Wisconsin is home to hundreds of thousands of lakes and has miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, but there are still plenty of hidden gems to discover. Everyone has their favorite spots and Pike Lake, smack dab in the middle of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is one of mine. The various Kettle Moraine units are popular for hiking, but few know this gorgeous beach is located a short drive north of Milwaukee. Last weekend we saw kayakers, swimmers and wind-surfers taking advantage. Work up a sweat on the trails than cool off with a dip. This lovely park has spectacular hiking trails for all skill levels, stunning 360 degree views from atop a viewing tower and is an easy drive for much of the state’s population. But the best part of the park is the 522-acre, spring-fed lake the area is named for.

The Pike Lake unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located in Hartford. It's home to part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail as well as tons of other outdoor opportunities, from hiking to camping.
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But the best part of this park is the giant name-sake lake in it. The sparking blue waters of this gorgeous lake are spring-fed, making it a beautiful spot to relax and cool down.
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Pike Lake Unit is ideal because you can go for a hike and work up a sweat and then head over to the beach for your cool down. Being able to do both in one small park is totally appealing.
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Even on what the park itself calls a busy day, the beach isn't incredibly crowded. There's plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the sun.
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The beach is sandy and welcoming and you and your family will the chance to have a wonderful beach day close to home.
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This area was greatly impacted by the Wisconsin glaciation and this park unit is present-day, living proof.
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The lake itself is a kettle, essentially a pothole created by a retreating glacier. The large hill in the park, where the observation tower is located, is a kame that was formed in the depression of a retreating glacier. They're like the opposite effects of a retreating glacier and they are mere feet apart.
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You family will love the chance to explore some of Wisconsin's truly unique geography and enjoy the great outdoors. This park is the best of all outdoor worlds all in one spot.
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The beach at Pike Lake is a great little hidden gem of a spot that provides a great place to take a dip, relax on the sand and unwind.
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It's also a pretty amazing place to watch a sunset.
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Located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest at 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53027.

Where’s your favorite secluded sandy beach? Let us know in the comments!

Looking for another hiking spot that has a great payoff at the end? Check out The Gorgeous Wisconsin Hiking Trail That Ends at One of the Best Ice Cream Spots in the State.

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