1. Amnicon Falls State Park
This 825-acre park south of Superior on Hwy. 2 features waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River. Opens the end of April and closes the first week of October. Camping and picnicking. (c/o 6294 S. State Rd. 35, Superior 54880-8326. Winter: 715/399-8073; Summer: 715/398-3000)

2. Aztalan State Park
South of I-94, near Lake Mills, this park is an archaeological site, the location of a 12th century Indian village. Open daily April through October, the park offers picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing. (c/o 1213 S. Main, Lake Mills 53551. 414/648-8774)

3. Big Bay State Park
Located on Madeline Island, the park features picturesque sandstone bluffs with caves where Lake Superior laps at the shoreline. A family campground, including walk-in campsites, indoor group camp, hiking and nature trails, and 1.5 miles of sand beach await visitors. (Box 589, Bayfield 54814-0589. 715/779-4020; Summer: 715/747-6425)

4. Big Foot Beach State Park
From mid-May to November 1, this 272-acre park on the shores of Lake Geneva offers wooded campsites, 2,200 feet of sand beach and picnic areas. Located in resort and recreation area. Year-round alcohol ban. (1452 Hwy. H, Lake Geneva 53147. 414/248-2528)

5. Blue Mound State Park
Offers a spectacular view of the countryside from its perch, the highest point in southern Wisconsin. Observation towers, wooded campsites, swimming pool, picnic areas and hiking, and nature and cross-country ski trails offer year-round recreation. (Box 98, Blue Mounds 53517-0098. 608/437-5711)

6. Brunet Island State Park
Framed by the Chippewa and Fisher rivers, this park is located one mile northwest of Cornell. Swimming, canoeing and fishing opportunities abound. Enjoy the abundant plant and wildlife. (Rt. 2, Box 158, Cornell 54732. 715/239-6888)

7. Buckhorn State Park
A 2,500-acre peninsula in the Castle Rock Flowage of the Wisconsin River offers a full range of water-related activities. A paradise for hunters, hikers and nature lovers. Outdoor group camp, 16 cart-in campsites, two-level accessible wildlife blind. (W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave., Necedah 54646-2789. 608/565-2789)

8. Copper Culture State Park
This 48-acre park features an Indian burial ground from the Copper Culture over 2,000 years ago. Locally owned park museum offers a detailed look at the life and times of the Copper Culture. (Admission charged. Call for hours.) Also enjoy the 15-acre short-grass prairie or fish the Oconto River. Vehicle admission sticker not required. (c/o P.O. Box 10448, Green Bay 54307-0448. 414/492-5836)

9. Copper Falls State Park
Canyons, streams and waterfalls to delight photographers, hikers and cross-country skiers; just north of Mellen in Ashland County. Swimming beach, miles of trails. Family campgrounds, plus walk-in and backpack campsites available. (RR1 Box 17AA, Mellen 54546. 715/274-5123)

10. Council Grounds State Park
Located along the beautiful Wisconsin River a short distance northwest of Merrill. A campground with modern rest rooms, swimming beach, picnic areas, shelter house and a physical fitness trail await visitors. (1110 E. 10th Street, Merrill 54452. 715/536-8773; Labor Day - Memorial Day 715/536-4502

11. Devil's Lake State Park
An Ice Age unit where 500-foot bluffs flank a 360-acre lake. Swimming, fishing, boating (electric motor only), canoeing, scuba diving, hiking, nature center (by appointment during off--season), year-round naturalist and cross-country skiing. (S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo 53913-9299. 608/356-8301; Campsite reservation information 608/356-6618; TDD 608/356-4274)

12. Governor Dodge State Park
5,000 scenic acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys, plus two lakes offering swimming, fishing and boating (electric motors only). Hike through oak-hickory woods, ride horses over rolling hills, picnic near sandstone bluffs. (4175 Hwy. 23, Dodgeville 53533. 608/935-2315)

13. Governor Nelson State Park
Located on Lake Mendota, recreation and nature mingle within sight of the state Capitol building. Boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming are favorite activities. Trails and restored prairie beckon nature enthusiasts. Effigy mounds in the wooded upland. (5140 Cty. Hwy. M, Waunakee 53597. 608/831-3005)

14. Harrington Beach State Park
Peacefulness and serenity draw people. The 636 acres with a mile-long Lake Michigan beach leave room to be alone with nature. Hiking, fishing, picnic areas, nature and cross-country ski trails are available. (531 Hwy. D, Belgium 53004. 414/285-3015)

