Destination High Cliff State Park

Looking for a fun-filled year-round vacation spot that offers relaxation, adventure, recreation, exploration, history, and discovery? Look no further than High Cliff State Park, 1,200 acres of natural beauty on the northeastern shore of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. High Cliff State Park has it all including miles and miles of trails, huge rock formations, waterfront access and views, sweeping vistas, great camping, grasslands, effigy mounds, and even ruins.

In the summer of 1964, High Cliff, one of Calumet County’s most iconic destinations, was dedicated as a State Park, becoming part of the Wisconsin’s state park system. Sixty-one years later, it has become one of the top destinations among all of Wisconsin’s State Parks. High Cliff State Park was frequented by nearly 700,000 people in 2023, ranking it in the top 5 most visited Wisconsin State Parks.

Located near the Calumet County Villages of Sherwood and Harrison, High Cliff State Park is often overlooked, missed, or just off visitors’ radar. Literally minutes away from the City of Appleton and the other Fox Cities, and a less than 3-hour drive from Chicagoland, High Cliff State Park offers much to travelers, almost right in their own backyards.

“For decades, view seekers, lake lovers and geology buffs have made memories at High Cliff State Park. The park draws visitors in with unexpected experiences, whether viewing Native American effigy mounds, exploring the ancient cliffs or playing on Wisconsin’s largest inland lake,” says Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “The park is a perfect basecamp to explore the wider offerings of Calumet County, from the famed supper clubs to new attractions like the Ariens Nordic Center. Here’s to many more years of making memories at High Cliff State Park.”

High Cliff is situated high above the water of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. It is located on the western end of the Niagara Escarpment, a large limestone arc stretching through Niagara Falls and into Canada. The escarpment is the cliff over which the Niagara River plunges at Niagara Falls, for which it is named. The escarpment is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The reserve has the oldest forest ecosystem and trees in eastern North America.

High Cliff State Park is home to cliff faces, wooded areas, spectacular lake vistas of Lake Winnebago, and beautiful sunsets. A great day trip and even better extended stay, visitors need to bring their RVs, campers, or tents and experience the park beyond an afternoon visit. In all, there are 112-family campsites, 32 of which have electric and 8 group sites. An accessible cabin for people with disabilities is also available May through mid-October. The cabin can accommodate up to 6 people and can be rented for a maximum of 4 nights per year. Park stickers for vehicles are also required to enter the park.

Other High Cliff State Park amenities include a swimming and beach area in the lower park, showers, firewood sales, a concession store, and a bustling marina. At the park, you are within a short walking distance to golf, food, and ice cream.

High Cliff State Park also boasts a rich and unique history. Between 1,000 and 1,500 years ago, nomadic Siouan Indians built effigy mounds in what is now the park. There are four panther-shaped mounds, two buffalo-shaped mounds, conical mounds and a linear mound.

Additionally, High Cliff was once home to an amusement park, lime quarrying (with limestone being shipped across Lake Winnebago by tugboat), a dancing pavilion, and the Western Lime & Cement Company. Today, the general store building and lime kiln ruins remain, speaking to the chapter of High Cliff’s history preceding its designation as a state park.

Today, High Cliff State Park offers almost limitless outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and natural wonders waiting to be discovered by visitors. The majestic 12-foot statue of Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird, standing high on a huge granite rock, overlooks the lake and surrounding area and is a popular destination in the park. Nearby is a 40-foot tower that provides an even more panoramic view of the park, marina, lake and area communities. Miles of steep and varied trails for hiking and biking await and there are even mountain bike and equestrian trails available to those seeking alternate forms of vacation travel.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting deer, foxes, and a variety of birds. Lake Winnebago is one of Wisconsin’s top spots for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. Look for pelicans, herons, and eagles soaring above or fishing in the waters below.

The Escarpment is a limestone cliff that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It's a popular spot for photography and provides a stunning backdrop for a day of exploration. Pack a picnic, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure in one of Wisconsin's most beautiful parks.

If you haven’t been to High Cliff State Park lately, its 61st year is a great reason to revisit this iconic Wisconsin attraction. Each season provides visitors with new and unique experiences. From winter’s white blanket to spring’s emergence to summer’s lush canopies to autumn’s color explosion, High Cliff State Park is the perfect destination at any time of the year. Plan your trip to Calumet County and discover all that not only High Cliff State Park has to offer but also what its surrounding communities provide in the way of fine dining, recreation, shopping, attractions, and so much more. And, if your next visit to High Cliff State Park is your first, know that you will not only experience the wonder that the park is, but also the welcoming nature of the people that call Calumet County home.