We’re lucky here in Wisconsin to have so much land set aside for public use. City, county, and state parks offer a chance to get out and explore our wonderful home. But some of the most underrated and underappreciated spaces all across the state are nature preserves. That’s right; in addition to the tons of city, county, and state parks to visit in Wisconsin, there are lots nature preserves, too. These wonderful spots make sure that endangered lands are protected. Many of them have nature centers, staff, and a long list of events that allow you to explore their gorgeous locations and get up close and personal with the animals and plants that fill them. You’ll also learn a bit along the way, too. Easily among the top things to do outside in Wisconsin, these spots are hidden gems that have places for hiking, exploring, and so much more.

1. Treehaven - Tomahawk
W2540 Pickerel Creek Rd, Tomahawk, WI 54487, USA
Facebook/UWSPTreehaven
This gorgeous spot started as a privately owned sustainable forest when the original owners planted 140,000 trees. That was more than 50 years ago and now Treehaven is part of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, which is home to the country's largest undergraduate natural resources program. It's a living classroom that rests on an ancient glacial ridge, which overlooks 1,400 acres of forests and wetlands that are home to a variety of animals. It's one of the best natural resource classrooms in the country and it's open to the public. Located at W2540 Pickerel Creek Rd., Tomahawk WI 54487. For more info, click here.
2. Heckrodt Wetland Reserve - Menasha
1305 Plank Rd, Menasha, WI 54952, USA
Facebook/HeckrodtWetland
This 76-acre nature reserve has a wide variety of habitats, including forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, open field, and upland forest. Those various areas are home to a huge array of animals. The trails are open 365 days a year and the nature center is home to a ton of programs and more knowledge than you could ever hope to take in. There's no admission and so much to discover here. Located at 1305 Plank Rd., Menasha, WI 54952. For more info, click here.
3. Kickapoo Valley Reserve - LaFarge
3661 WI-131, La Farge, WI 54639, USA
Facebook/KickapooValleyReserve
These folks have 8,600 acres set aside in the stunning Driftless Region. The reserve offers a variety of recreation: fishing, hunting, horseback riding, biking, hiking trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, and canoeing. Located at S3661 WI-131, La Farge, WI 54639. For more info, click here.
4. Beaver Creek Reserve - Fall Creek
S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek, WI 54742, USA
Facebook/BeaverCreekReserve
There are 400 acres with nine miles of hiking trails to explore here. Upland woods, river bottom forests, wetlands, and savannah areas are all here and it's bordered by the Eau Claire River. Located at S1 County Road K, Fall Creek, WI 54742. For more info, click here.
5. Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preserve - East Troy
N8740 Pickeral Lake Rd, East Troy, WI 53120, USA
Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preserve
In 200 acres you'll find a ton of wildlife, as well as oak woodland, oak savanna, wetlands, and agricultural lands to be restored to native prairie. Located at N8740 Pickeral Lake Rd., East Troy WI 53120. For more info, click here.

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6. Aldo Leopold Foundation - Baraboo
E13701 Levee Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Facebook/AldoLeopoldFoundation
Aldo Leopold was considered to be the father of wildlife ecology, and this area was created by his children. There's a visitors center and you can visit his shack, but the lands are also part of the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area, which is 16,000 acres that straddle the Wisconsin River. Located at E13701 Levee Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913. For more info, click here.
7. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve - Grafton
511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024, USA
Co.Ozaukee.WI.US
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline, you'll find bluffs up to 100 feet tall. It's also adjacent to a wetland preserve. This park offers tremendous views over 73 acres. You can use bridges and boardwalks to explore or you can take the stairs down to the Lake Michigan shore. Located at 511 High Bluff Dr., Grafton, WI 53024. For more info, click here.
8. Bubolz Nature Preserve - Appleton
4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, USA
Facebook/BubolzNatureCenter
This spot has a new state-of-the-art building that allows them to welcome groups of all sizes and a calendar so packed with events you won't be able to choose which ones you'll want to attend. There are miles of trails to explore in all seasons. Located at 4815 N Lynndale Dr., Appleton, WI 54913. For more info, click here.
9. Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve - Two Rivers
3000 Hawthorne Ave, Two Rivers, WI 54241, USA
Facebook/WoodlandDunes
These folks have more than 1,500 acres of hardwood and conifer forests, wetlands, and prairies located between Two Rivers and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. You can launch your kayak for the Manitowoc Water Trail, attend numerous events, and trek along miles of hiking trails. Portions of this preserve are considered globally significant by the Department of Natural Resources. The preserve, much of which is on ancient beach dunes and wet swales, provides a haven for wildlife and people. Located at 3000 Hawthorne Ave., Two Rivers, WI 54241. For more info, click here.
10. Mequon Nature Preserve - Mequon
8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon, WI 53097, USA
Facebook/MequonNaturePreserve
This preserve has reclaimed former farmland and is reconstructing native Wisconsin habitats. There are 444 acres and six miles of trails, plus an amazing education center and an observation tower. Incredibly close to Milwaukee, this is a great place for field trips and family outings to learn more about and appreciate nature. Located at 8200 W County Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53097. For more info, click here.
11. Crossroads at Big Creek - Sturgeon Bay
2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA
Facebook/CrossroadsatBigCreek
There are 200 acres here that cover a few different types of land. There are actually three different preserves here. There's an astronomy center, science laboratory, library, the Leif Everson Observatory, and so much more. This spot is a must-visit if you're in Door County. Located at 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. For more info, click here.

So, what do you think? Are these nature preserves now on your list of state parks to visit in Wisconsin? Think these nature preserves are among the top things to do outdoors in Wisconsin? Know of another can’t-miss outdoor locale? Have you spent time at one of these awesome locations? Tell us!

Looking for more things to do outside in Wisconsin? Well, you’re in luck; Wisconsin has a massive amount of nature centers that are great places to take the family. Check out these 22 different Nature Centers out there for you to enjoy.

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State Parks To Visit In Wisconsin

Daniella DiRienzo | January 26, 2022

Aside from nature preserves, what are some other things to do outside in Wisconsin?

With tons of things to do outside in Wisconsin, the Badger State is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. There are so many options for outdoor fun that it can be a bit overwhelming, but one place you don’t want to miss is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. A kayaking trip is a great way to explore the islands and the sea caves for which they are known. There’s much more to the islands than sea caves, though. There are also pristine beaches, lovely landscapes, and lighthouses to explore.

What are the best hiking trails in Wisconsin?

When it comes to the best hiking trails in Wisconsin, we’d be remiss not to mention the Ice Age Trail. A National Trail, it spans 1,000 miles and boasts incredible scenery every inch of the way, including numerous glacial features, which is one of the trail’s most famous traits. Wildlife, such as red fox, grey wolves, black bears, deer, and porcupines, is also abundant along the trail. Not only one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin, the Ice Age Trail is also a prime spot for backpacking and snowshoeing.

What are the best state parks in Wisconsin?

All of Wisconsin’s state parks have something to offer. However, there’s no denying that Pattison State Park is one of the best state parks in Wisconsin. Located in Superior, the 1,400-acre park is brimming with perks, including Big Manitou Falls. At 165 feet in height, it’s the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin and the 4th highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The park is also home to Little Manitou Falls, a scaled-down version of Big Manitou Falls, as well as a lake with a beach, nature center, scenic hiking trails, and campsites.

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