Sunday Funday, and the kids were off doing their own thing, leaving me with the perfect excuse to hit the road and explore some of Wisconsin's natural beauty. This time, I grabbed a friend, and we set our sights on Roche-A-Cri State Park—a hidden gem that truly deserves a spot on your must-see list.
Roche-A-Cri State Park, established in 1948, is famous for its 300-foot-high rock outcropping and ancient Native American petroglyphs and pictographs. The name "Roche-A-Cri" means "screaming rock" in French, and once you see it in person, you'll understand why. This towering formation commands attention as you pull into the park, and it’s almost impossible to capture its full grandeur in a single photo.
The park is nestled in a beautiful wooded area, with hiking trails winding through the trees and leading to the base of the rock wall. After snapping some pictures at the base, we made our way to the trailhead and the steep stairway that takes you to the top. It's a workout, but the panoramic views from the fenced-in walkway are well worth the climb. Though the thick woods obscure some of the views, the sights you do catch are breathtaking.
With plans to hike further, we started down the trail but received a message that my little man was heading home, so we needed to cut our adventure short. However, there was still time for one more stop—Ship Rock, a fascinating limestone outcropping created by ancient glaciation. Located along State Highway 21 in Coloma, Wisconsin, Ship Rock is a must-see. We took a little time walking around this incredible formation, marveling at its unique shape and history.
On our way back, we made a quick detour to Montello to check out the waterfalls. We parked near the local Kwik Trip and walked down the path to capture some stunning shots of the falls. The historic granite quarry in Daggett Park is a piece of Wisconsin's industrial history, and the falls are just a short stroll from downtown shops and dining. After grabbing some ice cream at a local candy store, we wandered around, taking in the charm of downtown Montello.
One of the highlights of our trip was the Montello Emporium, where we found an array of massive metal art pieces, including a 14-foot-tall Sasquatch silhouette. If you're into quirky art, this place is a treasure trove of creativity.
All in all, it was a fantastic day spent exploring some of Wisconsin's hidden gems. If you're looking for an adventure that combines natural beauty, history, and a bit of fun, I highly recommend checking out these spots. As always, I've got photos for you to enjoy, so be sure to take a look and get inspired for your next Wisconsin adventure!