Article Summary: Wisconsin National Parks
Wisconsin National Parks! We’ve got four incredible national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Badger state.
Wisconsin National Parks include beautiful lakeshores, scenic trails, magnificent riverways and more.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
To be clear, these are national park sites (as in managed by the National Park Service) but they are not capital letter National Parks. There are only 63 of those (so far).
So, What Is A National Park?
We get asked that question a lot because there’s a difference between a “national park” and a “national park site.” To help you understand that difference you might want to check out our article titled: What Is A National Park Really?
If you’re planning a trip to the Badger State then one book that I highly recommend is: Wisconsin Bucket List Adventure Guide & Memory Journal: Travel & Explore 50 Must See Destinations & Record Your Experience.
We’re going to give you four wonderful reasons why you’ll want to make Wisconsin your next vacation destination.
Table Of Contents: Wisconsin National Parks
Wisconsin National Parks
1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Wisconsin National Parks feature some of the most beautiful places on the planet. One great example of this is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a beautiful park located in the northern part of Wisconsin on Lake Superior. The park encompasses 21 islands and the mainland, and is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Some of the main attractions and activities at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore include:
- Scenic boat tours: Visitors can take boat tours around the islands, offering stunning views of the towering cliffs, clear waters, and lush forests.
- Camping: There are several campgrounds within the park, offering opportunities for tent and RV camping, as well as backcountry camping on some of the islands.
- Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
- Kayaking and canoeing: The park’s waterways are a paddler’s paradise, offering opportunities to explore the islands and their intricate shorelines.
- Lighthouses: The park is home to several historic lighthouses, offering a glimpse into the past and providing opportunities for tours and climbing.
- Rock climbing: The cliffs of the islands offer opportunities for experienced rock climbers, and the park is also home to a variety of sea caves that can be explored by kayak or boat.
- Fishing: The waters of Lake Superior are known for their excellent fishing, and visitors can fish from shore or by boat.
- Winter sports: During the winter months, the park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.
RELATED: 3 (EPIC) Vermont National Parks For Your Visit To The Green Mountain State
Kayak Tours & Outfitters | Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Canoe Sport Outfitters Paddling Tours-advance reservations required. 515-961-6117, [email protected]
- Lost Creek Adventures LLC-Paddling tours, kayak rentals and overnight camping trips. 715-953-2223, [email protected]
- Rustic Makwa Den-Paddling tours, kayak rentals, overnight camping trips, and guided snowshoe tours, 715-209-3216, [email protected]
- Trek & Trail-Paddling tours, kayak rentals and overnight camping trips., 800-354-8735, 715-779-3595, [email protected]
- UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program-Organized group paddling tours and overnight camping trips – advanced reservations required, 218-726-7128, [email protected]
- Voyageur Outward Bound School– Paddling tours – advance reservations required, 218-365-5761, [email protected]
- Whitecap Kayak-Paddling tours and overnight camping trips, 715-513-6196, [email protected]
- Wilderness Inquiry– Accessible paddling trips and camp experiences, 612-676-9400, [email protected]
Water Taxis & Motorized Boat Tours | Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Adventure Vacations Inc.-Chartered powerboat tours, powerboat supervised inflatable recreational kayaking, Big Bay State Park recreational kayak rentals, 715-747-2100, [email protected]
- Escape Excursions-Chartered boat tours, island drop offs/pick-ups, powerboat supervised recreational kayaking, fishing charter, 612-805-7454, [email protected]
- PMG Charters-Motorized boat tours and water taxi, 262-337-3078, [email protected]
- Superior Charters Inc.-715-779-5124, [email protected]
- Willigan’s Adventures-Chartered fishing and motorboat tours, 763-381-7076, [email protected]
Sailing Charters | Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Cornucopia Sailing LLC-Sailing day trips to the sea caves and around the islands, 920-915-7548
- Dreamcatcher Sailing Adventures-Multi-day and day trip sailing charters, chartered island drop-off/pickups, 800-262-4176, 715-779-5561, [email protected]
- Superior Charters Inc.-Sailboat charters and bareboat sailboat rentals (prior experience required for boat rentals), 715-779-5124, [email protected]
- True North Sailing Charters-Captained sailing trips among the islands from Bayfield, 715-513-6284, [email protected]
Fishing Charters | Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Willigan’s Adventures-Chartered fishing and motorboat tours, 763-381-7076, [email protected]
- Escape Excursions-Chartered boat tours, island drop offs/pick-ups, powerboat supervised recreational kayaking, fishing charter, 612-805-7454, [email protected]
Hiking In The Apostle Islands
There are more than fifty miles of hiking trails on the islands of the National Lakeshore. These trails provide access to lighthouses, abandoned quarries, old farm sites, historic logging camps, beaches, campsites, and scenic overlooks.
RELATED: 19+ Best Hiking Apps RANKED By Experts (From Best To Worst)
Scuba Diving In The Apostle Islands
If you enjoy scuba diving then you’re in luck. There are clean, clear water, underwater rock formations, and fascinating shipwrecks which provide outstanding diving opportunities at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Camping In The Apostle Islands
Camping is available on 18 of the Lakeshore’s 21 islands, and at one campsite on the mainland.
