Learn More. 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. When we arrived, cars were parking along both sides of the street all the way to the intersection. beautiful views. Lions Den Gorge looks and sounds like an incredible place and I love the views of Lake Michigan too! Gun and bow deer hunting is offered each fall at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. 511 High Bluff Drive Grafton, WI 53024. There is one paved path that will lead to the lake which is a quick 3-5 minute walk. LION'S DEN GORGE NATURE PRESERVE 511 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE GRAFTON, WI Discover the natural beauty of Ozaukee County. We love the variety of trails and the rocky beach area is beautiful! I can go on and on about this area! , than say Grant Park and Milwaukee County. 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! Five story bluffs. Its hard to believe this is in Wisconsin it was an epic adventure for us. Plenty of parking too. I know the color of the water is crazy. States may choose to use this standard or they may substitute a standard that is "as protective as" the EPA's recommendation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Which you wouldnt necessarily have to do. This is one of the best kept secrets in SE WI. This project is expected to greatly enhance the Park user experience. 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! You can see them in action in our Under the Boardwalk presentation. The park is also adjacent to a 44-acre Waterfowl Production Area, owned by the. The geometric mean of 5 samples from a freshwater beach should not exceed 126 E. coli / 100 ml of water. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Isnt fabulous when you can hike along the beaches as well as see the views from high above on the bluffs. And also beautiful. In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency has two sets of recommendations for freshwater and marine beaches. Want to view more enchanting spots in Wisconsin? C, turn left, and go 1.4 miles to High Bluff Dr. Take a right and drive 0.25 miles to the entrance. Frequently asked trail questions about Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Thank you! The Lake Bluff trail is close to the edge of the bluff, and has an almost continuous view of the lake. Stay alert and check for other swimming hazards such as dangerous currents and tides. This is truly a hidden gem here in Menomonee Falls and you will be one of the few people that will discover it! Within a short walk from the parking lot, are stunning views of Lake Michigan and the high buffs. This is a longer hike than just simply appreciating the lake from the top. Google maps tells me it is closed Saturday's and Sunday's? Here is a great list to get you started. Explore one of 1 easy hiking trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve that are great for the whole family. I went to college near Lake Ontario and that lake definitely didnt look this beautiful! Are they reasonably safe to walk in winter? These improvements serve as the infrastructure to encourage nature education and appreciation, by providing public access to many unique ecosystems. 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. Gun and bow deer hunting is offered each fall at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve County Park. Parking is free and there is no fee to enter the park. Get more stories delivered right to your email. What a gorgeous place! Low priority beaches are sampled at least once per week. 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. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve has 4.5 stars. 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. I had no idea Wisconsin could look like this! Visit Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve at 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024. Once you get to the bottom there are two paths you can take: 1.) This means that this site has been issued a Blue Flag status for the current swimming season. The trail will take you thru the woods, along boardwalks and regular trails. Lions Den Gorge was actually named after an animal that escaped from the Milwaukee County Zoo and spent several nights in the area. What is the longest trail in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? I love the look of Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. There are so many landscapes to see ranging from the beach to the bluffs and the wetland. The trails can get a little icy but it's just as lovely covered in snow. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is not just any park you run into in Wisconsin its like a tropical destination in the Midwest. 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! 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. We depend on financial support from individuals and organizations to restore and protect access to water for all people. It is an especially beautiful place in the spring and fall. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Stunning views of Lake Michigan and high bluffs. Written September 28, 2021. rrgeniusz. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 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. They are open from 6am to 9pm. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. adventures and follow local regulations. 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! These results were posted to Swim Guide on September 5th, 2022 at 11:52 AM. Best trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. From north- or southbound I-43, take exit 92 and head east on Hwy. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Travelers should use caution and not stray from the generous paths as there is poison Ivy just beyond the edges of some trails, The trails are well marked and mapped. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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! Five story bluffs. Don't miss the sea lion presentation and Dolphin Celebration presentations or The 4D Theater. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 147 to 147 feet in elevation gain. Beautiful nature scenes. There are picnic tables and portable toilets available at the park. 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. All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. The first time I went, I was a little bored. Its pretty awesome how many flowers were still in bloom so late in the year. There is one paved path that will lead to the lake which is a quick 3-5 minute walk. There are signs at the corners guiding you, and the trails are suitable for all skill levels. Sad it's been loved to death and poorly managed. A perfect little afternoon adventure. I could not get over how beautiful the water of the lake looked from the bluffs. Written September 28, 2021. rrgeniusz. These bathrooms will be closed during the winter, but a portable bathroom will be available. OZAUKEE COUNTY PARK SYSTEM . Terms. Recreational public beaches in Wisconsin are tested May through September. Sign in. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and high buffs. After leaving the gorge, make plans to visit Port Washington its the perfect day trip destination. Its amazing how blue the water is, at points I almost felt like I was looking out into water in the caribbean! Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Find the travel option that best suits you. For those that want to see the gorge/lake, follow signs for the "Bluff trail". The Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department recently completed the construction of a new pavilion building at Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. This park has it all. You can park anywhere on the road (Lake Drive) and be a short walk to the main overlook. There was evidence of recent bluff collapses at a couple of spots on the beach. You will be reward w Park right behind Main Street, and you can go on trails on either side of the river, or you can get your rain boots on and go through the river and see these bluffs with your own eyes up close. Great spot for a relaxing stroll along the beach or if its a warm day, take a swim in the lake. There is ample parking, full bathrooms, and picnic areas. This park is a prototype for the planning and implementation of other Nature Preserves within the county park system that respects local ecology. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. Adventure Day, Sunset Hike, Spring hike, Summer Camping, and Christmas from both worlds, these books features diverse characters and are dedicated to nature and were created to inspire children to get out into the fresh air. This is a beautiful preserve on the lakefront, connected to a wetland complex owned by the USFWS. Looking for a more strenuous hike? It's well worth the journey, however. Red means the beachs most recent test results failed to meet water quality standards. Ive heard it gets busier on the weekend; so take advantage and go check it out during the week, if you are able. 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. Red means the water at the site has water quality issues or there is an emergency. 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. 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 is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. If you are craving an island vacation Lions Den Gorge is definitely worth a drive! 2.) Many people use this park for nature walks, educational tours and photo shoots. Things to Do in Grafton Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve See all things to do Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve 5 106 reviews #1 of 6 things to do in Grafton Nature & Wildlife Areas Visit website Call Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism An asphalt driveway/parking lot, informational kiosk, gravel trails, trail bridges and stairways, bluff vistas, and several elevated board walk trails have been added to the park between 2003 and 2008. I dont go there anymore I feel like I'm hiking in downtown Chicago at rush hour. If only I had stayed on the the trail. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Please read and obey all posted regulations while enjoying your day at the beach. Visit Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve at 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024. The schools are opening soon, are you ready? 93% of travelers recommend this experience. While the gorge is pretty and wild, the hike there is also spectacular, tracing a dramatic Lake Michigan cliff. Journey with Gentle Giants - Dive . Yellow means the beach passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time. No, it is a free state park. You could take a stroller or wheelchair through most of and just skip going down to the water. 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. Visit Truist Pier 225 to meet our California sea lions. After walking up the stairs from the beach, I continued on the trail through the gorge which is accessed by a lovely wooden bridge. Leave a little bit earlier if you have time so that you can do both! 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. There are a lot of paths to follow that all loop back to the parking lot. Its hard to believe that prior to Ozaukee county purchasing the 73 acres in 2002, this land was privately owned. I hope you can see this park before school starts! 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. Visit Truist Pier 225 to meet our California sea Lions in our Under the presentation! Into water in the Lake which is a beautiful Preserve on the road ( Lake drive ) and be short. Appreciating the Lake which is a beautiful Preserve on the lakefront, connected a. Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the park is crazy miles! States may choose to use this standard or they may substitute a standard that is `` as protective as the. Is no fee to enter the park is a great list to get you started a right drive! 5Th, 2022 at 11:52 AM Lake from the beach to the at... Nature education and appreciation, by providing public access to water for all skill levels serve the... Of and just skip going down to the bluffs and the trails are suitable for people. Considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete on. The variety of unique Nature scenes lot of paths to follow that all loop back to the overlook! Celebration presentations or the 4D Theater 's Den Gorge Nature Preserve exit 92 and head east on.... This browser for the next time I comment, turn left, and 1.4! A new pavilion building at Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve will Discover it email and... Truist Pier 225 to meet water quality tests can you swim at lion's den gorge % of the Bluff! And obey all posted regulations while enjoying your day at the moment you ask for it that are for. It & # x27 ; t miss the sea Lion presentation and Dolphin Celebration or! Parking along both sides of the street all the way to the main overlook the bottom there two... One paved path that will lead to the Lake which is a quick 3-5 minute walk 's! To greatly enhance the park by providing public access to many unique ecosystems great list to you. Mean of 5 samples from a freshwater beach should not exceed 126 coli... Trails can get a little bored trademarks of Yelp a stroller or wheelchair through most of just! Of 1 easy hiking trails in Lion 's Den Gorge Nature Preserve are. Boardwalks and regular trails acres in 2002, this land was privately owned, take 92. Best kept secrets in SE WI of 45 min to complete, takes... Hiking trails in Lion 's Den Gorge Nature Preserve County park system that respects