Tag: state parks

5 stunning state parks to explore in Door County, Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin, may be famous for cheese curds and tart cherries, but its true magic lies in the outdoors. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, this slender peninsula is home to five state parks—each with its own personality, scenery, and seasonal charm.

Whether you’re a casual hiker, stargazer, paddler, or snowshoer, Door County’s parks offer a refreshing escape in every season. Here’s a look at five standout parks and what makes each one worth the trip.

Newport State Park: Stargazing and Solitude

Where Lake Michigan whispers and the cosmos answers—Newport’s night sky is pure wilderness wonder.

Located at the northern tip of the peninsula, Newport State Park is Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. On clear nights, the stars feel close enough to touch—perfect for astronomy buffs or anyone craving quiet wonder.

By day, explore 30 miles of hiking trails, paddle along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, or picnic beneath towering pines. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer peaceful ways to explore the snowy forest.

Peninsula State Park: Bluffs, Beaches, and Big Views

Two friends, one view—soaking in the sweep of Green Bay from Eagle Tower’s lofty perch.

Often called Wisconsin’s most complete park, Peninsula State Park has it all: rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, forested trails, and even a golf course. The park hugs Green Bay with eight miles of shoreline and dramatic views from the Niagara Escarpment.

Visitors can hike, bike, boat, camp, and even catch a musical at the Northern Sky Theater. Don’t miss Eagle Tower—a 60-foot accessible observation deck with panoramic views of the bay and surrounding islands.

In winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground with sledding, tubing, and cross-country skiing.

Curious why Peninsula is often called Wisconsin’s most complete park? From bluff-top views and beach days to historic lighthouses and forest trails, there’s more to explore than meets the eye. Dive into our full guide to Peninsula State Park.

Potawatomi State Park: Trails with a Glacial Story

Golden hush over Sturgeon Bay—Potawatomi’s autumn canopy glows with quiet magic.

Located in Sturgeon Bay, Potawatomi State Park is home to the eastern terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This 1,000-mile trail traces the edge of Wisconsin’s last glacier, and Potawatomi’s segment offers a scenic introduction.

The park’s limestone cliffs and forested hills make it a favorite for hiking, biking, and paddling. Winter visitors enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. With eight miles of off-road biking trails, it’s also a great spot for cyclists looking for a challenge.

Rock Island State Park: Ferry Adventures and Lighthouse Views

Lake Michigan unfolds below—Pottawatomie Light stands watch from Rock Island’s rugged northern bluff.

Getting to Rock Island is half the fun. First, take the Washington Island Ferry across Death’s Door—a strait with over 275 shipwrecks. Then hop aboard the Karfi Ferry to reach Rock Island, where no vehicles are allowed.

Once there, hike ten miles of trails, tour Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, and enjoy primitive camping under the stars. It’s a rugged, rewarding escape for those who love remote adventures.

Tip: Grab a bite at Jackson Harbor Soup before boarding the ferry. Their hot soups and fresh sandwiches are a local favorite.

Want to make the most of your time on Washington Island before heading to Rock Island? From scenic drives and hidden beaches to quirky museums and local eats, we’ve mapped out the best adventures. Explore our full guide to the island.

Whitefish Dunes State Park: Sand, Forest, and Soul-Soothing Views

Shoreline locked in silence—Lake Michigan’s icy lace clings to the shore at Whitefish.

On the peninsula’s eastern shore, Whitefish Dunes State Park protects Wisconsin’s fragile dune ecosystem. Boardwalks and forest trails lead to Old Baldy—the state’s tallest dune—and offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and Clark Lake.

The park’s nature center features exhibits on ecology, archaeology, and shipwrecks. While camping isn’t allowed, visitors can hike, swim, paddle, and picnic. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing reveal a quieter side of the dunes.

Plan Your Door County Escape

Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, spring blossoms, or snowy solitude, Door County’s state parks offer something for every season—and every kind of explorer. From ferry rides and forest hikes to stargazing and shoreline strolls, these parks invite you to slow down and savor the moment.

Want to go a little deeper? We’ve put together a broader overview of Door County’s parks that includes seasonal tips, insider highlights, and one bonus park you won’t want to miss.

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September 6, 2025
Florida State Parks Foundation and Live Wildly to host second ‘Explore the Corridor Week’ in April

Week-long event series gives nature-lovers the opportunity to “get outside and give back” in wild Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 13, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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The Florida State Parks Foundation and Live Wildly today announced that the second Explore the Corridor Week, a statewide drive to encourage exploration and stewardship of Florida’s natural spaces, is set for April 26 – May 3, 2025.

