Point Beach Forest State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Point Beach Forest State Park is a beautiful state park located in the state of Wisconsin.


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Summary

It is situated on the coast of Lake Michigan and spans over 3,000 acres of forest and sand dunes. The park is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

One of the main reasons to visit Point Beach Forest State Park is for its natural beauty. The park has a diverse range of landscapes, ranging from sandy beaches to rolling sand dunes to dense forests. Visitors can explore the park's many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.

Another point of interest in the park is the Rawley Point Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse was built in 1894 and is open for tours during certain times of the year. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the park and the lake.

One interesting fact about Point Beach Forest State Park is that it is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, coyotes, and even black bears. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the park, as it is a popular spot for migratory birds.

The best time of year to visit Point Beach Forest State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, the park is also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color and the crowds have thinned out. Visitors should be aware that some areas of the park may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.

       

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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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