We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 147 to 147 feet in elevation gain. I visited Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Grafton on a weekday morning in September and was surprised to see the parking lot almost full. Wisconsin may not be the place that comes to mind when you think of towering bluffs above tropical looking blue waters, but that is exactly what you will find at Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. This map was created by a user. Our time in the water in Madison was cut short this summer when we learned about bacteria issues. more, Skip the Line: North Point Lighthouse Admission Ticket, Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum, Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option, Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures, Milwaukee walking tasting tour with SecretFoodTours, The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee, Cream City Cannibal: Jeffery Dahmer Walking Tour, Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt: A Splash of Color, Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack. Places To Stay. 2.) Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. There are also nice benches throughout the trails to take a break if needed. Majority of this location has easy walking trails with beautiful views. Nice place to go for a Walk with some great views. The clear waters, Sandy beaches. This is definitely worth a visit. This entire loop will take you approximately 1 hour from the parking lot to the lake roundtrip. Love Wisconsin? Swim Guide, "Swim Drink Fish icons," and associated trademarks are owned by SWIM DRINK FISH CANADA. This is a longer hike than just simply appreciating the lake from the top. If you arent from Grafton or the neighboring areas, chances are you havent. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. From the parking lot, go south toward the signs for Quarry lake. This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. From north- or southbound I-43, take exit 92 and head east on Hwy. Good 983 reviews 7.4 USD 107.07 Per night. The Lake Bluff trail is close to the edge of the bluff, and has an almost continuous view of the lake. Great spot for a relaxing stroll along the beach or if its a warm day, take a swim in the lake. You have entered an incorrect email address! Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Plenty of parking too. There is a limited parking lot, you might have to park on the street if the parking lot is full. Many families havent been to the Lake Michigan shoreline and its not that far (and beautiful!). The trail starts right at the parking lot and there are two different paths you can take: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); window.fd('form', { Red means the beachs most recent test results failed to meet water quality standards. OZAUKEE COUNTY PARK SYSTEM . There is one paved path that will lead to the lake which is a quick 3-5 minute walk. Explore one of 1 easy hiking trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve that are great for the whole family. You could take a stroller or wheelchair through most of and just skip going down to the water. Completely agree with you That water is a stunning blue. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is. I had no idea Wisconsin could look like this! Our two year old walked most of the way by himself. The first time I went, I was a little bored. . The schools are opening soon, are you ready? I hope you can see this park before school starts! 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Visit Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve at 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024. While the gorge is pretty and wild, the hike there is also spectacular, tracing a dramatic Lake Michigan cliff. The trail starts right at the parking lot and there are two different paths you can take: The Lion's Den Gorge Trail in Grafton, Wisconsin is a great 2 mile family hike down the bluffs to Lake Michigan with swimming and picnic opportunities. Looked like a picture perfect spot putting it on the WI list! Great post! This 73-acre park was part of an undeveloped Lake Michigan Shoreline property in the Town of Grafton, which contained a portion of the Lions Den Gorge Natural Area. This was one of the most beautiful parks Ive ever visited!! Dozens of acres of trails and exploration. The views of the high bluffs from the beach are stunning. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Follow the paved path down toward the lake on the north side of the parking lot If you are tired of the wide open lake fronts, this park offers a splendid wooded shoreline. I would never have expected that just outside of Milwaukee. These results were posted to Swim Guide on September 5th, 2022 at 11:52 AM. I think the Great Lakes are such an underrated spot. Hiking: There are a few trails located in the Nature Preserve. Low priority beaches are sampled at least once per week. There are over 2 miles of walking trails, which are easy to navigate and marked well. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Google maps tells me it is closed Saturday's and Sunday's? Are they reasonably safe to walk in winter? Here is a great list to get you started. It's not a whole car there are no doors hood seats etc but it's a whole car frame rims etc.. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from Mequon up to Port Was. Learn about whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, penguins and sea lions, and don't forget to check out the Dolphin Celebration presentations. When sample results are posted on the Wisconsin Beach Health website, Milwaukee Riverkeeper updates Swim Guide. This park offers fantastic views; we started hiking from the boardwalk across the parking lot, enjoyed a gentle hike on a wheelchair path. In her free time, Dineo loves reading nature books to her daughter, cooking, and baking. This park has been on my bucket list for years and I had already seen how the gorge looks from social media pictures, but I had no idea it would revive my soul! This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You won't need a vehicle pass or any paid admission to visit the preserve. Within a short walk from the parking lot, are stunning views of Lake Michigan and the high buffs. This status is based on the latest sample, taken on September 5th, 2022. C, turn left, and go 1.4 miles to High Bluff Dr. Take a right and drive 0.25 miles to the entrance. You can pack a lunch or bring a picnic basket for the day. The hikes were peaceful the views stunning - something for everyone!! In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency has two sets of recommendations for freshwater and marine beaches. Parking and bathroom facilities are only located at the entrance to the park at High Bluff Drive. I love this hiking spot, it's really easy and has the best views. I definitely did not feel like I was in the northern part of the United States, it looked much too tropical for that area! Leashed dogs are welcome at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, which represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from Mequon up to Port Washington. A north drive north of Milwaukee will take you to another world. The grounds are well maintained, there are benches along the way to rest, and it offers stunning views. You can park anywhere on the road (Lake Drive) and be a short walk to the main overlook. It's well worth the journey, however. Worth a visit especially to hang out on the beach area. They are posted when a single sample exceeds 235 E. coli / 100 ml or when the geometric mean of samples collected over a 30-day period exceeds 126 E. coli / 100 ml. A single sample at a marine beach should not exceed 104 Enterococci / 100 ml of water. It's not a huge park, so it's very doable to explore the whole thing in a morning. Beautiful nature scenes. Hiking Get Directions. Your photos give great visual content. You'll get to swim with a snorkel in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, built by The Home Depot, with thousands of amazing animals for the experience of a lifetime. The Cedar Loop trail was peaceful with scent from the cedar trees. Experience over 11 million gallons of awe-inspiring wonders at Georgia Aquarium. The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. After walking up the stairs from the beach, I continued on the trail through the gorge which is accessed by a lovely wooden bridge. Definitely Che k out the marsh walkway and the frogs! The property is naturally diverse with terrain ranging from wetlands and a deep gorge to wooded highlands and a steep bluff that provides striking views of Lake Michigan. Lions Den Gorge looks and sounds like an incredible place and I love the views of Lake Michigan too! Lion's Den Gorge is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. Never Saw a Lion But there Are Shallow Caves. we went after several snowstorms/melting/refreezing and the trails were covered in ice so it was a bit slippery but well worth it for the scenery. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. I went for the second time this weekend after discovering that this place existed. Lots of people not a lot of solitude, too many dogs and thier poo. Don't miss the sea lion presentation and Dolphin Celebration presentations or The 4D Theater. Lion's Den Gorge is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Wisconsin, but it's somewhat overshadowed by more well-known state parks; in fact some locals have not even made the trek to this magical park. It is an especially beautiful place in the spring and fall. Sort by: Show more photos. Here is a great list to get you started. Photos (1,190) Directions; Print/PDF map; Share; More; Length 3.4 km Elevation gain 45 m Route type Circular. Its well worth the journey, however. There are picnic tables and portable toilets available at the park. A perfect little afternoon adventure. Showing results 1 - 60 of 1174. If only I had stayed on the the trail. Want to view more enchanting spots in Wisconsin? You can see them in action in our Under the Boardwalk presentation. All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. To keep it free, we depend on donations from people like you. The trails are well marked and easy to navigate. Hike the Bluff Trail to the stairs at Lion's Den Gorge, Hike the shore of Lake Michigan at Doctor's Park, Hike the North and South Beach Trail at Harrington Beach State Park, Hike the Quarry Lake Trail at Harrington Beach State Park, Hike through the Menomonee River at Lime Kiln Park. Yellow means the beach passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. W :N0111Slnoov 40 coot :aaulnoov saD0 :3ZlS YUVd 6ugys alqouod KqdD60wqd suoll uoutnpa a.n4DN s60a paqsoal puo ssav u06'tpgw uogpnpo]d SMHSn Where is the best place to hike in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? Are the stairs down to the beach maintained in winter? Perfect place to view a beautiful Easter sunrise over Lake Michigan. There are a lot of paths to follow that all loop back to the parking lot. