Lake Wissota State Park

Lake Wissota State Park - Parked near trailhead

Last night I was informed by park attendants while at Willow River State Park that rain would begin promptly at 6am today.  Sure enough, heavy thunderstorms started at 6:15am.  Thankfully I woke early and broke down camp quick.  My next stop was not planned – more of an “I’m bored and tired of driving in rain” … Read more

Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park - Willow Falls

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I’ve been quite distracted with life & other adventures this past month.  Since I’m stuffed with turkey and cannot move much, figured now is a good time for catch-up on my posting backlog.  Stay tuned, I have about 20 new places to share in the pipeline! Back to this post originally from … Read more

Mill Bluff State Park

Mill Bluff State Park - View from atop Mill Bluff

Since one of the main goals on this journey was to observe fall colors, the next choice of Mill Bluff State Park was easy.  The park contains several large sandstone bluffs, and the main Mill Bluff can be climbed to look out across the forest.  Amazing to consider thousands of years ago this was a … Read more

Wildcat Mountain State Park

Wildcat Mountain State Park - Night sky shot from Wildcat Mountain State Park site 106 over site 104

The second stop on my fall tour was Wildcat Mountain State Park.  I lost time trying to select a camping site and didn’t get much hiking in here, and instead of cranking out the mileage I did the short Observation Point Trail and watched the sun slowly fall beneath the horizon. Due to lack of … Read more

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park

Fall colors are upon us here in Wisconsin.  With a late October warm pattern pushing temps into the 70s, I booked last-minute vacation and hit the road.  Full trip starts here on Thursday 10/19 and ends late Sunday 10/22 – stay tuned for more posts, there were over 10 stops and it takes time for … Read more

Rocky Arbor State Park

Rocky Arbor State Park

Last stop for my short weekend trip on 8/5/17 was Rocky Arbor State Park.  It’s one of the smaller parks (244 acres) and is sandwiched in between busy highways I-94 and Hwy 12.  It can be easily hiked in an hour or two with features including rock bluffs and a variety of plant life. I took … Read more

Tower Hill State Park

Tower Hill State Park - Forest View

After leaving Governor Dodge State Park, I lost cell service (PS – Sprint is no bueno in WI), so I busted out the paper road atlas and picked the nearest destination.  This time it happened to be Tower Hill State Park.  I didn’t know anything about it beforehand but discovered the original purpose was for … Read more

Governor Dodge State Park

Governor Dodge State Park - Stephens Falls

It’s been a busy past few months and I was becoming irritated with my lack of adventure.  Friday at work was slow, thunderstorms were giving way to clear skies, and I could sit still no longer.  A last minute plan was hatched because that seems to be my modus operandi – and to be honest, trips … Read more

Parfreys Glen State Natural Area

Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area

A short drive from the main Devil’s Lake State Park area (but still within the park) is Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area.  Dedicated as the first state natural area in 1952, this is a popular family attraction thanks to easy access and a waterfall at the trail terminus.  Traffic is very busy during weekends/holidays – … Read more

Devil’s Lake State Park

Devils Lake State Park - View of the famous Devil's Doorway rock formation

I woke early and left Mirror Lake State Park so I could get one last day of hiking in.  After striking out at Devil’s Lake State Park due to huge crowds, I was hopeful that most families were heading home so I tried again – and was right.    Although I didn’t have much time … Read more