Each of the 19 participating state parks falls within or adjacent to the footprint of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, an 18-million-acre network of public and private lands stretching from the Florida Panhandle to the Everglades. Created in 2021, the Florida Wildlife Corridor is the largest state-wide conservation effort of its kind, home to almost 2,000 different species including the Florida panther, manatees, and the Gopher tortoise.

“Florida’s state parks provide the best and easiest way to experience the Florida Wildlife Corridor,” said Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation. “Explore the Corridor Week is a unique opportunity to create connections to wild Florida while also making a positive impact in our award-winning state parks.”

The parks included in Explore the Corridor Week span from the Florida Panhandle to the Florida Keys, and each park will host events designed to connect people to wild Florida.

Example events include a river cleanup at Blackwater River State Park (bring your own boat!), a safari tram tour at Silver Springs State Park, and cleanups and invasive plant removals at multiple parks.

Individuals, families, students, companies and community groups are all invited to participate. Space at each event is limited. Visit the official Explore the Corridor Week website for a full list of opportunities.

For those who do not wish or are unable to attend an in-person event but would still like to support Explore the Corridor Week, each park that is hosting a volunteer opportunity has an Amazon wishlist with needed supplies available for donation. Click here to learn more.

“We believe that participating in Explore the Corridor Week will foster a love and respect for wild Florida that will last for years,” Live Wildly CEO Lisa Shipley said. “No matter where you live or how you like to explore the outdoors, there is an event nearby that will create lasting impacts and memories.”

More than 300 volunteers contributed over 1,200 hours of service at the first Explore the Corridor Week in January 2024.

Florida’s system of 175 state parks, trails and historic sites are supported by more than 10,000 volunteers who contribute over 1 million hours of service each year.

Contact Information

Live Wildly & Florida State Parks Foundation
Media Contact
explore@floridastateparksfoundation.org

Source: Live Wildly Foundation

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March 13, 2025
Play mini-golf at this South Carolina State Park

Have you visited Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest, SC? This state park has everything from mini-golf to wooden checker tables, great hiking, and boating on the lake. Local mom Andrea Beam visited with her family and is sharing her experience!

Looking for other things to do in Oconee County? Check out our Guide to Oconee County to plan the perfect day trip throughout this gorgeous Upstate county!

We set out on an overcast (misting rain, which is so much worse, if you ask me) day to visit two parks. Our first stop, Oconee State Park, made a mess of our well-laid plans. There’s so much to do, even in the rain!

Driving through the park, I felt like we were adventuring through the Blue Ridge Parkway. So much foliage, it didn’t matter that it was raining.

Putt-Putt Golf and Things to Do at Oconee State Park

The office/trading post invites adventurers to relax on a large covered porch with rocking chairs, benches and Adirondack chairs. They have checker-board tables complete with big wooden checkers. Everything is made of wood, giving this spot a beautiful mountain feel.

Putt Putt on the Carpet Golf Course

Less energetic family members can enjoy resting on the porch while others play a round of putt-putt on a well-maintained 18-hole carpet golf course adjacent to the trading post.

This is the first putt-putt course we’ve seen in a State Park! The cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child, ages 5 and under are free. Clubs and balls can be obtained from the park office.

Playgrounds

The park has a total of three playgrounds for the youngest members of your group to enjoy. Oconee has Wi-Fi, which is a pleasant surprise in a state park, so you’ll be able to sit back and surf the web while they play your kids play.

Boats and Swimming at Oconee State Park

A short walk down to the lake lands you on a huge covered brick porch with more rockers and Adirondack chairs. There is swimming and lifeguards (in season). Another playground, with volleyball nets, sits a few feet from the lake.

Rent Kayaks and Pedal for $10/hr!

If you like water sports, you can rent pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and johnboats. It’s only $10 per hour to rent canoes, pedal boards, and kayaks. Canoes and kayaks are only available for rent seasonally, but pedal boats are year-round. You can also choose to rent kayaks, canoes, and boats for the entire day for $50. This is a great price for rentals and an awesome opportunity to give these water sports a try!

