swimming at one of the park’s sandy beaches.
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Viewing stunning landscapes from atop 500-foot quartzite bluffs.
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What makes Devil's Lake State Park unique?
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It features a breathtaking 300-acre namesake lake surrounded by towering bluffs.
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The park is rich in history and has been a beloved destination for over a century.
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It provides visitors with year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Where is Devil's Lake State Park located?
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Address: S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
⮕ Governor Dodge State Park
Paddle quiet lakes and hike wooded trails on an affordable getaway.
© wildnerdpix/stock.adobe.com
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What is Governor Dodge State Park?
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Governor Dodge State Park
is one of the largest outdoor spaces in Wisconsin, spanning 5,350 acres.
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The park features deep valleys, shimmering lakes, steep hills, bluffs, and a beautiful waterfall.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Governor Dodge State Park?
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Hiking nearly 40 miles of scenic trails throughout the year.
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Off-road biking on 8 miles of challenging trails.
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Horseback riding on designated trails.
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Camping in one of the park’s scenic sites.
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Picnicking in designated areas surrounded by nature.
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Water activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking on Twin Valley Lake and Cox Hollow.
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What makes Governor Dodge State Park unique?
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The park offers diverse landscapes, including lakes, waterfalls, hills, and bluffs.
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It is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation, with trails open for hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter.
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Visitors can enjoy a variety of trails for cycling, horseback riding, and winter sports.
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Where is Governor Dodge State Park located?
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Address: 4175 State Highway 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533
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Phone: 608-935-2315
Wisconsin State Parks for Kids
⮕ Harrington Beach State Park
Stroll sandy shores and watch waves on a relaxing summer escape.
© Karen/stock.adobe.com
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What is Harrington Beach State Park?
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Harrington Beach State Park
is a 715-acre park featuring wetland ponds, grasslands, hardwood forests, and a limestone quarry lake.
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The park offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Harrington Beach State Park?
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Picnicking at designated areas with scenic views.
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Hiking along 7 miles of trails through diverse landscapes.
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Bird watching in the park’s rich natural habitats.
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Camping at designated sites for a peaceful outdoor experience.
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Fishing in the scenic limestone quarry lake.
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Stargazing at the park’s on-site observatory, which offers public viewings each month.
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Sunbathing and relaxing along the 1 mile of Lake Michigan shoreline.
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What makes Harrington Beach State Park unique?
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The park features a limestone quarry lake surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
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Visitors can see the remains of a 700-foot pier used for shipping limestone in the early 1900s.
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It is one of the best locations in Wisconsin for stargazing thanks to its public observatory.
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Where is Harrington Beach State Park located?
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Address: 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004
⮕ Hartman Creek State Park
Fish peaceful lakes and explore trails on a calm retirement trip.
© madrolly/stock.adobe.com
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What is Hartman Creek State Park?
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Hartman Creek State Park
is a beautiful outdoor recreation area that offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, biking, camping, and swimming.
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The park features 10 miles of scenic trails and 12 miles of off-road biking trails.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Hartman Creek State Park?
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Hiking and horseback riding along 10 miles of trails.
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Off-road biking on 12 miles of designated trails.
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Swimming at the 300-foot sand beach on Hartman Lake.
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Camping at designated campsites within the park.
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Picnicking at the multi-use lawn area with picnic tables and facilities.
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What amenities are available at Hartman Creek State Park?
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A 300-foot sand beach with a designated swimming area.
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A picnic area with picnic tables, changing rooms, restrooms, and drinking water.
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Trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
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Where is Hartman Creek State Park located?
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Address: N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981
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Phone: 715-258-2372
⮕ Heritage Hill State Historical Park
Step into the past and tour historic buildings on a family-friendly trip.
© beachfront/stock.adobe.com
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What is Heritage Hill State Historical Park?
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Heritage Hill State Historical Park
is a 48-acre outdoor green space that serves as a living history museum.
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Established in 1972, the park is governed by the Heritage Hill Foundation.
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What makes Heritage Hill unique?
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The park features an open-air museum with over 30 historical structures.
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Many of the structures are original, endangered historic buildings relocated for preservation.
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Some structures are modern reconstructions to showcase historical architecture.
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What historical structures can visitors see at Heritage Hill?
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Buildings from Fort Howard.
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Log cabins from the fur trade era.
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Public buildings and stores from the late 19th century.
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Where is Heritage Hill State Historical Park located?
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Address: 2640 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301
Best Time to Visit |
Top State Parks |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. |
Devil's Lake State Park – Wisconsin's most popular park, with stunning rock formations and hiking trails. |
Visit early in the season – Enjoy waterfalls and spring blooms before the summer crowds. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for water activities. |
Peninsula State Park – A beautiful Door County park with scenic shorelines and biking trails. |
Reserve campsites early – Popular parks fill up quickly during peak season. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and breathtaking autumn foliage. |
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Enjoy hiking and scenic drives through glacially-formed landscapes. |
Plan a fall color road trip – Wisconsin’s state parks offer some of the best leaf-peeping in the Midwest. |
Winter (December-February) – Snowy landscapes, great for winter sports. |
Governor Dodge State Park – A great spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. |
Dress in layers – Stay warm and enjoy the beauty of Wisconsin's winter wonderland. |
Plan Your Trip
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