Pembrook Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pembrook Park is a beautiful state park located in Wisconsin that attracts visitors from all over the world.


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Summary

It sits on over 1,700 acres of land and offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

One of the main reasons to visit Pembrook Park is for the stunning views of the Wisconsin River. The park boasts several scenic overlooks where visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the river and surrounding forest. Additionally, the park is home to several miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the forest and along the river.

There are also several specific points of interest within Pembrook Park that are worth visiting. The park's main attraction is the Pembrook Pines State Natural Area, which features a stand of old-growth white pine trees that are over 300 years old. Other attractions include the park's picturesque picnic areas, the Butterfly Garden, and the historic Van Hise Rock.

Interesting facts about Pembrook Park include the fact that it was once the site of a Native American village and later served as a logging camp in the 19th century. The park was established in the 1930s, and many of the park's buildings and facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of a New Deal-era program.

The best time of year to visit Pembrook Park depends on what activities you're interested in. Spring and summer are popular times for hiking, camping, and fishing, while fall is a great time to visit for the park's beautiful fall foliage. Winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Pembrook Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and outdoor activities of Wisconsin.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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