Posted in Wisconsin Nature March 19, 2022 by

10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Wisconsin

There’s no denying that hiking is one of the most fulfilling activities you can do. You become immersed in nature and discover worlds you never knew existed. However, a lot of people don’t hike because they consider it to be intimidating. Specifically, they feel like they aren’t in good enough shape to start. No matter what your fitness level or body type is, you can start hiking. Here are 10 easy hikes to get you hooked on hiking. They’re also some of the best hikes in Wisconsin.

1. Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Ryan Affleraugh/Flickr
Many people visit this state park each year due to its amazing rock formations and gorgeous large lake. If you plan to visit, make sure to hike the Devil's Doorway Trail, which is half a mile, and the Grottos Trail, which is .7 miles.
2. Madeline Island
Madeline Island, Wisconsin, USA
uwwees/Flickr
Known for kayaking, the striking Apostle Islands can also be explored on foot. Big Bay State Park is a wonderful place to explore. The Boardwalk Trail is just one mile.
3. Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
Jim Bauer/Flickr
Get a great view of Green Bay from the scenic overlooks at this state park. The Lone Pine Trail is just half a mile, and you go up a bluff and through a forested area. The Vita Course Trail is one mile and is relatively flat.
4. Rib Mountain State Park
4200 Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, USA
flickr/Al
This state park is located on top of a hill that is a billion years old. Yes, you read that right. There are also nearly 12 miles of hiking trails. But walk as far or as short as you want.
5. Perrot State Park
Perrot State Park, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
Aaron Carlson/Flickr
This state park has 500-foot bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Take the Brady's Bluff Trail, which is only .7 miles but gives you this stunning view pictured here. This bluff raises over 400 miles above the river.
6. Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
Steep hills, bluffs, and deep valleys define this state park. Take Cave Trail (1 mile) to go by Thomas' Cave, a large cave. The .5-mile Gold Mine Trail goes through both forest and prairie.
7. Mirror Lake State Park
E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Corey Taratuta/Flickr
This lake is so named because it's crystal clear. There are also a couple of short trails here. The Ringling Pass is just .3 miles, the Nature Trail is .7 miles, and the Kilbourn Trail is .8 miles.
8. High Cliff State Park
n7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169, USA
Royal Broil/Flickr
This state park contains a large rock escarpment that goes from here all the way to New York's Niagara Falls. The Indian Mound Trail is .6 miles and goes through Indian burial mounds. The Lime Kiln Trail is less than one mile and goes by lime kiln ruins.
9. Horicon Marsh
Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USA
chumlee/Flickr
These trails take you through the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. It's also home to 300 species of birds. The Indermuehle Island Loop is only .8 miles.
10. Kohler-Andrae State Park
Kohler-Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
charlie vinz/Flickr
While here you'll enjoy some of the only sand dunes in Wisconsin. Short trails include the Black River Marsh Boardwalk (.25 miles). You can also hike the Creeping Juniper Nature Trail, a .5-mile trail going around the nature center.

Looking for more of the best hikes in Wisconsin? Check out these trails!

Address: Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Address: Madeline Island, Wisconsin, USA
Address: Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
Address: Perrot State Park, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
Address: Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
Address: E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Address: n7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169, USA
Address: Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USA
Address: Kohler-Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
Address: 4200 Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in wisconsin

March 24, 2022
Jennifer Young

What three kid-friendly trails in Wisconsin are also some of the easiest to hike?

Wisconsin boasts numerous trails of all difficulty levels. In fact, some are easy enough for kids to hike. Listed below are three of the best kid-friendly trails around Wisconsin. These easy hikes in Wisconsin also belong on your bucket list.

1. Lion’s Den Trail

Wisconsin’s scenic Lion’s Den Trail is located within Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve near Grafton. This 2.1-mile loop trail is mostly used for hiking, running, and walking, and it’s best used from April through October.

2. Cave Point Lakeside Trail

Located in Cave Point County Park is Wisconsin’s Cave Point Lakeside Trail. This 1.6-mile, out-and-back trail is popular for hiking and walking during warmer months, and snowshoeing during the cold, winter months.

3. Maribel Caves Trail

Wisconsin’s Maribel Caves Trail is located in Cherney Maribel Caves County Park. It’s a 3.3-mile loop trail that’s primarily used for hiking, running, and fishing. You’ll likely see a variety of wildlife while exploring this trail.

What’s one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin that’s perfect for including on a family day trip?

Nothing beats a family day trip, especially when it comes to exploring the outdoors together. Wisconsin has many trails that are great for including on a family day trip. One in particular is the Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail, which is located in Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo. This 4.8-mile loop trail has a moderate level of difficulty and is great for exploring from July through November. If you’re currently planning a day trip to the Baraboo area and enjoy hiking, don’t forget to add this scenic trail to your itinerary.

Address: Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Address: Madeline Island, Wisconsin, USA
Address: Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
Address: Perrot State Park, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
Address: Governor Dodge State Park, 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
Address: E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Address: n7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood, WI 54169, USA
Address: Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USA
Address: Kohler-Andrae State Park, 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
Address: 4200 Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401, USA