Individual Campsites: $15/site/night. Group size of 1-7 people. Individual sites are spread across the islands and are often set apart from other sites so visitors can experience solitude and basic camping amenities (picnic table, fire ring, bear resistant food locker, & nearby privy).
Primitive Camping Zone: $15/site/night. Group size of 1-5 people. Primitive Zone camping is not a specific site, but provides the option of choosing a backcountry area to camp. Specific guidelines determine what areas are available on each island.
In additions, there are no amenities, such as privies and food lockers, so campers should be prepared to properly manage your food and waste. (Source: National Park Service)
Please remember to practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
RELATED: Voyageurs National Park Camping
2. Ice Age National Scenic Trail
If you’re looking to have a blast with the past then the Wisconsin National Parks are a great place to experience.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile hiking trail that runs through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.
The trail was first proposed in the 1940s by Ray Zillmer, a Wisconsin conservationist, and was officially designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1980 by the U.S. Congress.
The trail follows the edge of the glacier that covered much of North America during the last Ice Age, and it passes through a variety of landscapes including forests, wetlands, and prairies.
It’s managed by the National Park Service and is maintained by a network of volunteer groups and trail clubs. Hiking the entire trail can take several months, but there are also shorter sections that can be hiked in a day or weekend.
RELATED: 6 Missouri National Parks Worth A Stop On Your Next Midwest Road Trip
Outdoor Activities | Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, backpacking, birdwatching, nature walks, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, stargazing, wildlife viewing, camping, hunting and fishing (during the proper seasons), biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling.
However, it’s important to note that camping is not allowed everywhere along the trail, and in some areas, it is restricted to designated camp sites, which may be spaced far apart.
Therefore, it’s important to plan your multi-day hike carefully and be aware of the specific regulations and camping restrictions in the areas you plan to visit.
More Wisconsin National Parks
3. North Country National Scenic Trail
Wisconsin National Parks are more than just scenic wonders and historical happenings. There also places where you can get in your steps be travelling along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world.
The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) is a 4,600 mile long trail that runs from Crown Point, New York to Lake Sakakawea State Park in North Dakota.
The trail is one of the longest and most diverse National Scenic Trails in the United States, passing through seven states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
RELATED: 45 Best National Parks Books (Great Gifts For Park Lovers)
The History Of The North Country National Scenic Trail
The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) was established in 1980 as part of the National Trails System Act.
It stretches from Crown Point, New York, to Lake Sakakawea State Park, North Dakota, covering a distance of over 4,600 miles. The trail passes through seven states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, and is maintained by a partnership of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as volunteer organizations.
The NCNST offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of scenic and recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Over the years, the trail has undergone several expansions and improvements, and today it is one of the longest trails in the National Scenic Trail system.
The NCT Offers A Wide Variety Of Recreational Opportunities
Today, the NCT offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. It passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, prairies, wetlands, and mountains, and it offers visitors the opportunity to experience the unique natural and cultural resources of the northern United States.
The trail also passes through many historic sites, such as the historic towns, forts, and battlefields of the American Revolution, as well as many National Parks, Forests and Wildlife Refuges.
The trail is not yet completed and is still under development, but many sections of the trail are open to the public, and the NCTA and the NPS continue to work to complete the trail and connect the existing segments, making it accessible to even more people.
The North County National Scenic Trail In Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the trail covers about 220 miles in the northwest corner of the state, passing through Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron counties.
The trail enters Wisconsin from Minnesota’s Jay Cooke State Park and exits the state by crossing the Montreal River southeast of Saxon Harbor, into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Even though Wisconsin has the second shortest trail distance among the eight states the trail passes through, it was responsible for providing the name to the North Country Trail.
The original 60-mile Northern Country Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin was the inspiration for the trail when the idea of a multi-state trail was first envisioned.
More Wisconsin National Parks
4. Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Wisconsin National Parks are more than just fabulous hiking trails, geologic wonders or incredible lakeshores. They’re also stunning riverways offering an abundance of recreational opportunities.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a protected area along the Saint Croix and Namekagon Rivers in Wisconsin and Minnesota, designated to preserve the natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage of the region.
Some of the main attractions and activities at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway include:
- Boating and canoeing: The Saint Croix and Namekagon Rivers are popular for boating and canoeing, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
- Fishing: The rivers are known for their excellent fishing, with a variety of species, including bass, walleye, and musky.
- Hiking and camping: The park offers several hiking trails and campgrounds, providing opportunities for exploring the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.
- Wildlife watching: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, beavers, and river otters, and is a popular destination for birdwatching.
- Scenic drives: The park offers several scenic drives, providing breathtaking views of the rivers and the surrounding landscapes.
- Cultural history: The park preserves the cultural heritage of the region, including historic sites and communities, and is home to a number of historic lodges and resorts.
