Beautiful state park with plenty of trails to hike on with different difficulties! I've been here…read moreplenty of times with the latest in mid December 2025 with winter conditions during mid day. We went cross country skiing with rentals from Nordic Specialists located in the Evergreen Shelter next to the Evergreen lodge. Entry is with a fee or free with your purchase annual WI State parks pass. Not too far from the city, this place has the solitude and nature getaway not too far from the city. Xski rentals were $30 for classic ski that came with shoes poles and skis for two hours. It's also nice in the summer for getting a hike in whether you want a short one or a challenging long hike. There's also an observatory tower you can hike up flights of stairs for a nice view! The evergreen lodge is new and spacious to stay warm during the winter or cool in the shade in the off-winter time.

What a perfect day for an autumn hike on the Ice Age Trail! We stumbled upon this trailhead while…read moreon our way to Holy Hill and the famous Skeletons site, and decided to stop to enjoy the fall colors. We stuck to the White Trail, which makes a nice loop back to the parking lot. The trail is easy to access, well-marked, and mostly gentle, making it a great option for a leisurely stroll or a family outing. The scenery was absolutely stunning--so many trees showing vibrant autumn colors, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. We especially appreciated how peaceful and quiet the trail was, even on a beautiful fall day. Perfect for a short hike if you're passing through the area, or for anyone looking to enjoy some seasonal nature without tackling anything too strenuous. Highly recommend checking it out if you're nearby!

tl;dr A gorgeous 8.8 acre park filled with history, giant shade trees, the gentle pleasant sound of…read morewater as it moves along in the Bark River, a crazy unique wooden playground themed after a fort, multiple war memorials, huge shade trees, and a bathroom with drinking fountain. The playground is titled 'Fort Cushing' and is an all wood structure, with primarily a mulch surface and a few minor spots with a rubber surface. Within the playground there are separated areas for the little kids side and the big kids side. The little kids side is fairly small, and consists of two slides, a sandpit, and a few swings. Safety note, the baby swings are crazy high off of the ground since the mulch has been worn down so much, so make sure your kiddo is secured as it would be a huge drop. The big kids side has a variety of slides, bridges, monkey bars, giant tires to climb through as well as a tire swing, and more. Note: The drop off of the covered twist slide also has a huge drop at the end from the worn down mulch. It's definitely a unique playground but if you have little kids you can't trust yet on their own you'll definitely have to be flexible and fast to get through it all. There is a huge open area filled with mature shade trees, a tall monument dedicated to the three Cushing Brothers, as well as an obelisk, and a few other memorials. The park is also situated along the Glacial Drumlin Trail. Oh, and dogs are allowed here! Plus, they have bags available for cleanup. If you're in the area, this park is definitely worth the stop!

Went here because it was listed as one of the best playgrounds in the MKE metro, and it is indeed…read morethat. All wood, and lots of twists and turns, but fenced in so you can't lose the kids too easily.good amount of parking, but nice bike/walking access through the Lake Country and Ice Age trails. Clean bathrooms. Nice view of the Bark River. Definitely worth a trip out here, plus Delafield is a cute town.

While this was a spacious park, I don't think it's worth the daily pass fee of $7. There is a good…read moreamount of parking available and a small pond for people/dogs to play in. Checked out some of the trails but they weren't too well maintained. We primarily stopped by for a beer garden and car show. If you don't pay the fee beforehand online, you'll receive something in the mail about a month later. Surprised they charge this much considering they don't put more into their park. I'd rather check out a different free park in the area, like Whitnall.

I've been here before over the years for the trails and dog parks. You need a day or year pass for…read moreparking. The year pass is worth it if you would visit more than 6 times/visit any of the other Waukesha Parks. I went this past visit with my pup to paddle board- I personally wouldn't go again for this since it really is a pond and the water is a bit stinky and quite yucky! If we would have fallen in the water I would have been so upset so we only did one lap and then I let him play some water fetch. I do love the expanse of trails however and it looks like they have a beer garden set up as well. I'll come back just not for the water portion here

