State Parks Within 90 Minutes of Milwaukee’s North Shore
Lakeshore State Park in downtown Milwaukee
Discover a variety of Wisconsin state parks you can reach in about 90 minutes or less from Milwaukee’s North Shore. From urban oases to lakefront beaches and glacial forests, each park offers unique amenities and seasonal activities. Use this guide to plan day trips or weekend camping getaways, complete with driving times, key features, and tips for every season.
Lakeshore State Park (Milwaukee County)
(Downtown Milwaukee on Lake Michigan)
Approx. Driving Time: 15–20 minutes from Milwaukee’s North Shore (located in downtown Milwaukee).
Key Amenities: A 22-acre urban park featuring a small sand beach, an accessible fishing pier, and paved multi-use trails linking to the city’s lakefront paths . There are no campgrounds or visitor centers here; however, an overnight boat marina with 20 slips is available for boaters . The park offers unbeatable views of the Milwaukee skyline and Lake Michigan from its footbridge and shoreline .
Day-Use or Camping: Day-use only. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with no vehicle admission fee required . It’s perfect for a quick nature break in the city; if arriving by boat, you can reserve an overnight slip, but there is no traditional camping.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring/Summer: Enjoy walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading along the lakeside trail . Warm months are great for urban fishing (a license is required) and kayaking in the lagoons (launch from the beach or stone steps) . Fall: Take in crisp lakefront air and changing foliage on the prairie plantings; photographers love the autumn skyline views. Winter: The park remains open – go for a peaceful winter walk or snowshoe trek. Bird-watchers often spot migratory waterfowl in the lagoons and even occasional snowy owls on the breakwalls . (Trails are plowed on the east side only, but you can snowshoe anywhere else .)
Havenwoods State Forest (Milwaukee County)
Spring flowers at Havenwoods State Forest
(Northwest Milwaukee – city’s only urban state forest)
Approx. Driving Time: 15 minutes from the North Shore (located on Milwaukee’s north side).
Key Amenities: A 237-acre expanse of grassland, woodland, and wetlands within the city . Havenwoods features over 6 miles of trails for hiking, running, and nature walks . A nature center offers exhibits, hands-on learning (with species lists and geocaching booklets) , and indoor restrooms. You’ll find ponds with a 120-foot footbridge, wildlife viewing areas, picnic spots, and benches for relaxing . No campground is available (this is a day-use forest).
Day-Use or Camping: Day-use only. Open year-round from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. . No admission sticker required (free entry) . It’s ideal for an easy nature escape without leaving the city – great for family walks and educational outings.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: Migratory birds and wildflowers make this a popular spot for birding and nature photography. Summer: The trails are shaded and suitable for jogging or biking; check the nature center’s schedule for summer programs or kids’ activities. Fall: Beautiful autumn colors in the woods and prairies – an excellent time for wildlife observation as animals prepare for winter. Winter: Trails remain open for hiking or snowshoeing; animal tracks in the snow and the quiet landscape offer a peaceful winter experience. (Note: no dedicated ski trails, but visitors do venture out on snowshoes in fresh snow.)
Lizard Mound State Park (Washington County)
(Near West Bend – Washington County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~40–45 minutes north of Milwaukee’s North Shore.
Key Amenities: A historical gem featuring one of the nation’s best-preserved Native American effigy mound groups . This small park (about 28 acres) contains 28 ancient mounds shaped like animals and spirit figures (including bird, panther/water-spirit, and the park’s namesake “lizard”) . A loop trail with interpretive signs guides visitors among the mounds, explaining their cultural significance. Facilities are minimal: expect a parking area, informational kiosks, and possibly a vault toilet (no visitor center or running water).
Day-Use or Camping: Day-use only. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round . A valid state park admission sticker is required for parking . There are no picnic shelters or campgrounds on-site – plan this as a short educational stop or combine it with nearby parks.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: Comfortable temperatures and bare ground make the mound outlines visible; spring wildflowers also bloom in the surrounding woods. Summer: Lush vegetation surrounds the mounds – bring insect repellent and enjoy a shaded walk while contemplating the history underfoot. Fall: Arguably the best time to visit – the leaf fall makes mound shapes more distinct and the woods come alive with autumn colors. Winter: The park is tranquil under light snow; you can snowshoe through, but heavy snow may obscure the subtler mounds. On a clear winter day, it’s a quiet, reflective experience (just dress warmly and be mindful of dusk times as the park closes by 11 p.m.).
Aztalan State Park (Jefferson County)
Aztalan State Park - Wisconsin’s premier archaeological site
(Near Lake Mills, WI – Jefferson County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~60 minutes west of Milwaukee’s North Shore (about 50 miles west, just off I-94) .
Key Amenities: Wisconsin’s premier archaeological site – Aztalan is a National Historic Landmark preserving a 1,000-year-old Middle Mississippian village . The park spans 172 acres along the Crawfish River and features flat-topped pyramidal mounds and a reconstructed log stockade wall, giving a glimpse into a fortified village from AD 1000–1300 . A self-guided tour map is available to explain the platform mounds and village layout . Amenities include picnic areas with tables and grills (a reservable open picnic shelter is near the middle parking lot ), vault toilets, and water pumps. There are about 2 miles of trails through prairie and along the river, offering views of the mounds . (No playgrounds or developed visitor center on-site, but an off-site Aztalan Museum nearby provides additional historical context.)
Day-Use or Camping: Day-use only – no camping is allowed at Aztalan . The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round ; an admission sticker is required . It’s perfect for a day trip focused on history and a picnic by the river.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: Mild weather is great for exploring the mounds without summer’s dense vegetation; the prairie begins to bloom and the river may attract waterfowl. Summer: Prairie grasses and wildflowers surround the mounds – combine your visit with a swim or paddle in nearby Rock Lake or a stop at the adjacent Aztalan Museum (open in summer) for a fuller experience. Fall: Clear skies and fall colors make the contours of the mounds stand out. Fall is also a good time for cross-country running or hiking on the trails, as bugs have diminished. Winter: The park is open for exploration on foot, snowshoe, or even cross-country ski (trails are ungroomed but usable) . Walking the mounds in the snow can be serene – just remember no sledding is allowed on the mounds to protect them .
Harrington Beach State Park (Ozaukee County)
(Near Belgium, WI – Ozaukee County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~40–50 minutes north of Milwaukee’s North Shore (roughly 50 miles north of the city) .
Key Amenities: A 715-acre lakeside park boasting over a mile of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline . Harrington Beach is known for its sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as a striking inland quarry lake at the site of a former 1900s stone quarry . Visitors can hike an easy trail around Quarry Lake to peer into the 45-foot deep turquoise waters and remnants of the old Stonehaven mining town . The park’s diverse habitats include a white cedar swamp, hardwood forest, prairie and restored wetlands – excellent for bird watching and nature study. Amenities include a modern family campground (73 sites with flush toilets and showers), a separate group campsite, picnic areas, a playground, and a seasonal concession. A unique feature is the Jim and Gwen Plunkett Observatory on site; astronomy clubs host monthly public stargazing events with telescopes . Fishing is allowed in Quarry Lake (panfish and trout), and non-motorized boats or kayaks can be used on it.
Day-Use or Camping: Both. The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round . Camping: The campground is open spring through fall (reservations recommended). A few cabins and an accessible cabin are available via reservation . Day-use visitors can enjoy the beach, picnic areas, and trails; a state park admission sticker is required for entry .
