Nature is slowly reclaiming an old resort that once entertained wealthy guests in southern Wisconsin. Paradise Springs Nature Area was once home to an opulent resort and horse track, but today it’s in ruins; a place where visitors can take in a refreshing scene and hike past natural springs while seeing what’s left of a developer’s dreams. Here’s what’s waiting for you at Paradise Springs.
Paradise Springs Nature Area is a state-managed park that’s located in southern Wisconsin, just northwest of the community of Eagle. It’s about 45 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, but it feels a world away.
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The park is located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, a 56,000-acre state forest that contains rugged terrain and a landscape shaped by glaciers. Paradise Springs is located in the southern unit of the forest.
Google / Paradise Springs Nature Trail
Paradise Springs is named for the cold and clear natural springs that are found here. It’s a place that has drawn visitors since the 1800s and it has also been called Minnehaha and Eagle Rock Springs.
Google / Brenda Clark
In the 1920s, a developer built a spring house and recreational facilities like shuffleboard and tennis courts, a horse racing track, and a wading pool. There was also a bottling plant that captured clean, clear spring water.
Google / Misty Braun
In the 1940s, another developer built the opulent Paradise Springs Resort Hotel that included upscale rooms with steam-heated baths.
Google / Jennifer Harrison
But none of it was meant to last. The hotel closed and was removed in the 1970s and today, trails lead walkers through overgrown ruins. The buildings are slowly being reclaimed by nature, but a short and pleasant paved hiking path takes visitors past the ruins that remain.
Google / Paradise Springs Nature Trail
A Wisconsin State Parks sticker is required to park at Paradise Springs. Printed brochures with more information about the area are available on site for a small fee. If you enjoy hiking into the past, here’s a trail that will take you to the original Badger State Ruins.
Google / Jimmy zhang
Google / Paradise Springs Nature Trail
Google / Brenda Clark
Google / Misty Braun
Google / Jennifer Harrison
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Address: Paradise Springs Nature Trail, W374 S8640, County Rd N, Eagle, WI 53119, USA
