1. Amnicon Falls State Park - 20-minute drive from Duluth, MN
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Location:
South Range, WIHighlights:
If you’re after waterfalls, forested trails, and a picturesque covered bridge, Amnicon Falls is a must-visit. It’s the kind of peaceful natural spot you’d recommend to a friend who just needs to breathe and recharge.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, weekend campers, photographers, and families looking for easy waterfall hikes and river fun.What I Love: ♥
Iconic covered bridge, swimmable waterfalls, snowshoe trails, and a cozy campground tucked among tall trees.- Explore the 825-acre park featuring a historic covered bridge over the Amnicon River and cascading falls surrounding a scenic island.
- Swim in designated areas near the Upper and Lower Falls—ideal on hot summer days.
- Hike peaceful wooded trails with multiple waterfall viewpoints and gentle elevation changes.
- Camp at one of 36 rustic sites, available seasonally for tents and trailers.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; annual and multi-day passes availableDistance from Duluth, MN:
Just a 20-minute drive southeast of Duluth—super convenient for a quick nature escape.How to Get to Amnicon Falls State Park:
From Duluth, take US-2 East for about 15 miles, then turn right onto County Road U. The park entrance is clearly marked and about 2 miles down the road.Address:
Amnicon Falls State Park, 4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874Phone: 715-398-3000
2. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Duluth, MN
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Location:
Bayfield, WIHighlights:
If your soul craves fresh air, vast waters, and a touch of maritime mystery, the Apostle Islands are calling. This is the kind of place you’d rave about to friends who love wild beauty and quiet adventures.Recommended For:
Kayakers, lighthouse enthusiasts, nature photographers, and outdoor lovers seeking off-the-grid island experiences.What I Love: ♥
Rugged sandstone sea caves, historic lighthouses, remote island campsites, and the sheer scale of Lake Superior’s beauty.- Explore sandstone sea caves by kayak or on foot (weather permitting), a highlight unique to this park.
- Tour the largest collection of historic lighthouses in any U.S. National Park area.
- Camp on designated islands with minimal crowds and maximum starry skies.
- Dive into shipwrecks and clear waters that make this one of the most exciting scuba spots in the Midwest.
Cost:
Park entry is free; boat tours and camping permits may carry additional fees.Distance from Duluth, MN:
Roughly a 1 hour and 30-minute scenic drive along the Lake Superior shoreline.How to Get to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore:
From Duluth, head east on US-2, then north on State Highway 13 to Bayfield. The visitor center is located at 415 Washington Ave, with boat tours and kayak outfitters nearby.Address:
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814Phone: 715-779-3397
3. Aztalan State Park - 45-minute drive from Madison
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Location:
Jefferson, WIHighlights:
Got a curious friend who loves ancient mysteries and peaceful riverside walks? Aztalan is the kind of fascinating, quiet park you’d casually recommend over coffee—and then talk about for hours afterward.Recommended For:
History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, hikers, paddlers, and those seeking a serene, educational day trip.What I Love: ♥
Ancient platform mounds, riverside trails, rich Indigenous history, and the feeling of stepping back in time.- Discover a National Historic Landmark preserving a Mississippian settlement that thrived over 1,000 years ago.
- Walk among preserved earthwork mounds and climb the eastern-facing steps of the largest platform mound.
- Paddle the gentle Crawfish River or cast a line for a peaceful afternoon of fishing.
- Hike, ski, and picnic through 172 acres of historic and scenic landscape across all seasons.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; annual and seasonal passes available.Distance from Madison, WI:
About a 45-minute drive east—perfect for a half-day or full-day outing.How to Get to Aztalan State Park:
From Madison, take I-94 East to Exit 267 (WI-26 South). Turn left onto County Road B, then right onto County Road Q to reach the park entrance.Address:
Aztalan State Park, N6200 County Rd Q, Jefferson, WI 53549Phone: 920-648-8774
Romantic Wisconsin State Parks
4. Blue Mound State Park - 35-minute drive from Madison, WI
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Location:
Blue Mounds, WIHighlights:
Need a breath of fresh air and a view that stretches for miles? Blue Mound is your go-to for a quick, high-elevation escape that feels worlds away—yet it’s just around the corner.Recommended For:
Hikers, mountain bikers, campers, swimmers, winter adventurers, and anyone chasing big views in southern Wisconsin.What I Love: ♥
The highest point in southern Wisconsin, 20+ miles of scenic trails, panoramic observation towers, and a summertime pool for cooling off.- Hike or bike over 20 miles of trails with lush forest paths and rocky outcrops.
