For something to get out us out of the house this last year, my wife and I seek out new trails…read moreevery chance we get. Seeking most options in Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha Counties. Glacier Hills is one of the best. The simply fact that with the hilly nature makes it very scenic and just the right amount of challenge. The trail coming into Friess Lake is pretty special. We will be back for sure.

This park is the best. Every time I go here I meet a cool doe. And it's got some amazing foraging…read more I don't usually eat mushrooms (not in love with the texture), but if done right, they're pretty good.

Took the pups here to go paddle boarding…read more Arrived around 8am so still fairly early, it was a little confusing where to park for the beach. The beach parking is the same as the boat launch parking (large lot) there is then a path that will take you down to the beach about .25 mile walk. Not horrible but good to note! We asked the park staff and were informed if the pups are swimming they can be off leash on the sand to go in and out of the water but otherwise their leashes need to be on (which was no problem) Bathrooms located near the water and up by the parking nice and clean. Really only downfall was the labeling of parking for the beach and then access to get there, we only figured it out after driving in circles and finding a park staff member. However now we know! Also there is not an easy way to get into the water (walk in style) with a paddle board, since they only have docks to drop down from so a little challenging with the pups, but otherwise it might be easier if you are going with a kayak. They do also have kayak rentals located in the boat launch area. Will definitely return

It's really nice for 4th of July fireworks. You can bring a small grill or they have a few…read morepermanent ones if you get there early enough. There are also a number of picnic tables but they also are claimed quickly. The beach is small but never crowded and is a nice sandy beach. The swimming area is adequate, but very rocky. Therefore, I recommend bringing shoes if you are going to walk in the water. There used to be a lifeguard, but as of 2019, there wasn't one for the fireworks. They also have a playground area that is decent but I noticed there was a step that was cracked and I'm not sure how well it's managed. The bathrooms have been under some level of repair for the last 5 years, often a toilet, sink, shower, or urinal. Nothing major, but noticeably annoying. However, they are usually stocked though I've rarely seen staff here to restock. That said, there are showers to rinse and they have a second area in each stall to change or hold dry clothes.

While this was a spacious park, I don't think it's worth the daily pass fee of $7. There is a good…read moreamount of parking available and a small pond for people/dogs to play in. Checked out some of the trails but they weren't too well maintained. We primarily stopped by for a beer garden and car show. If you don't pay the fee beforehand online, you'll receive something in the mail about a month later. Surprised they charge this much considering they don't put more into their park. I'd rather check out a different free park in the area, like Whitnall.

I've been here before over the years for the trails and dog parks. You need a day or year pass for…read moreparking. The year pass is worth it if you would visit more than 6 times/visit any of the other Waukesha Parks. I went this past visit with my pup to paddle board- I personally wouldn't go again for this since it really is a pond and the water is a bit stinky and quite yucky! If we would have fallen in the water I would have been so upset so we only did one lap and then I let him play some water fetch. I do love the expanse of trails however and it looks like they have a beer garden set up as well. I'll come back just not for the water portion here

We had a great time hiking the trails, pausing to look at the vistas from the trail view areas. The…read morehike to the beach was very solid!

Lion's Den in Grafton is a peaceful and scenic spot right along Lake Michigan. The hiking trails…read moreare well maintained and offer beautiful views of the shoreline, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for all levels. The park has a nice pavilion area and clean, well-kept bathrooms, which makes it comfortable for longer visits. Throughout the trails and overlooks, there are several benches dedicated in memory of loved ones. These add a very touching and reflective feel to the experience and make it more than just a hike--it's a place to slow down and appreciate the moment. Overall, it's a beautiful, quiet place for nature, reflection, and lake views, and definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Trails for all levels are plentiful at Lapham Peak. I hiked portions of Ice Age trail up to the…read moreobservation tower. The trial was well marked, with a mix of board walk, crushed stone and hard pack. Various intersecting trails allow you to spend any amount of time you'd like enjoying this beautiful park. Multiple restrooms are located at the various parking lots but be prepared.

Beautiful state park with plenty of trails to hike on with different difficulties! I've been here…read moreplenty of times with the latest in mid December 2025 with winter conditions during mid day. We went cross country skiing with rentals from Nordic Specialists located in the Evergreen Shelter next to the Evergreen lodge. Entry is with a fee or free with your purchase annual WI State parks pass. Not too far from the city, this place has the solitude and nature getaway not too far from the city. Xski rentals were $30 for classic ski that came with shoes poles and skis for two hours. It's also nice in the summer for getting a hike in whether you want a short one or a challenging long hike. There's also an observatory tower you can hike up flights of stairs for a nice view! The evergreen lodge is new and spacious to stay warm during the winter or cool in the shade in the off-winter time.

