Stunning views of Lake Michigan. 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. adventures and follow local regulations. The best part about the trails are that they are fairly easy with not too much elevation and some portions of the trail are on boardwalk which makes them accessible to all. Lake Michigan looks beautiful and so blue. The beach can be accessed from multiple locations . Medium priority beaches are sampled at least twice per week. All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. I dont go there anymore I feel like I'm hiking in downtown Chicago at rush hour. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. You can park anywhere on the road (Lake Drive) and be a short walk to the main overlook. It is definitely a beginners fun easy hike. It looks like a cool beach destination . After walking up the stairs from the beach, I continued on the trail through the gorge which is accessed by a lovely wooden bridge. The loop trail is about two miles long, but there are intermediate bypasses to facilitate shorter walks. Visit and learn about whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, and our newest Sharks! This is one of the best kept secrets in SE WI. And also beautiful. What a gorgeous area! Lion's Den Gorge Natural Area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. the walk along the bluff is beautiful with stairs descending down to the beach. It's a nice little park not too far off the interstate. Get to know this 3.4-km circular trail near Grafton, Wisconsin. Red means the water at the site has water quality issues or there is an emergency. We made a stop on our way down the coast of Lake Michigan and didn't regret it. This beach has many jetties that go out into the water which are closed off however they make great foreground interest if you are coming here for photography! The purchase, infrastructure development and naming rights of 70 acres of unique shoreline and public beach along Lake Michigan know as the Lion's Den Gorge. , than say Grant Park and Milwaukee County. As part of this, Dineo spends much of her time outdoors, once hiking 21 miles in 8 hours and she is keen that her daughter spends as much time outside as is possible. There are also nice benches throughout the trails to take a break if needed. OZAUKEE COUNTY PARK SYSTEM . This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It's basically flat the entire time except for the steps to the beach so it is great for anyone who wants to get outdoors. I had no idea Wisconsin could look like this! Follow the paved path down toward the lake on the north side of the parking lot AllTrails has 1 great trails for hiking and more. Downloadable Files 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. The trails are well marked and easy to navigate. 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. The Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located in the city of Grafton. Used to be really pretty but it has been hiked to death the bluff is falling away the wildflowers are trampled to death and invasive plants are taking the park because the parks department has no clue. If only I had stayed on the the trail. Five story bluffs. There is a long and beautiful boardwalk over a wetland section of the park. How many trails are in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. 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. Heath Units in Wisconsin test beaches from May through September. This 73-acre park offers plenty of hiking trails, boardwalks through the wetlands, picnic areas, scenic views, and restrooms. Lion's Den Gorge is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve (Grafton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. If you come here just for this hike take the time to drive into Cedarburg and wander around their downtown. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Do not miss it if you are in the area. Go 0.7 miles to Hwy. If you are visiting the Milwaukee area, I highly recommend a half day trip to Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. These bathrooms will be closed during the winter, but a portable bathroom will be available. With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, and plenty of hiking trails, Lion's Den Gorge is a beautiful place to visit throughout the year. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Showing results 1 - 60 of 1174. Green means the beachs most recent test results met relevant water quality standards. Looked like a picture perfect spot putting it on the WI list! What a lovely spot to explore. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? High priority beaches are sampled at least five times per week. USA and Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, WI, USA? Its hard to believe thats a lake. Recreational public beaches in Wisconsin are tested May through September. Parking is free and there is no fee to enter the park. This means that this site has been issued a Blue Flag status for the current swimming season. 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. Gun and bow deer hunting is offered each fall at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Lion's Den is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Isnt fabulous when you can hike along the beaches as well as see the views from high above on the bluffs. August 20, 2020 By CityPASS. Visit Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve at 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024. Looks like a gorgeous hike. This park has it all. Off Road Parking Areas The trail starts right at the parking lot and there are two different paths you can take: It's about 100 steps down to the shoreline but the steps meander with many platforms to stop along the way, so it didn't feel overwhelming coming up. Dozens of acres of trails and exploration. Lions Den Gorge looks and sounds like an incredible place and I love the views of Lake Michigan too! Your email address will not be published. Go toward the beach to the right (bring a swimsuit). We expected the trails to be crazily overcrowded with the hundreds of cars, but overall things were not that busy. Thank you! This couldnt be more the case than with Lions Den Gorge. 