- Swim in the park’s large summer pool surrounded by shaded picnic areas.
- Camp at one of the rustic or family-friendly sites, including an accessible cabin for guests with disabilities.
- Ski in winter or enjoy off-road biking in warmer seasons—adventure lives here year-round.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; seasonal and annual passes also available.Distance from Madison, WI:
Only a 35-minute drive west of downtown—easy to reach for a day hike or weekend stay.How to Get to Blue Mound State Park:
From Madison, take US-18/151 West to County Road ID. Follow signs into Blue Mounds and turn onto Mounds Park Road to reach the park entrance.Address:
Blue Mound State Park, 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 535175. Copper Falls State Park
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Location:
Mellen, WIHighlights:
If you’re craving a dramatic landscape with roaring waterfalls and rugged terrain, Copper Falls is your spot. It’s the kind of park you’d whisper about to a nature-loving friend, like a secret worth sharing.Recommended For:
Waterfall chasers, geology buffs, hikers, history lovers, and fans of breathtaking wilderness trails.What I Love: ♥
Towering waterfalls carved by lava flows, historic CCC log buildings, and awe-inspiring overlooks along one of America’s longest scenic trails.- Hike the North Country National Scenic Trail and other paths winding through deep gorges and waterfall views.
- Bike through forested trails designed for nature-loving riders.
- Swim or fish in the cool waters that weave through the park’s ancient landscape.
- Picnic near waterfalls framed by trees and old-growth charm.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; seasonal and annual passes also available.Distance from Duluth, MN:
About a 1 hour and 30-minute drive southeast—perfect for a scenic day trip or overnight stay.How to Get to Copper Falls State Park:
From Duluth, take US-2 East, then head south on WI-13. Continue to Mellen, then follow signs onto Copper Falls Road to the park entrance.Address:
Copper Falls State Park, 36664 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 545466. Devil's Lake State Park
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Location:
Baraboo, WIHighlights:
If you’ve got just one Wisconsin state park to recommend, make it Devil’s Lake. It’s that unforgettable mix of adventure, scenery, and lakeside calm you can’t stop thinking about.Recommended For:
Hikers, swimmers, families, landscape photographers, history lovers, and anyone craving dramatic vistas with easy access.What I Love: ♥
Towering quartzite bluffs, a clear 300-acre lake, sandy beaches, and nearly 30 miles of stunning hiking trails all wrapped in rich Wisconsin history.- Hike up 500-foot bluffs and along nearly 30 miles of scenic trails through forests, rock formations, and sweeping lake views.
- Swim or relax at the park’s sandy beaches lining the lake’s shore—perfect for summer days.
- Picnic in lakeside areas with panoramic backdrops and easy access to trails and parking.
- Visit year-round to enjoy winter hikes, fall colors, spring birdwatching, and summer water fun.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; seasonal and annual passes are available.Distance from Madison, WI:
Just under a 1-hour drive—expect about 50 minutes from downtown Madison to the park gates.How to Get to Devil's Lake State Park:
From Madison, take US-12 West toward Baraboo. Turn left on WI-159, then follow signs onto Park Road directly into the main entrance.Address:
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 539137. Governor Dodge State Park
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Location:
Dodgeville, WIHighlights:
Got a weekend free and want to disappear into the hills, lakes, and trails? Governor Dodge is that hidden gem you recommend when a friend asks, “Where can I find it all—waterfalls, woods, and wide-open space?”Recommended For:
Hikers, campers, horseback riders, winter explorers, and anyone craving big views and fresh air across all four seasons.What I Love: ♥
Expansive valleys, two sparkling lakes, 40 miles of trails, and a surprise waterfall deep in the woods—plus year-round adventure options from paddling to skiing.- Hike nearly 40 miles of scenic trails across rolling hills, forested ridges, and bluffside overlooks.
