Last Updated on: 28th August 2021, 03:23 pm
Wisconsin National Parks
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
This national park is located near Bayfield in Wisconsin, along the Lake Superior South Shore. Wisconsin National Park has 12 miles of coast and 21 islands with plenty of natural resources and cultural diversity. It also has nine historic towers found on six islands.
Tourists can indulge in plenty of recreational activities such as hiking, sailing, paddling, or going on a cruise. Alternatively, you can go scuba diving on Lake Superior’s clear water, where you get to see various fish species, underwater rock formations, and scenery of shipwrecks worth exploring. Apostle Island National Lakeshore also has over 240 species of birds that migrate to this tropical paradise.
There’s one campsite on the park’s mainland and 19 out of the 21 islands. Hikers and adventures are in for a treat as the park has over 50 miles of trails, spanning close to five miles away from Meyers Beach after the clifftop overlooking the mainland’s caves on the dry land.
However, it’s worth mentioning that first-time visitors are encouraged to start their tour at the Bayfield Headquarters center when visiting the National park. There is plenty of valuable information at the parks center, such as its history, the various recreational activities, and what to expect while on tour.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
This National Scenic Trail is located within Wisconsin. It spans more than 1,000 miles starting from the interstate park passing along the Minnesota border and Lake Michigan on Potawatomi State Park. Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a hiker’s paradise since it goes through expansive breathtaking landscapes that take you down memory lane of the last ice age.
This particular trail is ideal for backpacking, hiking, with plenty of wildlife and birds present. During winter, Ice Age National Scenic Trail is usually a cross country snowshoeing and skiing popular spot. There are campsites along Scenic Trail, particularly in county forests and state parks, ranging from regular walk-in camps to fully equipped campsites with utilities.
Tourists are encouraged to book the grounds and lodging areas in advance to avoid any last-minute rush. The Ice Age Trails spans across 30 counties covering over 600 miles of open trail. It’s worth mentioning, however, that Ice Age has temporary routes and less-traveled roadways. Tourists can also tour the interpretive centers and ice age educational centers that showcase the geological and glacial history.
North Country National Scenic Trail
North Country National Scenic Trail spreads across more than 160 states, federal, and local public lands. There are also 10 National forests, more than 100 state parks, all having expansive scenery.
This country trail goes through lakes, rivers, streams, and lots of farmlands, indeed a location worth touring. Whether you want to cover a short or long hike, the North country National Scenic Trail has accessible routes that covers over 4600 miles making it a hiker’s paradise. This Scenic hike also passes through Buckeye Trail, Superior Hiking trail, Iron Belle Trail, and Finger Lakes Trail.
Visitors can go on a backpacking hike, alternatively, they can also indulge in snowshoeing and cross country skiing, usually a popular activity in most parts of the route, especially in winter. This National Scenic Trail is currently managed by the state, federal and local agencies. On the other hand, its administered by the National Park Service and maintained by the North County Trail Association volunteers.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
This Scenic Riverway flows from Northern Wisconsin through the Wisconsin Minnesota border south to Prescott, having 255 miles of cascading clear water. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is federally protected and is an excellent spot for kayakers, canoeists, sailors, boaters, and anglers.
Alternatively, visitors who prefer to stay on land can explore the vast region ideal for camping, hiking, hunting, and sightseeing. This Riverway is usually accessible all year round and has various wildlife such as deer, wolves, otters, and even porcupines.
Among the popular fish found in the riverway, you can find the Smallmouth Bass, Sauger, and Walleye. It’s worth pointing out that Saint Croix has designated legislation that allows hunting within the riverway, unlike most national parks. Lastly, Riverway is managed by the National Park Service with its headquarters situated in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.