You’ll find Bluff Rapids Trail in Irvine Park. The park was established in 1906 when William Irvine, a lumber baron and philanthropist, donated the land to the city of Chippewa Falls.

The park was created as a gift to the community, and today, it’s a popular destination for residents, as well as visitors. It covers more than 300 acres.

The park has a number of attractions, including Irvine Park Zoo, which is the second oldest municipal zoo in the United States that is still in operation.

The park features several picturesque pedestrian bridges that span Duncan Creek, which flows through the heart of the park. Benches offer a place to rest.

The park has some well-maintained walking trails that provide opportunities for leisurely strolls and enjoying nature. The paths wind through wooded areas, open spaces, and alongside the creek.

People used to hike an unofficial path through the woods here, but the new trail is marked and easier to follow.

Ripon's history dates back to the 1800s when it was founded in 1849 by David P. Mapes, a New York pioneer.

The town holds a remarkable place in American political history. It was in this very place that the seeds of the Republican Party were sown. In 1854, a group of anti-slavery activists gathered in Ripon to form a new political movement, which would later evolve into the Republican Party.

Ripon is also home to Ripon College, a private liberal arts institution founded in 1851. The college's historic campus and strong academic programs have attracted students from far and wide.

Today you can enjoy a little retail therapy in Ripon’s vibrant shopping district. Browse furniture, antiques, thrift shops, jewelry, gifts, clothing, shoes, art, and more.

Ripon is also a place to enjoy a good meal. From cozy cafes serving up fresh-baked goods and gourmet coffee to family-owned eateries dishing out hearty American comfort food, Ripon's dining options reflect the warmth of this little town.

Ripon's historic buildings stand side by side with more contemporary businesses - it's a perfect balance of old and new.

Discover it for yourself!

Paoli is about 12 miles outside of Madison, and it’s one of the prettiest little towns in the area – it has a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Paoli has a tight-knit and engaged community that values its historic heritage and natural beauty.

Paoli's history dates back to the mid-19th century, and its well-preserved buildings and architecture offer a beautiful glimpse into its past.

The historic Paoli Mill, a stunning stone structure that once served as a gristmill, gives a clue to the village's early industrial heritage.

Paoli has long attracted artists and creatives – you can find beautiful and unique art in its shops and galleries and even meet an artist.

This is cheese country, and it’s even home to an old cheese factory – Seven Acre Dairy Company – that’s been converted into a gorgeous restaurant and lodging property.

While Paoli is a great road trip destination, it’s also very popular with cyclists – you may want to arrive on two wheels.

The Harbor Walk is located along the shore of Lake Michigan in the heart of the city of Port Washington, which is in Ozaukee County in southeastern Wisconsin. The trail is easily accessible and centrally located within the city.

One of the primary reasons to take a stroll on the Harbor Walk is the breathtaking views it affords of Lake Michigan.

The north end of the walk is framed by the Port Washington Breakwater Light.

Along the Harbor Walk, you'll find plenty of green spaces and parks where you can sit and relax.

The Harbor Walk is a place to connect with nature, but it is also conveniently connected to Port Washington's downtown district.

The south end of the walk ends at South Beach, a sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan.

The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is located in Necedah and Armenia Townships, in Juneau County, Wisconsin. It covers a large area – about 44,000 acres!

The refuge has a variety of natural habitats, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and savannas. The diversity of ecosystems supports a wide range of plant and animal species, making it an essential area for conservation.

The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge plays an important part in in the recovery of the eastern population of the sandhill crane, a large and iconic bird species. The refuge provides crucial nesting grounds for these cranes and is an important part of their breeding range.

The refuge is a popular destination for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Visitors can spot a wide array of bird species, including sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and migratory songbirds.

The refuge offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, wildlife photography, hunting, fishing, and nature interpretation. There are several miles of hiking trails, observation platforms, boardwalks, and resting spots throughout the refuge.

The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is open year-round, and each season offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The spring and fall months are particularly magical, when large flocks of migratory birds pass through.