Fox Brook park has the best trails to walk. I've seen couples, singles, old and young enjoying the…read morewalk with variety of intensions. I found so many flowers that I haven't seen before. I took botany in college so I'm familiar with the most of plants in Wisconsin. So when I have scratching my head with unfamiliar flora, that means something. People swim, fish, letting dogs swim, pedal boating, swimming for open water companions, enjoying carefree outdoor activities in the park. It's wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature.

It's been a few years since I've been to Fox Brook Park. Normally I came just to enjoy the…read morebeach/swimming and have since back in late elementary school! This time I came to test out the full expanse of the water with my paddle board. I came with my brother who had his kayak and fished. He caught a rainbow trout (and released). We stayed on the water for almost 4 hours - the water was nice and clean and it was busy but not crazy. The beach area was definitely a popular busy zone but most the people were in the designated swimming area versus the open lake. Just a great time and will be back! If looking to grab a spot on the dry land I would recommend arriving before 11am- that's when it started filling up more.

This trail is an excellent alternative to the longer, more strenuous nearby Scuppernong Trails just…read moreeast of here. But unlike those color coded trails, there's more to see along this 1.2 mile trail. Some of the springs are just mesmerizing. Seeing water bubble up from underwater sands is almost hypnotic. Other springs flow out of the ground and hillsides. Although shorter than even the shortest of the neighboring trails, definitely plan on spending an hour here, you'll be stopping often to take in the many features along the trail.

The Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail, across from the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area check in, is an…read moreeasy hike featuring dozens of natural springs, and the remnants of an old marl works plant. Differing from the other more wooded Scuppernong Trail, the Springs Nature trail is unique in its spring features and history. Check out the self guide for an explanation of natural springs, the marl plant and hotel, and the Native American settlement previously here. http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/pubs/pr/PR0230.pdf The springs bubble up through the sand like something out of the movie the Labrynth, and also flow out of the hillside. It's a really unique feature. This is an easy unique hike that the whole family can enjoy.

Very nice short paved hike and unique historic site. Paradise Springs is a natural spring, with 500…read moregallon per hour output. There's a nice interpretive booklet that helps explain numbered highlights. There's a cool decaying building over the springs, which was purely ornamental, the springs works whether its covered or not. The Petit (Pabst) family owned the property and put in a lot of features like a circular wading pool, a gazebo. The springs were bottled and sold until the 1960s, and another owner ran water powered electric in the early 1900s; the first house with electricity in the area. The pond is stocked w/Brook Trout for catch and release only. And across the way there's an old homestead from the 1860s which is in great condition. This is a nice short hike with lots to learn about.

Short and quick hike with my toddlers this morning. They liked picking up pine cones, exploring…read morethe old stone building and looking into the clear water. Saw a few trout swimming too!

tl;dr A gorgeous 8.8 acre park filled with history, giant shade trees, the gentle pleasant sound of…read morewater as it moves along in the Bark River, a crazy unique wooden playground themed after a fort, multiple war memorials, huge shade trees, and a bathroom with drinking fountain. The playground is titled 'Fort Cushing' and is an all wood structure, with primarily a mulch surface and a few minor spots with a rubber surface. Within the playground there are separated areas for the little kids side and the big kids side. The little kids side is fairly small, and consists of two slides, a sandpit, and a few swings. Safety note, the baby swings are crazy high off of the ground since the mulch has been worn down so much, so make sure your kiddo is secured as it would be a huge drop. The big kids side has a variety of slides, bridges, monkey bars, giant tires to climb through as well as a tire swing, and more. Note: The drop off of the covered twist slide also has a huge drop at the end from the worn down mulch. It's definitely a unique playground but if you have little kids you can't trust yet on their own you'll definitely have to be flexible and fast to get through it all. There is a huge open area filled with mature shade trees, a tall monument dedicated to the three Cushing Brothers, as well as an obelisk, and a few other memorials. The park is also situated along the Glacial Drumlin Trail. Oh, and dogs are allowed here! Plus, they have bags available for cleanup. If you're in the area, this park is definitely worth the stop!

Went here because it was listed as one of the best playgrounds in the MKE metro, and it is indeed…read morethat. All wood, and lots of twists and turns, but fenced in so you can't lose the kids too easily.good amount of parking, but nice bike/walking access through the Lake Country and Ice Age trails. Clean bathrooms. Nice view of the Bark River. Definitely worth a trip out here, plus Delafield is a cute town.

Great view of the sunset on the west side of Waukesha. Worth the hike up.read more