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: Migrating birds stop here – bring binoculars to spot warblers and waterfowl in the wetlands. Spring wildflowers bloom along the wooded trails. Summer: This is prime time for swimming and picnicking by Lake Michigan. Hike the shaded trails or join a summer night stargazing event at the observatory. (Swimming note: Lake Michigan can be cold; there are no lifeguards). Fall: Spectacular foliage and tranquil hikes – the quarry lake trail is beautiful with fall colors reflected in the water. Anglers enjoy autumn fishing, and the cooler weather is perfect for the park’s annual fall candlelight hike (check the park calendar). Winter: Bundle up and explore the trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes – cross-country skiing is allowed throughout the park (trails may be skier-tracked if snow is deep). Ice forms along the lake shore for dramatic scenery, and the park has hosted occasional candlelight ski/hike events in winter . Even in the cold, hardy astronomers still use the observatory on clear nights – a unique winter experience if you dress warmly.
Kohler-Andrae State Park (Sheboygan County)
(Near Sheboygan, WI – Sheboygan County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~60 minutes north of Milwaukee’s North Shore (about 55 miles; just south of the city of Sheboygan) .
Key Amenities: This Lake Michigan gem encompasses two adjacent parks – Terry Andrae and John Michael Kohler – combined into one unit . It features 2.5 miles of golden sandy beach and towering sand dunes along the Lake Michigan shore . Explore the famous “Dunes Cordwalk” boardwalk trail that winds through delicate dune ecosystems and protects the sands . Other trails include the Creeping Juniper Nature Trail among the dunes and several wooded trails. A major highlight is the Sanderling Nature Center (open May–September) with exhibits about the Lake Michigan habitat, interactive displays, and an observation deck for bird and lake viewing . Kohler-Andrae offers a large family campground with 137 sites (52 with electric) , plus two group camps and an accessible cabin available by reservation . Campers have access to modern bathhouses with showers, flush toilets, laundry, and a dump station . Picnic areas (some with shelters), playgrounds, and a concession stand near the beach (seasonal) add to the amenities. The park’s nature programs and guided hikes are often available in summer.
Day-Use or Camping: Both. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round . Day-use visitors can enjoy the beach (swimming allowed – no lifeguard on duty), hike trails, or fish along the shoreline. A vehicle admission sticker is required . Camping: Available year-round – the campground keeps a portion of sites plowed for winter camping and is fully serviced in warmer months . Reservations are recommended during peak season.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: Watch for migrating birds and dune wildflowers. Spring is quieter and great for beachcombing or flying kites on breezy days. Summer: Peak season for swimming, sunbathing, and camping. The Nature Center is open daily with family-friendly programs . Evenings bring stunning starscapes over the lake. Fall: Hike the cordwalk with a backdrop of fall colors in the surrounding forest. The cooler air and fewer bugs make it ideal for long hikes; you might spot monarch butterflies along the lakeshore during their migration. Winter: Cross-country skiing is popular – around 2 miles of trail are groomed for skiing in the park , and snowshoes are allowed (but not on groomed ski trails). The snow-covered dunes create a beautiful, otherworldly landscape. Winter campers will find certain sites plowed and vault toilets available – a serene experience for the well-prepared.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit (Washington County)
(Near Hartford, WI – Washington County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~35–45 minutes northwest of Milwaukee’s North Shore (about 30 miles).
Key Amenities: A 678-acre unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest centered around 522-acre Pike Lake, a spring-fed kettle lake . The park has a swimming beach and bathhouse on Pike Lake, as well as a boat launch for non-motorized craft (no gas motors allowed on this lake). A hallmark of Pike Lake is Powder Hill, a large glacial kame (hill) with an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the glacial landscape . Hike up the Powder Hill trail to the tower (~0.5-mile climb) for one of the best vistas in southeastern Wisconsin. In total, the unit offers about 8 miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that passes through. Trails range from easy lakeside strolls to moderately challenging climbs up Powder Hill. Other amenities include a 32-unit campground (with electric sites and a shower building), two picnic shelters, playground areas, and an amphitheater used for nature programs. The park office doubles as a contact station (no full visitor center, but staff can provide trail maps and information).
