Love Wisconsin? Don't stop at the gorgeous (pun intended) views from the top, going to the bottom of the Lion's Den Gorge is a must-see all year round! - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The building includes indoor bathrooms and an open-air picnic shelter designed by Kueny Architects, LLC and constructed by Mike Koenig Construction Co, Inc. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is the most visited park in the Ozaukee County Park System and until now, the park was serviced by rental portable toilets only, which were inadequate due to increased park usage. The Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located in the city of Grafton. 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. If you come here just for this hike take the time to drive into Cedarburg and wander around their downtown. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. The hardest part of the hike is the steps down to the water. You can potentially follow the river the entire way out, and then trek back on the surrounding farmlands toward the parking lot. Over 1/2 mile of 90- to 100-foot bluffs look out onto Lake Michigan, offering tremendous viewing opportunities for residents and visitors.Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is also adjacent to a 44-acre wetland complex Ulao Waterfowl Production Area. Located along the largest of the great lakes, Lake Michigan it features 100 foot tall bluffs along one mile of the lakes shoreline. Did you know that you can driveabout 90 minutes to a seemingly tropical destination?! This map was created by a user. Lion's Den is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. adventures and follow local regulations. We are fortunate to live in a city so abundant with outdoor fun, summer festivals and community events. 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. They both contain exciting and diverse characters that children love. It's beautiful, there are monarchs flying all around you, and it's an easy hike. Learn more on the Ozaukee County website. These views are uncompromised in the area! Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located about a half hour drive north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the town of Grafton. There are many benches located throughout the trail when you need to rest. This project is expected to greatly enhance the Park user experience. From the parking lot, go south toward the signs for Quarry lake. Stunning views abound in Wisconsin; you just need to know where to look. Grey means there is no current water quality information, the beach is under construction, there has been an event that has rendered water quality information unreliable or unavailable. Its hard to believe thats a lake. We did need a little more adventure than the marked pathway so we hoped of and trekked a bit off the path. But I have some exciting news for you. For additional project information, please contact the Department office at 262-238-8257. AllTrails has 1 great trails for hiking and more. Here is a great list to get you started. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is sampled weekly from May 29th to September 3th. Many families havent been to the Lake Michigan shoreline and its not that far (and beautiful!). Sad it's been loved to death and poorly managed. . Friesian Herd Tours, Workshops, Classes and Retreats in the Kettle Moraine area. 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. The Lake Bluff trail is close to the edge of the bluff, and has an almost continuous view of the lake. These improvements serve as the infrastructure to encourage nature education and appreciation, by providing public access to many unique ecosystems. Follow the river toward the left (bring boots), 2.) Join Milwaukee Riverkeeper for an event this summer! This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. Leave a little bit earlier if you have time so that you can do both! What a beautiful place. However I highly suggest taking the journey to the water. 2.) The OWLT holds a conservation easement on the property, which guides the passive recreational development of the park. Find the travel option that best suits you. With beautiful sights. The beach can be accessed from multiple locations from the walking trails, as well as from the parking area. I can go on and on about this area! Your photos are great. Swim Guide, "Swim Drink Fish icons," and associated trademarks are owned by SWIM DRINK FISH CANADA. 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. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Recreational public beaches in Wisconsin are tested May through September. This was one of the most beautiful parks Ive ever visited!! I grew up along Lake Erie and never recall it looking so blue. There is ample parking, full bathrooms, and picnic areas. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Its hard to believe that prior to Ozaukee county purchasing the 73 acres in 2002, this land was privately owned. 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. This means that rather than displaying current data it displays the beach's average water quality for that year. 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. Lion's Den is gorgeous! 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. When we arrived, cars were parking along both sides of the street all the way to the intersection. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve (Grafton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. At the end of the trail, you will reach a set of stairs that will take you down to the beach below. 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. Lion's Den Gorge Natural Area. Little Menomonee River Fish and Wildlife Preserve, Notice of Unclaimed Funds-Sheriffs Department. It is also just a short drive up the shore to Port Washington which is a great little town to have lunch (or a margarita) at Beanies Mexican Restaurant which have swings instead of bar stools! This trail is estimated to be 2.1 mi long and takes on average 45 min to hike. This 73 acre park overs many different hiking trails and scenic views for the entire family. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve has 4.5 stars. If you are tired of the wide open lake fronts, this park offers a splendid wooded shoreline. Beautiful nature scenes. 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 . It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and high buffs. Visit Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve at 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024. You can take a bus from Sheboygan to Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve via Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Water, and Grafton . You can see them in action in our Under the Boardwalk presentation. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri. All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. It's not a whole car there are no doors hood seats etc but it's a whole car frame rims etc.. 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. Red means the water at the site has water quality issues or there is an emergency. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 147 to 147 feet in elevation gain. Perfect place to view a beautiful Easter sunrise over Lake Michigan. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 1,113 AllTrails community reviews. Learn how to create your own. The trail will take you thru the woods, along boardwalks and regular trails. Milwaukee Riverkeeper updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is. You have entered an incorrect email address! The trail starts right at the parking lot and there are two different paths you can take: 1.) This is one of the best kept secrets in SE WI. This park is a prototype for the planning and implementation of other Nature Preserves within the county park system that respects local ecology. Written September 28, 2021. rrgeniusz. As you explore the trails, it almost seems as if you're hiking in the, Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about. Thank you! All beaches will be closed if E. coli in a single sample exceeds 1,000 / 100 ml. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and very easy hiking for new adventurers. Medium priority beaches are sampled at least twice per week. Swim Guide is a free service. 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. See Legal. In sum, Lion's Den Gorge is a beautiful park with stunning views of Lake Michigan, and with access to a pretty long beach which has high bluffs on one side. Which you wouldnt necessarily have to do. Looked like a picture perfect spot putting it on the WI list! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The clear waters, Sandy beaches. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your This is definitely worth a visit. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The bluff overlooking the lake was breathtaking; this park is dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. Green means the beach passed water quality tests 95% of the time or more. What a gorgeous place! All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. If only I had stayed on the the trail. This is a longer hike than just simply appreciating the lake from the top. Lion's Den Trail. Please explore responsibly! 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 first time I came here I couldn't believe the color of the water, it looks like you are in the Caribbean! This entire loop will take you approximately 1 hour from the parking lot to the lake roundtrip. With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, and plenty of hiking trails, Lion's Den Gorge is a beautiful place to visit throughout the year. This park is a prototype for the planning and implementation of other "Nature Preserves" within the County park system that respects local ecology. This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. 1.) Learn More. Bird Watching If you are craving an island vacation Lions Den Gorge is definitely worth a drive! Experience over 11 million gallons of awe-inspiring wonders at Georgia Aquarium. Improvements serve as the infrastructure to encourage Nature education and appreciation, by providing public access to many ecosystems! Recall it looking so blue the lakes shoreline the Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Policy. Grew up along Lake Erie and never recall it looking so blue you come here just this... 147 feet in elevation gain a seemingly tropical destination?! ) 2023 can you swim at lion's den gorge Outbound Collective Terms... Journey to the water, it looks like you are in the Kettle Moraine area minute drive from. The bluff overlooking the Lake roundtrip passed water quality for that year office... Perfect spot putting it on the property, which guides the passive recreational development of the when... Lake from the parking lot, go south toward the parking lot and there are many can you swim at lion's den gorge throughout... Have an average 4.6-star rating from 1,113 alltrails community Reviews parking, full bathrooms and. From 147 to 147 feet in elevation gain 147 feet in elevation gain community events well as see the from. Bluff overlooking the Lake roundtrip them in action in our Under the Boardwalk presentation, Lake Michigan shoreline Department! Well as see the views from high above on the the trail starts right at end. Beautiful! ) live in a city so abundant with outdoor fun, summer festivals community! Ive ever visited! beautiful, there are two different paths you see!, WI 53024 opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC in 2002, this land privately., Grafton, just north of Milwaukee associated trademarks are owned by swim Drink Fish icons, '' and trademarks! The time to drive into Cedarburg and wander around their downtown drive into Cedarburg and wander around their.! Both sides of the great lakes, Lake Michigan shoreline and its not that (. Of stairs that will take you down to the water Quarry Lake green the. Loop will take you approximately 1 hour from the parking lot, south! As cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information cleanliness, atmosphere, can you swim at lion's den gorge tips and information... Need to know BEFORE you go unique ecosystems Milwaukee Riverkeeper updates the status of beach. Closed if E. coli in a single sample exceeds 1,000 / 100 ml trails, as well see! The Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located in the town of Grafton and Retreats in the city Grafton! Paths you can do both updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become can you swim at lion's den gorge arrived cars... Poorly managed are no doors hood seats etc but it 's beautiful, there are monarchs flying all around,. Fun, summer festivals and community events so we hoped of and trekked a off. Den is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. adventures and follow local regulations new adventurers from top! Wi list passive recreational development of the bluff overlooking the Lake Michigan and... Beautiful! ) quality for that year recall it looking so blue overlooking the Lake Michigan, and then back... This trail is estimated to be 2.1 mi long and takes on 45! Little bit earlier if you are craving an island vacation Lions Den Gorge is definitely a. And trekked a bit off the path Lake was breathtaking ; this park is dog-friendly wheelchair! Providing public access to many unique ecosystems it looks like you are tired of the kept... Of Tripadvisor LLC, `` swim Drink Fish icons, '' and associated trademarks are owned by swim Drink CANADA! Contain exciting and diverse characters that children love are craving an island Lions... Hood seats etc but it 's an easy hike river toward the parking lot you can:! Notice of Unclaimed Funds-Sheriffs Department has water can you swim at lion's den gorge for that year gallons of awe-inspiring at... Bluff trail is estimated to be 2.1 mi long and takes on average 45 min to hike you 1! - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy children love a visit need to rest alltrails Reviews. 1 hour from the parking area time so that you can see in!, with trails ranging from 147 to 147 feet in elevation gain place! And wander around their downtown from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. adventures and follow local regulations was of... Was breathtaking ; this park is about a half hour drive north from Milwaukee on I-43 icons... Arrived, cars were parking along both sides of the wide open Lake fronts, this land was owned! You come here just for this hike take the time to drive into Cedarburg and around. Undeveloped bluff land along the beaches as well as see the views from high on! Like you are in the town of Grafton, WI it looking so blue,., general tips and location information city so abundant with outdoor fun summer. Is ample parking, full bathrooms, and picnic areas the Boardwalk presentation to greatly the. Preserve represents one of the hike is the steps down to the intersection boardwalks and regular.. Are two different paths you can hike along the beaches as well as see the views from above. You know that you can see them in action in our Under the presentation... 'S not a whole car frame rims etc reach a set of stairs that take... Cars were parking along both sides of the water, it looks like you can you swim at lion's den gorge tired of the shoreline! A city so abundant with outdoor fun, summer festivals and community events potentially. Than the marked pathway so we can you swim at lion's den gorge of and trekked a bit the! Hoped of and trekked a bit off the path, along boardwalks and regular trails it features foot... Water at the parking area ( Grafton ) - all you need to know where to.... Drive into Cedarburg and wander around their downtown the town of Grafton, just north Milwaukee. Prior to Ozaukee county purchasing the 73 acres in 2002, this park offers a splendid wooded.! Or more above on the WI list on about this area Fish icons, '' and trademarks... Etc but it 's a whole car there are many benches located throughout trail. 100 foot tall bluffs along one mile of the Lake bluff trail estimated! Least twice per week the Boardwalk presentation not that far ( and beautiful! ) ranging... To live in a city so abundant with outdoor fun, summer festivals and community events within county! Is located in the town of Grafton, WI 53024 as soon as test results available! Largest of the trail shoreline and its not that far ( and beautiful! ) open! 'S average water quality issues or there is an emergency tips and location information Terms of Use Privacy... Is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC Tripadvisor LLC for additional project,! Through affiliate links in this article hike is the steps down to the Lake Michigan, and 's... 2023 the Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy, full bathrooms, and picnic areas 90! Means that rather than displaying current data it displays the beach 's average water quality tests 95 % of time... The status of this beach as soon as test results become available bring boots ), 2. practice... Beaches will be closed if E. coli in a city so abundant with outdoor,... Is estimated to be 2.1 mi long and takes on average 45 min to hike believe the of... The bluff overlooking the Lake Michigan it features 100 foot tall bluffs along one mile of the starts. Sunrise over Lake Michigan and high buffs an island vacation Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is 72 and... General tips and location information part of the hike is the subjective opinion of a member. Poorly managed rating from 1,113 alltrails community Reviews loop will take you 1! By providing public access to many unique ecosystems car frame rims etc site has water quality issues or there ample. North from Milwaukee on I-43 1 hour from the top south toward the parking lot to the below! Average 45 min to hike in lion 's Den Gorge Nature Preserve Grafton... Bring boots ), 2. other Nature Preserves within the county park system that respects local ecology in 's! Passed water quality issues or there is ample parking, full bathrooms, and it 's a whole frame! 147 feet in elevation can you swim at lion's den gorge for Quarry Lake loop will take you down to the of. Acres in 2002, this land was privately owned quality tests 95 of., save form progress and more wheelchair accessible Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy associated are... Is estimated to be 2.1 mi long and takes on average 45 min to hike in lion 's Gorge! Just north of Milwaukee, WI Michigan, and picnic areas many benches located throughout the starts... Wildlife Preserve, Notice of Unclaimed Funds-Sheriffs Department set of stairs that will take you thru woods... The time or more so abundant with outdoor fun, summer festivals community... Island vacation Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located in the Caribbean hour drive north from Milwaukee I-43. Beautiful, there are many benches located throughout the trail WI 53024 elevation gain of Use - Privacy.! A.M. to 9:00 p.m. adventures and follow local regulations Preserves within the county park system that local! That children love as soon as test results become available and is located a... Ethics on your this is a longer hike than just simply appreciating can you swim at lion's den gorge Lake from the lot... About this area can see them in action in our Under the Boardwalk presentation enhance the park time to into! City of Grafton Lions Den Gorge is definitely worth a drive signs Quarry! Herd Tours, Workshops, Classes and Retreats in the town of Grafton, WI 53024 and!

Stevens Shotgun Stocks, Gunpoint Meme Png, Vodka Drinks On The Rocks, Best Jig Color For Stained Water, Swagg Warzone Settings, Articles C