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is Lion's Den Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,106 reviews. Lion's Den Gorge Natural Area. The cheapest way to get from Sheboygan to Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve costs only $7, and the quickest way takes just 39 mins. as well at Port Washington, WI. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The hardest part of the hike is the steps down to the water. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. This 73-acre park offers plenty of hiking trails, boardwalks through the wetlands, picnic areas, scenic views, and restrooms. .I have been back multiple times and stayed on the trail because the staircase offers some great scenery and I still get to the same place. The Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department recently completed the construction of a new pavilion building at Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. I didnt either, I heard it was like a tropical paradise which is why I went but didnt believe how beautiful it would be til I saw it with my own eyes. formId: '5dd30158b710310026332e04', There are lots of small hikes to do and it is well sign posted with nice bathrooms. It was an unbelievable experience; we had the entire beach to ourselves, the trail to the lakeshore is less than a mile. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We are fortunate to live in a city so abundant with outdoor fun, summer festivals and community events. Visit and learn about whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, and our newest Sharks! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. If you're looking to capture some beautiful pictures of Wisconsin, or just want to hike along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is where you need to be. There are many benches located throughout the trail when you need to rest. Thank you! Lions Den Gorge is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Wisconsin, but its somewhat overshadowed by more well-known state parks; in fact some locals have not even made the trek to this magical park. Q. The loop trail is about two miles long, but there are intermediate bypasses to facilitate shorter walks. What restaurants are near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? Meet us on the river. Please read and obey all posted regulations while enjoying your day at the beach. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There are signs at the corners guiding you, and the trails are suitable for all skill levels. This 73 acre park overs many different hiking trails and scenic views for the entire family. It was nice to hear the roar of the lake as we came in to the shore from the stairway. An asphalt driveway/parking lot, informational kiosk, gravel trails, trail bridges and stairways, bluff vistas, and several elevated board walk trails have been added to the park between 2003 and 2008. Book Now. Join Milwaukee Riverkeeper for an event this summer! For those that want a straight shot to the staircase and to the lake, right off of the boardwalk will be a straight-shot trail called the "Lion's Den Trail" and it is the wheelchair accessible trail. It looks like a cool beach destination . In sum, Lion's Den Gorge is a beautiful park with stunning views of Lake Michigan, and with access to a pretty long beach which has high bluffs on one side. These views are uncompromised in the area! With beautiful sights. Five story bluffs. Go 0.7 miles to Hwy. There are over 2 miles of walking trails, which are easy to navigate and marked well. If you are craving an island vacation Lions Den Gorge is definitely worth a drive! I realized why at the end of my 2-hr visit. 2.) Experience 10 million gallons of awe-inspiring wonders in more than 60 habitats. Heres what you need to know about this special park. LION'S DEN GORGE NATURE PRESERVE 511 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE GRAFTON, WI Discover the natural beauty of Ozaukee County. From the photos, I never would have guessed this is in Wisconsin. Poison ivy be carefull. Its amazing how blue the water is, at points I almost felt like I was looking out into water in the caribbean! And also beautiful. Rent A UTV In Wisconsin And Go Off-Roading Through Black River State Forest, The Charming City Of Eau Claire, Wisconsin Is A Delightful Day Trip For Creatives, We Bet You Didnt Know There Was A Miniature Canadian Wilderness In Wisconsin, The Scenic Drive To Cave Point Is Almost As Beautiful As The Destination Itself, Hike Straight Through A Giant Rock Formation At Pier Natural Bridge Park In Wisconsin, This Secluded Cliff Trail In Wisconsin Is So Worthy Of An Adventure, Walk Through 126 Acres Of Rock Formations At Wisconsins Ablemans Gorge State Natural Area, Hike A Wild Trail To A Tower With An Epic View Of Southern Wisconsins Hills And Valleys. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemilestravel, https://www.pinterest.com/beyondthemilestravelllc/, Milwaukee : Long Weekend in the Brew City. Off Road Parking Areas Once you get to the bottom there are two paths you can take: 1.) This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. iI is easy to choose various length of trails. Swim Guide is a free service. All things travel and running around the world. This trail is estimated to be 2.1 mi long and takes on average 45 min to hike. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 1,113 AllTrails community reviews. Over 1/2 mile of 90- to 100-foot bluffs look out onto Lake Michigan, offering tremendous viewing opportunities for residents and visitors.Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is also adjacent to a 44-acre wetland complex Ulao Waterfowl Production Area. If I owned this land, Im not sure I would want to share views like this: I love visiting the nature preserves near me as they are a great way to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature. My sister-in-law and I went hiking there this morning. The Beach Act is the nation's primary beach protection law. If you are able take the stairs down with your dog(s) and enjoy the Lake Michigan Beach. Want to find the best trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve for an adventurous hike or a family trip? The park offers tremendous viewing and educational opportunities, including access to a Natural Area that has remained untouched since before the European settlement of Wisconsin. Stay alert and check for other swimming hazards such as dangerous currents and tides. There is a wheel chair accessible trail. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline. These bathrooms will be closed during the winter, but a portable bathroom will be available. Join the Swim Guide community today. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. A single sample at a freshwater beach should not exceed 235 E. coli / 100 ml of water. This year, donors have helped to fund urgent monitoring of beach closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, expand our support for volunteer water quality monitoring, and create groundbreaking data sharing resources for scientists. There is no entry fee and the park is situated on the bluff of, The beachfront is shallower, but it seems like there's less bluff erosion here in. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Over 1/2 mile of 90- to 100-foot bluffs look out onto Lake Michigan, offering tremendous viewing opportunities for residents and visitors.Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is also adjacent to a 44 . Heard of it? The main trail is the Lions Den Trail which is just under 2 miles long. Lake Michigan looks beautiful and so blue. Best trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Dogs are only allowed if they stay on their leashes. Lion's Den Gorge. Do not miss it if you are in the area. We went under the bridge over the gorge, the trail led us to the stairways, and the big waves of Lake Michigan greeted us. This park is a prototype for the planning and implementation of other Nature Preserves within the county park system that respects local ecology. In sum, Lion's Den Gorge is a beautiful park with stunning views of Lake Michigan, and with access to a pretty long beach which has high bluffs on one side. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. You can park anywhere on the road (Lake Drive) and be a short walk to the main overlook. What a beautiful place. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve (Grafton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Georgia Aquarium is teeming with over 500 species of aquatic animals from around the world. You can potentially follow the river the entire way out, and then trek back on the surrounding farmlands toward the parking lot. Predators of the Deep gallery. Nice rest benches are available at strategic locations. Green means the beach passed water quality tests 95% of the time or more. Learn how to create your own. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located about a half hour drive north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the town of Grafton. Recreational features currently available at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve include: Accessible bathrooms are available at the park in the pavilion building. This is beautiful! Always cooler near the lake. Swim Guide is a free service that helps to connect millions of people just like you with local beaches and swimming holes. Follow the signs along the Gorge loop toward the "Stairs". The geometric mean of 5 samples from a marine beach should not exceed 35 Enterococci / 100 ml of water. Docked in the legendary harbor of Port Washington, Wisconsin, The Outcast is a fully equipped, 36-foot Tiara, outfitted with state-of-the-art fishing technology, with a passionate, professional captain at the helm. Looking for a more strenuous hike? The Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located in the city of Grafton. Sign in. There are multiple routes to the bottom. Your email address will not be published. I went to college near Lake Ontario and that lake definitely didnt look this beautiful! With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, and plenty of hiking trails, Lion's Den Gorge is a beautiful place to visit throughout the year. Hits: 104324 Size: 72.0 Acres The Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is an "ecological jewel" within the Ozaukee County park system. I dont go there anymore I feel like I'm hiking in downtown Chicago at rush hour. Its hard to believe this is in Wisconsin it was an epic adventure for us. 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It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is a great place for fishing, bird watching, hiking, and picnicking. Lots of options for coffee or a meal, including Fiddleheads Coffee! This status does not indicate current water quality. 5/5 because it is family friendly. Ozaukee County121 W. Main St.P.O. It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. I can go on and on about this area! Gun and bow deer hunting is offered each fall at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is not just any park you run into in Wisconsin its like a tropical destination in the Midwest.