Find 4 Bucket-List-Level Views in Wisconsin Without Needing To Be an Expert Hiker

I am a person of two minds. I don't enjoy strenuous hiking (I'm not outdoorsy), but I love scenic views. From distant waterfalls to treetops as far as the eye can see, I adore just gazing out into nature—without journeying for hours and hours to get there. Perhaps that's because I grew up in Wisconsin, a state with abundant natural views. Although there are plenty of challenging hikes for the more adventurous, the state also has many easy trails that lead to thrilling views. These are some of the best bucket list views in Wisconsin for fellow easy trail wanderers like myself.

1. Lion's Den Trail - Grafton

You can't have a list of great views in Wisconsin without at least one mention of Lake Michigan. So we're starting strong with Lion's Den Trail. Located in the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, this loop trail is just over two miles long and can take you to the shores of the lake or simply along the gorge with views of the lake for miles. There are some steeper parts of this hike, but for the most part, it is fairly easy-going. It is partially paved and wheelchair-friendly, but some areas (including the path to the beach) are not accessible.

2. North Country National Scenic Trail and Doughboy's Loop - Mellen

In many ways, Copper Falls State Park reminds me of Colorado. The sight of rocky rivers being flanked by dense trees always has me feeling like I'm not in the Midwest—let alone in Wisconsin. But that's exactly where you'll find the combination of the North Country National Scenic Trail and Doughboy's Loop. The loop is 1.7 miles long with some stairs, but you get spectacular views of the forest, river, and multiple waterfalls. You can see Brownstone Falls and Copper Falls. Save your energy to reach the Brownstone Falls viewpoint, which offers a more bird's-eye view of the falls.

3. Ice Age Trail: Monches - Hartland

I can already imagine folks saying the views along the Ice Age Trail, Monches section, aren't bucket-list quality. Hear me out. I grew up exploring portions of the Ice Age Trail, and it is such a magnificent piece of history. It may not be a bucket-list view in the same sense, though it is a trail worth exploring at least once. The whole Ice Age Trail is over 1,000 miles long and is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails. Trail areas showcase the land's ancient history, with features carved by glaciers. At just over 3.5 miles, the point-to-point trail takes you through forest and along the Oconomowoc River.

4. Big Manitou Falls and Manitou Falls Trail - Superior

The Big Manitou Falls and Manitou Falls Trail loop is another stunner, with waterfall views and scenic sights along the Black River. The four-mile trail is located in Pattison State Park up in the tippy top of Wisconsin's border. Lookouts along this trail are breathtaking, offering views into the wilds of upper Wisconsin.

Next time you're looking for a Badger State adventure without too much effort, you'll want to keep these four spots in mind.