A popular fishing spot at Allen Lake within Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca.
Hartman Creek State Park - Waupaca, WI
Located among the wilderness and beauty of Central Wisconsin is Hartman Creek State Park. This 1,500-acre state park is on the upper Waupaca Chain O'Lakes. Like most state parks, it offers a wide array of recreational activities - swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, biking, picnicking, equestrian trails, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. They offer two campgrounds - a family campground, and a group campground.
There are about 10 miles of hiking trails within the park. The National Scenic Ice Age Trail also runs through the park. If biking is your thing, you'll find about 15 miles of designated off-road bike trails. Bicycling is also permitted on the roads that wind throughout the park. There are seven lakes within the park that provide plenty of opportunity for fishing and boating, canoeing and kayaking. The park also features a 7.5-mile equestrian trail, available for day use.
A day of swimming and beach lounging can be had at Hartman Lake, which features a 300-foot long sand beach and swimming area. There is also a concession stand at Hartman Lake where you can rent kayaks and canoes, purchase bait, park sweatshirts and t-shirts, as well as snacks and beverages. There is a children's playground near the beach, too. The staff at the concession stand were really helpful with any questions I had about the park.
Naturalist led hikes are offered throughout the summer for visitors and campers at the park. Weekly schedules are available at the office and are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park.
If a picnic is in order, there are picnic tables and grills provided at Allen Lake, Hartman Lake, Whispering Pines, and in the grassy area adjacent to the beach. Three shelter buildings are also available for rental, one at Allen Lake, two at Hartman Lake.
You'll find a bit of local history within the park. The Hellestad House is a restored Norwegian log cabin, nestled in the woods near Allen Lake Picnic Area. Ole and Anne Hellestad were immigrants from Norway that settled in central Wisconsin during the mid-1800's. During the summer months there are occasional tours offered of the cabin interior. The exterior is open for viewing daily.
More local history, and a more secluded swimming experience, can be found at the Whispering Pines Day Use Area, located off of Whispering Pines Road. Once a privately owned, yet free beach, the property was given to the State of Wisconsin in 1977. There are 30 acres located on the upper Chain O'Lakes area. Here you can enjoy an afternoon of swimming in ultra clear water in Marl Lake. The surface of the lake, in the light of the sun, is a bright blue-green. It's a sight to see. Pack a picnic lunch, and spend the day. No camping is allowed at Whispering Pines.
Pets are permitted on-leash at all times. There is a special pet picnic area at Allen Lake. Pets are not permitted on the beach or in the buildings.
Hours: Open Daily 6am to 11pm
Camping: 103 family campground sites; 5 group campground sites. Campgrounds open April 1 through November 1/December 1.
A vehicle admission sticker is required.
Location: N2480 Hartman Creek Road, Waupaca, WI (Waupaca/Portage Counties)
For more information, click here. Find maps here.
There are about 10 miles of hiking trails within the park. The National Scenic Ice Age Trail also runs through the park. If biking is your thing, you'll find about 15 miles of designated off-road bike trails. Bicycling is also permitted on the roads that wind throughout the park. There are seven lakes within the park that provide plenty of opportunity for fishing and boating, canoeing and kayaking. The park also features a 7.5-mile equestrian trail, available for day use.
A day of swimming and beach lounging can be had at Hartman Lake, which features a 300-foot long sand beach and swimming area. There is also a concession stand at Hartman Lake where you can rent kayaks and canoes, purchase bait, park sweatshirts and t-shirts, as well as snacks and beverages. There is a children's playground near the beach, too. The staff at the concession stand were really helpful with any questions I had about the park.
Naturalist led hikes are offered throughout the summer for visitors and campers at the park. Weekly schedules are available at the office and are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park.
If a picnic is in order, there are picnic tables and grills provided at Allen Lake, Hartman Lake, Whispering Pines, and in the grassy area adjacent to the beach. Three shelter buildings are also available for rental, one at Allen Lake, two at Hartman Lake.
You'll find a bit of local history within the park. The Hellestad House is a restored Norwegian log cabin, nestled in the woods near Allen Lake Picnic Area. Ole and Anne Hellestad were immigrants from Norway that settled in central Wisconsin during the mid-1800's. During the summer months there are occasional tours offered of the cabin interior. The exterior is open for viewing daily.
More local history, and a more secluded swimming experience, can be found at the Whispering Pines Day Use Area, located off of Whispering Pines Road. Once a privately owned, yet free beach, the property was given to the State of Wisconsin in 1977. There are 30 acres located on the upper Chain O'Lakes area. Here you can enjoy an afternoon of swimming in ultra clear water in Marl Lake. The surface of the lake, in the light of the sun, is a bright blue-green. It's a sight to see. Pack a picnic lunch, and spend the day. No camping is allowed at Whispering Pines.
Pets are permitted on-leash at all times. There is a special pet picnic area at Allen Lake. Pets are not permitted on the beach or in the buildings.
Hours: Open Daily 6am to 11pm
Camping: 103 family campground sites; 5 group campground sites. Campgrounds open April 1 through November 1/December 1.
A vehicle admission sticker is required.
Location: N2480 Hartman Creek Road, Waupaca, WI (Waupaca/Portage Counties)
For more information, click here. Find maps here.
WHISPERING PINES DAY USE AREA - INCLUDING MARL LAKE
Vibrant is an understatement in describing the natural color of Marl Lake at Whispering Pines.
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