Two sweeping tracts of the Kettle Moraine State Forest with hills and depressions (“kettles”) left by the Ice Age create a landscape that is atypical of the flatlands and gentle rolling terrain found over much of the upper Midwest. Woodlands and lakes yield habitat for a variety of wildlife and add to the recreational possibilities.
5 REASONS TO GO
Location: Eastern Wisconsin; South is about 100 miles NW of the Loop; North is about 140 miles NW of the Loop
Recommended for: Fans of outdoor activities, motor sports fans and history buffs (geologic and human)
When to go: Winter for snow sports; late spring through fall for everybody else
1. Hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Only part of the 1,000-mile trail traverses the state forests (31 miles in the North, less than a mile in the South), but few of those miles better illustrate what took place here 20,000 years or so ago.
2. Whitewater, Wis.
Home of Indian mounds, Cravath Lake and, of course, the UW-Whitewater Warhawks, an NCAA Division III power in several women’s and men’s sports. West of the South section.
3. Driving the Kettle Moraine scenic drive
Tickling six Wisconsin counties, the 115-mile route links the two Kettle Moraines and provides access to what makes them special.
4. Old-world Wisconsin
Set entirely within Kettle Moraine South, this collection of farm and small-town buildings gathered from throughout the state provides a re-creation of Wisconsin life before things got so complicated. wisconsinhistory.org
5. Road America and Elkhart Lake
One of the nation’s great motor sports venues is a short drive from Elkhart Lake, a pleasant village that’s home to several resorts. Near Kettle Moraine North. roadamerica.com; elkhartlake.com
