As a state full of forests and parks, Wisconsin has a lot to offer the person looking for an amazing place to be surrounded by nature. But we cannot understate the beauty of Peninsula State Park. Located in Door County, Peninsula State Park occupies just under 4,000 acres. It's the third largest state park, but with 1 million visitors a year, it is among the most popular as well.
Once you get here, it's easy to see why. There are plenty of places to bike, hike, and even walk along the beach (yep, we have those here). It's especially beautiful at Peninsula State Park in the fall, but it can be breathtaking in winter as well. Unique geologic features add to the charm of this state park.
Here are some awesome photos that highlight just how great Peninsula State Park is:
1. Everywhere you look, stunning beauty surrounds you.
2. The views of the lake offered by this park are phenomenal.
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3. It's an awesome place to take a bike ride.
4. There's nothing like a sunset in Door County.
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5. Doesn't it look like a postcard in this shot?
6. Don't forget to look down once in a while. There's magic everywhere.
7. Wow, isn't it breathtaking in fall?
8. The trees feel so tall.
9. This is a phenomenal shot of a young pine tree trying to grow.
10. It's hard to say goodbye. But with over 400 campsites, you can definitely stay awhile.
This park is incredible, isn't it? What's your favorite part of the park? Let us know in the comments.
Tucked away in the beautiful Chain O' Lakes in Wisconsin is a cute, remote little state park that definitely doesn't get the attention it deserves. Of course, this isn't necessarily a bad thing; instead of a crowded, bustling place, this particular out-of-the-way little gem is primarily a quiet, calm slice of paradise unlike any other in the state (or the nation). Often overlooked for much more famous state parks in the United States, Hartman Creek State Park is much-beloved among the locals for reasons that become increasingly obvious the more you explore. Check out one of the most amazing state parks in Wisconsin, and plan your escape ASAP!
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Fun fact: there are 66 incredible state parks in Wisconsin.
This is pretty amazing, considering that states with much higher annual visitor numbers - like Arizona - tend to have significantly fewer than this. Wisconsin is, then, an obvious outdoorsman's dream.
Hartman Creek State Park is nestled in central Wisconsin along the creek it's named for.
There are plenty of fun things to do while you're here.
Lovers of the water will enjoy the classics - everything from kayaking to canoeing and paddling and everything in between. Camping, biking, and hiking are also very popular.
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Swimming is, of course, another popular option. The water is always so pristinely perfect.
The park is open year-round, though you probably won't want to swim year-round for obvious reasons.
But even when it's cold outside in the dead of winter, it's still worth a visit.
Popular cold-weather activities at Hartman Creek State Park include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snowmobiling!
In the fall, the entire park comes alight with brilliant, fiery color that you can't afford to miss.
It's easily one of the most photogenic places in Wisconsin no matter what time of year you show up, but autumn will always have a special place in our hearts... especially here.
Enjoy sunset - or sunrise - over the lake, roast some s'mores at night, and craft yourself the perfect campfire.
This is one awesome little piece of heaven you'll want to revisit again and again.
If you'd like to stay a while, we don't blame you; choose from any of the 103 sites at the family campground available, or check out one of the five wonderful group camping sites. Campgrounds are closed from December 1 until April 1, so please plan accordingly (Hartman Creek State Parkis still open to visitors during these months). The park is open every day from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. A vehicle admission sticker must be purchased and can be purchased for just one day or as annual passes.
What are your all-time favorite state parks in Wisconsin? Have you ever heard of this out-of-the-way delight? Let us know! And whenever you head out to one of our wonderful Wisconsin state parks, be sure to bring AllTrails Plus along with you, so you'll have easy navigation right at your fingertips.
What’s a million dollar view worth? How about two million dollar views? In one Wisconsin state park, you get two breathtaking vistas for free. Blue Mound State Park is a scenic Wisconsin park with a pair of observation towers that offer the perfect excuse to climb a few stairs. The vistas are beautiful, and the step climbing workout is also free! Here’s what you need to know about the lookout towers at Blue Mound State Park.
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Blue Mound State Park is a gorgeous park in a very hilly area of Southwest Wisconsin. It’s an easy excursion from places like Madison and Platteville.
The heavily wooded park is named after prominent mounds that rise above the surrounding landscape - it’s home to the highest point in southern Wisconsin.
The park is laced with scenic hiking trails, and it draws a lot of campers.
There’s also a swimming pool and splash pad, rare amenities at a state park.
While you have to pay a small fee to use the pool, there are two other attractions that won’t cost you a cent: the park’s observation towers.
The park’s East Tower and West Tower are similar observation towers that are only about a half-mile apart.
There are parking lots near the towers, or you can enjoy a hike that includes visits to both.
The views from each tower are incredible.
You can see for miles, and it’s a beautiful view in any season - to take in summer foliage, fall colors or frosted winter scenes.
Blue Mound is one of my favorite scenic Wisconsin parks. When I visit, I have to climb at least one of the towers! Learn more about Blue Mound State Park on the park’s website. If you’re planning a summer adventure to Wisconsin’s state parks, here are some hand-picked products that will make trip into the woods trip even better, and AllTrails Plus will help you find your way back out.