Nature of Harbor Towns
Wisconsin’s Great Lakes Shores and surrounding area contain a wealth of wonderful natural landscapes. Visit islands, rivers and creeks, waterfalls, wetlands, dunes, beaches, lake, bluffs, forests, and parks that are scattered along the coasts.There are thousands of miles of trails to hike, bike, and ski, and an abundance of recreational opportunities.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center-Ashland
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the north-woods on a boardwalk trail that winds along a black ash swamp. Hands-on explorations of the region’s history and natural secrets are offered with stunning views of Chequamegon Bay from a five-story observation tower.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore-Bayfield
The Apostle Islands contain stunning natural scenery, windswept beaches, historic lighthouses, extraordinary rock formations and sea caves, diverse plant and marine life, and underwater mysteries of Lake Superior.
Frog Bay Tribal National Park-Bayfield
Frog Bay is the first tribal national park in the U.S. and stretches over a quarter-mile along Lake Superior’s shoreline on the Red Cliff Reservation. See pristine sandy beaches bordered by primordial boreal forest and wild rice beds with great views of the Apostle Islands.
Rock Island State Park- Door County
Two ferry rides are needed to reach Rocky Island State Park. From the Washington Island ferry landing, travel across the island to the northeast side for the Rock Island ferry landing. Leave your vehicle or bike there, and take the passengers-only Rock Island Ferry to Rock Island.
Peninsula State Park- Door County
The third largest state park in Wisconsin and considered Wisconsin’s most complete park, Peninsula has campsites, a summer theater, golf course, sand beach, biking, hiking and ski trails, 150-foot bluffs, a lighthouse, and eight miles of Door County shoreline.
Lake Superior National Estuarine Reserve-Superior
This reserve is 16,697-acres of the St. Louis River Estuary as it flows into Lake Superior and one of the largest ports in the world. The reserve has riverine islands, freshwater marshes, wetlands, hardwood forests, dunes, and beaches.
Pattison State Park- Superior
Want to see the highest waterfall in Wisconsin? Then head to Pattison State Park. At 165 feet high, Big Manitou Falls is the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
Kohler-Andrae State Park-Sheboygan
Kohler-Andrae State Park offers over two miles of beaches and sand dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan with woods and wetlands away from the water.
Copper Culture State Park-Oconto
Copper Culture State Park contains burial grounds used by the Native Americans of the Old Copper Complex between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago.
Point Beach State Park- Two Rivers
Point Beach State Forest is located along 6 miles of the Lake Michigan coast. The Point Beach Ridges, a National Natural Landmark, are located within the forest. During the summer season, a private concessionaire is available for camp supplies, ice, food, and refreshments.
