Tower Hill State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WI

Tower Hill State Park

Tower Hill State Park in Wisconsin offers visitors scenic views along the Wisconsin River, rich natural habitats, and historic remnants of a 19th-century fire lookout tower.

State Park1194+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

119

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Tower Hill State Park

Tower Hill State Park in Wisconsin offers visitors scenic views along the Wisconsin River, rich natural habitats, and historic remnants of a 19th-century fire lookout tower.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Tower Hill State Park is located on the banks of the Wisconsin River near the town of Spring Green in Sauk County, Wisconsin. This park covers rugged bluff terrain with diverse hardwood forests and overlooks expansive river views, providing a mix of geological and ecological attractions. The park is historically notable for its fire lookout tower, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped detect wildfires in the region during its operational years. Today, the tower remains a favored viewpoint for park visitors, offering panoramic vistas of the river valley and surrounding forests.

The area supports a range of flora including oak, maple, and pine species, along with abundant wildlife such as white-tailed deer, migratory birds, and small mammals. Tower Hill State Park provides several miles of hiking trails that traverse the bluffs, riverbanks, and wooded areas. Popular activities include hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and photography. The park's proximity to the Wisconsin River also allows for fishing and water-based recreation nearby.

Visitors are drawn to the park for its combination of natural beauty and historical significance, along with the chance to experience quiet wilderness close to Spring Green. The park's trails vary in length and difficulty, appealing to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Interpretive signage throughout the park shares insights about the local ecology and the legacy of the fire tower’s role in forest protection.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Tower Hill State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Historic Civilian Conservation Corps fire lookout tower✦ Scenic overlooks of the Wisconsin River and river valley✦ Diverse hardwood forest ecosystem with abundant wildlife✦ Well-maintained hiking trails with interpretive signage
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Tower Hill State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Tower Hill State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Tower Hill State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Tower Hill State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Tower Hill State Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Tower Hill State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Tower Hill State Park
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Tower Hill State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Viewing

Available in Tower Hill State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Tower Hill State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Vehicle admission sticker or Wisconsin state park pass required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Tower Hill State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Spring Green, Wisconsin
⌖ 3.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Spring Green offers outdoor lovers a blend of scenic hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and rock climbing among Wisconsin’s iconic sandstone bluffs and river valleys. Its small-town charm and unique landmarks make it a refreshing year-round base for adventure.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Hillpoint, Wisconsin
⌖ 15.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hillpoint, Wisconsin

Hillpoint, Wisconsin, offers a quiet rural escape with hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing nearby. Explore scenic rivers, protected wildlife refuges, and forest trails in a peaceful countryside setting.

Spring through Fall for water and trail activities; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Muscoda, Wisconsin
⌖ 16.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Muscoda, Wisconsin

Muscoda, Wisconsin offers peaceful outdoor adventures along the Mississippi River with paddling, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in an approachable small-town setting perfect for nature lovers.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Richland Center, Wisconsin
⌖ 16.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Richland Center, Wisconsin

Richland Center offers outdoor lovers rolling hills, quiet rivers, and wooded parks perfect for hiking, paddling, and winter skiing. With a small-town feel and access to scenic nature, it’s an inviting spot for year-round adventures off the usual path.

Late spring through fall for hiking and paddling; winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Blue Mounds, Wisconsin
⌖ 19.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blue Mounds, Wisconsin

Blue Mounds is a hidden gem in Wisconsin perfect for adventurers seeking hiking, biking, and camping in striking landscapes. Visit Blue Mound State Park for epic views, rugged trails, and outdoor fun.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Sauk City, Wisconsin
⌖ 20.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sauk City, Wisconsin

Sauk City offers a peaceful outdoor escape with river paddling, easy cycling routes, and nearby hiking in protected areas. Ideal for travelers seeking a quiet basecamp along the Wisconsin River.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and biking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Tower Hill State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Architectural Light and Driftless Hills: An Intermediate Workshop at Taliesin
ADVEXPEDITION
Spring Green, Wisconsin
Photography TourADV Bookable

Architectural Light and Driftless Hills: An Intermediate Workshop at Taliesin

A two-night workshop at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin led by photographer Andrew Pielage that pairs on-site shooting of iconic architecture and landscape with location scouting, sunrise/sunset sessions and Adobe Lightroom instruction.

Photography TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip