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 Swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swimming. Show all posts
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Preview Post: Kreher Park
Kreher Park is actually a city-owned RV campground, but it is also listed as a public beach, so I am assuming you can access the facilities without having a campsite there. There is a playground and a beach...on Lake Superior. Brr! Most reviews I can find are from people who have camped there, and they have been positive.
Kreher Park
200 Prentice Avenue N ~ Ashland, WI
Kreher Park
200 Prentice Avenue N ~ Ashland, WI
Preview Post: Maslowski Beach
Maslowski Beach in Ashland seems to be best known for its spring water. It hosts a beach (obviously) but also has a playground. There are also bathrooms, and it sounds like they are usually open based on reviews I've found in which people mention changing areas. It is on Lake Superior, so pretty chilly, but by all accounts is usually a nice beach for playing.
Maslowski Beach
Highway 2 on the west side of Ashland, WI
Maslowski Beach
Highway 2 on the west side of Ashland, WI
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Preview Post: Bayview Park
Dip your toes in Lake Superior with a visit to Bayview Park in Ashland. Technically it's on Chequamegon Bay, so it has a LITTLE bit of a chance to get up to a swim-able temperature! It looks to be a long and narrow park with quite a bit of lakefront. There is a beach as well as a playground.
Bayview Park
1803 East Lake Shore Drive ~ Ashland, WI
Bayview Park
1803 East Lake Shore Drive ~ Ashland, WI
Kingston Spring Lake Park
A friend introduced us to Kingston Spring Lake Park. It is a a small park on the shore of Spring Lake in Green Lake County.
The lake is not big, but they have cleared a nice beach area with a decent amount of sand to play in. The water in front of the sand is pretty nice too, though there were lots of weeds to either side. Highlight of the day for my kiddos: we saw a snake swim from one side to the other:)
It was great with little kids because it is nice and shallow for quite a long way out, so they had lots of room to splash and play before we had to reel them back in.
There is a restroom building with pit toilets. Those didn't seem very well maintained. The door didn't close on the women's, and they were pretty gross.
Kingston Spring Lake Park
Spring Lake View Drive ~ Kingston, WI
The lake is not big, but they have cleared a nice beach area with a decent amount of sand to play in. The water in front of the sand is pretty nice too, though there were lots of weeds to either side. Highlight of the day for my kiddos: we saw a snake swim from one side to the other:)
It was great with little kids because it is nice and shallow for quite a long way out, so they had lots of room to splash and play before we had to reel them back in.
There is a restroom building with pit toilets. Those didn't seem very well maintained. The door didn't close on the women's, and they were pretty gross.
Kingston Spring Lake Park
Spring Lake View Drive ~ Kingston, WI
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Preview Post: AmericInn Waterpark
The AmericInn in Ashland has an indoor waterpark. It doesn't look like it's huge, but it might be a fun way to spend an afternoon. From pictures I can find, it looks like there are two decent water slides and a splash area. They do have day passes available.
AmericInn SplAshland
3009 Lake Shore Drive E ~ Ashland, WI
Admission: $10
AmericInn SplAshland
3009 Lake Shore Drive E ~ Ashland, WI
Admission: $10
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Preview Post: Arcadia Aquatic Center
The Arcadia Aquatic Center looks like a great family pool. It is an outdoor pool with zero entry. It looks like there are a few kiddie slides and one big water slide. I also see diving boards. Looks like fun!
One downfall is everyone has to pay to get in, even adults who are supervising & not swimming.
Aquatic Center
415 Gavney Road ~ Arcadia, WI ~ (608) 323-2472
Admission: $4/person, Free/under 2 & seniors
One downfall is everyone has to pay to get in, even adults who are supervising & not swimming.
Aquatic Center
415 Gavney Road ~ Arcadia, WI ~ (608) 323-2472
Admission: $4/person, Free/under 2 & seniors
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
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Preview Post: Mead Park
Mead Park is a park in Appleton. The playground looks pretty small. There are picnic tables but not a shelter. There is also a sand volleyball court. No bathrooms though!
EXCEPT: at the pool! This park is also home to an outdoor pool, complete with diving boards, water slide, and splash pad.
The park itself is free, but there is a fee for the pool.
Mead Park
1430 East John Street ~ Appleton, WI
Pool Admission: $1/non-swimmer, $3/child over 3, $4/adult, $3/seniors, Under 4 free
EXCEPT: at the pool! This park is also home to an outdoor pool, complete with diving boards, water slide, and splash pad.
The park itself is free, but there is a fee for the pool.
Mead Park
1430 East John Street ~ Appleton, WI
Pool Admission: $1/non-swimmer, $3/child over 3, $4/adult, $3/seniors, Under 4 free
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Regner Park
Regner Park is a large park in West Bend. It looks like they have a LOT to offer, but we went there to swim.
