The 5 Best Outdoorsy Towns To Explore in Wisconsin

It’s one of my firm beliefs that Wisconsin is one of the most underrated places in the country. These five outdoorsy towns in Wisconsin stand to support my point. Growing up just south of the Wisconsin border, a trip to America's Dairyland was always a treat. These outdoor destinations in Wisconsin offer unbeatable lake access, great hiking, ski trails, cycling routes, rock climbing, and more. 

1. Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Located within the famous Door County Peninsula, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is the gateway to outdoor recreation in the area. A must-do when visiting the area is exploring the Cave Point County Park. The park is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs. In the winter, you may find massive icicles dangling from them (it makes for a great photo). One of my favorite memories is riding my first e-bike through the park and stopping at all the viewpoints overlooking Lake Michigan. The park has a rocky beach that is perfect for launching your kayak. 

Additionally, you can hike a small part of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail at Potawatomi State Park. Or, enjoy a beach day at Whitefish Dunes State Park. You’ll find opportunities for boating and fishing scattered throughout the Sturgeon Bay area. There are seemingly endless opportunities to get on the water, hike, or bike in the Sturgeon Bay community.

2. Delavan Lake, Wisconsin

Delavan Lake, Wisconsin, is often overlooked in favor of its neighbor, Lake Geneva. However, this tiny town offers so much in lakeside recreation. The 2,000-acre lake offers opportunities for boating, swimming, paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing. My friends and I rented a waterfront cabin here for my camp-themed bachelorette party, and it couldn’t have fit the theme better. This small town is perfect for those looking to spend their getaway getting outside on a quiet lake, without the noise of a larger tourist town. 

3. Merrimac, Wisconsin

I’ve spent years of my life going up to Merrimac, Wisconsin, to visit Devil’s Head Resort. This tiny nature town in Wisconsin offers access to some of the best skiing in the Midwest. With 300 acres of terrain, Devil’s Head Resort is the third-largest ski resort in the region. In warmer months, visitors can get outside and enjoy a round of golf at either the resort’s Prairie Glen Golf Course or the Glacier Golf Course. Further, Merrimac is just a short drive to Devil’s Lake State Park, where one can find countless hiking and cycling trails as well as opportunities for trad climbing, top roping, and bouldering. Plus, Merrimac sits on the shores of Lake Wisconsin, where visitors can boat, fish, and swim.

4. Wilmot, Wisconsin

Less than 90-minutes from Chicago, Wilmot, Wisconsin, is a staple day trip for many city-dwellers. Wilmot is home to Wilmot Mountain, where one can enjoy more than 20 ski routes. For those who prefer to keep their feet out of ski boots, Wilmot Mountain offers winter snowtubing. In the summer, visitors to Wilmot can enjoy a 3-mile float down the Fox River on an innertube.

5. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Dells are known for their big hotels with massive waterparks. Yet, if you look closer, this region has been providing outdoor recreation for visitors for decades. Ever since I was a kid, a trip to the Wisconsin Dells meant a ride on a Wisconsin Duck. These old military vehicles-turned-tourist attractions take visitors from land to water. Enjoy a float down the Wisconsin River in one of these cool vehicles.

Additionally, a hike through a fern-filled slot canyon called Witches Gulch is a must. I always find a kayak or canoe ride a great way to experience the beauty of the Wisconsin Dells’ riverfront. In such a heavily forested area, you’re never too far from walking and cycling trails to explore. 

Each of these five outdoorsy towns in Wisconsin brings something special to the table. You can return to every one of these adventure towns in Wisconsin time and time again and never be bored. Between opportunities for skiing, rock climbing, boating, and so much more, we encourage you to get outside and connect with these communities. Start planning your next Wisconsin adventure today.