Have you ever visited a place and thought it seemed like something magical, enchanted, and straight out of a fairy tale? There are a lot of places in Wisconsin that are incredibly awe-inspiring, and many of them are off of the beaten path. Here are 13 of our favorite little-known gems, tucked-away places, and hidden parks in Wisconsin.

1. Wind Point
Wind Point, WI 53402, USA
James Jordan/Flickr
Wind Point is a village in Racine that was clearly incorporated during the mid-1950s. Quaint, the houses are built around the historic Wind Point Lighthouse. You will love how it looks during sunset and into the evening. Learn more about what makes Wind Point one of the best beach towns near Milwaukee.
2. Eau Claire Sunflower Strip
Eau Claire, WI, USA
Jereme Rauckman/Flickr
Along Highway 85 in Eau Claire, a strip is absolutely covered in sunflowers. They were planted in memory of a woman who lost her battle with cancer. The sunflowers were harvested and sold with proceeds going to help cancer victims and their families deal with mounting medical costs. Learn more about this lovely sunflower field in Wisconsin.
3. Chain O'Lakes
Chain O' Lakes-King, WI 54981, USA
wplynn/Flickr
Is there anything more enchanting than the Wisconsin Northwoods? You could film a fairy tale up there. The Chain O'Lakes is a series of 22 lakes, each one more gorgeous than the last. Learn more about this magical Wisconsin destination.
4. Lake Wingra
Lake Wingra, Madison, WI, USA
Richard Hurd/Flickr
Lake Wingra isn't the biggest or most popular lake, but this is an absolutely gorgeous lake to get out on or observe from the shore. Vilas Park offers a beautiful vantage point. Plus, Lake Wingra is considered the best kayaking lake in Wisconsin.
5. Kissick Alkaline Bog Lake State Natural Area
Kissick Alkaline Bog Lake State Natural Area, W County Hill Rd, Hayward, WI 54843, USA
Aaron Carlson/Flickr
Boy, the name doesn't make this place sound very enticing, but it's actually gorgeous countryside. It is a 10-acre wilderness lake accompanied by a northern wet forest. Bald eagles are known to frequent this place. This might just become one of your favorite hidden parks in Wisconsin! For more information, you can visit the official Kissick Alkaline Bog Lake State Natural Area website.
6. Cranberry Bogs
wplynn/Flickr
Cranberries might seem pretty basic in the grocery store, but have you ever seen them floating in a bog like this? The color and scene are absolutely amazing. Here's more on how you can plan a visit to one of Wisconsin's incredible cranberry bogs.

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7. Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area
Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area, Long Ln, Stockholm, WI 54769, USA
Aaron Carlson/Flickr
When it comes to hidden parks in Wisconsin, it doesn't get much better than the Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area. Stockholm, Wisconsin has some breathtaking views of the mighty Mississippi River off of the tall limestone cliffs. Without a doubt, this is one of the best scenic overlooks in Wisconsin.
8. Apostle Island Sea Caves
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, USA
Sweet Alize/Flickr
During the winter, you can actually walk through these sea caves at the Apostle Islands. They are so magnificent that they do not seem to even be from this world. There's a reason the Apostle Islands are considered one of the most incredible natural wonders in Wisconsin.
9. Big Manitou Falls
Big Manitou Falls, Superior, WI 54880, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Big Manitou Falls are the most famous Wisconsin falls, but still, many people never get out here to visit. Head up to Superior to see these falls drop 165 feet. In fact, Manitou Falls is the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin.
10. Bois Brule River
Bois Brule River, Wisconsin, USA
Aaron Carlson/Flickr
The Brule River and the forest that surrounds it are truly hidden gems in Wisconsin. The river is amazing, with two distinct parts: a calmer part that crosses through coniferous bogs and a wilder part with cascades. While you're in the area, you can even explore some of the North Country Trail.
11. Blue Mounds
Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA
Amit Mittal/Flickr
Blue Mounds is a magical place, featuring caves and great views of treetops. Can anything look more enchanted than this view from Blue Mound State Park?
12. Holy Hill
Holy Hill, Erin, WI 53033, USA
Jim Bauer/Flickr
Holy Hill in Erin, Wisconsin is deeply spiritual. But there is something about this church set up on the hill and among the trees that gives it an almost magical feel. Learn more about this little-known destination in Wisconsin.
13. Ellison Bay
Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USA
Richie Diesterheft/Flickr
Ellison Bay has some of the nicest, most secluded beaches in Wisconsin. The water is super clear and so shallow that you can walk a good distance off of the shore. While you're there, don't forget to check out Ellison Bluff State Natural Area — one of the best hidden parks in Wisconsin!

Do you agree that these are some of the most magical beaches, little-known trails, and hidden parks in Wisconsin? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

hidden parks in Wisconsin

Beth C. | August 25, 2021

Does Wisconsin have any hidden gems?

Perhaps we're a bit biased, but we believe Wisconsin to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Aside from having some truly awe-inspiring and famous attractions, Wisconsin is also home to a collection of relatively little-known spots. If you're a local, you might not necessarily call these places "hidden gems," but you'd be surprised by how many people have never ventured to the following places: Horicon Marsh, Door County, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Big Manitou Falls, Pewit's Nest, Stavkirke Church on Washington Island, Cave Point County Park, Wyalusing State Park, the Driftless Region, Devil's Lake State Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Amnicon Falls. Have you experienced any of these hidden gem destinations in Wisconsin?

What are some lesser-known state parks in Wisconsin?

We're so glad you asked! For some of the best hidden parks in Wisconsin, look no further than Tower Hill State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, Lake Wissota State Park, Hartman Creek State Park, Roche-A-Cri State Park, New Glarus Woods State Park, Buckhorn State Park, Merrick State Park, Kinnickinnic State Park, Mill Bluff State Park, and Nelson Dewey State Park. Learn more about these relatively underrated state parks in Wisconsin.

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