Travels around Wisconsin

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Summary:

We broke this very long post into sections.

Click on the interest that appeals to you most and it will separate those sections out for you.

We chose five interests that appeal to us the most: Photographic Opportunities, Biking, Hiking, Paddling and Other that includes waterfalls, drives, towns, museums, restaurants, and anything else we find along the way.

• Best Photographic Opportunities 📸
• Best Biking 🚲
• Best Hiking 🥾
• Best Paddling 💦
• Planning the Route 🚙

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Best Photo Ops 📸

APOSTLE ISLAND NATIONAL LAKESHORE 📸

Apostle Island National Lakeshore, a chain of 21 Islands on Lake Superior known for its dramatic sea caves, lighthouses and beaches is best seen by the watercraft. We chose two methods to view a few of the 21 islands that encompass the Apostle Island National Lakeshore.

Motor Boat. We used PMG Charters for a full-day semi-private tour in a small motor boat. Ashley was wonderful helping us find the perfect day and Captain Peter was a patient guide with several opportunities to get off the boat to explore and working our way into the sea caves for photographs.

Paddle Trip. We used Trek & Trail (Bayfield) for a guided paddle in a tandem kayak to Sand Island. On the boat charter Mike was enchanted with the Sand Island lighthouse. This was our opportunity to get back over for photographs, leisurely exploration of the sea caves and a good workout with the 4-mile open water paddle over to the Island. Once we arrived at the shore, we took a short walk to the Lighthouse for a catered lunch and had plenty of time for Mike to take photographs and receive a personal tour of the lighthouse from volunteers.

DEVILS LAKE STATE PARK 📸

This spectacular State Park is Wisconsin’s most visited park so for photographic opportunities you should arrive early and be patient.

These photos of Devil’s Doorway require a hike and we highly recommend the Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail as it hit all the highlights; Devil’s Doorway, Balanced Rock and offers spectacular views of its namesake lake within a 5-ish mile hike.

AMNICON FALLS STATE PARK 📸

Amnicon Falls State Park features a series of delightful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River. You can view them from the historic 55-foot long bridge that spans the river at the Lower Falls. There are also 2 miles of easy walking trails along the river to view various other falls like Upper Falls, Lower Falls, Snake Pit Falls and Now and Then Falls. Named Now and Then, because it is only visible when the river levels are high usually in the spring or after a heavy rain.

COPPER FALLS STATE PARK 📸

Copper Falls State Park with its Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make it one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. We parked our Class A RV in the North Campground and although we only had electric it was a comfortable spot camping spot for our 4-night stay. We did the popular 1.7-mile Doughboy’s Nature Trail several times to view Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls and Tyler Forks Cascade. This easy trail along the Bad River, is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin.

Red Granite Falls is accessible via a 2.5-mile trail is in the southern part of the park, beginning at Loon Lake and leading to Red Granite Falls on the Bad River. This wide, gravel trail traverses some of the most varied terrain and ecosystems in the park.

INTERSTATE STATE PARK 📸

Interstate is Wisconsin’s oldest state park, established in 1900. Located along the picturesque St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the park provides scenic views of the river and the steep-sided gorge known as the Delles of the St. Croix. It is particularly interesting because on the other side of the St. Croix is the Interstate Park in Minnesota!

Both sides offer varying views of the St. Croix with well carved trails and views of the St. Croix and its rock formations.

Minnesota has the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours. We opted for the Sunset 80-minute cruise which provided for a narration of the various rock formations, eagle sightings and pleasant conversation with fellow travelers but not much Photographic opportunities.

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Best Biking 🚲

Wildcat Mountain 🥾

Located near the Wisconsin Dells, on a ridge rising steeply above the Kickapoo River, Wildcat Mountain State Park offers 21 miles of scenic hiking, nature and equestrian trails that meander through the park. An observation point and picnic areas overlook the Kickapoo Valley. There are camping for families and large groups.

We opted for the short but scenic Mount Pisgah Hemlock Trail which we highly recommend!

The Lakeshore Trail on the Mainland Unit

Providing views of hardwood forests, Lake Superior, and the mainland sea caves, the Lakeshore Trail is scenic and beautiful.

We did the 4.8 mile version of the (total) 10.4 mile out-and-back trail.

We started at the Meyers Beach parking area off of Hwy 13, the Lakeshore Trail extends red sandstone cliffs and through forests high above Lake Superior.

The trail has three sections. The first section, from Meyers Beach to the Crevasse a 100-yard-long fracture in the bedrock is 1.8 miles on mostly boardwalks with steps and bridges to the Crevasse. The second section travels above the mainland sea caves, and the third section passes through a wooded area, finally ending at the “bowl” for a choice of 2 spectacular overlooks.

This is where we turned around instead of taking the third section to the camping area.

Houghton Falls State Natural Area 🥾

This Natural Area is a true hidden gem. The short 1.3 mile out-and-back hike leads you through some spectacular natural areas to wooden steps leading down to the shoreline of Lake Superior for spectacular views of the Apostle Islands.

These photographs and more can be purchased on our website. Click this LINK to find these and other Wisconsin favorites for sale.

Best Paddling 🛶

Apostle Island National Lakeshore 🛶

The best way to experience the Apostle Islands is by boat.

Obviously, motor boat gets you more bang! We opted for a smaller charter with only one other couple and Peter our captain. It was a fantastic day with PMG Charters for a full-day semi-private tour in a small motor boat. Ashley was wonderful helping us find the perfect day and Captain Peter was a patient guide with several opportunities to get off the boat to explore and working our way into the sea caves for photographs.

We couldn’t leave without at least one paddle and decided on Trek & Trail (Bayfield) for a guided paddle in a tandem kayak to Sand Island. On the boat charter Mike was enchanted with the Sand Island lighthouse. This was our opportunity to get back over for photographs, leisurely exploration of the sea caves and a good workout with the 4-mile open water paddle over to the Island. Once we arrived at the shore, we took a short walk to the Lighthouse for a catered lunch and had plenty of time for Mike to take photographs and receive a personal tour of the lighthouse from volunteers.

Namekagon River 🛶

While staying in Springbrook in the northeast corner of Wisconsin, we paddled the Namekagon River. This scenic river courses 100 miles through a mostly forested and rural Wisconsin landscape. It features tight meandering turns and braided stretches around many small islands. The river is generally shallow with a rocky bottom until you near its confluence with the St. Croix where a sandy bottom takes over. Rapids are found throughout the river rarely reaching Class II. 

Because of the potential of rapids, we opted to rent kayaks instead of taking our Wenonah Canoe on this paddle. Our Campground, Camp Namekagon, offered affordable rentals and shuttle services. We put in at Hayward Landing in the town of Hayward and paddled to Springbrook Landing which required a shuttle back to the campground.

This was a 15-mile mostly floating trip on a superbly beautiful day. We met up with a lot of “floaters” in their inner tubes around ????. Because we got an early start we missed all of the party crowds which is a very popular summer activity in this area.

St Croix National Scenic Riverway 🛶

From Springbrook, we moved to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin for a short stay. The biggest attraction in this area is this area is that you are on the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota stradling the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty. Hiking and historic towns also beckon.

The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a federally protected system of riverways located in eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It protects 252 miles of river, including the St. Croix River (on the Wisconsin/Minnesota border), and the Namekagon River (in Wisconsin), as well as adjacent land along the rivers.

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of the original eight National Wild and Scenic Rivers, largely as a result of legislation by senators Walter Mondale of Minnesota and Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. This largest scenic riverway east of the Mississippi River, lies within parts of eight counties in Wisconsin: Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, Sawyer, and Washburn; and three in Minnesota: Chisago, Pine, and Washington. So lots of opportunities to find a section to paddle.

Our trip was a one-day trip while staying near St. Croix Falls in Wisconsin. We put in our trusty Wenonah Canoe at the boat lunch within Interstate State Park on the Wisconsin side of the river. Making a right we paddled until we reached the big tour boat and water works at Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours then turned around and paddled through quiet forests and calm water until we reached the quaint town of Osceola. This was a short 7-ish mile paddle through rock bluffs and quiet water.

How we are able to do one-way trips is either by finding a shuttle service or after carefully reviewing the route to ensure it’s safe for bicycle travel, we drop Mike’s Giant Class 1 E-Bike off at the end point ensuring to secure it in a safe area with locks. Once we arrive at the take-out point, he rides the bicycle back to the car and then comes and picks us up! Afterwards, it’s always advised to find a local hangout to enjoy a celebratory cocktail and good eats. Doesn’t every good adventure deserve a celebration?

Planning our Touring of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Trip Details

We spent just under 2-months or 57 days touring through Wisconsin. These were our camping stops and methodology.

First, Mike does a Google Search of the State to see what highlights most interests us: hiking, biking, paddling, photography and anything with a National Designation, these are the searches that help him the most. Once he narrows down the biggest interests for us he begins the search of the closest “comfortable” areas for us to park Rosie (our Class A RV) and his route begins.

Our Route through Wisconsin missed a couple of highpoints like Door County which we will catch another season, but we did cover most of the state….

