Wisconsin

Explore Wisconsin travel landscapes through backroads, small towns, state parks, and rural landmarks. This section highlights destinations across the state, from forest trails and shoreline views to historic barns, depots, and preserved structures.

Through photography and field notes, these posts document Wisconsin’s natural spaces and cultural sites. You’ll find seasonal changes, scenic drives, and quiet places worth slowing down for. Whether planning a road trip or revisiting familiar areas, this collection offers a closer look at the landscapes and places that define Wisconsin.

Within this section, you’ll find travel guides and field notes from across Wisconsin, including:
• Door County harbor towns, shoreline drives, and cherry orchards
• Historic barns, depots, and preserved rural structures
• Wildlife areas, wetlands, and seasonal landscapes

Mountain Fire Lookout Tower in Mountain Wisconsin

March 9, 2026June 7, 2017 by Nikki

Mountain Fire Lookout Tower near Mountain, Wisconsin is one of the most unique historic stops in Oconto County. Located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this 100-foot fire tower has 132 steps and offers wide views over the surrounding Northwoods. Built in 1935 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Mountain Fire … Read more

Grassy Island Lighthouse Range Green Bay

March 10, 2026June 2, 2017 by Nikki

Grassy Island Range Lights lighthouse towers in Green Bay Wisconsin at sunset along the Fox River entrance

The Grassy Island Range Lights in Green Bay, Wisconsin are a scenic shoreline stop where you can watch freighters, enjoy soft sunset light over the water, and sometimes spot bald eagles in winter. Although the lighthouse grounds themselves are closed to the public, the nearby shoreline and Metro boat launch make this an easy place to stop and take in the view.

This is one of those quieter Green Bay spots that feels different depending on the season. Some days it is all about pastel skies and reflections on the water. Other days it is the movement of ships or the chance of seeing eagles gathered over open water in winter.

ATV and UTV Trails In Oconto County

March 9, 2026May 27, 2017 by Nikki

Wooden bridge along the Oconto County ATV and UTV trail system in Wisconsin

The ATV and UTV trail system in Oconto County, Wisconsin is one of the largest and most versatile riding networks in the state. With more than 450 miles of trails and routes, riders can travel through forest roads, small towns, scenic stretches of the Northwoods, and a number of places worth stopping along the way.

If you want a trail system that offers more than just riding from one mud hole to the next, Oconto County is a fun place to explore. Depending on where you go, you can mix trail riding with scenic overlooks, river crossings, small-town stops, seasonal events, and a few memorable side trips.

Washington Island Wisconsin

March 10, 2026April 1, 2017 by Nikki

Stavkirke Church on Washington Island in Door County Wisconsin surrounded by trees

Washington Island is about 7 miles off the tip of Door County, Wisconsin, and feels like a world of its own. Reached by ferry across Death’s Door from Northport Pier in Ellison Bay, the island is known for its slower pace, scenic shoreline, Scandinavian heritage, quiet roads, and memorable places to explore.

Wequiock Falls Green Bay

March 10, 2026March 25, 2017 by Nikki

Wequiock Falls County Park waterfall in Green Bay Wisconsin flowing over limestone ledge

Wequiock Falls County Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin is a small roadside park that features a scenic 25-foot waterfall cascading over a limestone cliff. Located in Brown County along Bay Settlement Road, it makes a perfect quick stop when traveling between Green Bay and Door County.

Cave Point County Park Door County

March 10, 2026March 6, 2017 by Nikki

Icy shoreline and cedar trees at Cave Point County Park along Lake Michigan in Door County Wisconsin.

Cave Point County Park Door County, Wisconsin Cave Point County Park in Door County is located in the thumb of Wisconsin, and in the tourism industry, it is known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. General Info General: County Park features underwater caves, hiking trails & limestone cliffs, and miles of rocky shore along … Read more

Devils Punchbowl

March 9, 2026December 31, 2016 by Nikki

Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve near Menomonie, Wisconsin is a small but memorable natural area known for its sandstone rock amphitheater, seasonal waterfall, and short trails that lead both above and down into the bowl. Even though it is only a brief stop, it is one of those places that feels dramatic the moment you arrive.

Toft Point for an Afternoon Hike

March 10, 2026December 5, 2016 by Nikki

Waterfowl swimming along the rocky shoreline at Toft Point Natural Area in Door County Wisconsin

Toft Point is located on Toft Road in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, on a beautiful 732-acre natural area managed by UW–Green Bay. This quiet preserve is one of Door County’s hidden gems, with boreal forest, mossy woods, historic remnants, rocky Lake Michigan shoreline, and peaceful hiking trails.

Door County Anderson Dock

March 10, 2026November 5, 2016 by Nikki

Anderson Dock and Francis Hardy Gallery in Ephraim Wisconsin covered in colorful painted names.

Anderson Dock in Ephraim, Wisconsin, is one of Door County’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks. This historic dock and warehouse sits along Eagle Harbor and is best known for the colorful painted names and messages that cover the building’s exterior.

Dells of the Eau Claire County Park

March 10, 2026September 27, 2016 by Nikki

Rocky gorge and bridge at Dells of Eau Claire County Park in Marathon County Wisconsin

Dells of Eau Claire County Park is a scenic county park in Marathon County, Wisconsin, known for its rocky river gorge, small cascades, hiking trails, and broad stretches of exposed stone along the Eau Claire River. Located in the Town of Plover east of Wausau, it is one of those places that feels both rugged and peaceful at the same time.

Cherney Maribel Caves County Park

March 10, 2026September 22, 2016 by Nikki

Cherney Maribel Caves County Park in Maribel, Wisconsin, is one of the most interesting parks in Manitowoc County. This 75-acre park combines wooded trails, dolomite cliffs, sinkholes, cave features, river scenery, and even a natural spring, making it a memorable place to explore for hikers, nature lovers, and curious families.

Longtail Point Lighthouse Green Bay

March 11, 2026August 8, 2016 by Nikki

Longtail Point Lighthouse ruins in Green Bay Wisconsin standing beside marsh grasses and shallow water.

Longtail Point Lighthouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is one of the area’s more unusual historic sites. The remaining stone tower stands on Long Tail Point, a low island north of the mouth of the Fox River, where shallow water, sandy stretches, reeds, and thick summer growth create a landscape that feels part beach stop and part adventure.

Sherwood Point Lighthouse Door County

March 9, 2026July 19, 2016 by Nikki

Sherwood Point

Sherwood Point Lighthouse Door County is located in northeast Wisconsin on the western shores of Lake Michigan in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Robert La Salle County Park Door County

March 11, 2026July 18, 2016 by Nikki

Stone steps leading down to the Lake Michigan shoreline at Robert La Salle County Park in Door County Wisconsin

Robert La Salle County Park in Door County, Wisconsin, is a quiet stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline where rocky views, cooler lake air, and seasonal wildflowers make it a peaceful stop along the peninsula.

A Foal is Born Mothers Day Weekend Shalom Wildlife

March 11, 2026May 11, 2016 by Nikki

Tepid horse and newborn foal standing in pine trees at Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bend Wisconsin

Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bend, Wisconsin, is a large wildlife park with over 100 acres, a four-mile loop, and hundreds of animals to see along the way. It is one of those places where each visit feels a little different, whether you are feeding elk, watching wolves, or slowing down to enjoy the wooded setting.

Butler Rock

March 10, 2026April 27, 2016 by Nikki

Butler Rock near Brazeau, Wisconsin is a quiet hiking stop in Oconto County with a rocky summit, wooded trail, and broad views over the surrounding landscape. While Wisconsin is not known for mountains, places like Butler Rock offer a nice way to get a little elevation, stretch your legs, and enjoy a scenic overlook in northeastern Wisconsin.

We found Butler Rock while out exploring by ATV and were glad we did. The trail is short enough for a simple outing, but the exposed rock, forest setting, and overlook make it feel like more of an adventure than you might expect.

Exploring Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin: A Perfect Blend of Adventure, History, and Flavor

March 11, 2026March 28, 2016 by Nikki

Sturgeon Bay Steel Bridge at night reflecting on the canal in Sturgeon Bay Door County Wisconsin.

Things to Do in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin blends shoreline scenery, maritime history, small-town shopping, and some of the best access points to Door County’s working waterfront. Whether you want to hike, photograph lighthouses, stroll historic streets, or settle in for a fish boil, Sturgeon Bay offers a mix of outdoor beauty and local character that makes it worth slowing down for.

Bairds Nature Preserve After Winter Storm: A Reflection on Winter’s Quiet Magic

March 11, 2026February 11, 2016 by Nikki

Snow-covered trail at Baird Creek Nature Preserve in Green Bay Wisconsin after a winter storm

There is something especially quiet about Baird Creek Nature Preserve after a winter storm. Fresh snow softens the trails, tree branches collect white along every edge, and even a familiar path feels different under a clean blanket of snow. If you are looking for a peaceful winter walk in Green Bay, this is one of those places that feels simple, scenic, and worth revisiting in every season.

Shrine of St Anthony of PADUA

March 11, 2026January 17, 2016 by Nikki

Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua on Bay Settlement Road in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Tucked in the woods off Bay Settlement Road in Green Bay, the Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua is one of those quiet places that feels easy to miss unless you know it is there. Reached by a short walk through the trees along the Niagara Escarpment, this small limestone chapel is a simple but memorable historic stop in Brown County.

Cana Island Lighthouse

March 9, 2026February 24, 2015 by Nikki

Cana Island Lighthouse – Baileys Harbor, Door County Cana Island Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable historic landmarks in Door County, Wisconsin. Located just north of Baileys Harbor, the lighthouse sits on a small island along the Lake Michigan shoreline and has guided ships through the waters of the peninsula since 1868. The lighthouse … Read more