15. Hartman Creek State Park
Located on the beautiful Chain of Lakes in central Wisconsin. A quiet and friendly gem for family enjoyment. Fish, swim, hike, bike and ski. Join a guided hike or evening program. (N2480 Hartman Creek Road, Waupaca 54981-9727. 715/258-2372)

16. Heritage Hill State Park
Experience "living history" at this 40-acre outdoor museum in Green Bay. The park features 25 structures from Wisconsin's past. Per person admission charged. (2640 S. Webster Avenue, Green Bay 54301. 414/448-5150)

17. High Cliff State Park
This park of 1,145 acres rests on limestone cliffs overlooking Lake Winnebago. History and geology buffs will want to visit the park to learn about effigy mound builders, lime kiln, quarry operations, camping and the scenic overlook. (N7475 High Cliff Road, Menasha 54952. 414/989-1106)

18. Interstate Park
A deep gorge called the "Dalles of the St. Croix" is a scenic feature of Wisconsin's oldest state park. As a part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, the Ice Age Interpretive Center features photographs, murals and other information about the great glaciers. (Box 703, St. Croix Falls 54024. 715/483-3747; Camping reservations 715/483-3742)

19. Kinnickinnic State Park
The Kinnickinnic, a cold water trout stream, forms a large, sandy delta where it flows into the St. Croix River. This day-use park features river scenery, trails meandering through tall grass prairies and upland forests, a large swim area and boat-in camping. (W11983 820th Avenue, River Falls 54022. 715/425-1129)

20. Kohler-Andrae State Park
Year-round, this 1,000-acre scenic gem on the shore of Lake Michigan offers a peaceful feeling. Relax in a shady campsite, walk barefoot on two miles of beach, tour the nature center, or stroll along two nature trails. (1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan 53081. 414/451-4080)

21. Lake Kegonsa State Park
Kegonsa means "lake of many fishes" and it is one of southern Wisconsin's most productive fishing holes. The White Oak Nature Trail's peculiar earthen structures are of mysterious origin. The woodlands, prairies and wetlands attract campers, hikers and skiers. (2405 Door Creek Road, Stoughton 53589. 608/873-9695)

22. Lake Wissota State Park
Created by Wisconsin-Minnesota Light and Power Company in 1918, the 6,300-acre lake attracts anglers after walleyes, muskies and bass. Scenic trails edge the shoreline and wind through woodland, prairie and marsh. (18127 CTH O, Chippewa Falls 54729. 715/382-4574)

23. Merrick State Park
Located between stately 500-foot bluffs and the lazy Mississippi River north of Fountain City. River waters are a haven for summer and winter anglers. The marshy back waters are home for egrets, herons, muskrats and otters. (Box 127, Fountain City 54629. 608/687-4936)

24. Mill Bluff State Park
Picturesque rock for-mations dominate the land. Part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, an ideal place for picnicking, swimming, camping and hiking. Scenic views from the top of Mill Bluff. (c/o Box 99 54651. 608/337-4775; Memorial Day - Labor Day 608/427-6692)

25. Mirror Lake State Park
Just three miles from Wisconsin Dells, sandstone bluffs surround half the lake which offers excellent fishing, swimming and canoeing. Wooded campsites, picnic areas, a boat landing, and biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails. Cabin for people with disabilities. (E10320 Fern Dell Road, Baraboo 53913. 608/254-2333)

26. Natural Bridge State Park
Inspect a natural arch of sandstone with a rock shelter used by people when the glacier was melting, 11,000 years ago. On Cty Hwy. C, twelve miles west of Devil's Lake in Sauk County. (S5975 Park Road, Baraboo 53913-9299. 608/356-8301; TDD 608/356-4281)

27. Nelson Dewey State Park
Take in a panoramic view of the Mississippi River or relax in wooded campsites atop the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi. Visit Stonefield, home of Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey, and Stonefield Village, a reconstructed 1890 village. Open year round. (Box 718, Cassville 53806. 608/725-5374; Campground reservations 608/725-5274)

28. New Glarus Woods State Park
Located close to the Sugar River Trail, you'll find camping as it was intended, with drive-in or hike-in campsites of quiet solitude. A picnic area and playground. Nature trails lead to wildlife and the beauty of undisturbed woodland. (c/o Box 256, Monroe 53566. Summer 608/527-2335; Off-season 608/325-4844)

29. Newport State Park
Managed with a wilderness philosophy, the park's 2,440 acres of forests and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline offer quiet alternatives to bustling Door County. Hiking, swimming, backpack camping, bird watching, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are favorite activities. (475 Cty. Rd. NP, Ellison Bay 54210. 920/854-2500)

30. Pattison State Park
One of the state's outstanding scenic features is 165-foot-high Big Manitou Falls, highest in Wisconsin. Hiking trails, nature center, sand beach and interpretive programs entertain and educate visitors (6294 S. State Rd. 35, Superior 54880-8326. 715/399-8073)

31. Peninsula State Park
On a peninsula jutting into Green Bay waters, the 3,763 acres of forest include four campgrounds, bike trails, an observation tower, summer theater, a 125-year-old lighthouse and an 18-hole golf course. Visitors explore bays fringed by sand and cobblestone. Islands and ships can be viewed from the bluffs. (Box 218, Fish Creek 54212-0218. 414/868-3258; Golf course 414/854-5791 May-Oct.)