- Bike or ride 8 miles of off-road cycling trails or explore on horseback via designated equestrian paths.
- Paddle, swim, or fish in Cox Hollow or Twin Valley Lake—both ideal for a day on or by the water.
- Camp under the stars at one of the park’s family-friendly, wooded campsites open year-round.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; annual and seasonal passes also available.Distance from Madison, WI:
Around a 1-hour drive west of Madison—just enough time to get excited and not too far to turn back.How to Get to Governor Dodge State Park:
From Madison, take US-18/151 West toward Dodgeville. Exit onto WI-23 North and follow signs directly to the park entrance on State Highway 23.Address:
Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 State Highway 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533Phone: 608-935-2315
Wisconsin State Parks for Kids
8. Harrington Beach State Park
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Location:
Belgium, WIHighlights:
Need a quiet beach day, a sunset hike, or a peek at the stars? Harrington Beach is the kind of lakeside escape you suggest when someone wants nature without the crowds—just beauty, peace, and sky.Recommended For:
Beachgoers, birders, casual hikers, campers, stargazers, and anyone who loves coastal scenery without the chaos.What I Love: ♥
One mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, peaceful quarry lake fishing, a public observatory, and hiking through forests, wetlands, and grasslands.- Relax on a quiet stretch of beach, perfect for sunbathing and shore walks along Lake Michigan.
- Hike 7 miles of trails winding through hardwood forests, wetlands, and prairie.
- Fish or paddle in the scenic quarry lake, a peaceful remnant of the park’s limestone past.
- Gaze at the stars through telescopes at the on-site observatory—open for monthly public programs.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; seasonal and annual passes also available.Distance from Milwaukee, WI:
About a 45-minute drive north along the lakeshore—close enough for spontaneous beach days or stargazing nights.How to Get to Harrington Beach State Park:
From Milwaukee, take I-43 North to Exit 107 (County Highway D). Head east on Co Rd D for about 1.5 miles—entrance will be on your right.Address:
Harrington Beach State Park, 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 530049. Hartman Creek State Park
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Location:
Waupaca, WIHighlights:
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of central Wisconsin, Hartman Creek State Park is a hidden gem we’d gladly recommend. It’s the kind of place where you can swap screens for trails, and let nature set the pace.Recommended For:
Families, campers, trail seekers, cyclists, and anyone needing a peaceful nature escape.What I Love: ♥
10 miles of hiking trails, a 300-foot sand beach, and off-road biking through pine forests.- Hike and ride through miles of wooded trails—10 miles for hiking and horseback riding, and 12 for off-road biking.
- Swim at the spacious sand beach with clear waters at Hartman Lake.
- Camp under the stars at designated campgrounds inside the park.
- Picnic at the multi-use lawn area with tables, restrooms, changing rooms, and drinking water.
Cost:
$10 per vehicle for a 1-day pass; annual and multi-day passes availableDistance from Madison:
Expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.How to Get to Hartman Creek State Park:
From Madison, take US-151 N to WI-22 N in Columbia County. Continue on WI-22 N and merge onto US-10 E toward Waupaca. Follow signs to Hartman Creek Road.Address:
N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981Phone: 715-258-2372
10. Heritage Hill State Historical Park
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Location:
Green Bay, WIHighlights:
Looking for an outdoor museum that brings Wisconsin’s history to life? Heritage Hill is one of those rare places where the past feels present—perfect for a family day trip or immersive history lesson.Recommended For:
History lovers, families, educators, and anyone curious about early Wisconsin life.What I Love: ♥
Over 30 historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on educational programs in a lush park setting.- Explore 48 acres of green space with over 30 historical buildings, including original and reconstructed structures from Fort Howard and the fur trade era.
- Step back into the 19th century with log cabins, public buildings, stores, and more.
- Engage with costumed interpreters and interactive programs that make history fun and accessible for all ages.
Cost:
General admission varies by season and event; check the website for current rates.Distance from Milwaukee:
Expect the drive to take about 2 hours.How to Get to Heritage Hill:
From Milwaukee, take I-43 N toward Green Bay. Take Exit 180 to Webster Ave, then turn right and follow the signs to Heritage Hill State Historical Park.Address:
2640 S Webster Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301Plan Your Trip