Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is a beautiful, isolated part of the Lake Michigan shoreline. It's only reachable via two different ferryboat rides, which usually makes it a bit less populated than some of the surrounding public parks. Via the first ferry, you can bring your car, a bicycle, or just yourself to the secondary harbor, and catch ferry number two. 

At this point, you will have to leave any vehicles behind to enjoy the Rock Island State Park's various recreational offerings. Guests would be wise to remember that there are separate fees for both ferries and that canines are allowed only with the deluxe passenger tickets.

Once on Rock Island State Park, you'll want to check out the ten miles of hiking trails. These are varied in difficulty, meaning guests will find it easy to choose a path that suits that day's requirements. If you're just looking for a gentle exploration, try the Beachline Trail, that offers glimpses of the over six miles of shoreline that these trails are built around. 

For athletic guests who want a taste of something a little more athletic, make sure to check out the Brush Stills trail, which is a three-mile stretch of challenging, uphill climbs on unpaved ground. Make sure if you're bringing a dog along on your hike that you clean up any messes they might leave on the ground, as well as keeping them on a leash no longer than eight feet in length. 

Camping is another popular past time on Rock Island State Park, with 40 primitive campsites to choose from. These sites all come stock with a grilling station, fire ring, and covered picnic pavilion. Public restrooms and coin-operated showers can be found just to the north of these sites. 

Make sure that if you've brought a dog along for your journey that you keep them with you in your tent overnight, as outdoor stake leashes aren't allowed here. Lighthouse tours are offered throughout the warmer months. For more information on these tours, make sure you check out the Wisconsin State Parks' website.