Hewitt WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hewitt, Wisconsin.
1. North Wood County Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The North Wood County Historical Society offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich past through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. Housed in a historic building, this museum showcases the development of Wood County communities including Hewitt. Visitors can explore photographs, documents, and items that tell the story of local settlers, industries, and cultural heritage.
2. Wildwood Zoo
NATIVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Wildwood Zoo delights visitors with its collection of native Wisconsin wildlife in naturalistic habitats spanning 60 acres. The zoo features impressive exhibits including bison, wolves, cougars, and bears, allowing guests to observe these magnificent animals up close. Families particularly enjoy the accessible walking paths, educational programs, and special seasonal events throughout the year.
3. Joe & Bernadine Weber's Nature Park
PEACEFUL WOODLAND RETREAT
Joe & Bernadine Weber's Nature Park offers a serene natural escape with winding trails through diverse woodland habitats near Hewitt. This community park features well-maintained paths, native plantings, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife photography. Visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and interpretive signage that highlights the ecological significance of the area.
4. Jurustic Park
WHIMSICAL METAL SCULPTURES
Jurustic Park amazes visitors with its collection of fantastical metal sculptures created by local artist Clyde Wynia from discarded farm equipment and scrap metal. This unique outdoor art installation features hundreds of creatures said to represent the extinct wildlife that once inhabited Wisconsin's marshes. Guests can meet the artist, who often provides entertaining stories about his imaginative creations during self-guided tours.
5. Yellowstone Recreational Park
FAMILY SPORTS COMPLEX
Yellowstone Recreational Park serves as Hewitt's premier sports and recreation facility with three baseball stadiums and two volleyball courts. The park features an extensive playground area specifically designed for younger children to enjoy. Families appreciate this well-maintained complex for both organized sporting events and casual recreational activities throughout the warmer months.
6. Sterling Lake
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE ACTIVITIES
Sterling Lake offers visitors a tranquil setting for outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and picnicking near Hewitt. The surrounding trails provide accessible routes for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels, ranging from easy strolls to moderate hikes. The lake's pristine waters and scenic shore views make it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in Wisconsin's natural beauty.
7. Rudolph Grotto Gardens
SACRED SPIRITUAL GARDENS
Rudolph Grotto Gardens invites visitors to explore its peaceful religious shrines and intricate stone structures nestled within beautifully landscaped grounds. Created by Father Philip Wagner beginning in 1919, the gardens feature a wonder cave, stations of the cross, and numerous devotional areas inspired by European grottos. Visitors of all faiths appreciate the tranquility and artistic craftsmanship of this site located near Hewitt in Wood County.
8. Wanaque Reservoir Viewpoint
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The Wanaque Reservoir Viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of the water against the backdrop of Saddle and Buck mountains. On clear days, visitors can even catch glimpses of the New York City skyline in the distance. Nature photographers particularly value this location for its stunning landscape perspectives and changing seasonal colors.
9. Surprise Lake
SERENE FOREST RESERVOIR
Surprise Lake is a charming reservoir nestled within Abraham Hewitt State Forest, offering a more intimate alternative to larger nearby bodies of water. The lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful shoreline relaxation without large crowds. Surrounded by lush forest, the area features several access points and small beaches perfect for day-use visitors.
10. Powers Bluff County Park
WINTER SPORTS DESTINATION
Powers Bluff County Park offers year-round recreation with a focus on winter sports including downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing on its impressive 300-foot vertical drop. During warmer months, visitors enjoy hiking trails that showcase native effigy mounds and provide spectacular views of the surrounding Wood County landscape. This natural area holds cultural significance as a former settlement of the Potawatomi tribe, with interpretive displays highlighting this heritage.
11. Dexter County Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Dexter County Park welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to its scenic grounds along the Yellow River just a short drive from Hewitt. The park features excellent fishing access, canoe launches, and picnic areas nestled among mature trees. Families appreciate the combination of recreational facilities and natural spaces that accommodate both active play and peaceful relaxation.
12. McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area
PREMIER BIRD WATCHING HABITAT
McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area encompasses over 6,500 acres of diverse wetland habitat that attracts an impressive variety of migratory birds and waterfowl. Visitors can explore designated trails and observation points that provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout different seasons. The area also accommodates seasonal hunting, fishing, and trapping within regulations designed to preserve this important ecological resource near Hewitt.
13. Fern Forest Trail
FLOWING MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE
Fern Forest Trail delights mountain biking enthusiasts with its combination of flowing sections, technical rocky challenges, and sweeping turns through lush fern-covered woodland. The trail's varied terrain offers experiences for different skill levels while maintaining a connection to the natural beauty of the surrounding forest. Riders particularly enjoy the dappled sunlight and cooler temperatures that make this a favorite route during summer months.
14. Marshfield Wildwood Park
URBAN NATURAL OASIS
Marshfield Wildwood Park offers residents and visitors alike a convenient escape into nature without leaving the city, just a short drive from Hewitt. The park features a network of paved and natural trails winding through diverse habitats including woodlands, prairie areas, and wetlands. Recreational amenities include picnic shelters, playground equipment, and open green spaces perfect for family gatherings and community events.
15. Wisconsin Trapshooting Association
PREMIER SHOOTING SPORTS FACILITY
The Wisconsin Trapshooting Association grounds host one of the Midwest's largest and most comprehensive shooting sports facilities within driving distance of Hewitt. The complex features multiple trap fields, skeet ranges, and sporting clays courses that accommodate both competitive events and recreational shooting. Visitors appreciate the professional setup, safety protocols, and welcoming atmosphere for both novice and experienced sport shooters.