STOP 1 and 2:

Our first stop was near Madison and split into two different RV Parks for variety in an area where there is a LOT to do. First campground was Merry Mac’s Campground in the town of Merrimac nestled between the South shore of Devil’s Lake and Lake Wisconsin. This is a family friendly campground with a large area for seasonal sites.

The second campground, just a 30-minute drive was Country Roads, a clean park with sites situated in a circular design and close to all attractions in Wisconsin Dells.

The highlights in the area: the town of Madison, the Wisconsin Dells, Devils Lake State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, Nature Walk within Parfrey’s Glen and Pewits Nest, Bike rides in the town of Madison and Sauk City

STOP 3:

Wonewoc, Wisconsin. Another 30-minute jump to the West staying at Chapparal Campground a large Resort with a pool and large water area to kayak, swim and play.

Mike chose this area to be closer to biking on the 400 State Trail, Elroy Sparta State Trail, Wildcat Mountain State Park, Kickapoo River paddle, among other adventures like visiting Carr Valley Cheese where we were able to sample the cheeses and enjoy an ice cream outside overlooking the beautiful Wisconsin landscape, enjoy a few breweries like Hillsboro Brewing, Wooly Bear Taphouse, and more.

STOP 4:

Heading north, our next stop was a 4+ hour drive to Copper Falls State Park where Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make it one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park’s charm along with smooth trails and boardwalks taking you on paths to enjoy magnificent waterfalls and water features.

STOP 5:

Heading just 1+ hour north, we finally arrived at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Mike found a lovely campground, Apostle Islands Area Campground, a wonderful well cared for, full service RV Resort.

It was here, in the town of Bayfield, that the National Treasure of the Apostle Islands sits. There is lots to do here: explore small towns like Bayfield and Cornucopia, bike rides on Madeline Island, chartered boat rides to see the islands and sea caves, guided paddle trips to get close into the sea caves, and more.

STOP 6:

Another 1+ hour travel to the small town of Iron River where we stayed at Top O’ The Morn Resort & Campground. Here we paddled the Bois Bruel River which is most well known for its Trout Fishing. We were just out to enjoy the spectacular day where we encountered Trout Fisherman that were doing catch and release, deer swimming in the river crossing the trail, eagles and more.

While here we also enjoyed like hiking and photography sessions at Pattison State Park and Amnicon Falls.

STOP 7:

Next we headed 1-hour south to Camp Namekagon in Springbrook, Wisconsin. This is a full-service large RV park with their seasonal folks separated from us transient travelers. They have a wonderful on-site restaurant, offer guided river trips, rentals for self-guided trips, ice cream shop and a company store.

Here we biked the Gandy Dancer State Trail, Kayaked the Namekagon River, and enjoyed the small town of Hayward especially their local brewery, the Angry Minnow.

STOP 8:

St Croix Falls, Wisconsin / Taylors Falls, Minnesota. Here we stayed just a hop/skip/jump over the Wisconsin border at Wildwood RV Park and Campground. This is a nice enough park close to both Interstate Parks and the cute town of Taylors Falls.

Here we enjoyed exploring both Interstate parks by foot, walking the town of Taylors Falls, trying the famous root beer of The Drive In, enjoying the ambience and exceptional wine at the Dancing Dragonfly, the sunset boat tour by Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours and more.

Our next stop is Minnesota where we are excited to experience the world famous Boundary Waters. Join us for our next post.

RV Life

We are traveling most-timers and what I mean by that is during the months of April – October, we move approximately every 2-weeks to a predetermined destination to enjoy biking, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, waterfalls, and anything else we can find along the way. Mike documents with his photography during these months.

Mike spends planning the next years “tour” and making reservations a year in advance. For instance, we already have 2025 mapped and planned and he is making reservations now for those dates.

During the winter months November – March, we return to Central Florida to work, spend time with family and catch up on repairs and upgrades to our home, a 2011 Monaco Diplomat.

Expect the unexpected…..

Well….During the beginning of our stay in Wisconsin, my parents had a life altering medical event for which I had to travel to New York State, needing a quick way to get to New York State, I hopped on a plane in Madison while Mike handled moving and experiencing the Dells by himself. Upon my return he took me back to his most favorite adventures so I too, feel like I fully experienced the Dells.

In Closing

If you’ve enjoyed these adventures, please tune in for more as our 2024 season will encompass Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Missouri and more!

Dream Big….Travel Far….Live Well

Photography

Many of these highlighted photographs will be featured and purchased through our website and made into wall art, tapestries, t-shirts and more. If you see something you like without a link, please go here to our website page Nspired Eye Photography

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