- Ranger-led activities: The park offers a variety of ranger-led activities, including guided hikes, canoe trips, and campfire programs, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park and its history.
The Area Has A Rich Cultural History
The Saint Croix River has been used by people for centuries, and the area has a rich cultural history. The Ojibwe people have lived in the region for thousands of years, and European settlers began to arrive in the 1700s. The Saint Croix River was an important transportation route for the fur trade and for logging, and many towns and settlements grew up along its banks.
In the early 20th century, the Saint Croix River became a popular destination for canoeing, fishing, and camping. However, as development increased along the river, concerns grew about the impacts on the natural and cultural resources. In the 1960s, a group of citizens formed the St. Croix River Association and pushed for the protection of the river.
Their efforts led to the passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968, which created the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.
The Riverway protects over 200 miles of the Saint Croix and Namekagon Rivers, as well as adjacent lands, and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, while also preserving the natural and cultural resources of the area.
Hiking Trails Along The Saint Croix
There are seven hiking trails which are open year round. Trail surfaces are uneven and may be steep so be sure to watch your step. And also make sure to check for ticks.
Ridge View Trail is a three mile trek with two loops. The Chisage Loop traverses basalt rock outcroppings; the Osceola Loop is more level as you hike through pine and woods. Vistas of St. Croix River backwaters are visible from the bluff side of the trail.
This trail is a great place to see scarlet tanagers, bald eagles, turkey, grouse, and other forest-loving wildlife. Forest plants include marsh marigolds and large maple trees.
Trego Lake & Trego Nature Trails
The Trego Lake Trail is 3.6 miles and 3 loops. It offers hikers many scenic overlooks of Trego Lake. The area has a large population of white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse. Watch the ground for signs left by these animals.
The Trego Nature Trail is 2.8 miles. Hikers will see a beautiful forest and breathtaking views of the Namekagon River. Wildlife seen can include deer, fox, otters, wolves, and bobcat.
Indian Head Flowage & Sandrock Cliffs Trails
The Indian Head Flowage Trail is a three quarter mile trek. This trail crosses bridged streams as it winds its ways through woods and wetlands to the river. Hikers will be treated to wildflowers which include marsh marigolds, trilliums, blue flag iris, wild geraniums, and more.
Sandrock Cliffs Trail is five miles and four loops. The lower loop of this trail follows the river closely, then turns onto a ridge providing a variety of terrain and scenery. The highlight of this trail system is the sandstone cliffs located in a side channel of the river.
RELATED: All 63 RANKED BY EXPERTS (Best To Worst)
Say Cheese – Wisconsin Is More Than Just Parks
Did you know that Wisconsin is the number-one cheese-producing state in the world’s number-one cheese-producing country? If you’re looking for more than just parks than you’ve come to the right place.
You could take a scenic drive to the Carr Valley in La Valle where you will discover the Carr Valley Cheese Factory. Carr Valley is to cheese what Tom Brady is to football–a true champion!
If you go be sure to sample some of the varieties that this family-run company has been honored for over the years. I recommend the parmesan-like Canaria or the chocolatey Cocoa Cardona. It’s simply delicious!
The Swiss Cheese Capital Of America
Or you could travel to a small town named Monroe, Wisconsin, which is the is the self-proclaimed “Swiss Cheese Capital of America.” You’ll find all sorts of varieties at Monroe’s known establishment: Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern.
Or Check Out New Glarus | “America’s Little Switzerland”
Wisconsin’s most noted Swiss-themed tourist destination is New Glarus, which is home to the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant.
There are live polka bands on the weekend. The restaurant specializes in raclette, a semi-hard cheese from the Alps, usually melted onto boiled potatoes.
And what goes better with cheese than beer which you can find at the popular New Glarus Brewing Company.
I can on and on when it comes to this topic, but my wife tells me that I’m simply being cheesy (pun intended). Anyway, our goal at More Than Just Parks is to give you more than just parks. Enough said.
Check Out Our Voyageurs National Park Film
This film is the culmination of several weeks spent in the northernmost region of Minnesota known as Voyageurs National Park.
Encompassing more than 340 square miles, Voyageurs is a watery wonderland almost exclusively accessible by boat.
Journey with us as we explore a land blanketed in pristine lakes, erupting with kaleidoscopic fall colors, and home to the most spectacular displays of the northern lights on the planet. This is Voyageurs. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
Wisconsin National Parks FAQ
Wisconsin is known for its diary farms, ginseng production, and cold winters. It is a great place to visit if you want to get a taste of America’s Midwest. The state is also home to some famous tourist destinations, like the Milwaukee Art Museum and Cave of the Mounds.
The following is a list of the must-see historic sites in Wisconsin:
Cave Of The Mounds
Milwaukee Art Museum
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Harley-Davidson Museum
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Laura Ingalls Wilder Cabin
National Railroad Museum
Pabst Mansion
Circus World Museum
H.H. Bennett House & Studio
Why Trust Us About Wisconsin National Parks?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
Map Of Wisconsin National Park Sites
List Of Wisconsin National Park Sites
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
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