32. Perrot State Park
The park's 1,400 acres nestle among bluffs where the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers meet. From the 500-foot river bluffs, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the mighty Mississippi. (Rt. 1, Box 407, Trempealeau 54661. 608/534-6409)

33. Pike Lake State Park
Surprising for its beauty, panoramic views from atop Powder Hill, picnic areas and peaceful campsites, this 678-acre park offers year-round enjoyment. Located in the Kettle Moraine area, the Ice Age Trail passes through. (3544 Kettle Moraine Road, Hartford 53027. 414/670-3400)

34. Potawatomi State Park
On a clear day, the view from the observation tower reaches 16 miles across Green Bay to Menomonee, Mich., and Chambers Island, 20 miles to the northeast. The two-mile shoreline is dotted with granite boulders, brought from Canada by the glacier. Family campground and cabin for people with disabilities. (3740 Park Drive, Sturgeon Bay 54235. 414/746-2890; 414/746-2891)

35. Rib Mountain State Park
This billion-year-old hill is one of the oldest geologic formations on earth. The top of the 60-foot observation tower is 700 feet above the surrounding plain and offers spectacular views. Downhill skiing. (5301 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau 54401. Summer: 715/842-2522; Off-season: 715/359-4522)

36. Roche-A-Cri State Park
The French name refers to the 300-foot high rock outcropping that is the central feature of this quiet park. Climb the stairway to the top for a panoramic view; picnic areas, hiking trails and 41 wooded campsites, also featured. (c/o Ranger Station, 1767 Hwy. 13, Friendship 53934-0100. Summer608/339-6881; Off-season 608/565-2789 )

37. Rock Island State Park
Take the ferry to this primitive Lake Michigan island park that LaSalle and Hennepin visited in The Griffon in 1679. The stone buildings were built by a wealthy inventor between 1910 and 1930. (Washington Island 54246. mid-April - mid-November: 414/847-2235; mid-November - mid-April: 414/854-2500)

38. Rocky Arbor State Park
A 225-acre park located within 1-1/2 miles of Wisconsin Dells. Eighty-nine wooded campsites offer seclusion, while pine trees and sandstone bluffs of-fer a cool escape to the picnicker or hiker in this summer park. (c/o E10320 Fern Dell Road, Baraboo 53913. (summer: 608/254-8001; fall, winter, spring: 608/254-2333)

39. Tower Hill State Park
Visitors can hike to the unique shot tower and melting house and view a film and displays on lead shot making from the 1800s. Just two men, using picks and crow bars, tunneled 120 feet down and 90 feet horizontally through the rock. Open mid-April to October. (5808 Cty. C, Spring Green 53588. 608/588-2116)

40. Whitefish Dunes State Park
This Door County park offers a combination of natural features rugged Lake Michigan shoreline, dense upland forest, shoreline on an interior lake, a winding creek with wetlands, and the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin. Many features for people with disabilities. Day use only. (3701 Clark Lake Road (Cty. WD), Sturgeon Bay 54235. 414/823-2400)

41. Wildcat Mountain State Park
Canoeing on the winding Kickapoo River and horseback riding for those who bring their own horses are the highlights. An observation point overlooks the Kickapoo Valley and the Village of Ontario. (Box 99, Ontario 54651. 608/337-4775)

42. Willow River State Park
Two dams, two lakes, a trout stream, sand beach, prairie remnants and a nature center are featured on 3,155 acres of rolling countryside. Popular campground and excellent cross-country skiing. (1034 Cty. Hwy, A, Hudson 54016. 715/386-5931)

43. Wyalusing State Park
The Wisconsin Ridge Campground overlooks the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers 500 feet below. Scarlet tanagers and wild turkeys are among the more than 100 bird species spotted on one-day field trips. (13342 Cty. Hwy C, Bagley 53801. 608/996-2261)

44. Yellowstone Lake State Park
One of the few lakes in the driftless area, 450-acre Yellowstone Lake is popular for ice fishing and other water sports. The park adjoins the Yellowstone Lake State Wildlife Area. (7896 Lake Road, Blanchardville 53516. 608/523-4427)