Easy access from Road ZZ, Dousman, WI. $8 parking fee (Wisconsin residents) or $11 (non-residents)…read more Annual passes also available ($28 residents; $38 non-residents). Plentiful parking. Clean restroom with pit toilets. Picnic tables. Benches. We enjoyed a 3.2 mile hike here. The "red loop" is a 2.3 mile loop to/from the parking lot. We wanted to cover a bit more distance -- so we added a portion of the green loop and the lollipop loop to the observation overlook. (Total distance was 3.2 miles with the amended route). The red loop is the park service as "short and narrow with steep terrain. You'll pass through pine plantations and hardwood forest." We particularly liked this segment, shaded and with the scent of pine. It also appears that some recent work has been done to clear underbrush. The segment of the "green loop" that we did is described as "a roller coaster of hills that you won't soon forget." We found this to be accurate. The trails are well-maintained, with excellent signage along the way. There are regular signs that identify where you are on maps, as well as regular blazes. There are regular benches if you want to stop for a snack. Much of these trails are at least partially shaded with only limited segments and times (noon!) that are in full sun. We saw a fair number of other hikers, perhaps a total of 10-12, even on a Wednesday morning. We also saw a bit of wildlife -- a very fat turkey, butterflies, and bumblebees. (there are also supposed to be ticks, so be careful). Two thing prevent me from giving a 5-star rating. (1) park policy allows pets on the hiking trails if they're on a leash. However, all SIX dogs that we saw were off-leash until the owner saw us. In one case, a large dog came running towards us (with no owner in sight) while we were eating our lunches. Thankfully, he obeyed when my husband told him to sit. (Full disclosure. I'm rather afraid of dogs after having been bit). (2) the park also allows hunting, and suggestions to wear bright clothing and to inquire about hunting seasons. However, no park personnel were on-site and, signage suggested that there's a long-g-g hunting season (Sept 1 to end of May). (May 10, 2023).

A great trail close to the Milwaukee area. Scuppernong has three different trails, intermediate…read moreand advanced levels. My husband & I really enjoyed it. The area is very clean, and very well kept. I highly recommend to check the Ice Age Trail website before visiting. They have great resources to prepare you for your visit, and even suggestions on where to go in the area depending on your type of visit.m, as well. This is a trail for active people, who are looking to be out in natural trails. Come early, and you'll feel like you have the place to explore all to yourself.

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.

We went to Lions Den for our annual clean up we pick a random beach each year and there was a…read morerequest to have one with more trails so this came up as a recommendation. I'm glad to report that the space was super clean! We picked up some trash but only 4 pounds! (Hidden bottles and some metal scraps that likely made there way in with the waves!) years past at other beaches we've collected 10-40 pounds worth of trash! That being said it is a well cared for space with nice trails to get to the beach the stairs are a bit slippery so be careful and take your time!! It's ok to go slow! It was a little buggy in the woods spaces so maybe come prepared with whatever you wear to repeal the bugs but we also came the day after a good rain- but that's nature for you. It was already really busy by 10am with the parking lot about half full - by time we left and 12pm it was almost completely full and this was on a Friday so it's definitely a popular spot!

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.

This trail is an excellent alternative to the longer, more strenuous nearby Scuppernong Trails just…read moreeast of here. But unlike those color coded trails, there's more to see along this 1.2 mile trail. Some of the springs are just mesmerizing. Seeing water bubble up from underwater sands is almost hypnotic. Other springs flow out of the ground and hillsides. Although shorter than even the shortest of the neighboring trails, definitely plan on spending an hour here, you'll be stopping often to take in the many features along the trail.

The Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail, across from the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area check in, is an…read moreeasy hike featuring dozens of natural springs, and the remnants of an old marl works plant. Differing from the other more wooded Scuppernong Trail, the Springs Nature trail is unique in its spring features and history. Check out the self guide for an explanation of natural springs, the marl plant and hotel, and the Native American settlement previously here. http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/pr/PR0230.pdf The springs bubble up through the sand like something out of the movie the Labrynth, and also flow out of the hillside. It's a really unique feature. This is an easy unique hike that the whole family can enjoy.

This magical, somewhat hidden spot has been a longtime favorite. I started coming here as a kid and…read morenow bring my two kids here for some oneness with nature. It's small and there are only a few short trails, but it's as serene and lovely as can be. Fall is a perfect time to check it out, but wear shoes that can handle mud and slippery leaves. Be sure to head all the way down to the water. The beach is minimal, but the kids will entertain themselves for hours climbing on fallen trees, looking for the perfect rock and perhaps building a shelter out of branches. One last tip: On your way down the steep hill, borrow a walking stick that you'll find on the left hand side near the entrance. Just be sure to return it for the next explorer to use.

I came here all the time when I was a kid and had the pleasure of returning recently. There are…read moreseveral short hiking loops through the woods and a steep entry trail that goes straight down to the water. There is less beach than there used to be; perhaps it's an erosion issue. If you hike along the water, the beach opens up in a few places. It's very secluded! If you take the trails off to the north of the main one, you should stumble upon a bunch of old wooden benches, which are remnants of a long-gone outdoor church. High schoolers frequent this place to, well, do the things that high schoolers do. Don't worry though, they're more scared of you than you are of them. This is a wonderful place to get close to nature. It's generally very quiet. I've seen deer, bats, lots of interesting mushrooms, and many varieties of wildflower. The trail can be overgrown, but it is still quite clear. It's not possible to get lost, as the park is rather small, and all the trails are loops. Just be careful about wandering onto private property. No one seems to care too much, but there are "no trespassing" signs by the fences. If you want better beach, you might have to ignore the warnings, but you didn't hear it from me. Also, be careful along the shore here-- it can be tricky to traverse.

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!