I will start by saying it was a really nice beach and splash pad. It is a man-made pond with lifeguards. There began the less desirable qualities. I am all for safety, but this place seemed little over-the-top. Kids under....5? 6? (I'm not sure because the prerecorded repeating announcement contradicted itself) are required to be within arm's reach of their guardian. Seems like a reasonable request, right? Except the "kiddie" area of this beach is VERY shallow VERY far in. I do not need to stand in water up to my ankles to keep my child within arm's reach. I can sit on the beach and watch her safely. Yes, I know kids can drown in 2 inches of water, but in the very slim chance her face went in and didn't pop right back out, I could easily stand up and run to grab her in plenty of time. And even kids with flotation devices are not allowed to go past their armpits without passing a swim test. Now HERE is where the arm's reach rule would actually make sense to me. If she's past her armpits I should be able to reach her. But no matter because she can't go there anyway. And flotation devices aren't allowed outside of the very shallow kiddie area, so...? Don't worry, if you even think about doing something that might not be allowed, a lifeguard will start yelling through a megaphone from their chair. You can't entirely understand them sometimes, and you usually have no idea whether they are yelling at you or someone else, but there is a lot of yelling none-the-less.
Overall, the kids really did enjoy themselves, and it was a nice clean place. And I will say I'm sure they almost never have any incidents. I just found it to be a little bit stressful. I was looking forward to be able to relax a bit knowing there were lifeguards watching, but it felt to me more like I was constantly on edge trying to make sure we weren't getting in trouble. It would probably also be better if you went there a few times and were more familiar with the expectations.
In the winter, the pond turns into a skating rink, which sounds fun.
Also at the park: playgrounds, trails, a fishing pond, and sport fields. There is a labrynth garden, too! I wish I would have known, because I would definitely have dragged my kiddo there to check it out.
Would I go back to explore the park some more? Absolutely! Would I take my kids swimming there again? No.
Regner Park
800 N Main Street ~ West Bend, WI ~ (262)335-5087
Admission: for swimming $4/adult, $3/child, 2&under free
Overall, the kids really did enjoy themselves, and it was a nice clean place. And I will say I'm sure they almost never have any incidents. I just found it to be a little bit stressful. I was looking forward to be able to relax a bit knowing there were lifeguards watching, but it felt to me more like I was constantly on edge trying to make sure we weren't getting in trouble. It would probably also be better if you went there a few times and were more familiar with the expectations.
In the winter, the pond turns into a skating rink, which sounds fun.
Also at the park: playgrounds, trails, a fishing pond, and sport fields. There is a labrynth garden, too! I wish I would have known, because I would definitely have dragged my kiddo there to check it out.
Would I go back to explore the park some more? Absolutely! Would I take my kids swimming there again? No.
Regner Park
800 N Main Street ~ West Bend, WI ~ (262)335-5087
Admission: for swimming $4/adult, $3/child, 2&under free
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
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Preview Post: Plamann Park
While Plamann Park in Appleton does not have a playground, they offer quite a bit in its place. One of the park's main features is its trail system.
Another more seasonal attraction is the beach. There is a small lake with sand beaches open for swimming in the summer.
In the summer, they also house a petting zoo with animals from area farms.
Plamann Park
1375 East Broadway Drive ~ Appleton, WI ~ (920) 832-4790
Admission: Free, fees for beach: free/seniors, $3/Ages 16&up, $2.50/Ages 4-15, free/under 4
Another more seasonal attraction is the beach. There is a small lake with sand beaches open for swimming in the summer.
In the summer, they also house a petting zoo with animals from area farms.
Plamann Park
1375 East Broadway Drive ~ Appleton, WI ~ (920) 832-4790
Admission: Free, fees for beach: free/seniors, $3/Ages 16&up, $2.50/Ages 4-15, free/under 4
Monday, August 8, 2016
YMCA at Pabst Farm
The YMCA at Pabst Farm houses an aquatic facility that is great for young swimmers. There is a small climber, zero depth entry, and a water slide.
The toddler/preschool crowd enjoyed themselves. I think kids much older might be less impressed.
This is a nice place, but the price seemed a bit steep for swimming. In all fairness, we really didn't use any of the rest of the facilities, so maybe it could have been more worth it. I felt like there were more economical options as far as swimming goes.
YMCA at Pabst Farms
1750 East Valley Rd ~ Oconomowoc, WI ~ (262)567-7251
Admission: $8-$21/day, depending on age
The toddler/preschool crowd enjoyed themselves. I think kids much older might be less impressed.
