Wisconsin has plenty of well-known state parks, but for a real savage adventure, head to a Wisconsin state forest. The state manages nearly half a million acres of forest land – it’s open to the public and the forests are similar to state parks, but in some areas they have fewer amenities. If you are looking to get away from the crowds and connect with nature, these forests are for you. Here’s a Wisconsin road trip that takes you to three of the state’s most beautiful forests.
The road
The driving time for this road trip will take about five hours, although you want to allow plenty of time to explore each of these forests a bit. They make a perfect three day adventure! Customize your road trip here.
This road trip begins in a rugged landscape shaped by glaciers. The Kettle Moraine State Forest covers 56,000 acres and is divided into units. The northern unit extends for 20 miles and is filled with glacial landforms like glacial landforms, such as kettles, kames, and eskers. It is a very hilly forest!
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Kewaskum, WI 53040, USA
There’s plenty to do in the forest – it has a lookout tower, beach, boat launch, and many miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The second leg of this road trip takes us north to Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest. It is a long stretch of forest that borders wild segments of the Peshtigo River.
Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, N10008 Paust Ln, Crivitz, WI 54114, USA
This is a forest for water lovers – it is popular with whitewater paddlers, fly fishers and boaters. There is also plenty to do on dry land; you will find many trails to explore.
This scenic road trip ends in the state’s largest forest, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The forest spans three counties in northern Wisconsin and covers more than 236,000 acres. The forest is home to over 900 lakes!
North American Highland Legion State Forest, Arbor Vitae, WI 54568, USA
The forest has many recreational facilities including numerous beaches, boat ramps and scenic trails. You can access many parts of the forest easily by car, but some areas are wild and isolated and can only be reached on foot or by canoe.
If you’re a camper, you’ll find plenty of campsites available in these state forests – plan early for busy weekends. Learn more about these forests and other states on the Wisconsin DNR website.
If you’re looking for more scenic road trip ideas, here’s a drive that’ll take you to little-known Wisconsin state parks.
Address: Kettle Moraine State Forest, Kewaskum, WI 53040, USA
Address: North American Highland Legion State Forest, Arbor Vitae, WI 54568, USA
Address: Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, N10008 Paust Ln, Crivitz, WI 54114, USA
Casa Amparo Triana
