High Cliff State Park Wisconsin
Discover Wisconsin's stunning limestone cliffs and panoramic Lake Winnebago views at High Cliff State Park. Trails, camping, and a scenic tower await.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
High Cliff State Park Wisconsin
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Wisconsin's stunning limestone cliffs and panoramic Lake Winnebago views at High Cliff State Park. Trails, camping, and a scenic tower await.
"Incredible views from the tower and unique limestone formations make this park a must-visit!"
🚗 Entry Fee Tip
Entry is per license plate; out-of-state plates incur extra fees. Plan accordingly! :ticket:
🥾 Trail Exploration
Many trails offer varied scenery. Wear comfortable shoes and check for any construction closures. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Observation Tower Views
Near a parking lot
Ascend the tower for panoramic views of Lake Winnebago and surrounding areas. A must-see!
Limestone Cliffs
Along trails
Marvel at the unique, hole-filled limestone formations that give the park its name. Truly special.
Lake Winnebago Shoreline
Beach area
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Wisconsin's largest lake, perfect for a relaxing stroll or warm-weather visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to High Cliff
Camping & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Entry Fee Tip
Entry is per license plate; out-of-state plates incur extra fees. Plan accordingly! :ticket:
🥾 Trail Exploration
Many trails offer varied scenery. Wear comfortable shoes and check for any construction closures. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Panoramic Views
The observation tower provides incredible vistas. Don't miss it for photos! :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Your furry friends will love exploring the park's trails. Keep them leashed. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Entry Fee Tip
Entry is per license plate; out-of-state plates incur extra fees. Plan accordingly! :ticket:
🥾 Trail Exploration
Many trails offer varied scenery. Wear comfortable shoes and check for any construction closures. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Panoramic Views
The observation tower provides incredible vistas. Don't miss it for photos! :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Your furry friends will love exploring the park's trails. Keep them leashed. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise High Cliff State Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the scenic limestone cliffs and expansive views of Lake Winnebago from the observation tower. The well-maintained trails and opportunities for hiking and picnicking are frequently highlighted as positives. Some minor drawbacks include limited parking at popular spots and the per-vehicle entry fee structure.
"I love going to High Cliff State Park, it's beautiful every/any time of the year. My dog enjoys the trails. There is a look out tower near a parking lot where you can see most of the surrounding areas/cities/towns. Open to 11PM. They do have camp grounds available to rent, and trails for horse riding. I've never stayed there overnight, nor any riding. There's playgrounds, a beach area that's lovely in warm weather, and a boat lunch area."
Mooki
"Well maintained and easily accessible park right on the edge of lake Winnebago. Fantastic fall colors. Trails are lively and there are plenty of interesting attractions scattered throughout the park. Entry fee is by license plate so even if you come in with a Wisconsin resident, you're going to have to pay extra if your car is from out of state. Plenty of parking within the park."
Anand
"We had a wonderful afternoon exploring High Cliff State Park. The leaves had just started to turn, painting the forest in early shades of gold and orange, which made our walk through the wooded trails especially beautiful. The air was crisp, and the paths were well-kept, offering plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the quiet of nature.
One of the highlights was climbing to the top of the observation tower. From there, we had an incredible view overlooking Lake Winnebago and could see the full sweep of the north side of the lake. It’s truly a scenic spot and worth the short hike up. The park offers a great mix of open areas and shaded trails, perfect for a casual stroll or a longer hike.
The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that parking near the main lookout was a bit limited during our visit. Still, the beauty of the landscape, the peaceful setting, and the views from the tower make this park a must-visit for anyone in the area. We left refreshed and already looking forward to coming back when the fall colors are in full display."
Bryan “Dad of 4”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Cliff State Park is located in Sherwood, Wisconsin. It's accessible by car via Highway 57 and County Road Q. Ample parking is available within the park.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's best to drive or arrange a ride-share service.
