Wisconsin Weekend: Natural Wonders

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• Wisconsin Natural Wonders To Add To Your Summer List

  Rounding out at more than 54,000 square miles of forests, lakes and farmland, Wisconsin’s diverse geography holds many natural wonders for enthusiasts of every level to enjoy, says Missy Vanlanduyt, external relations chief at the state Department of Natural Resources Parks Program.

  “From Lake Superior to Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River Valley, we are so lucky to have different opportunities that are so distinct,” she said.

  Natural wonders evoke more than a beautiful view, Vanlanduyt said, and much of the power from visiting these sites comes from the memories people make that tie them to the place.

  “A lot of it has to do with the history of our state, just the gorgeous opportunities we have to respect and appreciate our natural resource,” she said. “The other part comes down to … the memories we have that are associated with those natural wonders.”

  While Vanlanduyt has plenty of suggestions for places around the state worth making a trip, even a 1-mile long hike on a local trail can open up different opportunities and create memories, she said.

  “For the general public to be able to come to these public lands and be able to view these, they provide such a neat solitude and respectful experience,” Vanlanduyt said.

  Below are highlights of her recommendations for Wisconsin Natural Wonders. (Notable extras include: the Great River Road, Cave of the Mounds, Kettle Moraine and Parfrey’s Glen).

  Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

  Katie Wheeler (CC BY-NC 2.0)

  Twenty-one islands on Lake Superior host more lighthouses than any other national park in the nation, more than 240 species of birds and clear water visible dozens of feet down.

  “It’s such a unique experience for our state … it’s a neat experience to see caves and rock formations, and the clarity of the water … it’s a wonderful opportunity,” she said.

  If you’re new to the park, Vanlanduyt recommends starting with Big Bay State Park. Visitors can go on kayak led tours to see the caves of Madeline Island, walk along several miles of beachwalk and camp at one of the 60 campsites.

  Niagara Escarpment

  
  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (CC BY-ND 2.0)

  A rock formation that was formed by glaciers millions of years ago, the Niagara Escarpment stretches nearly 1,000 miles from Wisconsin to Niagara Falls. Called “The Ledge” by locals, it is most visible in Door County and home to more than 240 endangered or rare plants and animals.

  Vanlanduyt recommends viewing the escarpment from Ledge Park, which also offers a view of Horicon Marsh, though there are many places to enjoy it along the 250 miles that lie in Wisconsin.

  “We don’t realize how much of it is accessible to us … while you can walk a lot of remote areas, there are miles and miles that are actually underwater as well … it’s a really neat land formation that we can explore,” Vanlanduyt said.

  Copper Falls/Amnicon Falls/Pattison State Parks

  
  Big Manitou Falls. Doug Kerr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

  “What I like about the variety of those three (state parks) is that they’re within a couple hours of each other … those three are set in really neat communities and they provide really neat experiences,” she said.

  Vanlanduyt encourages people to visit these three waterfalls because of the variety of experiences they offer — from mid-range waterfalls 10-40 feet high, to Big Manitou in Pattison State Park at 165 feet high — all have great viewing opportunities that allow visitors to get very close to the waterfalls, she said.

  “The power of water and the power of our natural resources is intriguing, and once you start to see the combination of the water and the rock, it blows your mind at how powerful elements of nature can be,” Vanlanduyt said.

  Peninsula State Park

  
  Jae Choi (CC BY-ND 2.0)

  Located in Door County, outside of Fish Creek, Peninsula State Park is one of the most popular state parks with about 1.5 million visitors each year.

  The park includes a natural beach forest and an old growth hardwood forest — both difficult to find in Wisconsin — among the more iconic high bluffs, sandy beaches and lighthouse.

  “One of the things I love about Peninsula is there are many different recreational opportunities to be able to experience the park: fishing, kayaking, hunting, snowmobiling, biking, camping, a golf course and an outdoor theater,” Vanlanduyt said. “It’s a really neat park serving several thousand acres giving you a variety of experiences.”