Day-Use or Camping: Both. Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. . Day-use visitors can swim, fish, picnic, or hike. Pike Lake is known for panfish, bass, and Northern pike fishing (ice fishing in winter too). A state park sticker is required . Camping: The campground is typically open spring through fall; reservations are recommended in summer. Campers enjoy a wooded setting and easy access to the beach and trails.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: The forest comes alive with wildflowers on the forest floor of Powder Hill, and the lake’s fish become active – a good time for a peaceful hike and perhaps catching views of migratory birds on the lake. Summer: Enjoy swimming and paddling on Pike Lake (the water warms up nicely by mid-summer). Climb the observation tower for a lush green view of Kettle Moraine’s rolling hills. Ranger-led nature programs or evening amphitheater talks often happen on weekends. Fall: The Pike Lake Unit shines in autumn – the mix of hardwood forests turns brilliant orange and gold. Hiking to the top of Powder Hill on a crisp fall day is rewarded with a patchwork of color. It’s also a great time for camping under cool, starry skies (and fall campers find it easier to reserve a spot). Winter: The park maintains about 2.5–3 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails east of Powder Hill, for both classic and skate skiing . There’s even a warming shelter with a fireplace available for skiers . Other trails (west of Powder Hill and the Ice Age Trail segment) are left un-groomed for snowshoeing and winter hiking . Ice fishing is popular once the lake freezes sufficiently. With the leaves down, the view from Powder Hill’s tower on a clear winter day can stretch for miles.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit (Fond du Lac/Sheboygan/Washington Counties)
(Main entrances near Campbellsport, Kewaskum, and Plymouth, WI)
Approx. Driving Time: ~60 minutes to the southern edge (Kewaskum area) and up to 90 minutes to the far north end of the forest from Milwaukee’s North Shore. (The Northern Unit is large – spanning about 30 miles end-to-end.)
Key Amenities: The largest unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, covering 30,000 acres of glacial hills, forests, prairies, and lakes . It offers year-round recreation among world-famous glacial landforms like kames, kettles, and eskers. Notable features include three swim beaches (at Mauthe Lake, Long Lake, and Butler Lake) for summer fun , and an extensive trail system: over 50 miles of hiking trails (including a 31-mile stretch of the Ice Age Trail), 30+ miles of mountain bike trails (e.g., the New Fane trail system), and several horseback riding trails. In winter, groomed cross-country ski trails at locations like Greenbush and Zillmer attract skiers from around the region . The forest has multiple campgrounds: Mauthe Lake (nearby beach and fishing lake) and Long Lake are the two main family campgrounds, together offering 200+ sites (with flush toilets and showers). There are also several backpack remote shelters on the Ice Age Trail, two equestrian campgrounds, and a few group camps—over 350 campsites in total across the forest . The Ice Age Visitor Center (near Dundee) is open year-round with exhibits on glacial geology, park information, and naturalist programs . Throughout summer, naturalists offer guided hikes, campfire talks, and nature education programs at this center and at amphitheaters in the campgrounds. Boating (electric motors or non-motorized) is popular on Mauthe and Long Lakes, and there are accessible fishing piers on those lakes as well.
