Wisconsin Outdoor Activities

You can fill a lifetime of family vacations in just one trip to Wisconsin’s lakeshore and hillside.

So, unplug, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy all that our state has to offer. Sight-see on a Lake Geneva cruise in the summer, ski around Cascade Mountain in the winter or camp out at the Big Falls County Park & Campground any time of year. Our outdoors always brings the unexpected and the unforgettable with natural gems that serve as the perfect backdrop for family photos.

Come see for yourself, and experience Wisconsin the way we do — outside.

Thrills for Everyone

Wisconsin’s natural landscapes, from quartzite cliffs to steep hills, set the stage for heart-pumping outdoor activities. So, tap into your adventurous spirit and, most importantly, have fun.

Channel your inner thrill-seeker on an ATV as you navigate through our trails that wind through forests, farmlands and prairies. Go rock climbing at Devil’s Lake State Park or saddle up on horseback and explore some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful sights. If you prefer a leisurely pace, test your golf skills at any of the more than 500 public golf courses statewide.

Bring the entire family along and bond over a day well spent outside.

Connect With Nature on Land & Water

Encounter some of the most diverse wildlife and foliage found in the Midwest with a visit to our state and national parks and forests. Enjoy the many scenic hiking trails at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, go mountain biking, or set out on a journey to some of the state’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Our waterfalls are just as dramatic in winter when they’re frozen over, a moment in time preserved until the spring thaw.

If camping is more your thing, lucky for you, we’re home to hundreds of public and private campgrounds, perfect for sleeping under the stars and bonding with nature, family and friends.

Many of our most beautiful lakes and rivers are accessible at these parks and forests, and our state’s surrounded by some of the best. The mighty Mississippi River, for instance, flows along the western part of the state, and there’s Lake Michigan to the East and Superior to the North.

Wisconsin's great outdoors is for everyone. And by everyone, we mean everyone. Check out this map from the Wisconsin DNR to learn about accessibility features throughout our state park system. Happy exploring!

Enjoy Outdoor Fun Any Time of Year

Wisconsin seasons may change, but outdoor fun is year-round.

During the summer, enjoy some of the countless water activities on our rivers and lakes. Tube down the Apple River, a tributary of the river that forms the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, or kayak around the Apostle Island National Lakeshore archipelago. You can also charter a boat and have an expert guide show you our best aquatic spots.

Wisconsin winters are legendary for a reason — they’re fun! Cascade Mountain is a great family-friendly place for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and other winter activities. And fishing here is a year-round sport. Cast a line on a breezy summer day or cut a hole in the ice during winter.

Are you ready to unplug? Come to Wisconsin and reconnect to everyone and everything that matters.