Wisconsin State Recreation Areas

45. Bong State Recreation Area
A smorgasbord of activities await visitors to this 4,515-acre recreation area in Kenosha County, 9 miles west of I-94 on Hwy. 142. Swim, fish, picnic, camp, ride horses, study nature, cross-country ski, snowmobile, motorcycle and hunt. (26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville 53139. 414/652-0377; 414/878-5600)

46. Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
Swim, fish, boat on two spring-fed lakes in this day-use recreation area in Green County. Enjoy nature trails and explore a 600-acre wildlife area. Tables, grills and shelters provided. (c/o N3140 Hwy. 81, Box 256, Monroe 53566. Summer 608/966-3777; Off season 608/325-4844)

47. Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area
Situated in an area of unspoiled beauty with kettle lakes and glacial features. The interpretive center sits atop a hill that was once a glacial lake bottom. The tranquil Ice Age Trail traverses through hilly, heavily forested terrain where a multitude of bird life abound. (Box 13394, County Hwy M, New Auburn 54757. 715/967-2800)

48. Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area
Hilly, wooded recreation area in northeastern Dunn County near Menomonie. An outdoor group camp for youth groups, an observation tower, a self-guiding nature trail and hiking/skiing trails are available. (c/o Rt. 6, Box 1, Menomonie 54751. 715/232-2631)

 

Wisconsin State Forests

49. Black River State Forest
Located in Jackson County off I-94, this four-season recreation area is best known for its hiking and cross-country ski trails. Camp, swim, hunt, fish, snowmobile, ATV and canoe on the forest's 66,000 acres. (910 Hwy 54 E, Black River Falls 54615. 715/284-1400; 715/284-4103)

50. Brule River State Forest
Follow the Brule River from its headwaters to the shore of Lake Superior. Hiking and nature trails in the summer offer cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Canoeing, fishing and camping. (Box 125, Brule 54820-0125. 715/372-4866)

51. Flambeau River State Forest
90,000 acres of forest, 75 miles of Flambeau River, canoe landings, and rustic river campsites combine into a beautifully natural experience. Muskie, walleye, bass, trout and panfish thrive in the pristine lakes and rivers. ATV and ski trails. (W1613 Co. Rd. W, Winter 54896. 715/332-5271)

52. Governor Knowles State Forest
A scenic recreational area along the St. Croix River in northwestern Wisconsin. Invites fishing and boating. Enjoy hiking, cross-county skiing, snowmobiling, horse trails and hunting. (Box 367, Grantsburg 54840. 715/463-2898)

53. Havenwoods State Forest
Havenwoods is an island of nature within an urban Milwaukee environment. Environmental education programs and walking trails are available for educators, youth groups, families and adults. Environmental Awareness Center. (6141 N. Hopkins, Milwaukee 53209. 414/527-0232; TDD 414-527-0761)

54. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit
A 29,000-acre gift of the glacier, the rolling, wooded landscape is dotted with serene lakes and offers a unique outdoor recreational experience of endless variety. Ice Age Reserve Visitor Center is open daily. (N1765 Hwy. G, Campbellsport 53010. Monday - Friday: 414/626--2116; Weekends: 414/533-8322)

55. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit
The glacier left 21,000 acres of rolling hills and numerous lakes. Humans contributed beaches and boat launches, trails for horses, off-road (mountain) bikes, snowmobiles, cross-country skiing and hiking, picnic areas and four campgrounds. Cabin for people with disabilities. (S91 W39091 Hwy. 59, Eagle 53119. 414/594-6200; 414/594-6201)

56. Lapham Peak-Kettle Moraine State Forest
Located near Delafield, 1 mile south of I-94, Lapham Peak features a 45 foot observation tower on the highest point in Waukesha County. The glaciated topography also provides excellent hiking and cross-county skiing. Enclosed shelters for all seasons. (W329 N846 Cty. C, Delafield 53018. 414/646-3025)

57. Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
225,000 acres of beautiful northern Wisconsin forests and lakes offer camping, fishing, swimming, hunting, boating, canoeing, backpacking and winter recreation. Wild and wilderness areas are avail-able for those seeking solitude. (c/o 4125 CTH M, Boulder Junction 54512. 715/385-2727)

58. Point Beach State Forest
The point juts seven miles into Lake Michigan, and the six-mile beach occasionally yields pieces of 19th century ships that sank here. The sandy shore of Lake Michigan is a fascinating place just to walk, look and indulge in some aimless beachcombing. Interpretive Center and indoor group camps. (9400 County Hwy. 0, Two Rivers 54241. 414/794-7480)