Devil's Lake State Park is one of the state parks most visited by people I know. It is most loved for its scenery, and there are many trails of varying difficulty throughout the park. Devil's Lake also houses some Native American burial mounds. The lake is clean, and many people camp here annually.
There's an unofficial travel guide website for the park at Devil's Lake Wisconsin
Devil's Lake State Park
S5975 Park Rd ~ Baraboo, WI ~ (608) 356-8301
Admission: State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker - $28/annual, $8/day
Showing posts with label Camping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camping. Show all posts
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Preview Post: Prentice Park
Prentice Park is Ashland's biggest park. There is a natural spring well and a playground, as well as plenty of outdoors to explore. Camping is also available.
Prentice Park
Turner Road ~ Ashland, WI
Prentice Park
Turner Road ~ Ashland, WI
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Harnischfeger Park
Harnischfeger is a Dodge County park outside of Ixonia. This park has a LOT to do, although not much of it was open and available when we were there. I'm not sure if that was because we were there right at 8:00 when it technically opened or because we were in the middle of the week. Or if a lot of it just is not offered a lot of the time.
We were pretty excited about the board walk. But it was closed off.
The playground was available to use. There were three small climbers, a rock wall, and swings. There is also an old-fashioned jungle gym, which was kind of fun. For the most part, everything seemed to be in pretty good repair. Although the ground could use a fresh covering. It is beginning to grow over with weeds.
Harnischfeger park is also home to kayak/canoe rentals, fishing, and mini golf. There are also nature trails.
There are quite a few shelters available to rent. They also have sand volleyball and a ball diamond. It would be a great place for a family reunion!
Onsite camping also means there are bathrooms available.
Harischfeger Park
W3048 Crawfish Rd ~ Ixonia, WI
We were pretty excited about the board walk. But it was closed off.
There are quite a few shelters available to rent. They also have sand volleyball and a ball diamond. It would be a great place for a family reunion!
Onsite camping also means there are bathrooms available.
Harischfeger Park
W3048 Crawfish Rd ~ Ixonia, WI
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Preview Post: Pietrek Park
Pietrek Park is a Trempealeau County park. It looks like it is a beautiful park with LOTS to do!
There is disc golf, volleyball, and basketball. There is also a playground and a beach.
The park has a campground, so there must be bathrooms available as well.
I think this park is free since I can't find any entrance fee prices anywhere, but I do know that sometimes county parks require payment to get in.
Pietrek Park
N31500 State Road 93 ~ Arcadia, WI ~ (715) 538-2311 ext. 251
There is disc golf, volleyball, and basketball. There is also a playground and a beach.
The park has a campground, so there must be bathrooms available as well.
I think this park is free since I can't find any entrance fee prices anywhere, but I do know that sometimes county parks require payment to get in.
Pietrek Park
N31500 State Road 93 ~ Arcadia, WI ~ (715) 538-2311 ext. 251
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
River Bend RV Resort
River Bend RV Resort just outside of Watertown is more than just a campground. It is actually a great place to hang out for a day! To be honest, we were really only interested in their water park.
Now, if you're looking for a Wisconsin-Dells-caliber water park, this is not it. But if you are looking for a swimming hole with some fun extras, River Bend is a great place to try.
First off, there IS an old-fashioned swimming hole. Well, maybe not exactly traditional.
They have a shallow, sandy beach on one side. Across the buoy line is much deeper with inflatable water equipment, like jumping pads and slides. We did not venture that far with two little ones, but we did enjoy the floating lounges the resort puts out. They are pretty sturdy and fun to float around on.
The main attraction, though, is the pool area. River Bend has a nice splash pad/kiddie pool. We had to hold both of our kids (ages 5 & 2) back from racing in as soon as they saw it. There are fountains, a spray arch, and a slide with a nice pad at the bottom, as well as plenty of open water for playing.
And then we ventured to the big pool! I would say the main draw to River Bend is probably the big green water slides. However, both of ours were still too small for those ones. It is also worth noting that they do not run the entire time the pool is open.
Although the kiddo was a little disappointed she couldn't go on the big slides, they BOTH had a blast flying down the little slides. There is a smaller frog slide (above, at the right) as well as a pretty decent-sized eagle slide (below, at the left). We did lots of swimming practice and sliding. The eagle slide was the definite favorite, but they are both good and fast.
One thing I really appreciated about River Bend was that they allowed us to use our own floaties. For some reason some places don't, but I always feel more comfortable when the kids have them on.
River Bend has nice bathrooms with coin-operated showers.
River Bend RV Resort
W6940 Rubidell Rd ~ Watertown, WI ~ (920) 261-7505
Admission: 3&under free, Monday-Thursday $5/person, Friday-Sunday $10/person
Now, if you're looking for a Wisconsin-Dells-caliber water park, this is not it. But if you are looking for a swimming hole with some fun extras, River Bend is a great place to try.
