State park guide

One of the things that makes Wisconsin so unique is its abundance of great State Parks. People visiting Milwaukee for the first time are amazed that this city of one million people is only minutes away from pristine nature, complete with waterfalls, camping and lots of wildlife.

So if you're feeling a little burned out, just hop in the car and head in any direction. These are the best State Parks and Forests within two hours of Milwaukee:

1. Big Foot Beach State Park
Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the park offers wooded campsites, a sand beach, and picnic areas. Open mid-May through October. 1452 Hwy. H, Lake Geneva 53147 262-248-2528

2. Bong State Recreation Area
4,515-acres of fun await visitors to this multi-use recreation area in Kenosha County. 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville 53139 262-652-0377 414-878-5600

3. Governor Nelson State Park
Located on Lake Mendota, recreation and nature mingle within sight of the State Capitol. Effigy mounds in the woodlands and Prairie and savannah restorations. 5140 Cty. Hwy. M, Waunakee 53597 608-831-3005

4. Harrington Beach State Park
Peacefulness and serenity draw people to this mile-long stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. 531 Hwy. D, Belgium 53004

4. Havenwoods State Forest
Enjoy a 237-acre island of nature within Milwaukee's urban environment. Environmental Center. A state park sticker is not required. Hike, visit the arboretum, cycle, go cross country skiing or watch the birds. 6141 N. Hopkins, Milwaukee 53209 414-527-0232 414-527-0761 TTY

5. Heritage Hill State Park
Experience "living history" at this 40-acre outdoor museum in Green Bay. The park features 25 structures from Wisconsin's past. Per person admission charged 2640 S. Webster Avenue, Green Bay 54301 920-448-5150

6. High Cliff State Park
This park, overlooking the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, is situated on limestone cliffs, once sacred to Native Americans. History and geology buffs will enjoy the parks' effigy mounds, lime kiln, and quarry. N7630 State Park Rd., Sherwood 54169 920-989-1106

7. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit
This 29,000-acre forest is a glacial panorama with rolling, wooded hills dotted with serene lakes. A wide range of recreational activities; 133 miles of trails. Ice Age Visitor Center open daily. N1765 Hwy. G, Campbellsport 53010 Mon-Fri 920-626-2116 Weekends 920-533-8322

8. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit
21,000 acres of glacial hills and lakes close to Milwaukee make this a very popular recreation area. Group camping is available as well as a cabin for people with disabilities. S91 W39091 Hwy. 59 Eagle 53119 262-594-6200/6201

9. Kohler-Andrae State Park
1520 Old Park Rd., Sheboygan 53018 This 1000-acre scenic park on the shore of Lake Michigan offers a peaceful getaway. Wooded campsites and two miles of sandy beach. 920-451-4080

10. Lake Kegonsa State Park
One of the best-kept secrets of southern Wisconsin, Lake Kegonsa State Park offers a variety of recreation and 3,200-acre lake 2405 Door Creek Rd., Stoughton 53589 608-873-9695

11. Lapham Peak-Kettle Moraine State Forest
Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County. The park's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking, XC skiing on lighted trails, and ice skating. Enclosed shelters for all seasons. W329 N846 Cty. C, Delafield 53018 262-687-0127

12. Pike Lake-Kettle Moraine State Forest
Powder Hill, a 1,350-foot glacial kame, offers panoramic views of the park's unique glacial topography. Part of the Ice Age Trail. 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford 53027

13. Point Beach State Forest
Located on a point jutting into Lake Michigan, the forest's six-mile beach is a great place to catch a wave or walk in the sand. Indoor and outdoor group campsites 9400 Cty Hwy O, Two Rivers 54241 920-794-7480

For a list of County Parks click here.