This is a nice place, but the price seemed a bit steep for swimming. In all fairness, we really didn't use any of the rest of the facilities, so maybe it could have been more worth it. I felt like there were more economical options as far as swimming goes.
YMCA at Pabst Farms
1750 East Valley Rd ~ Oconomowoc, WI ~ (262)567-7251
Admission: $8-$21/day, depending on age
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Preview Post: Clara R. McKenna Aquatic Center
The Clara R. McKenna Aquatic Center is the community pool in Antigo. It is an indoor facility with a zero-depth entry pool and a water slide. It looks like there are splash features as well. I would definitely try this place out, rain or shine!
Clara R. McKenna Aquatic Center
111 Western Avenue ~ Antigo, WI ~ 715-627-0497
Admission: $3/student, $5/adult, $11/family
Clara R. McKenna Aquatic Center
111 Western Avenue ~ Antigo, WI ~ 715-627-0497
Admission: $3/student, $5/adult, $11/family
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Preview Post: South Twin Park
South Twin Park looks like a great place to play in Amery! There is a sandy beach on South Twin Lake. There is no life guard on duty, so watch closely. There is a large, covered picnic area and a building with showers (and I would assume toilets?).
I see plenty of space to run around. The park is listed as having a playground, but that looks to consist of a few swings and maybe a see-saw.
South Twin Park
W Elm Street & Water Avenue ~ Amery, WI
I see plenty of space to run around. The park is listed as having a playground, but that looks to consist of a few swings and maybe a see-saw.
South Twin Park
W Elm Street & Water Avenue ~ Amery, WI
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
Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark is the ultimate water park - America's largest in fact:) They have wave pools, lazy rivers, and water coasters and water slides for a wide range of adventure levels. My kiddo and I had a blast! There is really more than you can do in a day, so if you're going to be in town and water parks are your thing, I would recommend getting their second day deal before you leave the park. It gives you drastically reduced prices for a whole additional day of fun!
There are the old classics like the Bermuda Triangle slides and the Adventure Rivers, as well as some new thrillers. The Point of No Return is a see-through, big-drop individual slide. The Scorpion's Tail flips you upside down! Those are two of the more unique slides.
The best part about Noah's Ark is that there really is something for everyone. They range from the tame to the insane.
Noah's Ark is one of the most well-known Wisconsin attractions, but it is definitely worth a visit at least once as a family.
Noah's Ark Water Park
1410 Wisconsin Dells Parkway ~ Wisconsin Dells, WI ~ (608) 254-6351
Admission: Prices range from $20-$40, but I would highly recommend checking around for deals. You can almost always find discounted tickets at a local grocery store or through the local recreation department. Also check their website for specials.
There are the old classics like the Bermuda Triangle slides and the Adventure Rivers, as well as some new thrillers. The Point of No Return is a see-through, big-drop individual slide. The Scorpion's Tail flips you upside down! Those are two of the more unique slides.
The best part about Noah's Ark is that there really is something for everyone. They range from the tame to the insane.
Noah's Ark is one of the most well-known Wisconsin attractions, but it is definitely worth a visit at least once as a family.
Noah's Ark Water Park
1410 Wisconsin Dells Parkway ~ Wisconsin Dells, WI ~ (608) 254-6351
Admission: Prices range from $20-$40, but I would highly recommend checking around for deals. You can almost always find discounted tickets at a local grocery store or through the local recreation department. Also check their website for specials.
Monday, August 10, 2015
South Park
South Park in Oshkosh has a little something for everyone. There is a beautiful bridge often used for wedding photos, ducks to feed, multiple playgrounds (one of which is an inclusive playground that is handicapped-accessible), and a splash pad. There are also restrooms.
South Park
West South Park Ave & Georgia Street ~ Oshkosh, WI
South Park
West South Park Ave & Georgia Street ~ Oshkosh, WI
Dodge County YMCA
The Dodge County YMCA has plenty to keep your family busy! There are a couple of playgrounds, athletic facilities...and pools! Our family has spent our time in the family adventure pool.
This is a great place for little ones. It has a zero-depth entry with a kiddie slide and some water fountains and features. There is a lazy river and a tube waterslide as well.
Be sure to check the schedules online because you can only play during designated "open swim" times.
YMCA of Dodge County
220 Corporate Drive ~ Beaver Dam, WI ~ 920-887-8811
Admission: lots of options! Day passes start at $6/child, $12/adult, $20/family; memberships available
Be sure to check the schedules online because you can only play during designated "open swim" times.
YMCA of Dodge County
220 Corporate Drive ~ Beaver Dam, WI ~ 920-887-8811
Admission: lots of options! Day passes start at $6/child, $12/adult, $20/family; memberships available
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
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