Park hopping is taking off across Illinois and Wisconsin, and for good reason! Why limit yourself to one state preserve when you can explore multiple in a single day? With its diverse landscapes, Illinois and Wisconsin offer incredible experiences within a short driving distance. At Gerstad Builders, we’re committed to supporting our homebuyers in exploring the striking natural landscapes that pepper their home state.

That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate venue-hopping guide for our residents to help them make the most of their local adventures. Ready to turn your next free day into an epic outdoor adventure?

What Is Park Hopping?

Park hopping involves visiting multiple state preserves in a single day, allowing you to experience the best of Illinois and Wisconsin’s natural beauty without committing to just one location. This outdoor adventure strategy lets you sample different environments, activities and scenic views all in one outing.

This approach works particularly well for families with varying interests. While some members may enjoy hiking trails, others might prefer fishing or wildlife watching. Multi-site exploration ensures everyone finds something they love.

Illinois

Across Illinois, state parks preserve the diverse ecosystems that once defined this landscape: expansive tallgrass prairies, scattered oak savannas, dramatic sandstone formations and intricate networks of wetlands and bogs. Within these protected areas, native wildflowers paint seasonal masterpieces, where purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and striking blazing stars bloom in waves throughout the year. These parks serve as living museums, safeguarding remnants of Illinois’ pristine wilderness from the era before farming reshaped the state’s terrain.

Moraine Hills State Preserve offers excellent hiking trails through restored prairie and wetland areas. The preserve’s Pike Marsh Trail provides exceptional bird-watching opportunities, while the Fox River Trail connects to regional trail systems for never-ending adventures.

Chain O’ Lakes State Park sits along the scenic Fox River and features 2,793 acres of diverse habitats. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and hiking while observing the abundant wildlife. The park’s nature center also provides educational programs about local ecosystems.

McHenry Dam State Preserve spans both sides of the Fox River and offers fishing, boating and picnicking opportunities. The dam creates a unique aquatic environment that attracts various fish species and waterfowl.

Rock Cut State Park features 3,092 acres of rolling hills, prairie and oak woodlands surrounding Pierce Lake. The location’s 40 miles of trails accommodate hikers, bikers and equestrians, while the lake provides excellent fishing and boating.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s state reserves showcase dramatic glacial formations, including kames and kettles, quartzite bluffs, wetlands, impressive rock formations and rushing rapids. The state’s flora includes northern hardwood forests with sugar maples, birch and hemlock trees, plus prairie remnants and wetland plants that adapted to the region’s varied topography.

Wisconsin Dells combines natural sandstone formations with family-friendly attractions. The Wisconsin River carved spectacular gorges through ancient rock, creating the scenic beauty that draws millions of visitors annually.

Horicon Marshrepresents one of the largest freshwater cattail marshes in the United States. This National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat for waterfowl migration and offers excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Devil’s Lake State Park features a 360-acre lake surrounded by 500-foot quartzite bluffs. The location’s hiking trails provide stunning panoramic views, while the lake offers swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating.

Kettle Moraine State Forest protects glacial landscape features formed during the last ice age. The forest’s trails wind through kettles, kames and moraines and connect to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail system.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail spans 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, following the edge of the last continental glacier. This trail connects multiple state preserves and natural areas, making it perfect for extended multi-site adventures.

Planning Your Multi-Site Adventure

Follow these easy tips to ensure everyone has a fantastic time exploring the state’s natural wonders:

• Start your venue-hopping journey early in the day to maximize your time at each location.
• Pack essentials like water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Download location maps or trail apps to help you navigate efficiently between destinations.
• Group nearby locations together to minimize driving time.
• Check preserve or park websites for current conditions, seasonal closures and special events to enhance your visit. Many places offer guided nature walks, educational programs and seasonal activities that add value to your experience.

Start Your Adventure from Home

Ready to make Illinois and Wisconsin’s incredible state parks your backyard playground? Gerstad Builders builds new homes in communities perfectly positioned for outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Our thoughtfully designed homes in both states put you within reach of these fantastic destinations.

Ready to learn more? Contact us online or call 815-385-4495 to discuss available homes and communities with our team. Your next adventure starts at your home. Let our team help you find it!