From the Green Bay area, take Highway 57 South. From the Appleton area, take Highway 10 East to County Road Q North. Always check local traffic conditions before you go.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle, based on the license plate. Out-of-state vehicles will incur an additional charge. :ticket:
According to some visitors, on a clear day, you might be able to see Lambeau Field from the top of the observation tower. :eyes:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park is open daily until 11 PM, offering plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Camping facilities may have different hours. :clock10:
The entrance fee is charged per vehicle based on the license plate. Wisconsin residents pay a lower fee than out-of-state visitors. Check the official park website for current rates.
Tickets are not typically booked in advance for day use. You pay upon arrival. However, if you plan on High Cliff State Park Wisconsin camping, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.
While there aren't specific discounts mentioned, the fee structure is designed to be more affordable for Wisconsin residents. Annual state park passes may also be an option.
The park remains open until 11 PM for general access. You can typically pay the entrance fee at a self-registration station if the office is closed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, from easy strolls along the lake to more challenging routes through wooded areas. Many trails lead to interesting geological features and scenic overlooks. :hiking_boot:
Yes, there is a beach area on Lake Winnebago, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the water during warmer months. :beachwithumbrella:
Absolutely! High Cliff State Park features dedicated trails for horseback riding. :horse_racing:
Yes, the park provides designated picnic areas and restrooms for visitors' convenience. :picnic_table: :restroom:
The Red Bird statue is a unique landmark within the park, adding to its distinctive character. It's a point of interest for many visitors exploring the park's attractions.
🎫 🏕️ High Cliff State Park Wisconsin Camping
Campsites can be booked through the Wisconsin State Parks reservation system. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. :tent:
Campgrounds typically offer amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms and water. Some sites may have electrical hookups. Check the reservation details for specific offerings.
Standard state park camping rules apply, including quiet hours, proper waste disposal, and leash laws for pets. Familiarize yourself with the park's specific regulations before your stay.
Yes, many campsites are suitable for RVs. Ensure your chosen site can accommodate your RV's size and has the necessary hookups if required.
The summer months offer the warmest weather for camping, while fall provides beautiful scenery. Spring can be pleasant but may be cooler and wetter. :maple_leaf:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many families find the park offers a great balance of active exploration and relaxation. The beach provides a fun way for kids to cool off, while the trails allow for educational nature walks. The open spaces are ideal for running around, and the overall atmosphere is very welcoming for younger visitors. :family_park:
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to explore the park's natural beauty. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna as you traverse the trails. The combination of woodland, cliffs, and the expansive Lake Winnebago creates a rich and varied ecosystem worth discovering. Consider bringing binoculars for birdwatching or wildlife spotting. :binoculars:
🚗 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of High Cliff
Many visitors recommend exploring the trails that lead to the park's most iconic features, such as the observation tower and the distinctive limestone outcroppings. The park's natural beauty is particularly striking during the fall, when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors. Some trails may experience temporary closures due to construction or maintenance, so it's always a good idea to check the park's official website for the latest updates before your visit. :maple_leaf:
For those interested in a different perspective, the park also offers dedicated trails for horseback riding. This provides a unique way to experience the natural landscape and explore areas that might be less accessible on foot. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or looking for a leisurely stroll, High Cliff's trails offer something for everyone.
The Iconic Observation Tower
Reaching the tower typically involves a short hike from a nearby parking area, making it an accessible attraction for most visitors. The vantage point from the top provides a fantastic opportunity for photography, allowing you to capture the vastness of the lake and the rolling hills. It's a perfect spot to pause, take in the scenery, and appreciate the natural beauty of Wisconsin. :camerawithflash:
While the tower itself is a significant attraction, the journey to it also offers glimpses of the park's unique limestone geology. The area around the tower is often a good starting point for exploring other nearby trails and points of interest within the park.
High Cliff State Park Wisconsin Camping Experience
Campers can expect standard amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms and water facilities. Some sites may offer electrical hookups for RVs. It's important to familiarize yourself with the park's camping regulations, including quiet hours and pet policies, to ensure a pleasant stay for everyone. :sleeping_bed:
The surrounding natural beauty makes camping here a memorable experience. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature and having easy access to hiking trails and the lake. Fall camping is particularly popular due to the stunning autumn foliage, offering a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventure. :maple_leaf:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit