This bridge was fun to see. A pretty little park. We went in winter but I still enjoyed it. A…read moreshort drive from downtown Cedarburg.

I was here to check out the Cedarburg Covered Bridge but I also took the time to walk around this…read morelovely park. So let's combine both into one and here we are. The bridge was built by the Town of Cedarburg to replace a number of periodically washed out bridges. Pine logs were cut and milled in Baraboo, fitted into place in a lattice truss construction with 3x10 inch planks secured by 2 inch hardwood pins, eliminating the use of nails or bolts, and floored by 3 inch planking. The Ozaukee County Board in 1940 coted to assume the preservation and maintenance of the bridge. While the bridge is not open for vehicular traffic and there is a concrete and steel bridge adjacent, you can absolutely walk the bridge or even bicycle it. The nearby park has benches and picnic tables and a building with a picnic shelter complete with power outlets and public restrooms. There's plenty of space in the park to spread out and enjoy the second, smaller bridge. Plenty of parking. This is a great spot for your photo ops and in fact a couple was getting their engagement photos done here when I visited. [Review 20675 overall - 245 in Wisconsin - 1656 of 2023.]

Lion's Den in Grafton is a peaceful and scenic spot right along Lake Michigan. The hiking trails…read moreare well maintained and offer beautiful views of the shoreline, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for all levels. The park has a nice pavilion area and clean, well-kept bathrooms, which makes it comfortable for longer visits. Throughout the trails and overlooks, there are several benches dedicated in memory of loved ones. These add a very touching and reflective feel to the experience and make it more than just a hike--it's a place to slow down and appreciate the moment. Overall, it's a beautiful, quiet place for nature, reflection, and lake views, and definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Great hike in lovely Port Washington WI, just north of Milwaukee. Ample free parking. Not to say it…read moredoesn't get crowded, but it wasn't bad when we were there on a weekend. There is a paved trail which isn't too long, but is ADA compliant so that's a plus. We did a three mile loop, checking out the bluffs and taking the stairs down to the secluded little beach. Lots of poison ivy....which is normal to the area, but really it's best to avoid it by staying on trail and covering up. Seemed like leashed and/or well behaved dogs were welcome. Worth checking out.

The camp hosts and rangers constantly monitor campsites. I do not see them clean or do anything…read moreelse that would be helpful. They just drive around, waiting for someone they can scold. It makes me feel unwelcome on the grounds, like a prisoner in a panopticon. Also the woods in this area are infested with buckthorn and autumn olive.

If you asked AI what an ideal state park should look like, it would describe Mauthe Lake. Full…read moredisclaimer-I have been coming here off and on for over 50 years and the nostalgia is strong. And now with a lake home only a few minutes away, while I don't need to visit, I still do at times just to take in the memories. It checks off all the boxes-water, beach, walking trails, camping, concessions, and fishing spots. The Kettle Moraine started with the purchase of land surrounding the lake and it does a great job representing. I enjoy seeing the different geological formations and landscapes (marshes, pine, deciduous). A beautiful space.

I spent a divine Sunday morning in mid-May walking the trails here and admiring all the spring…read morewildflowers -- mayapples, anemone, trillium. I was so pleased to see the pristine forest understory. No garlic mustard crowding out the natives! Kudos to the staff and volunteers for taking such good care of this beautiful resource. The woods looked healthy--like what I remembered from childhood, before garlic mustard invaded the Midwest. It made me realize how much we have lost in many of our woods. I really was here to see migrating warblers, and I was rewarded with bunches of Palm, Black and White, Chestnut-Sided, Magnolia, Yellow-Rumped, and a brilliant pair of Blackburnian warblers. There was also a Red-Breasted Grosbeak sitting about five feet over my head letting me get a good look at him. The trail I walked wound through the woods and along a pretty creek and the air was full of birdsong. There was also a nice visitor's center. Great place.

We love the hiking trails and love the Riveredge pancake mix,…read morewhich makes the best pancakes ever. The people there are always courteous and cheerful.

Beautiful park with camping , trails and playgrounds... camping areas, grills, picnic areas,…read more shelters and large tent camping for large tent camping groups... beautiful trails and unique rock foundations... rest areas and showers are available...gorgeous park

Beautiful park with great trails and rock face to climb around on…read more It's a must visit in the fall and also has excellent views of the horicon marsh. It's also nice to visit in summer and open year round. There's also good camping.

This tower has the best views other than flying over. The tower has over 200 steps to the tower and…read more96 up the tower itself. It was definitely worth the effort and time, as you can see for over 20 miles. They have picnic tables and restrooms near the parking area, primative restrooms. Enjoy your lunch with all the wildlife you can imagine.

Another one of Wisconsin's gems. This State Park is an absolute blast to hike. The loop is…read moreapproximately 4 miles that take you up and down and around another section of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Plymouth. A set of long stairs usher you up to the tower and that is where we started our journey. We climbed to the top and what a sight it is to see. This tower is high up as it sits on the crest of a hill. Amazing and a bit scary all the same time when you get to the top. Bring your pup cause this place is a perfect little spot to hike thorough with them. Trails are well marked and walking through the forest here is a bit surreal as you are led through windy twists and turns that are littered with rocks and trees and so much nature it is just a pleasure to experience. We drove up from Milwaukee and it takes about 50 minutes to get here. When heading home I suggest taking the scenic route back and driving by Long lake and through the country side of Wisconsin. Lot's to see and just an enjoyable jaunt all around!

For something to get out us out of the house this last year, my wife and I seek out new trails…read moreevery chance we get. Seeking most options in Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha Counties. Glacier Hills is one of the best. The simply fact that with the hilly nature makes it very scenic and just the right amount of challenge. The trail coming into Friess Lake is pretty special. We will be back for sure.