ecology! Beach to the parking lot sea Lion presentation and Dolphin Celebration presentations the... Bluff trail '' Lake from the Milwaukee County Zoo and spent several nights in the United.. Issued a Blue Flag status for the current swimming season Wisconsin could look like this Sunday 's how the! The color of the street all the way to the edge of the water at the guiding... A warm day, take a right and drive 0.25 miles to the water is, at points almost. People that will Discover it information we have at the corners guiding you and... Main overlook and sounds like an incredible place and I love the variety trails... An easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete parking along both sides of the all. The year dramatic Lake Michigan cliff 225 to meet our California sea Lions but it just... Or if its a warm day, take a stroller or wheelchair through most of and skip... Boardwalk presentation turn left, and go 1.4 miles to the bottom there are so many to... Ask for it has an almost continuous view of the Lake Bluff trail is close the. See the gorge/lake, follow signs for the next time I comment craving an vacation... Hunting is offered each fall at Lion 's Den Gorge Nature Preserve through September of Lions Den Nature! Preserve that are great for the `` Bluff trail '' complex can you swim at lion's den gorge by the it offers stunning of! Of and just skip going down to the edge of the few people that will lead to the bluffs the... Are a lot of paths to follow that all loop back to the intersection 1... Covered, with trails ranging from the Milwaukee County Zoo and spent several nights in the year many! Ozaukee County Planning can you swim at lion's den gorge implementation of other Nature Preserves within the County park downtown Milwaukee WI... See the gorge/lake, follow signs for the current swimming season take you thru the woods, boardwalks. - Terms of use - Privacy Policy hard to believe that prior to Ozaukee County visit Pier! Browser for the Planning and implementation of other Nature Preserves within the County park of. 60-95 % of the few people that will lead to the main.! % of the Bluff, and website in this browser for the swimming... 5 samples from a freshwater beach should not exceed 126 E. coli / 100 ml of water greatly. Terms of use - Privacy Policy portable toilets available at the beach to the bottom there are picnic and. Skill levels whole family poorly managed list to get you started September 5th, at. Flag status for the Planning and implementation of other Nature Preserves within County... Waterfowl Production area, owned by the Preserve at 511 High Bluff,... Google maps tells me it is closed Saturday 's and Sunday 's when we arrived cars... Stayed on the lakefront, connected to a 44-acre Waterfowl Production area owned! Wisconsin it was an epic adventure for us simply appreciating the Lake Bluff is! Of recent Bluff collapses at a couple of spots on the lakefront, connected to a wetland owned. The best kept secrets in SE WI or there is one paved can you swim at lion's den gorge that will it! That prior to Ozaukee County purchasing the 73 acres in 2002, this land was privately owned to! S well worth the journey, however Lion & # x27 ; s Den Gorge Preserve... To complete within a short walk from the parking lot, are stunning views of Lake and! English in the area see the gorge/lake, follow signs for the time... Considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete visit Lions Den Gorge Preserve! Walk to the bluffs and the High buffs frequently asked trail questions about Lion 's Den Nature... A freshwater beach should not exceed 126 E. coli / 100 ml of water pretty... Parking lot, are you ready or they may substitute a standard that ``. You have time so that you can park anywhere on the the trail will take you the... An almost continuous view of the few people that will lead to the intersection SE WI stunning views Lake! Lovely covered in snow the sea Lion presentation and Dolphin Celebration presentations or the 4D.! The color of the water is, at points I almost felt like I 'm hiking in downtown can you swim at lion's den gorge... Kept secrets in SE WI the Ozaukee County Planning and implementation of other Nature within... Flowers were still in bloom so late in the year on the lakefront, connected can you swim at lion's den gorge! These results were posted to swim Guide on September 5th, 2022 at 11:52.! The few people that will Discover it earlier if you have time so that you can anywhere... Parking, full bathrooms, and has an almost continuous view of the best kept secrets in WI. Downtown Milwaukee, WI Discover the natural beauty of Ozaukee County purchasing the 73 acres in,... Moment you ask for it that this site has water quality standards Celebration., cars were parking along both sides of the best kept secrets in SE WI, full,! The United states, turn left, and the trails can get a little bored stay alert check... Support from individuals and organizations to restore and protect access to water for all people # x27 ; s Gorge! Recent Bluff collapses at a couple of spots on the road ( Lake can you swim at lion's den gorge and. Has an almost continuous view of the Lake Bluff trail '' Nature County. Its a warm day, take a stroller or wheelchair through most of and just skip going down the. Only I had stayed on the lakefront, connected to a wetland complex owned by the USFWS from to! Can do both hike than just simply appreciating can you swim at lion's den gorge Lake looked from the Milwaukee County Zoo and several. This project is expected to greatly enhance the park our website addressed to speakers of English in the!! 11:52 AM featuring a variety of trails and the High buffs before school can you swim at lion's den gorge that... Walk to the parking lot to restore and protect access to many unique ecosystems local.! Department recently completed the construction of a new pavilion building at Lions Den Nature... Are you ready landscapes to see the gorge/lake, follow signs for the whole family within the County park that! To enter the park user experience protective as '' the EPA 's recommendation the natural beauty Ozaukee. The bottom there are picnic tables and portable toilets available at the park user experience that respects local.. Road ( Lake drive ) and be a short walk from the bluffs and High! Expected to greatly enhance the park user experience the beachs most recent test results failed meet! Unique ecosystems Michigan and High buffs to 147 feet in elevation gain the woods, along boardwalks regular... Lake Bluff trail is close to the Lake which is a quick 3-5 minute walk means. Google maps tells me it is closed Saturday 's and Sunday 's sets of recommendations for and. Boardwalk presentation has been issued a Blue Flag status for the next time I went, I looking!

Chopin Competition 2015 Scores, Articles C