Get ready to celebrate 90 years of outdoor adventure in Wood County! We’re showcasing 5 must-visit parks that bring together rich history, breathtaking scenery, and nonstop fun. From thrilling trails to tranquil lakes, Wood County invites you to hike, bike, fish, and explore in every season! Your next great adventure starts here…
North Wood County Park
Let the celebration begin at one of Wood County’s first public parks—North Wood County Park! In the early 1930s, two gentlemen dreamed of creating a space where the community could come together to enjoy the great outdoors—and this park became their legacy. Today, visitors come to explore, relax, and make memories of a lifetime!
At the heart of the park is the iconic 225-foot swinging bridge over the Yellow River. Known as the “Swinging Bridge,” it serves as the anchor of the park, connecting the picnic area with the campground! From the campground to the water playground, the Yellow River welcomes all water lovers. Go for a swim, cast a line, or hop in a kayak!
The opportunities are endless at North Wood! And the fun doesn’t stop there…By land, the park’s disc golf course is a local favorite! It offers both easy, family-friendly holes and longer tees for those craving a challenge. Plus, multi-use trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a sandy beach mean there’s truly something for everyone.
What truly sets this park apart is the year-round care and pride devoted to its upkeep. Thanks to the dedicated park staff, every trail, campsite, and picnic shelter is kept pristine and welcoming. North Wood County Park is a place where people come together to create unforgettable memories, season after season.
South Wood County Park
Just a short drive from North Wood County Park, South Wood County Park invites you to dive into even more outdoor adventures! Centered around the sparkling 148-acre Lake Wazeecha, whose name means “Lake of the Land of the Pines,” this expansive 332-acre park is a hub of activity, adventure, and family tradition.
Start by working up a sweat on the scenic four-mile paved trail that circles the lake—perfect for walking, running, biking, or hiking while soaking in beautiful views. For a little competition, throw a disc at Willow Run. When it’s time to cool off, take a refreshing dip in Lake Wazeecha or try paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, tubing, or waterskiing.
If relaxing on the beach is more your style, Red Sands Beach is the place to be. Plan your visit in July to catch the legendary State Water Ski Show Tournament! This beloved family-friendly event draws generations of spectators and competitors alike, earning its reputation as one of Wisconsin’s most exciting summer traditions.
The park is packed with amenities, including a large pavilion, multiple playgrounds, reservable picnic shelters, and a boat launch. Planning a family get-together, a casual day out, or a weekend camping trip? South Wood County Park is a true Wood County gem well worth the drive!
Powers Bluff County Park
Ready to test your skills, explore history, and create your own adventure? Powers Bluff awaits! Here, history, culture, and adrenaline-pumping fun collide! Once a Native American settlement, Powers Bluff is rich with traditions that still echo through these sacred grounds. Step into a story hundreds of years in the making!
Since 2002, a dedicated group of volunteers has been expanding and caring for Powers Bluff, developing a trail system that’s a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Powers Bluff offers a variety of trails that challenge your skills and reward you with stunning views. Choose your adventure: single-track mountain bike trails, wide gravel double-track paths, or multi-use trails.
As the snow falls, Powers Bluff transforms into a true winter wonderland. Race down snow tubing hills, glide along Nordic ski trails, explore on fat-tire bikes, or snowmobile through peaceful woods. With groomed runs and activities for all ages and skill levels, it’s the perfect spot to make winter your new favorite season.
Every trail you ride and every step you take at Powers Bluff connects you to a rich cultural legacy and the thrill of the great outdoors. Add your next adventure to this remarkable 90-year story!
Nepco Lake County Park
Off to Nepco we go! Continue this 90-year celebration at none other than Nepco Lake County Park, just minutes from Wisconsin Rapids. This 125-acre park sits on the north shore of the stunning 496-acre Nepco Lake, one of the few lakes in Southern Wisconsin stocked with muskies.
Needless to say, you won’t want to forget your fishing gear! Aside from its fantastic fishing, Nepco offers an array of boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities, complete with a public boat landing and an accessible fishing pier. The lake is part of a larger river system, making springtime especially exciting.
And be sure to pack your hiking shoes, because Nepco Lake County Park offers nearly 10 miles of multi-use trails! To note, there are over 5 miles of classic single-track mountain bike paths—beginner-friendly and perfect for honing your skills close to town. As spring brings beautiful blooms and the water comes alive, these trails wind through breathtaking scenery.
No matter where your exploration takes you—on the water or through the woods—Nepco Lake Park is an amazing outdoor haven just a short drive away! Come and connect with nature, get active, and discover one of Wood County’s best-kept secrets.
Dexter County Park
Rounding out our list is Dexter County Park, a true powerhouse of outdoor fun and adventure! Just six miles south of Pittsville and spanning around the nearly 300-acre Lake Dexter, this is Wood County’s largest park. And it’s packed with everything you need for an unforgettable day or weekend in the great outdoors!
Explore countless miles of trails—perfect for hiking, walking, or hitting the ATV routes. ATV riders, make Dexter County Park basecamp! There are dedicated camping sites, granting easy access to adventure. Hikers and walkers, make your way to one of the many peaceful paths that wind along Lake Dexter, the star of the show.
Lake Dexter offers top-notch fishing fun, plus swimming and relaxing by the shore. Speaking of relaxing, you’ll find just the right trees for stringing up a hammock. For classic park fun, Dexter Park boasts a large playground, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and plenty of picnic shelters—ideal for a day of play with family and friends.
Craving thrilling ATV rides, peaceful lakeside walks, or good old-fashioned family fun? Dexter Park is the place to be. It’s the perfect way to cap off the celebration of Wood County parks—last on our list, but certainly not least!
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With these parks (and the countless others) reopening this May, it’s the perfect time to get outside, celebrate this milestone, and discover all that Wood County’s natural treasures have in store. Grab your gear, bring your family and friends, and make this 90th anniversary year one filled with adventure, exploration, and fun in the great outdoors!
For more insider details on Wood County parks, watch this Discover Wisconsin episode, ‘Wood County Parks – Celebrating 90 Years of Outdoor Adventures’ below:
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
