A Guide to Blue Mounds State Park in Southern Wisconsin

Nestled on top of a small mountainous area in Southern Wisconsin Lies Blue Mounds State Park. This small state park may not often be mentioned but it is worth stopping at. Although Blue Mounds State Park is 1,153 acres, it seems small. Some of the activities here are the usual including camping, hiking, biking, skiing and swimming. Typical Wisconsin State Park fees apply for vehicles whether camping or visiting.

One of the most common things people do in state parks is hike, and this park is filled with some nice quiet trails. Some of the trails are more difficult then others. Because this park is on a mountainside some trails are very steep and require the hikers to descend or ascend difficult hills or steps that are often covered with broken rocks. It is worth the walking however, as you make your way through beautiful landscapes that are filled with pretty deciduous trees, loose boulders, and interesting flora. One trail features a springhouse where a local spring begins a small stream that trickles down the side of the mountain. This spring used to feed the original swimming pool that no longer exists at Blue Mountain State Park. It is also important to note, from one of the trails you can access the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail if you're looking to bike or hike an extended distance.

If one is not interested in hiking, there are some larger common areas that are very easy to access. It features a large area that is mowed that has a shelter with picnic tables, nature center, parking area, and playground equipment for the kids nearby. Not far from the central area is another parking area that features a lookout tower. This tower looks out over a breath taking view of the surrounding countryside way far below. If your scared of heights, fear not, as there is a break in the trees and you can get reasonably close to the edge of the cliff and still take in the breath taking view.

In another section of the park, there are 77 wooded campsites, some of which do have electrical access. Most campsites are well wooded and more private then most campgrounds you see today. The camping area is very scenic and cozy. Although pit toilets are available, there is also a shower house with flushing toilets available. There are also water fountains available around the camping area.

Although the original swimming pool doesn't exist, a modern swimming pool is still available. This large swimming pool is located in another location from the campgrounds. There is also ample parking nearby that also serves as a place for people to park who are starting out on some of the trails that begins there. There are no trees over the swimming pool, so make sure to bring your sun tan lotion. There is a chair-side lift to help people with limitations. The pool is 11 feet at deepest, and there is a rope separating the shallower areas from the deeper. In the same area, there is a wading pool for the kids that is a maximum of 16 inches deep. A bathing house is near both pools with coin-operated lockers.

Overall this park is a great place to stop whether you're looking for a good place to camp for peace and solitude, for swimming, or for hiking or biking. It has interesting trails with varying levels of difficulties for all tastes. If you're only looking for a quick roadside pit stop, simply enjoy the scenery from the viewing tower. There are many opportunities at this quaint, high elevation park.