Hiking at Oconee State Park

Six wooded nature trails are havens for hikers. The park serves as the western trailhead for the Foothills Trail – South Carolina’s seventy-seven-mile wilderness hike on the Blue Ridge Escarpment. A spur trail beginning on Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina’s highest peak, connects The Foothills Trail with Caesars Head and the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.

Camping

If you just can’t get enough of this beautiful state park, you can make reservations to camp as well at walk-in tent sites and RV camping. Tent camping is limited to two tents per site. RV camping comes with electrical and water hook-ups, with some having sewer hook-ups as well. You must reserve for at least two nights.

Festivals and Events

Oconee State Park hosts a range of festivities and holiday events from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Square dancing is a seventy-year tradition at Oconee. Dances are usually held in the barn on Friday nights from 7 to 9 pm, featuring live bluegrass music and callers. You will also see events around major holidays, including Halloween and Christmas events.

Regardless of your age or interests, Oconee State Park is a perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors!

Have you visited Oconee State Park?

Andrea Beam

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July 10, 2024
Camp on the Shores of Lake Russell at Calhoun Falls State Park

Have you visited Calhoun Falls State Park? My family and I recently started the Ultimate Outsider Challenge through South Carolina State Parks. We’ve quickly made our way through most of the parks in the Upstate and wanted to start branching out to some of the ones further away. When I saw a friend’s pictures of her family’s camping trip to Calhoun Falls State Park, I knew I had to go see it for myself.

See our Ultimate Guide to All 47 South Carolina State Parks to find your next adventure!

Calhoun Falls State Park Camping: The Campgrounds

Situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Russell, these Calhoun Falls campground sites are some of the most desired in the SC state park system. There are 86 standard (RV or tent sites with water and electricity) and 14 walk-in tent sites. We stayed at one of the walk-in sites which are scattered along one of the points jutting out into the lake.

The tent sites do not have electric hook-ups but they do have shared water pumps. I chose T8 because it has one of the larger tent pads. We just bought a new tent and I was nervous about it being too big for the other sites. After being there though, I think it would have been fine at any of them.

Our site was the closest to the parking area and had a trail down to the water. The shore was grassy where we were but some of the other sites had little rocky beach areas that would be great spots for kids to splash.

The tent-only campground has an outdoor shower area and single bathrooms. The standard campground nearby has two full-bathroom buildings with showers and two playgrounds. There is also a basketball court and tennis courts. RV campers will have to contact the park directly to ensure golf carts are allowed.

Calhoun Fall State Park camping is highly recommended for families with children, but with close water access, be mindful of younger children who can not swim.

Cedar Bluff Nature Trail

During our stay, we checked out the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail. It is the only hiking trail at the park and is a 1.75-mile easy-to-moderate loop hike through the forest. The signage is not great so be careful as you go. We took a wrong turn at one point and ended up at one of the campground playgrounds instead of finishing the loop as we had planned. But it’s a pretty trail with multiple wooden bridges and steps and we didn’t mind getting lost in nature for a while.

More Things to Do at Calhoun Falls State Park

We stuck to camping and hiking during our visit, but Calhoun Falls offers many other activities, especially on the lake. It’s the perfect spot for boating, paddling, and fishing. There is also a marina with rental boat slips available.

If you forget anything at home, the gift shop has you covered. It is definitely the nicest state park store I’ve been to! We stopped in on our first morning to register and to get some cold treats for the kids and I was impressed at how much it had to offer from bundles of wood and s’mores ingredients to souvenirs and clothing items.

Visit Calhoun Falls State Park

Location

46 Maintenance Shop Road
Calhoun Falls, SC
864.447.8267

Hours and Admission

The park is open from 6am – 6pm (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time) and the Park Office is open from 9am – 5pm, daily.

Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children age 6-15. Children 5 and under are free. Admission is free for Park Passport holders.

Elizabeth Lambert

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May 21, 2024
Some of California’s beloved, storm-struck parks and forests remain closed | CNN

CNN
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One of California’s biggest draws is the exquisite scenery in its state parks, national forests and other related natural sites. But because of the waves of storms that have dumped a year’s worth of water on drought-plagued lands in a matter of weeks in some spots, various outdoor recreational areas remain closed.

Especially hard hit was Los Padres National Forest, which is almost 60 miles (97 kilometers) away from Santa Barbara by car.