Day-Use or Camping: Both, extensively. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round . Admission sticker required . Day-use: You can tailor a visit to a specific area – for example, spend a day at Long Lake (swimming beach, picnic area, hiking trails nearby) or hike the Parnell Tower Trail to climb a 60-foot observation tower overlooking the forest. Camping: A huge draw – from family campgrounds (April–October, with some winter camping options at Mauthe Lake) to hike-in shelters (reserve through the DNR). Consider camping to fully explore this unit’s many trails and perhaps do a point-to-point hike with an overnight on the Ice Age Trail.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: Witness the forest awakening – spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor, and the melody of songbirds and frogs surrounds the many kettle ponds. Trails can be muddy during the thaw, but this is a great time for trout fishing in the area’s clear streams or bicycling the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive that winds through the unit . Summer: There’s something for everyone – swimming and canoeing at the lakes, mountain biking at New Fane, hiking under the lush canopy, or attending a weekend nature program. Campgrounds are busy and lively with families. Don’t miss a night hike to view fireflies or stargaze in open prairies (the forest’s size means fairly dark skies). Fall: The Northern Unit is breathtaking in autumn. Drive or bike the scenic roads for stunning fall foliage, or hike the Greenbush Trail for panoramic views of colored treetops. Fall is also hunting season (in designated areas), so wear bright clothing on trails. Many say the fall camping here is the best – quiet campgrounds, crisp air, and crackling campfires. Winter: A snowy Kettle Moraine is a winter playground. Enjoy miles of cross-country skiing on groomed trails (Greenbush Trail offers loops of varying difficulty, and Zillmer Trail has lit loops for night skiing). Snowshoe or hike on ungroomed paths – the Ice Age Trail remains open (snowshoers are asked to stay off set ski tracks). Sledding hills are available at certain spots (like the Parnell Tower parking area hill). The Visitor Center often hosts winter nature events or guided snowshoe hikes. If you’re hardy, some campsites (Mauthe Lake) and shelters can be used in winter – a unique experience to camp amidst the snowy woods.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit (Waukesha/Jefferson/Walworth Counties)
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
(Main entrances near Eagle, Palmyra, and Whitewater, WI)
Approx. Driving Time: ~60 minutes southwest of Milwaukee’s North Shore (around 40–50 miles, depending on the trailhead or campground; Eagle is about 50 minutes from Milwaukee).
Key Amenities: The Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine covers over 22,000 acres of forested glacial hills, kettle lakes, and prairies . It is interlaced with 100+ miles of trails for every use – from hiking and nature trails to extensive mountain biking routes (e.g., the John Muir and Emma Carlin Trails) and horseback riding trails . Several kettle lakes are found here, including Ottawa Lake (with a popular swimming beach and boat launch) and Whitewater Lake at the unit’s edge. Visitors can go paddling, boating, swimming, fishing on these waters . In winter, the Southern Unit has designated snowmobile trails and cross-country ski trails (the Nordic Trail system and McMiller Trail area are groomed for skiing). Three major family campgrounds are available: Ottawa Lake (85 sites, open year-round with a winter heated restroom), Pinewoods (100 sites, heavily wooded, including an “overnight group camp” area), and Whitewater Lake campground (located near the Whitewater Lake segment, open seasonally). Additionally, there’s a Horse Riders’ Campground, two primitive group camps, and three backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail that runs through this unit . At the forest headquarters near Eagle, a visitor center offers maps and exhibits, and the staffed Nature Center at Ottawa Lake has educational displays . The Southern Unit also features the Scuppernong Prairie (the largest restored prairie east of the Mississippi), accessible via boardwalks, and the historic Paradise Springs area – a short trail to an old springhouse and pond. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive passes through, offering a beautiful route with interpretive stops .
Day-Use or Camping: Both. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily ; admission sticker required . Day-use: Many trailheads and picnic areas to choose from – popular ones include Scuppernong Trail System (day hiking trails through pines and prairies), Paradise Springs (accessible paved path to a scenic spring), and the Emma Carlin bike trails for mountain bikers. Ottawa Lake’s beach and picnic area are perfect for a summer day. Camping: Extensive opportunities – reservations recommended especially for summer weekends. Ottawa Lake campground offers some electrical sites and an accessible cabin; Pinewoods has a “100 loop” designated for quiet camping (no generators). The backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail require a reservation and are a great mini backcountry experience.