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Recreation

Mill Bluff State Park

Mill Bluff State Park provides a variety of recreation opportunities. 

Bicycling

There are no bike trails at the park, but Juneau County's 15-mile-long Omaha Bike Trail can be reached from the park via County Highway W to County Highway C into Camp Douglas. The Omaha bike trail also connects to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and 400 State Trail in Elroy.

Camping

Camping at Mill Bluff State Park

Hiking

There are more than two miles of hiking trails at Mill Bluff offering views of the park's mesas, buttes and pinnacles. Stairs lead to the top of Mill Bluff. Pets are permitted on the hiking trails and in campsites when on an 8-foot leash. Pets are not permitted on the nature trail or in the picnic and swimming areas.

Camel's Bluff trail

About a mile north of Interstate 90/94 on Funnel Road is Camel's Bluff trail, a 1.25-mile hiking trail loop. A small parking lot is available.

Nature trail

The nature trail begins at the far end of the east picnic area. This 0.4-mile-long trail is self-guiding. Hikers will learn about wildlife, trees, wildflowers and geology. Part of this trail is accessible for people with disabilities. A historical marker describes the geological features of the area. Pets are not permitted on the nature trail.

Mill Bluff summit

In the mid-1930s, the Work Progress Administration (WPA) built 223 stone steps that lead to the top of Mill Bluff, where an observation deck on the north end offers an excellent view of the park and the surrounding area.

Hunting and trapping

Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails. Certain trap types are restricted on state park properties. For more information, please see:

In addition to the opportunities that are available during the state parks hunting/trapping time frame, hunting opportunities in state parks that were already established by rule and in place prior to the enactment of 2011 ACT 168, remain in place.

  • At Mill Bluff State Park, this includes turkey hunting during the fall turkey season and small game hunting from Nov. 1 through Nov. 14 ending at noon each day.

Picnic areas

Mill Bluff has two picnic areas, east and west of Funnel Road. Each area has a shelter, picnic tables, grills, water, toilets and parking. Pets are not permitted in the picnic areas.

Swimming

A pond with 2.5 acres of clear cool water from underground springs and 250 feet of white sand beach is available for public swimming. Changing stalls are available. Don't swim alone or at night. Lifeguards are not provided at any time. No fishing or pets are allowed in the pond.

    Winter activities

    While Mill Bluff State Park is not staffed during the winter months, the park is still open. Visitors will often hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski in areas they are familiar with on marked trail systems. Trails are not groomed or maintained for winter use.