9 Best Waushara County Parks (2024)
Looking to find the best parks in Waushara County?
While Wisconsin is known for its bratwurst, cheese curds, and beer, it’s also a gorgeous state with a plethora of outdoor spaces. Waushara County Parks are perfect places for residents or visitors to get outside and reconnect with nature.
Check out the top 9 parks in this Central Wisconsin county below!
Waushara County Parks
75 miles north of Madison and only 110 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Waushara County is centrally located. You’ll find plenty to do and enjoy in the great outdoors.
1. Lake Alpine County Park
This 15-acre park provides access to the man-made Lake Alpine. It’s close to the city of Wautoma— the self-proclaimed “Christmas Tree Capital of the World.”
Whether or not you visit at Christmas, Lake Alpine County Park is a great place to stop. It offers access to the lake, 1,900 feet of shoreline, and an earthen dam structure.
Come here for a delightful picnic and swim in the lake in the summer. There’s a shelter house (which you do need to reserve in advance), a volleyball court, and a playground.
If you’ve got your own boat (or are coming with a friend who does), you’ll also find the boat launch in this park.
Even in the wintertime, you’ll be able to enjoy the trails around the lake.
2. Buehler Natural Area, Rattlesnake Springs
Buehler Natural Area is a 6-acre site near the town of Mount Morris.
It’s at Rattlesnake Springs in the Willow Creek Fishery area. This park is less developed than others, which is part of the appeal.
Here, you’re almost guaranteed to get away from crowds and enjoy the solitude and peace of the springs by yourself.
You can fish or take the Rattlesnake hiking trail through the area. It’s remote and undeveloped, perfect for anyone who likes getting off the beaten path.
If you’re a cyclist, the Rattlesnake trail is a great one to traverse. You’ll want a mountain bike, though, as parts of the trail get pretty rocky.
It’s gorgeous— you’ll pass burbling brooks and incredible rock formations.
A bench is near the springs, and a few are alongside the trail, perfect for a quick break or snack.
3. Mount Morris Hills County Park
This county park encompasses a whopping 383 acres. It comprises over half the parkland in the Wisconsin County Park System! Not only is that an impressive feat for a singular park, but it’s also a pretty good reason to check it out.
This park has it all—a shelter house, a ball diamond, volleyball, tennis, pickleball courts, grills, a playground, you name it.
The only thing this park doesn’t offer is lake access, but with all the other amenities, you won’t miss it.
There aren’t many hiking trails—only 4.32 miles—but they are maintained as a cross-country ski and snowshoeing trail in the winter, so it’s great to enjoy all year.
This is a fantastic park for a family affair or even a solo day outside. Take a good book and read under one of the many aspens that dot the landscape!
4. Curtis Lake County Park
Curtis Lake, opposite Mount Morris Hills County Park, is a small, one-acre park near Richford.
While it’s a small area, you’ll get access to the 33-acre Curtis Lake. There’s also no shortage of amenities, including picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, and a boat landing.
Despite not having a beach area, this is still a great place to swim. It’s perfect for children, as it’s shallow and has a soft sandy bottom.
The lake’s maximum depth is 41 feet.
The lake is also a popular place to go fishing, so if you’re in the mood, you can always head to this park and cast a line.
Here, you’ll find Panfish, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike. If you want to boat, know you’re only allowed electric motors.
5. Bannerman Trail
This 7-mile trail that cuts through South-Central Waushara County is an enjoyable hiking trail for all ages.
It’s the perfect trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling in winter.
The trail is mostly flat and easy to navigate. As you explore, you’ll pass through prairies, forests, marshes, and even open farmland. (During the summer, you’ll need to bypass part of the trail, as it’s leased to a couple of farmers.)
Keep an eye out for the remnants of the old quarry mining industry.
In the 1970s, the county bought the land from the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.
The trail has some slight variation in width, but it is 100′ wide in most areas.
The trail is also home to an annual trail run, typically in September, around Labor Day.
6. Pony Creek County Park
Bloomfield is home to the charming Pony Creek County Park. You’ll have plenty of room for fun activities in this 16-acre park and will find many amenities.
The best one on the list? The canoe launch!
This is the perfect spot to get out onto the waters of Lake Poygan and spend the summer mornings whiling away the hours.
Once you’re done with your morning paddle, you can grill a picnic lunch for the perfect day. There’s even a shelter house you can reserve with beautiful lake views.
There isn’t a boat launch at this park, though, but there are plenty of shoreline fishing opportunities. The water gets deep fairly quickly on the lake, which is easily accessed through the park.
7. Marl Lake County Park
Marl Lake is part of the Waupaca Chain O’Lakes— 22 interconnected lakes in Central Wisconsin.
While it’s a small, 14-acre lake, it’s got plenty to enjoy. What is the best place to access it? Marl Lake County Park!
You’ll find a shelter house, tables and grills, a playground, restrooms, drinking water, and even a boat launch here.
All these amenities make it the perfect home base for a day on the lake.
And with the most popular swimming beach located at the park, you’ll have everything you could ask for. Jump into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim!
It’s a no-wake lake and a favorite of local fishermen. There, you’ll find musky, panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye.
8. George Sorenson Natural Area at Hartford Lake
If you’re hoping for something less developed, look no further than the George Sorenson Natural Area. This 70-acre area has a wide range of ecosystems to explore.
There’s a 30-foot-deep lake perfect for swimming and fishing.
The uplands have relaxing woods and trees, perfect for anyone who wants to hike (or snowshoe) around.
There are even wetlands! And with an extensive trail system, you can meander around almost the entire property.
Beyond the trails, the rest of the park has been left alone. In the spring and summer, take binoculars to watch the birds!
Check out an entire park map here.
9. Kusel Lake County Park
One of the oldest Waushara County parks, Kusel Lake County Park has the most diverse recreational activities on this list.
Here you’ll find everything! Whether you enjoy swimming, hiking, or sports like tennis and basketball, there’s something here for you.
There are even two shelters—the upper one is available for reservations, and the lower shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You’ll also find the most extensive and organized trails at this park. The Blue and Red trails are flat routes through Pine Plantations.
Check out the Green, Orange, and Purple trails to explore an oak savanna. Located on the southern end of the park, here you’ll also find an overlook of the lake.
During the winter, there are plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Parks in Waushara County: FAQ
There are no entrance fees for the parks in Waushara County.
Kusel Lake County Park has some of the most diverse recreational activities of any Waushara County park.
You can reserve a shelter at the Waushara County Parks for a non-refundable reservation fee of $50. The park will remain open to the public.
You aren’t allowed overnight camping in Mt Morris County Park.
Conclusion: Waushara County Parks
Waushara County Parks are fantastic places to get outside and enjoy nature. Varying in size and amenities, each park has something unique to offer and enjoy.
Like the rest of Central Wisconsin, you’ll find plenty to do, keeping the whole family happy as you explore. Hit the lakes, trails, or just the hammock in one of these parks today!
Thinking about going on a winter trip to Waushara County? Check out my ultimate skiing guide!
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