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: As the frost leaves, trails open (though some mountain bike trails may close temporarily to prevent erosion). Spring wildflowers and budding trees make hikes like the John Muir Trail loops especially pretty. It’s an excellent time for trout fishing in the Scuppernong River or fly-fishing in the clear trout streams. Birdwatchers flock to the prairies to see meadowlarks and to wetlands to hear chorus frogs. Summer: Peak activity season – the beaches at Ottawa and Whitewater Lakes are full of swimmers and paddlers. Mountain bikers tackle the challenging loops at John Muir, and equestrians ride the forest trails. Naturalist programs, from guided hikes to campfire talks, occur weekly (check the park’s event calendar). This unit’s size allows you to find a trail to yourself even on busy weekends. Fall: The hardwood forests explode in color. Hike the Ice Age Trail segment at Bald Bluff for a panoramic view of fall foliage, or drive the Scenic Drive for multiple overlooks. Autumn is also hunting season in parts of the forest (for deer, turkey, etc.), so wear blaze orange if hiking off main trails. Campgrounds remain open through October and are quieter – a cozy campfire on a cool fall night here is hard to beat. Winter: The Southern Unit is a winter sports haven. Head to the Nordic Trail near La Grange or the McMiller Trail near Eagle for groomed cross-country ski trails of various lengths and difficulties (some are even lit for night skiing). The Ice Age Trail and other hiking paths can be snowshoed; the forest often offers a candlelight ski/hike event in January or February with trails lined by luminaries. Snowmobilers have miles of regional trails connecting through the forest when snow depth allows. If you fancy winter camping, Ottawa Lake keeps a loop open and plowed, with a heated bathroom/shower building – you can camp in the snow and then warm up after your ski or snowshoe adventure
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit (Waukesha County)
(Delafield, WI – Waukesha County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~35–40 minutes west of Milwaukee’s North Shore (about 25 miles west of Milwaukee, just south of I-94).
Key Amenities: The Lapham Peak Unit is a 1,000-acre glacial retreat known for its mix of prairies, forests, and hills and is home to the highest point in Waukesha County. A signature feature is the 45-foot observation tower atop Lapham Peak (1,233 feet above sea level), offering a stunning 360° view of the surrounding Kettle Moraine landscape . The park has 17 miles of trails for hiking and nature walks, including a segment of the Ice Age Trail and a 5-mile paved biking/hiking trail connecting to a state trail. In winter, Lapham Peak is famous for its lighted cross-country ski trails – about 2.5 miles are lit until 9 p.m., and snowmaking on a loop guarantees skiable snow on that portion when natural snow is lacking . (A separate trail pass is required in winter for the groomed ski trails.) There is one backpack campsite (a hike-in site along the Ice Age Trail) for rustic overnight stays , but no drive-in campgrounds. A quaint nature center (Hausmann Nature Center) is open on weekends with displays on glaciation and local wildlife. Picnic areas and a reservable shelter are near a small man-made pond. Also unique to Lapham Peak is the outdoor SummerStage—an amphitheater where concerts and plays are held in summer . Drinking water and flush toilets are available near the parking areas (vault toilets on some trails).
Day-Use or Camping: Primarily day-use. Open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round (extended to 10 p.m. for skiers when trails are lit) . A state park sticker is required . Camping: No traditional campground; only a single backpack campsite accessible via a 1.8-mile hike (reserved through the DNR). Most visitors come for day activities: hiking, picnicking, or skiing. Lapham Peak is a favorite after-work or evening destination for locals, given the lit ski trails and close proximity to Milwaukee.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: As snow melts, trails reopen for hiking—see spring wildflowers on the Plantation Path and watch the prairie restoration areas start to green up. Bird migration brings songbirds to the woodlands. Spring is also when the colorful prairie smoke flowers bloom in the prairie areas. Summer: Fantastic for hiking and trail running; climb the tower on a clear summer day to spot the Milwaukee skyline to the east. Mountain bikers and horseback riders use nearby state forest trails (though not within Lapham Peak itself, which is hike/bike only). SummerStage events run on weekends – consider catching a live outdoor show after a day on the trails. Fall: The fall colors from Lapham’s tower are breathtaking – a mosaic of oak and maple forests. The park hosts an annual fall color hike and often a Halloween-themed candlelight hike. The cooler weather is perfect for exploring all the loops, including the Butterfly Garden and Prairie trails alive with late-season monarch butterflies. Winter: This is when Lapham Peak truly shines. Cross-country skiers flock here for some of the best-groomed trails in Wisconsin . With lighted trails for night skiing and man-made snow, you can ski here December through March reliably. Snowshoers have designated snowshoe trails (separate from ski loops), and hikers are asked to use those or other paths to keep the ski tracks intact. On Tuesday nights, you might even find an informal ski race series taking place. Warm up by the fire in the warming hut or the new Lapham Lodge after your ski. Even if you’re not skiing, a winter hike to the tower (when open) under moonlight or starlight is magical – just tread carefully if trails are icy.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area (Kenosha County)
(Near Kansasville, WI – Kenosha County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~60 minutes south of Milwaukee’s North Shore (about 50–60 miles, near the WI/IL border).