First off, there IS an old-fashioned swimming hole. Well, maybe not exactly traditional.
They have a shallow, sandy beach on one side. Across the buoy line is much deeper with inflatable water equipment, like jumping pads and slides. We did not venture that far with two little ones, but we did enjoy the floating lounges the resort puts out. They are pretty sturdy and fun to float around on.
The main attraction, though, is the pool area. River Bend has a nice splash pad/kiddie pool. We had to hold both of our kids (ages 5 & 2) back from racing in as soon as they saw it. There are fountains, a spray arch, and a slide with a nice pad at the bottom, as well as plenty of open water for playing.
And then we ventured to the big pool! I would say the main draw to River Bend is probably the big green water slides. However, both of ours were still too small for those ones. It is also worth noting that they do not run the entire time the pool is open.
Although the kiddo was a little disappointed she couldn't go on the big slides, they BOTH had a blast flying down the little slides. There is a smaller frog slide (above, at the right) as well as a pretty decent-sized eagle slide (below, at the left). We did lots of swimming practice and sliding. The eagle slide was the definite favorite, but they are both good and fast.
We visited as soon as the pool opened in the morning, so we worked up quite an appetite by the time we dragged the kids out a few hours later. We opted to order some lunch to-go from their restaurant. It was reasonably priced and gone before we got home!
One thing I really appreciated about River Bend was that they allowed us to use our own floaties. For some reason some places don't, but I always feel more comfortable when the kids have them on.
River Bend has nice bathrooms with coin-operated showers.
River Bend RV Resort
W6940 Rubidell Rd ~ Watertown, WI ~ (920) 261-7505
Admission: 3&under free, Monday-Thursday $5/person, Friday-Sunday $10/person
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Preview Post: Apple River County Park
Apple River County Park is on the Apple River in Amery. It's covered in woods, but contains a playground and a campground. If you've been, leave a comment and let us know what you thought!
Apple River County Park
1040 Mains Crossing Ave ~ Amery, WI
Apple River County Park
1040 Mains Crossing Ave ~ Amery, WI
Friday, July 10, 2015
Big Bay Town Park
There is not a playground, but there are trails and a great lagoon for swimming or kayaking/canoeing (available to rent). Lake Superior is really too cold for swimming, but this lagoon is nice and warm-ish...and gorgeous! We even saw a deer swim across the lagoon. There is also beach to play in on the shore of Lake Superior.
Big Bay Town Park
2305 Town Park Circle ~ La Pointe, WI ~ 715-747-3031
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Island National Lakeshore is one of Wisconsin's most unique parks, and one of only two national parks in the state. It consists mostly of islands, which are accessible only by kayak or boat.
Some of the park is on the mainland along the Lake Superior shoreline. The largest draw to the Apostle Islands are the caves, especially the ice caves in the winter. These can't really be seen from the mainland shore.
There are plenty of other activities, especially if you are willing to pay for them. There is an Apostle Island cruise available. We chose not to do that one due to the cost and duration (3 hours!) of the cruise. You can also fish, tour some lighthouses, and there is plenty of hiking!
The park may be accessed for free, but there are fees for many specific uses.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Bayfield Headquarters
415 Washington Avenue ~ Bayfield, WI ~ 715-779-3397
This is the headquarters in Bayfield.
There are plenty of other activities, especially if you are willing to pay for them. There is an Apostle Island cruise available. We chose not to do that one due to the cost and duration (3 hours!) of the cruise. You can also fish, tour some lighthouses, and there is plenty of hiking!
The park may be accessed for free, but there are fees for many specific uses.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Bayfield Headquarters
415 Washington Avenue ~ Bayfield, WI ~ 715-779-3397
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Astico County Park
I took my kiddo to Astico County Park mostly because I discovered they had canoe rentals, and I thought it would be fun to give it a try.
Word to the wise: Don't give your 3-year-old a canoe paddle unless you are looking for a MAJOR arm workout trying to paddle against the one permanently dragging in the water! My newly toned arms thank my daughter for the boot camp:)
The website says they offer half-day or full-day rentals, but onsite they also give the option of hourly. One hour was perfect for us.
Once we got our canoe safely back to harbor, we did a little more exploring of the park. It was mostly campsites and trails, but we did find a little playground. I definitely wouldn't go to this park specifically looking to play on their playground because it was pretty minimal, but it was a nice enough pit stop.
Astico Park does have bathrooms.
Astico Park
N3620 County Road TT ~ Columbus, WI ~ 920-386-3700
Admission: There is no entrance fee, but there are fees to rent canoes/kayaks and to camp.
The website says they offer half-day or full-day rentals, but onsite they also give the option of hourly. One hour was perfect for us.
Once we got our canoe safely back to harbor, we did a little more exploring of the park. It was mostly campsites and trails, but we did find a little playground. I definitely wouldn't go to this park specifically looking to play on their playground because it was pretty minimal, but it was a nice enough pit stop.