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. When swimming season is over or when a beach's water quality data has not been updated frequently enough (weekly) it goes into historical status. Our two year old walked most of the way by himself. Heard of it? How many trails are in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? Learn more on the Ozaukee County website. Yes it is. 1.) We went under the bridge over the gorge, the trail led us to the stairways, and the big waves of Lake Michigan greeted us. Lion's Den Gorge Natural Area. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. I live nearby and have been to this park in every season and wanted to note that it's open during the winter. There are many benches located throughout the trail when you need to rest. See the beach description for more information regarding their special status. 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. Learn about whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, penguins and sea lions, and don't forget to check out the Dolphin Celebration presentations. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is Lion's Den Trail. These results were posted to Swim Guide on September 5th, 2022 at 11:52 AM. Lion's Den Gorge is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. Ozaukee County121 W. Main St.P.O. After leaving the gorge, make plans to visit Port Washington its the perfect day trip destination. At the end of the trail, you will reach a set of stairs that will take you down to the beach below. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and high buffs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Swim Guide is a free service that helps to connect millions of people just like you with local beaches and swimming holes. How is Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve rated? Follow the river toward the left (bring boots), 2.) It's not a whole car there are no doors hood seats etc but it's a whole car frame rims etc.. Worth a visit especially to hang out on the beach area. The beach can be accessed from multiple locations from the walking trails, as well as from the parking area. If you arent from Grafton or the neighboring areas, chances are you havent. This map was created by a user. It's well worth the journey, however. Parking and bathroom facilities are only located at the entrance to the park at High Bluff Drive. The biggest highlight of the trail is that it goes along the bluff with multiple stopping points to take in the beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Its well worth the journey, however. I could not get over how beautiful the water of the lake looked from the bluffs. I went here with my family to hike around a little. I love this hiking spot, it's really easy and has the best views. What hotels are near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? Used to be a nature preserve now it's a crowded trampled doggy park. 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's beautiful, there are monarchs flying all around you, and it's an easy hike. You do NOT need a sticker to get into this park it is free to the public. Location and Hours 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI Lion's Den is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Milwaukee Riverkeeper updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. This means that rather than displaying current data it displays the beach's average water quality for that year. All things travel and running around the world. Visit Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve at 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024. The geometric mean of 5 samples from a freshwater beach should not exceed 126 E. coli / 100 ml of water. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve Photos (1,177) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.1 miElevation gain 147 ftRoute type Loop Check out this 2.1-mile loop trail near Grafton, Wisconsin. The Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. Here is a great list to get you started. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This was one of the most beautiful parks Ive ever visited!! This is a longer hike than just simply appreciating the lake from the top. My sister-in-law and I went hiking there this morning. They are open from 6 am - 9 pm every day of the week. Leave a little bit earlier if you have time so that you can do both! I kept thinking I was more ch further south when I was there, Beautiful.would love to visit this place.I blog on tourist spots in US toodo check it out, So beautiful! Google maps tells me it is closed Saturday's and Sunday's? Definitely Che k out the marsh walkway and the frogs! Once you get to the bottom there are two paths you can take: 1.) She enjoys running, camping and hiking whenever the opportunity arises and her ambition is to be able to travel the world, volunteering her time to help the needy and using the experiences she gains to write even more childrens books. I did not expect the sandy beach and that water! The park is also adjacent to a 44-acre Waterfowl Production Area, owned by the. Required fields are marked *. Located along the largest of the great lakes, Lake Michigan it features 100 foot tall bluffs along one mile of the lake's shoreline. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is. You can pack a lunch or bring a picnic basket for the day. The Lake Bluff trail is close to the edge of the bluff, and has an almost continuous view of the lake. Do not miss it if you are in the area. Meet us on the river. Join the Swim Guide community today. Best trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. But I have some exciting news for you. This status is based on the latest sample, taken on September 5th, 2022. I definitely did not feel like I was in the northern part of the United States, it looked much too tropical for that area! For the past 6years, she has been an ambassador for Hike it Baby, a non-profit organization that connects families with babies and young children to the outdoors and each other. All beaches will be closed if E. coli in a single sample exceeds 1,000 / 100 ml. LIONS DEN GORGE NATURE PRESERVE - 110 Photos & 36 Reviews - 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, Wisconsin - Hiking - Phone Number - Yelp Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve 36 reviews Unclaimed Hiking, Parks, Fishing Open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM See hours See all 114 photos Location & Hours 511 High Bluff Dr Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about . Bird Watching According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is. Hotels near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve: Restaurants near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve: 99% of travelers recommend this experience. I went for the second time this weekend after discovering that this place existed. Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time. This is truly a hidden gem here in Menomonee Falls and you will be one of the few people that will discover it! Are they reasonably safe to walk in winter? This is one of the more hidden of the Lake front parks, It is so hidden that you may find yourself driving in circles trying to find it but it is worth the effort. If you are craving an island vacation Lions Den Gorge is definitely worth a drive! You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Grey means water quality information for the beach is too old (more than 7 days old) to be considered current, or that info is unavailable, or unreliable. Loved it! 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! Its a great road trip for children, be sure to bring lots of snacks, and changing clothes (in case you get wet!). There are a lot of paths to follow that all loop back to the parking lot. This is a beautiful preserve on the lakefront, connected to a wetland complex owned by the USFWS. My first time checking out Lion's Den Gorge Preserve. this is a fine place for birding, hiking, and enjoying the lake, there is a wonderful wooden bog walk and a nice pond. To keep it free, we depend on donations from people like you. Get Directions. This 73 acre park overs many different hiking trails and scenic views for the entire family. The main trail is the Lions Den Trail which is just under 2 miles long. Five story bluffs. adventures and follow local regulations. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri. This is a "difficult"trail in parts and especially in the winter is a slipping hazard on account of the ice that forms along the Bluff trail on the mild hills. Great post! Located along the largest of the great lakes, Lake Michigan it features 100 foot tall bluffs along one mile of the lakes shoreline. This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. Wisconsins tropical destination. No, it is a free state park. iI is easy to choose various length of trails. However I highly suggest taking the journey to the water. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is a perfect place to see a beautiful sunrise. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Sad it's been loved to death and poorly managed. Majority of this location has easy walking trails with beautiful views. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Love Wisconsin? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Ive heard it gets busier on the weekend; so take advantage and go check it out during the week, if you are able. Learn how to create your own. I realized why at the end of my 2-hr visit. They both contain exciting and diverse characters that children love. Stunning views abound in Wisconsin; you just need to know where to look. When you are done with this adventure, you can check out the Water Street Brewery they are family-friendly and a sweet spot to relax and plan another trip to the gorge! From the photos, I never would have guessed this is in Wisconsin. Are the stairs down to the beach maintained in winter? If you are able take the stairs down with your dog(s) and enjoy the Lake Michigan Beach. When sample results are posted on the Wisconsin Beach Health website, Milwaukee Riverkeeper updates Swim Guide. We did need a little more adventure than the marked pathway so we hoped of and trekked a bit off the path. Please report your pollution concerns so Affiliates can help keep other beach-goers safe. The views of the high bluffs from the beach are stunning. Hiking: There are a few trails located in the Nature Preserve. 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. Classes, Activities, & Enrichment for Kids, Meet Our Partners + Sponsorship/Affiliates Disclosure, Summer Festivals Happening In + Around Madison, WI in 2023, Farmers Markets in 2023 | In + Around Madison, WI, Water Safety Tips from SwimWest Swim School | Plus FREE Event, Memorial Union Terrace Reopening for the Season on April 12, Go, See, Explore: Garver Feed Mill in Madison, WI, Go, See, Explore: Wisconsin Veterans Museum. There are so many landscapes to see ranging from the beach to the bluffs and the wetland. 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. 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. Stunning views of Lake Michigan and high bluffs. So I scaled down the embankment down to the lake. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Would not have guessed Lake Michigan! Visitors can easily enjoy the views from the top of the bluff, or take the stairs connected via scenic bridges to go all the way down to the beach. The tra One of Milwaukee's truly hidden gems, this beach is right off of Capitol Drive and approximately 50 stairs down from the bluffs to the shoreline! Places To Stay. You can take a bus from Sheboygan to Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve via Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Water, and Grafton . Once you get to the staircase, hang onto the rails as this is another area that you could potentially slip on! If you love crowds and dogs go for it, not my thing. 5/5 because it is family friendly. This is a longer hike than just simply appreciating the lake from the top. Gun and bow deer hunting is offered each fall at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Within a short walk from the parking lot, are stunning views of Lake Michigan and the high buffs. The bluff overlooking the lake was breathtaking; this park is dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Lion's Den is gorgeous! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. In her free time, Dineo loves reading nature books to her daughter, cooking, and baking. This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. This entire loop will take you approximately 1 hour from the parking lot to the lake roundtrip. Many families havent been to the Lake Michigan shoreline and its not that far (and beautiful!). beautiful views. Directions Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve safeguards 72 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline and bluffs 20 miles north of Milwaukee. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. There are 1 trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Lots of options for coffee or a meal, including Fiddleheads Coffee! I know the color of the water is crazy. The grounds are well maintained, there are benches along the way to rest, and it offers stunning views. Most People Have No Idea This Unique Park In Wisconsin Exists, The Unique Park Everyone In Wisconsin Should Visit At Least Once, What Life Is Like On The Tiny Island In Wisconsin With No Cars, If You Live In Wisconsin, Youll Want To Visit This Amazing Park This Winter, Heres Wisconsins Top Outdoor AttractionAnd Youll Definitely Want To Do It, 12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didnt Know About Lambeau Field In Wisconsin, Here Are The 8 Most Beautiful Gardens Youll Ever See In Wisconsin, Rent A UTV In Wisconsin And Go Off-Roading Through Black River State Forest, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. My daughter and I had an opportunity to explore Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve, located in Grafton, WI. For questions about Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, contact the park caretaker at (262)241-5868. 2.) Written September 28, 2021. rrgeniusz. 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. Triphobo offers plenty of wonderful accommodations in Chafford Hundred with its online . The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. 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. As you explore the trails, it almost seems as if you're hiking in the, Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about. What days are Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve open? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Never Saw a Lion But there Are Shallow Caves. Is this park open on weekends? Plenty of parking too. It can get pretty busy in the summer and on weekends so the colder months have become my favorite time to visit. Stunning views of Lake Michigan. From the parking lot, go south toward the signs for Quarry lake. Poison ivy be carefull. Lion's Den Gorge is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. 511 High Bluff Drive Grafton, WI 53024. 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 is one paved path that will lead to the lake which is a quick 3-5 minute walk. 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. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. A north drive north of Milwaukee will take you to another world. 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. Nice rest benches are available at strategic locations. Little Menomonee River Fish and Wildlife Preserve, Notice of Unclaimed Funds-Sheriffs Department. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. There is a wheel chair accessible trail. The hardest part of the hike is the steps down to the water. Its definitely one of the most beautiful parks Ive visited. I grew up along Lake Erie and never recall it looking so blue. They love the lake hikes that we go on. Please explore responsibly! There are lots of small hikes to do and it is well sign posted with nice bathrooms. I can go on and on about this area! It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and high buffs. I could not get over how beautiful the water of the lake looked from the bluffs. as well at Port Washington, WI. They are open from 6am to 9pm. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. You can park anywhere on the road (Lake Drive) and be a short walk to the main overlook. Swim Guide, "Swim Drink Fish icons," and associated trademarks are owned by SWIM DRINK FISH CANADA. Your photos give great visual content. 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 would never have expected that just outside of Milwaukee. Sort by: Show more photos. If you are tired of the wide open lake fronts, this park offers a splendid wooded shoreline. Its hard to believe that prior to Ozaukee county purchasing the 73 acres in 2002, this land was privately owned. Easy 4.6 (1115) Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. This public access includes almost 0.7 miles of 90 to 100 foot high bluffs looking out onto Lake Michigan and a mixture of wetland / upland areas that provide diverse habitats for native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that are useful for all types of wildlife, such as migratory birds, game birds and waterfowl, amphibians, and mammals. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. Which you wouldnt necessarily have to do. Many people use this park for nature walks, educational tours and photo shoots. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Follow the signs along the Gorge loop toward the "Stairs". Hiking Georgia Aquarium is teeming with over 500 species of aquatic animals from around the world. Please explore responsibly! 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. 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.