With over 60 state parks, forests, and recreation areas, Wisconsin offers ample opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in outdoor pursuits. Rocky Arbor State Park, located near the Wisconsin Dells, is a hidden gem for quiet hikes, birdwatching, picnics, and hunting. It’s a beautiful nature area with dense pine forests, sandstone rock formations, and a short, easy trail, perfect for beginner hikers.
Unlike Devil’s Lake State Park, the most visited Wisconsin State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park offers an off-the-beaten-path space to immerse yourself in nature. You’ll likely run into more wildlife than people! The beautiful mile-long trail winds through the forests, surrounded by lush greenery and interesting rock formations. This is a smaller park, so if you’re up for a more extended adventure, add this as your first stop and then head off to one of the bigger, more popular parks in the Wisconsin Dells region.
Before you start planning your itinerary, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and while many of these Wisconsin State Parks offer camping, why not choose a cozy bed and breakfast as your homebase? You’ll have a comfortable bed, hot showers, and a home-cooked breakfast each morning of your stay! Our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast offers all of this and more, with warm and welcoming Innkeepers on hand to help make your stay the best it can be. Book your lodging at Ringling House B&B today!
Rocky Arbor State Park & More State Parks in Wisconsin
Exploring the stunning wilderness of these nearby Wisconsin Dells state parks is often at the top of our guests’ itineraries. There are many lovely places to reconnect with nature, breathe fresh air, and see beautiful lakes, rivers, and bluffs. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just getting started, you’ll find a trail that fits your needs. Also, as Wisconsin is known as the “Land of 15,000 Lakes,” this area is perfect for water-based activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming.
Here are the best Wisconsin State Parks near our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast:
- Rocky Arbor State Park: Escape to this park with its unique sandstone outcroppings and dense pine forest, providing an ideal setting for beginner hikers and picnicking. Visitors to Wisconsin Dells will appreciate the park’s quieter, less crowded atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- Devil’s Lake State Park: Located near Baraboo, it is renowned for its stunning 500-foot-high quartzite bluffs and a pristine 360-acre lake, offering breathtaking views and various outdoor activities. Visitors to Wisconsin Dells will find it a perfect destination for hiking, rock climbing, swimming, and picnicking, with over 29 miles of trails catering to all skill levels.
- Mirror Lake State Park: This 137-acre lake, surrounded by steep sandstone cliffs, offers a picturesque setting ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. An extensive network of hiking and cross-country ski trails provides diverse outdoor activities all year round.
- Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area: This natural area is known for its stunning gorge carved through sandstone and conglomerate rock, which creates picturesque waterfalls and unique geological formations. This is a favorite place for birdwatching and seeing rare, native fauna.
- Dells of Wisconsin River State Natural Area: One of the best ways to enjoy the Wisconsin River is to visit this natural area, which encompasses a five-mile gorge of cliffs, canyons, and rock formations carved into Cambrian sandstone. It is a lovely place for hiking and boating.
For more tips or directions to Rocky Arbor State Park or any of these great outdoor areas, be sure to ask your Innkeepers at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast.
The Best Place to Stay in Baraboo, Wisconsin
As a guest at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from Devil’s Lake State Park and just a quick drive to the other nearby state parks in the Wisconsin Dells. After a long day outside in the fresh air, you’ll be ready to retreat to our Inn for cozy nights in your peaceful guest room. All of our rooms offer a clean and elegant space to relax, with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, and thoughtful historical touches to the Ringling Family and their past.
Experience a range of amenities during your stay, including off-street parking, Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, and access to common indoor and outdoor areas. One of our top complimentary features is the home-cooked seasonal breakfast at the historic Ringling Family dining table. Our rooms have ensuite bathrooms, updated electricals, antique furnishings, and air conditioning. Guests staying multiple nights receive a five percent discount. With flexible lodging options such as adjoining rooms in most of our suites, our Inn is perfect for families or groups of friends visiting together.
By choosing to stay with us, you’ll enjoy a stunning home and help us maintain this historic property. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with fellow guests. Additionally, our location puts you near some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces, including Rocky Arbor State Park. Book your next stay at the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast today!