Astico Park does have bathrooms.
Astico Park
N3620 County Road TT ~ Columbus, WI ~ 920-386-3700
Admission: There is no entrance fee, but there are fees to rent canoes/kayaks and to camp.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Preview Post: Rieck's Lake Park
Rieck's Lake Park sounds like a great smaller alternative to the nearby Merrick State Park. Rieck's Lake also has a (non-reservable) campground. There is plenty of walking, and the park is home to a sheltered picnic area. The playground has your average climber with a couple of slides and a few old-school pieces of equipment as well. Plus, there's a ball diamond!
Rieck's Lake Park
North of Alma on State Highway 35 ~ Alma, WI ~ (608) 685-3330
Rieck's Lake Park
North of Alma on State Highway 35 ~ Alma, WI ~ (608) 685-3330
Preview Post: Merrick State Park
Merrick State Park houses a campground on the Mississippi River. It sounds great! It's a big park with lots of trails. They also have canoe rentals.
There are multiple picnic areas; some are reservable. The park also has a playground.
Merrick State Park would be a great place to take the family for the weekend!
Merrick State Park
S2965 State Road 35 ~ Fountain City, WI ~ (608) 687-4936
Admission: A state park vehicle pass is required. Daily ($7) or Annual ($25) passes are available. They cost slightly more for out-of-state vehicles.
There are multiple picnic areas; some are reservable. The park also has a playground.
Merrick State Park would be a great place to take the family for the weekend!
Merrick State Park
S2965 State Road 35 ~ Fountain City, WI ~ (608) 687-4936
Admission: A state park vehicle pass is required. Daily ($7) or Annual ($25) passes are available. They cost slightly more for out-of-state vehicles.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Wild Goose Park
This is not a park we would have easily stumbled upon, but I'm glad we discovered it!
It seems very new. It is well-kept with a great bathroom facility, which was open when we were there. The playground is bedded with shredded tire, so you may want to avoid wearing light-colored clothing.
I'm guessing the main attraction at this park is soccer games, based on the many fields at the park. There are multiple covered picnic areas throughout the park. Supposedly you can also camp here; we didn't see any camping area, though, admittedly, we were not here long.
The park is right on the Wild Goose Trail as well.
Wild Goose Park
401 N Hyland St ~ Juneau, WI
It seems very new. It is well-kept with a great bathroom facility, which was open when we were there. The playground is bedded with shredded tire, so you may want to avoid wearing light-colored clothing.
I'm guessing the main attraction at this park is soccer games, based on the many fields at the park. There are multiple covered picnic areas throughout the park. Supposedly you can also camp here; we didn't see any camping area, though, admittedly, we were not here long.
The park is right on the Wild Goose Trail as well.
Wild Goose Park
401 N Hyland St ~ Juneau, WI
Point Beach State Forest
I believe the main draw to Point Beach is the camping. That's why we were there! There are many trails to explore.
As the name suggests, the park also hosts beachfront on Lake Michigan. I was a bit disappointed by the beach. I remember going to the beach each year growing up, and it was a great sandy place to play. There is still a narrow strip of sand, but I believe a few years ago the park began an initiative to allow the dunes to return to their more natural state, so most of the beach is now covered in beach grass and native plants. Great for environmental promotion, but not so easy to find a place to lay out beach towels! There is also a separate dog beach for those so inclined.
Toward the north end of the park's beach is a concession stand. Just a short walk up from that is a playground. There is not a whole lot there: a few wooden/metal structures, some swings, and a few picnic benches. There is also a grass ball diamond. What there is a lot of is open space.
Point Beach State Forest
9400 Cty Hwy O ~ Two Rivers, WI ~ 920-794-7480
Admission: A state park vehicle pass is required. Daily ($7) or Annual ($25) passes are available. They cost slightly more for out-of-state vehicles.
As the name suggests, the park also hosts beachfront on Lake Michigan. I was a bit disappointed by the beach. I remember going to the beach each year growing up, and it was a great sandy place to play. There is still a narrow strip of sand, but I believe a few years ago the park began an initiative to allow the dunes to return to their more natural state, so most of the beach is now covered in beach grass and native plants. Great for environmental promotion, but not so easy to find a place to lay out beach towels! There is also a separate dog beach for those so inclined.
Toward the north end of the park's beach is a concession stand. Just a short walk up from that is a playground. There is not a whole lot there: a few wooden/metal structures, some swings, and a few picnic benches. There is also a grass ball diamond. What there is a lot of is open space.
Point Beach State Forest
9400 Cty Hwy O ~ Two Rivers, WI ~ 920-794-7480
Admission: A state park vehicle pass is required. Daily ($7) or Annual ($25) passes are available. They cost slightly more for out-of-state vehicles.
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