Wisconsin has an incredible system of state parks. It has 66 state parks and recreation areas that cover a combined 60,570 acres. The parks include gorgeous sparkling lakes, lush wild forests, and rugged hiking trails that will take you to some spectacular views. Some of the best parks in the system are not overrun with visitors – here are five of Wisconsin’s least-visited state parks worth seeking out.
The Route
Google Maps This route will cover 125 mikes and take about two and a half hours – allow plenty of time to explore the parks. See a Google Map of the route before you go.
- Wildcat Mountain State Park
Alltrails / Michelle Zikske This scenic park is tucked into the rugged terrain of the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, on the Kickapoo River. Sandstone bluffs offer some incredible vistas. Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA
- Mill Bluff State Park
Alltrails / Stephanie Well Ancient sandstone bluffs soar skyward in this park that was once part of an ancient glacial lake. You can see the park from a nearby interstate highway but it takes visitors into another world. The park is just outside Camp Douglas.
- Buckhorn State Park
Alltrails / Josh Rupprecht This sprawling park covers nearly 7,000 acres and it’s surrounded by water. The park is located on a peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, a large reservoir formed by the confluence of the Wisconsin and Yellow Rivers.
- Roche-A-Cri State Park
Alltrails / Cyn Rasm In Adams, this remarkable park features a massive stone bluff. It’s home to ancient petroglyphs and it’s the only publicly accessible rock art site in Wisconsin.
- Hartman Creek State Park
Alltrails / Jordyn Riemer Near Waupaca, this quiet 1,400-acre state park is hime to several small lakes. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also passes through the park.
Once you’ve completed this road trip to Wisconsin’s least-visited state parks, there’s still a lot more to explore in the Badger State. Here are 11 lesser-known Wisconsin parks that are absolutely amazing.
Google Maps
This route will cover 125 mikes and take about two and a half hours – allow plenty of time to explore the parks. See a Google Map of the route before you go.
Alltrails / Michelle Zikske
This scenic park is tucked into the rugged terrain of the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, on the Kickapoo River. Sandstone bluffs offer some incredible vistas.
Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA
Alltrails / Stephanie Well
Ancient sandstone bluffs soar skyward in this park that was once part of an ancient glacial lake. You can see the park from a nearby interstate highway but it takes visitors into another world. The park is just outside Camp Douglas.
Alltrails / Josh Rupprecht
This sprawling park covers nearly 7,000 acres and it’s surrounded by water. The park is located on a peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, a large reservoir formed by the confluence of the Wisconsin and Yellow Rivers.
Alltrails / Cyn Rasm
In Adams, this remarkable park features a massive stone bluff. It’s home to ancient petroglyphs and it’s the only publicly accessible rock art site in Wisconsin.
Alltrails / Jordyn Riemer
Near Waupaca, this quiet 1,400-acre state park is hime to several small lakes. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also passes through the park.
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Address: Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651, USAAddress: Mill Bluff State Park, 15819 Funnel Rd, Camp Douglas, WI 54618, USAAddress: Buckhorn State Park, W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646, USAAddress: Roche-A-Cri State Park, 1767 WI-13 Trunk, Friendship, WI 53934, USAAddress: Hartman Creek State Park, N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA
