Hike to Wisconsin’s highest point, Timm’s Hill, at 1,951 feet, and climb a 50-foot wooden tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The 0.4-mile hike is out-and-back on a natural surface with 98 feet of elevation gain on a natural surface.
(We stopped here heading back from our trip to explore part of the North Shore in Minnesota and the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. )
Timm’s Hill is two and a half hours south of Bayfield, Wisconsin. It’s worth a stop if you’re heading south after visiting the Apostle Islands.
At the Trailhead
We parked in the lot, fronted by an information sign showing the other trails in the area. You will pass by some of the trails driving into the county park, where the highest point is located.
Near the lot is a stone memorial in memory of the first settlers in the area.
Heading Out on the Trail
Next, we ventured into the woods. At 0.1 miles, take the left path leading to the high point. The other direction leads to different trails within the park.
Once you are on top, you can see that the high point is in trees. To get a view above the forest, you must climb the tower.
By the tower’s base, there is a mailbox where you can leave a note about who is in your party and the date you climbed the high point. These are typically located at high elevations in the U.S. (There is also a high point mailbox next to the information board near the parking lot.)
Tower Walk
Next, we headed up the wooden stairs to the lookout. From the top of the tower, we could see Timms Lake, also in the county park.
The lookout provides far-off views of the distant hills and valleys.
By the lookout is a metal communications tower.
After enjoying the scenic views, we returned to the trailhead, which also features a playground and restrooms.
Final Thoughts
Going to the highest point was a departure from our previous stops, which included waterfalls, beaches, and sea caves. The kids particularly enjoyed ascending the tower and soaking in the panoramic views.
Details
Drive: Take Wisconsin Highway 13 to Wisconsin Highway 86, go east, and follow the yellow signs through Ogema. Next, make a right onto Wisconsin Highway C and keep going straight as it becomes Wisconsin Highway RR. Then make a right onto the park road. It is narrow and one-way. You will pass other trailheads before you come to the parking lot for the highest point.
When you leave the highest point, you will continue going east. Then, make a right onto Wisconsin Highway RR, pass by the lake and an inn, and follow this road back to Wisconsin Highway 86.
Address: Timm’s Hill Observation Tower, W3206 Co Rd R R, Ogema, WI 54459
Fred Smith’s Wisconsin Concrete Park
Fred Smith’s Wisconsin Concrete Park is about 25 miles north of the highest point on Wisconsin Highway 13. We stopped here first before Timm’s Hill.
The Wisconsin Concrete Park is an outdoor museum with 237 embellished concrete and mixed media sculptures built between 1948 and 1964 by Fred Smith, a retired lumberjack and self-taught artist and musician.
This site is a historical panorama of life-size and larger-than-life sculptures depicting people, animals, and events from local, regional, and national history, from local lore, and Smith’s expansive imagination.
It is hard to describe this folk art, and best to see it in person.
Admission: By Donation
Address: Fred Smith’s Wisconsin Concrete Park 8236 State Hwy 13, Phillips, WI 54555
La Crosse: Grandad Bluff Park
We stopped at Grandad Bluff Park in La Crosse on returning to St. Louis.
The 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.
It is an easy walk to the lookouts on the bluff.
The park features a shelter house, coin-operated binoculars, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Address: Grandad Bluff Park, 3020 Grandad Bluff Rd, La Crosse, WI 5460
Osborne Nature Center
Another stop on the way back is the Osborne Nature Center on Iowa Highway 13.
You will find a small zoo with native animals.
The nature center itself has animals on display.
My son liked seeing the bear and the snake.
Admission: Donation
Address: Osborne Nature Center, 29862 Osborne Rd, Elkader, IA 52043
MORE HIGH POINT ADVENTURES
Going to the Highest Point in Ohio
At 1,549 feet above sea level, Campbell Hill is the highest point in Ohio and is located about 60 miles northwest of Columbus.
Missouri’s High Point- Taum Sauk
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is where you hike to the highest point in the state and the highest wet weather waterfall and continue down to the rock formation of Devil’s Tollgate.
Reaching Indiana’s High Point
The highest natural point in Indiana, Hoosier Hill, is our stop on our drive along Interstate 70 going east. It is not that high, and you won’t get altitude sickness, but it is an easy way to mark off the list of the high points.
Driving to the Highest Point in Iowa
Surrounded by cornfields on a windswept hill stands Hawkeye Point, the highest natural point in Iowa at 1,670 feet.
Throwback Highest Point: Rhode Island
We’ve gone to some of the other high points including Jerimoth Hill in Rhode Island. I did this with my son when he was a toddler and we were out on the East Coast.
Address: Jerimoth Hill, Foster, RI 02825
IN THE AREA: One Day in the Apostle Islands
Our one-day adventure to the Apostle Islands included finding a waterfall, relaxing on a beach, and seeing the sea caves.