Damage there was so bad that a 60-day closure was ordered for four ranger districts (Monterey, Santa Lucia, Santa Barbara and Ojai). The Mt. Pinos District was not in the order.h

The order was issued on January 13 because of “extreme winter weather events in early January that caused flooding, debris flows, bridge, road and trail failures.”

On Tuesday, a tweet posted by Los Padres showed some of the damage that was still being assessed.

Our incredible partners at Los Padres Forest Association are working in the backcountry to assist with trail damage assessments. These photos taken along the Romero Trail last weekend illustrate the challenges we face in restoring safe access. #lpfstormdamage2023 pic.twitter.com/Au6bsMKA42

— Los Padres NF (@LosPadresNF) January 25, 2023

It’s possible there will be a reprieve on the 60 day decision.

The closure order said that it would be “superseded or terminated when conditions and recreational access improves.” Los Padres got more 100% of its annual rainfall along with high-wind damage earlier this month, the forest’s website said.

On top of that, stretches of the roads to get to the national forest are compromised.

California’s state park system also took a big hit from the deluges, and some of its sites are closed.

Twenty one state parks, beaches, reserves and related sites were fully closed as of 6:45 p.m. PT January 24, and another 40 places were partially closed.

The damage and the closures have been widespread.

Some of the closures included El Capitán State Beach in Santa Barbara County and Limekiln State Park in Monterey County, some 165 miles (265 kilometers) away on a partially closed highway.

Click here for the most current updates from the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

It’s not just the recent wicked winter rainstorms that have closed down natural areas. Others are closed for more normal seasonal weather, previous weather events or both.

At Death Valley National Park, an access road to a trail head is partially closed because of snow. And “many other roads remain closed due to damage and debris from major flooding this summer,” according to park management.

Meanwhile, Devils Postpile National Monument, near Yosemite National Park in the heart of the Sierra Nevada range, is closed for the long winter season and is only open during summer months.

Speaking of Yosemite, you’ll need a reservation to drive into the park on February 10-12, February 17-19 or February 24-26 because of the popular “Firefall” event at Horsetail Fall.

With so many partial and full closures, you should check the status of any state or national park before committing to travel plans.

Top image: Big Basin Redwoods State Park in California. Photo via Adobe Stock.

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January 25, 2023
‘A whole new world’: Georgia debuts all-terrain wheelchairs at its state parks | CNN

CNN
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Wheelchair users will now be able to explore Georgia’s state parks with free all-terrain wheelchairs.

The new fleet of wheelchairs are part of a collaboration between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Aimee Copeland Foundation, launched by Aimee Copeland, a social worker who in 2012 lost her both of her hands, one foot and most of one leg due to a rare bacterial, flesh-eating infection. The organization works to improve accessibility for disabled people, particularly through outdoor recreation.

“All Terrain Georgia is the pride and joy of Aimee Copeland Foundation,” said Copeland in a news release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “It’s been a long time coming and we’re honored to offer this life-changing program to the community.”

The all-terrain wheelchairs allow wheelchair users to navigate more difficult terrain than they might be able to in an everyday wheelchair, according to the release. The chairs will be free with reservation at 11 state parks and historic sites in Georgia.

The new wheelchairs were unveiled at Panola Mountain State Park, southeast of Atlanta, on November 4. Users will need to reserve the wheelchairs in advance and also have a designated “buddy” with them at all times.

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Director Jeff Cown emphasized the importance of providing access to the outdoors for everyone in Georgia.

“Our mission is to provide outdoor opportunities for every Georgia citizen and visitor,” said Cown in the release. “I am proud to partner with the Aimee Copeland Foundation to offer access to visitors with mobility or physical disabilities.”

Georgia follows in the footsteps of Minnesota and Michigan, which have also introduced free all-terrain, electric-powered wheelchairs at their state parks.

Cory Lee, the writer of a blog focused on traveling as a wheelchair user, told CNN that he’s excited to explore Georgia’s state parks using the new chairs.

“It’ll open up a whole new world for me and for other wheelchair users,” he said.

He added that many of the Georgia state parks he has visited are “lacking in accessibility.”

“Some of them only have one accessible trail,” he said. “Now, there will be so many other trails that I’m able to do. I’m really looking forward to getting out on those trails soon.”

Lee added that state parks should still focus on adding more wheelchair-accessible routes if possible. Getting out of his everyday wheelchair and into the all-terrain wheelchair can be challenging.

Still, the all-terrain wheelchairs “are really a phenomenal resource,” he said.

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November 12, 2022