Key Amenities: Richard Bong SRA is a multi-use recreation area unlike any other in the state. Originally slated to be a jet fighter base, it was turned into a 4,515-acre outdoor playground . The park offers nearly 30 miles of trails that accommodate a wide range of activities – from hiking and mountain biking to ATV/dirt bike riding on designated off-road trails . There are also 8 miles of horseback riding trails and even a dedicated model aircraft field and “special use zone” for flying model airplanes, launching rockets, and even hot air ballooning! . At the heart of the park is Vern Wolf Lake, a 45-acre impoundment where you can fish, swim, or paddle (a beach and accessible fishing pier are provided). Wetlands, prairies, and pine plantations make Bong a great wildlife habitat – birding is popular year-round with waterfowl, grassland birds, and even rare species spotted . Two family campgrounds offer 217 campsites in total, including 54 with electric hookups . Modern bathrooms with showers and flush toilets are available, and there’s an accessible cabin for people with disabilities . Six group camps can accommodate large groups up to 225 people total . The park has thoughtful accessible features: an observation platform/ramp for wildlife viewing, a beach wheelchair (sand rover) available, accessible hunting blinds, and campsites . The Visitor Center at Bong is a must-stop for families – it houses live reptiles and amphibians, hands-on nature exhibits, and offers naturalist-led programs . You’ll also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and even an archery range.
Day-Use or Camping: Both. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. Admission sticker required. Day-use: Options are endless – you can hike tranquil nature trails (the Green Trail boardwalk crosses wetlands), bike on the paved and off-road trails, ride ATVs or dirt bikes (permit required, and trails may close in wet conditions), or just relax at the beach. It’s also one of the few state properties that allow hunting dog training and field trials in certain areas (so don’t be surprised to hear a dog whistle or shotgun in the distance in fall). Camping: Available year-round; the campgrounds are open even in winter (with electric sites and one flush toilet building heated in winter). Many campers use Bong as a base to explore both Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: With its mix of wetlands and prairies, Bong comes alive with bird activity – it’s a prime spot to see sandhill cranes, migrating waterfowl, and songbirds. Wildflowers bloom on the prairie. It’s also the start of the off-road riding season (ATV trails typically open after spring thaw). Summer: Everything is in full swing – the lake is busy with swimmers and anglers (bluegill and bass are common catches). Trails are active with hikers, bikers, and horse riders. Check the schedule for nature programs; the visitor center might host kids’ activities like pond exploration. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a model rocket launch or an RC airplane competition in the special use zone. Fall: The prairie grasses turn golden and red, and the woodlands around the campgrounds provide a lovely fall color display. Autumn is popular for hunting at Bong (waterfowl, small game, deer archery), so parts of the property will have hunters – non-hunters should wear bright colors. Still, many trails remain open for hiking and horseback riding, and the crisp air is great for ATV/UTV riders. Also, fall bird migration brings raptors and geese. Camping in fall is quieter but still with decent weather through October. Winter: A quieter time at Bong, but still plenty to do. There are about 16 miles of cross-country ski trails (ungroomed, but open for use) and separate snowshoe/hiking trails. Some snowmobile trails run through if conditions allow. Ice fishing on Vern Wolf Lake for panfish can be good once the ice is safe. The wide-open areas are perfect for winter fat-tire biking or even dog sled training. Birders come in winter hoping to spot short-eared owls hunting over the snow-covered fields at dusk. And if conditions are right, occasionally the park hosts a candlelight event on a winter evening, lighting up a trail for a magical ski or hike by candlelight.
Big Foot Beach State Park (Walworth County)
(Lake Geneva, WI – Walworth County)
Approx. Driving Time: ~70–80 minutes southwest of Milwaukee’s North Shore (about 55 miles; on the shore of Geneva Lake in Lake Geneva).
Key Amenities: A 271-acre park on the shore of Geneva Lake, nestled just south of the bustling resort town of Lake Geneva . Despite its name, Big Foot Beach is actually a medium-sized sandy beach and grass picnic area on the lake (the park is named after Chief Big Foot of the Potawatomi). The clear waters of Geneva Lake make the beach a popular summer swimming spot, and there’s a roped-off swimming area (no lifeguard on duty). The park has 5 miles of hiking trails winding through shaded forest and open meadows . Trails are relatively easy and suitable for families – one leads to Ceylon Lagoon, a small pond good for wildlife viewing. Big Foot Beach offers a family campground with 100 wooded sites (some with electric), modern flush toilets and showers, and a dump station . A playground is located near the campground. While there is no boat launch in the park, you can carry in kayaks or canoes to explore the lake (or use the public boat launches in Lake Geneva city). Picnic tables and grills are available near the beach and lagoon, and a park office at the entrance sells firewood and basic supplies in season.
Day-Use or Camping: Both. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round (the beach is most active late May through Labor Day). Day-use: This park is great for a day at the lake combined with a hike. It can get busy on summer weekends with both locals and Lake Geneva tourists, so arrive early for picnicking spots. Admission sticker required . Camping: The campground is typically open spring through fall. Given the park’s proximity to Lake Geneva’s attractions, campsites fill up fast on summer weekends – reservations are strongly recommended. Campers get the advantage of being minutes from downtown Lake Geneva while enjoying a more rustic, natural setting at night.
Seasonal Highlights: Spring: A quieter time at Big Foot Beach. Trails can be muddy, but wildflowers start to pop in the woods. Spring fishing on Geneva Lake is excellent – while you can’t launch large boats from the park, shore fishing or wading for bass and panfish near the park can be productive (a fishing license is required). Summer: Peak season – swimming, grilling, and camping are the main draws. The lake is a comfortable temperature by July. Combine a morning hike with an afternoon swim. You might also rent a kayak in town and paddle along the park’s shoreline. Given the park’s small size and popularity, expect crowds on weekends . If the beach is full, an alternative is to take a boat tour in Lake Geneva and return in the evening for a quieter stroll in the park. Fall: The park’s hardwood trees bring lovely fall colors, usually peaking in October. It’s a nice time to hike all the loops (the Maple Path, Oak Loop, etc.) in crisp air and far fewer people. Geneva Lake’s water will be chilly, so activities shift to hiking and fall fishing. Autumn campers enjoy the proximity to Lake Geneva’s fall festivals and then retreat to a campfire at night. Winter: Big Foot Beach State Park is open, though the campground and facilities close in the cold months. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the trails in winter (trails are not groomed, but you can make your own path). The park is a quiet alternative to the busy ice rink and ski hills in the Lake Geneva area – you can ski through silent woods and possibly see wildlife like deer. The frozen Geneva Lake is a sight to behold, and on cold weekends you’ll see ice anglers out on the lake (use caution and check ice conditions if you venture out). The park’s parking lot is kept open, so it’s a convenient starting point for winter recreation or even a quick snowball fight with the kids before warming up in town.
Sources: The information in this guide is drawn from the Wisconsin DNR’s official state park pages and reputable travel resources for accuracy and recency. Please refer to the Wisconsin DNR website for each park for the latest details on hours, fees, and conditions . Enjoy your outdoor adventures near Milwaukee’s North Shore, and remember to Leave No Trace so these parks remain pristine for future visitors! Safe travels and happy hiking.