This park is the best. Every time I go here I meet a cool doe. And it's got some amazing foraging…read more I don't usually eat mushrooms (not in love with the texture), but if done right, they're pretty good.

At this rate, my family should be spokespeople for this State Park, because we really love it that…read moremuch. It continues to be a favorite spot for camping trips multiple times a year, but hot dang you have to book FAR in advance to get a site! I believe they allow you to book up to 11 months in advance, which seems crazy but trust me when I say you need to, especially for weekend or holiday dates. We camp with both an RV and tents, and are always in search of sites with electric as an option. My favorite is around the #89-92 area, but honestly you can't go wrong with most all of the sites. The grounds are extremely well-kept, and it's a delight to be tucked into the forest of trees. Tons of walking paths wind around this park too, including the beautiful dunes. Great to explore in all seasons. Various trails lead straight to Lake Michigan, where you'll find the sprawling beach of white sand. In the warm months, it's great to swim, and in the cooler months the beach is flat enough to take a nice long walk on or simply enjoy the ocean-like views. Other pros: plenty of parking for single-day visitors, a huge playground alongside the beach entrance, firewood and ice on site, an 'amphitheatre' area where events like weddings can be hosted, and it's very dog-friendly. There's nothing not to love at this gorgeous state park!

Kohler-Andre State Park: Originally named just Terry Andre State Park when it opened in the late…read more1920s, the park became Kohler-Andrae State Park in 1966 following a donation from the Kohler Company. The park is in the Town of Wilson, which is just south of Sheboygan. It features a plethora of wildlife, numerous campsites, the Sanderling Nature Center, majestic sand dunes, over two miles of golden beaches along the cool waters of Lake Michigan, The Black River Marsh Boardwalk, and whispering pines. My favorite part was the miles of hiking trails through the sandy dunes. A show titles "Wildlife of Wisconsin" was also neat in the Sanderling Nature Center. The presenter shared some interesting stories and also brought along some live animals, such as baby possums, falcon, and barn owl. It can be a little chillier in the park because of its proximity to Lake Michigan and the wetlands can cause an increase in mosquitos, so plan accordingly. Overall, it's a nice park within short driving distance of Milwaukee.

I know the Ozaukee Interurban Trail goes MUCH farther than the sections I've explored, so consider…read morethis a review from someone who has only scratched the surface. But from what I've seen, this is a pretty awesome way to get outside, get your steps in, go for a run, or hop on your bike and put some miles behind you. I really like the section through Grafton, especially the part where the trail crosses the Milwaukee River. The bridge is a great little stopping point. You can look down at the river, watch the water moving along, and pretend you're much more outdoorsy than you actually are. For the most part, the trail is nicely paved and smooth. There are some rough spots here and there, but overall it seems like they do a really good job maintaining it. One of my favorite discoveries is on the east side of the river, where you'll see a sign for the Bratt Woods Preserve. There's a nice loop through the woods you can use to get off the pavement and on a nice nature trail. No bikes allowed. But for those of us on foot it winds along the river for a bit and has some benches tucked away where you can stop, sit, and take in the scenery. And yes, you'll probably see some woodland creatures along the way. I've seen all kinds of people using the Interurban Trail: walkers, runners, rollerbladers, and bikers. But one thing I really appreciate is how respectful the traffic tends to be when the trail crosses a busy road. Most drivers I've encountered actually stop and let trail users cross, which makes a big difference. So far, I've only explored as far east as crossing the bridge over Highway 43, so I definitely have more of this trail to discover. And thankfully, you don't have to worry about trying to play leapfrog over Highway 43 to get there. If you're looking for an easy way to get outside in Ozaukee County, this is definitely worth checking out!

A very nice rails-to-trails paved bike trail! Signage is great, and plentiful. Parking along the…read moretrail is easy, and it's an easy ride, alongside a railroad, with native plants, and through the backyards of neighboring villages. We biked the trail a short distance from Brown Deer up to beautiful downtown Cedarburg (5.3 miles one way). It was very nice, and bike racks at the trail head in Cedarburg are plentiful. The trailhead at Brown Deer has several places to get a beverage or bite to eat at: St. Paul Fish Co., Cafe Hollander, Colectivo Coffee, so we ended out our ride with a refreshment. Interurban rails-to-trails projects are typically more rustic than say, County Park Lakefront trails, given that they follow a railroad path. This lovely paved trail follows alongside a railroad, but is not paved over the railroad tracks. I love the rails-to-trails concept, and I look forward to many more rides on the trail!

When someone says Hawthorn Hills the first thing that comes to mind is the sprawling golf course…read morelocated off county I in between Saukville and Fredonia. But there is a hidden gem called Hawthorn Hills county park located just north of the golf course. Enter in the pioneer village drive away and pass it. To your left you will see the park sign and a rustic gravel road loop that takes you to the trail head entrance. There are several picnic table areas off this road that you can picnic and grill out. Fires are only allowed in the provided grills. The main trail head isn't marked by a sign but by the larger parking area. The trail takes you deep into the forest. There are plank walkways, bridges and a pond to explore. The trail wraps around in a large loop that meets at the neighboring HH Peters building. Often used by the boy and Girl Scouts the building can be rented for special event. The trail system also hugs the Milwaukee river and has a few extra deep woods loops. This park is dog friendly and a great place to bring a family for a picnic or hike. It's truly a hidden gem because it is such a unused park. The park also has a letter box. Check out letter boxing.org to find out where it is. Oh one last thing- bring insect repellent!!! The pond is a mosquito nursery and you will need it on a cloud covered day!