As an enthusiast for sights in Wisconsin (having the StateTrunkTour.com road trip website and co-hosting the Discover Wisconsin TV show are both part of this passion), I love sharing some of the particularly cool places to enjoy. This past Saturday, when the weather was PERFECT, I stopped at a place I've had friends rave about: Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Sitting along - and above - Lake Michigan in the Town of Grafton, this beautiful area offers miles of crushed stone and wood chip-covered walking trails, boardwalks over wetlands, a gorge to climb, and some of the most amazing views of the lake you'll ever see.
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve occupies one of the few undeveloped stretches of Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Port Washington, and the cliffs reach 90 to 100 feet above the water level. This, coupled with trails that take you right to the edge, means views of the lake that can rival any water view you'll ever experience. Lake Michigan can always look like an ocean, but on this particular day - WOW. The colors make the lake look like a tropical sea, and the flora along the trails make any walk in here a beautiful one.
You can find Lion's Den minutes away from the I-43 exit at Highway 60 (Exit #92) or Highway 32 (Exit #93) and head east. Connections via County C or Lake Shore Drive bring you to the entrance along High Bluff Drive. It's free to enter, but of course they welcome donations. And they deserve them. Explore and enjoy!
While you're there, head into Port Washington to enjoy the shops, the Port Exploreum, and the harbor area. You can also head west into Grafton to enjoy their nicely redeveloping downtown, learn about the unique Blues music history of the area, or grab a craft brew at Sahale Ale Works, which I also just enjoy this past weekend. Happy travels!