CAMDEN Playground's journey began in 1993 when it was first constructed in Palmer Park, a park that’s a short drive west of Interstate 90 on E. Racine Street.

The park is pretty great. It covers 164 acres and it’s Janesville’s second-largest park. It has a ton of amenities, like a kid-friendly zip line and wading pool.

The star of this park is CAMDEN Playground. When it opened, it was the largest and most accessible playground in the world. It’s a recreational area designed to accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.

The playground was first envisioned by Todd Long and Sherry Kuelz – they were inspired to create a playground that could be used by kids like Sherry’s nephew Camden.

The playground was a huge hit, it’s had well over a million visitors and hundreds of communities have been inspired to also build accessible playgrounds.

The playground has been around for a while but it was completely rebuilt in 2016 and it’s better than ever. It’s also called castle park and when you arrive, you’ll see the castle walls. There are many accessible features, like a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round.

Cave Point is a stunning natural area located in Door County, Wisconsin, along the eastern shore of the Door Peninsula. It’s one of the most photographed places in all of Wisconsin.

The most striking feature of Cave Point is the series of limestone sea caves and cliffs that have been carved over thousands of years by the relentless waves of Lake Michigan.

The water erosion has created caves, crevices, and intricately shaped limestone formations along the shoreline. The Lakeside Trail traces this magical stretch of lakeshore.

The out and back hike is not long – it’s about 1.6 miles and takes a half hour to complete – but it’s really incredible.

Hikers can walk along the shoreline and enjoy panoramic vistas of the cliffs and caves. The contrast between the rugged shoreline and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan is spectacular.

The trail is truly unique – it offers a chance to explore some incredible natural beauty and one of the diverse ecosystems of the Door Peninsula.

Harmony Gardens Arboretum is located in Marinette County, and it dates back more than three decades. Over the years, the 460-acre property has been transformed into a wonderland that includes natural landscape and cultivated plants. It’s always open, and it’s free.

The property includes an expansive demonstration prairie.

The arboretum includes numerous raised gardens and paths.

There’s also an herb garden, and it’s huge – it features over 100 varieties of herbs. It's a beautiful and fragrant display.

The vegetable gardens are in raised beds, and there are wheelchair accessible beds.

The property is also home to some hardwood forest and fruit trees - hundreds of acres.

There are plenty of whimsical features for young visitors, too.

Waldvogel's Farm is a great day trip destination – it’s an easy drive from places like Madison and Milwaukee. It boasts an expansive pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own pumpkins.

The farm grows over 40 types of pumpkins, and you’ll find all shapes and colors. They are all the same price, so you can load up your car!

The farm has a growing number of family-friendly activities and attractions, making it a great destination for people of all ages.

The place is huge, and it’s getting a little bigger every year. There are now more than 80 attractions that are spread across this 90-acre farm. It's a great opportunity for families to spend a little quality time together and enjoy the fall season.

You might find yourself a little hungry. You’re in luck. There are now food trucks on site, as well as a bakery and treats like caramel apples!

In addition to pumpkins, Waldvogel's Farm has its own craft fair, right on site. Local artisans sell decorative items that can help you create a festive autumn atmosphere at home.

You can feel good when you visit a Wisconsin pumpkin patch. It’s an opportunity to support local farmers and agriculture. By purchasing pumpkins and participating in the activities, you contribute to an industry that’s part of the fabric of Wisconsin.

You’ll find Governor’s Island on Lake Mendota. The lake is located in Dane County in south-central Wisconsin.

The lake is a popular destination for various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and ice skating in the winter.

Governor’s Island is a great place for a walk. You’ll find the island on the lake’s northeast shore, near Mendota Mental Health Institute, a state psychiatric hospital.

Because the island is connected to the land via a man-made causeway, it’s easy to reach.

The island has a bit of history. Native Americans long called this place home, and in the 1800s, Leonard Farwell, Wisconsin’s second governor, lived here.

Today the island is a place to enjoy nature. The fall colors make this place even more beautiful, so make plans to enjoy a hike this fall!