Day Trips from Appleton
← All Appleton day tripsDay Trips from Appleton: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Appleton, WI. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Appleton
Peninsula State Park
Fish Creek, WI 54212
Just 1 hr 47 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars by 5,565 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
East Bluff State Natural Area
Merrimac, WI 53561
Just 2 hrs 10 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
Merrimac, WI 53561
Just 2 hrs 3 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars by 1,510 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
Grafton, WI 53024
Just 1 hr 41 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars by 2,512 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area
WI 53965, USA
Just 2 hrs 1 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars by 2,489 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Just 2 hrs 8 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars by 1,041 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rose Lake State Natural Area
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Just 1 hr 52 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ferry Bluff State Natural Area
Sauk City, WI 53583
Just 2 hrs 15 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars by 342 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Kohler Park Dunes State Natural Area
WI 53081, USA
Just 1 hr 27 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars by 604 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Forbes Springs State Natural Area
Lakewood, WI 54138
Just 1 hr 45 min from Appleton, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Paradise Springs Nature Trail
County Rd N, Eagle
Just 2 hrs 1 min from Appleton, rated 4.7 stars by 578 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
WI 53010, USA
Just 1 hr 6 min from Appleton, rated 4.7 stars by 1,694 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Appleton
What are the best state parks near Appleton, WI?
The best state parks near Appleton offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Appleton?
Most state parks near Appleton charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Appleton are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Appleton offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Appleton?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Appleton. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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