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These hard but fractured limestone layers are part of the Niagara Escarpment, the edge of a vast sedimentary rock layer that once formed on the bottom of ancient seas. It keeps its cliff edge because the soft shale underneath erodes, leaving the dolomite overhanging --until it breaks off and forms a new cliff face.
Find the latest news on park hours, restroom availability, capacity limits, and more on the DNR website.
We are the volunteers who enjoy, help preserve, and enhance this natural resource known as High Cliff State Park, named for the limestone cliff of the Niagara Escarpment that figures prominently here. This 1,187-acre treasure near Sherwood, Wisconsin, in Calumet County is the only state!-owned recreation area on Lake Winnebago.
Each of us finds so much in this park to appreciate. We hope you will, too.
Our Friends group (FOHC) was established in 1997 as a non-profit corporation formed under chapter 181 of the Wisconsin Statutes. It is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. FOHC is organized for the charitable and educational purpose of supporting, assisting, and promoting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services.
The group has the following objectives:
Promote the park through publications, special events, and interpretive programs.
Provide and coordinate volunteer services that support the programs of the park.
Provide financial support to High Cliff State Park for the furtherance of its programs, facilities, and resources by raising revenues through such methods as membership fees, donations, sales, grants, and special events.
Please explore our website and High Cliff State Park and consider becoming a member.
Among High Cliff State Park’s treasures:
shelters including a handicapped-accessible facility with kitchen facilities
watchable wildlife including turkey vultures, purple martins, and deer
an observation tower atop the limestone cliffs
a marina
play areas including a new handicapped-accessible playground in 2020
a paved handicapped-accessible trail and fishing ramp at the Butterfly Pond
a 125-acre area state natural area, designated in recognition of the cliff environments, wet-mesic forest, and Lake Winnebago shoreline.
the remains of a lime kiln industry that operated here from 1855 to 1956
Pre-American history effigy mounds created between 1000 A.D. and 1500 A.D.
a main campground, group campground and a specially designed cabin that offers accessible opportunities for people with disabilities.
picnic areas, volleyball court and a beach
hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails
What's not to love?
Photo of current, deteriorating steps on the Lime Kiln Trail
Currently, the Friends are diligently working on updating the Lime Kiln Trail. For more information on the fundraiser click here.
For a photo gallery of progress with the Lime Kiln Trail, click here.
All photos are the copyright of the individual photographers and should not be reproduced without permission.Website photos courtesy of: (c) Greg Burns(c) Jay Vosters(c) Paul Stelter(c) Donna Franczek(c) Beth Braun
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