One of the best Wisconsin State Parks is just 15-minutes from Baraboo. With a stunning reflective lake at the center. Mirror Lake State Park offers some of the most beautiful scenery for hiking, canoeing, or birdwatching. The slim reservoir covers 137 acres within the 2,179-acre state park in the Wisconsin Dells region. This unique area is known for its fascinating geology, with rock formations and gorges dating back to the last glacial period of the ice age. It’s the perfect place to take in the bright Wisconsin fall foliage!
A visit to Mirror Lake State Park is listed in the top five things to do in Baraboo on TripAdvisorāmost reviews point out that this lake follows a strict no wake rule, so only person-powered boats are allowed, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere, which you’ll experience throughout the park. Whether you’re paddling along the glassy water, sitting atop the sandstone bluffs under red pines, or exploring the deep wooded acreage, you’ll feel at one with nature at Mirror Lake State Park.
Before you start filling your itinerary with hikes and kayaking adventures at Mirror Lake State Park, you’ll want to book your lodging. Our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast is a one-of-a-kind historic space with elegant guest suites, a bountiful breakfast service each morning, and the warmest hospitality. The house, originally designed and built by the Ringling Family of circus fame, has been meticulously maintained and modernized for a comfortable stay.
Book your room at one of the best places to stay in Baraboo, WI, today!Ā
Mirror Lake State Park: Great Hikes with Stunning Views
Hiking is one of the favorite pastimes at Mirror Lake State Park in the autumn months. The weather is ideal, with cool crisp mornings leading into sunny afternoons and cozy evenings best spent by the fire. Here are the best hikes to check out at this picturesque fall foliage at this Wisconsin State Park:
- There are just under 20 miles of hiking trails at Mirror Lake State Park. The routes offer a selection for any skill; some are smooth, flat loops, while others climb into the sandstone rock formations adding layers of difficulty for those who are up for the challenge.
- You’ll find a handful of trails at Mirror Lake State Park under a mile for those looking to cut their teeth on exploring the Wisconsin wilderness. Many of these shorter trails connect to the longer, more advanced routes.
- The Ishnala Trail clocks in at about three miles round trip and is the most popular trail at the park. It’s considered easy to moderate with little elevation changes and connects back to the Echo Rock Trail, which includes a 150-foot clear-span bridge over the Mirror Lake Gorge.
- Mountain Biking is also a popular way to explore this park. There are about nine miles of off-road biking options, and these trails designated for biking are marked by red flags on routes covered in wood chips, sand, or grass.
- During the winter, the trails at Mirror Lake State Park are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Be sure to check the website before heading out to check weather conditions.
Other things to do at Mirror Lake State Park:
- Paddling or rowing your own watercraft is a lovely way to enjoy Mirror Lake State Park. If you need gear, rentals are availableĀ at the Mirror Lake State Park boat launch open daily at 10 am (hours vary depending on the season). You’ll find canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and single and double kayaks.
- You’ll also find the option to rent motorized pontoon boats available by reservation only. Friendly reminder that Mirror Lake State Park is a no-wake zone, so they ask that you follow these boating rules for the safety of guests and wildlife.
- Fishing here is a lovely, peaceful pastime. You’ll find panfish, bass, walleye, and northern pike.
- A local hidden gem called Mirror Lake State Park home, A 1958 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Seth Peterson Cottage. A tiny, historical house of rock and stone and a fine example of the famed architect’s work. Check here for tour times.
Elegant Rooms at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast
The Ringling House Bed and Breakfast is designed in the style of a Georgian Revival home, built in 1901 by Charles Ringling, one of the founders of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Not only is our Inn on the National Register of Historic Places, but it was constructed with some of the finest materials and modern conveniences available for the time. As a guest here, you’ll see the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into every inch of this space, from the impressive staircase, stained glass windows, and woodwork. Join us in our historic Bed and Breakfast for a relaxing stay!
