New Glarus Woods State Park-#3

New Glarus Woods State Park offers eight miles of hiking trails, including 5.5 miles of self-guided nature trails. We traveled to this park on Memorial Day weekend, and the weather was nice, (a trend that should continue, but if there is anything I've learned from being a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, it's that you can and will be surprised). It was warm, humid, and party sunny, a drastic difference from the parks we visited two weeks ago with our winter coats!

This park seemed to be popular with bikers, there were several when we visited. Upon further investigation, it looks like there is a trail that connects to the Sugar River Trail, a 24-mile long recreation trail that connects New Glarus Woods to the communities of Monticello, Albany and Brodhead. Maybe we should consider biking as our next challenge? The hiking trails are easy to moderate, and offer beautiful views of the country side, one of the prettiest parts of the state, if you ask me. The New Glarus Brewery is nearby and visible from a few of the trails. We didn't get a chance to visit the brewery this time, but it is a must see if one is in the area, preferably without kids, their beer garden (or bier garten for you Germans out there) is fantastic!

We hiked the Bison Trail, an 0.8-mile interpretive trail offering interpretive signs with information about prairie life, history and management. The Bison Nature had a swinging bench and life size Bison replica (G's favorite part!). There are several trails that offer great learning opportunities, including the Havenridge Trail, with 36 learning stations and a booklet that historic, cultural and natural history. It would be a great hike for school age kids. There is also a nice play structure and great picnic areas. Pics below, it was a great morning trip! Next step, Tower Hill State Park and Blue Mound State Park!