Trying to find the best places in Wisconsin and Illinois

[Gideon]

Need some recommendations; I drive to Southeastern Wisconsin frequently on business. I live in Missouri and head up north through Illinois. I'm trying to plan some hikes/hangs to go along with my business trips. I'd like to find the best scenic hikes in those states where you can hang/camp. I normally don't do more than 6-9 miles a day; not trying to rack up the mileage here, just looking for some spectacular places to hike on the end of some of these business trips.

If you can recommend some places in Illinois or Wisconsin, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks
Gideon

[Drewski]

Try checking out Jim Cavanaugh's blog, Hiking Illinois, I believe...maybe also pm him...he should have some good ideas about Illinois.

[e_2]

Southeast Wisconsin, hmm... As far as state parks with backpacking/hiking trails and such, there's the mostly only "reservable campsite" stuff down there. Once you drive a few hours north of the Illinois border, you start to see the "primitive" camping areas. The Devil's Lake State Park is probably the worst thing to happen to state parks, in my opinion. I've heard Glacial Drumlin is ok... but haven't been there myself.

If you have time to explore more of Wisconsin:

Try Rock Island at the tip of Door County (few hours north of Green Bay). It's been years since I went up there, but fun day hike to go around the island.

Try the Turtle Flambeau flowage if you like more secluded campsites that are free to stay at (though you have to use an actual site with firepit, etc. or you get fined). It's especially nice if you have a canoe/kayak.

[Gideon]

Some suggestions already, thanks! I'm willing to drive further in any direction to get to some of the better/best sights in either state.

Anyone else have some favorite hikes in those two states? Of course I need to be able to primitive camp and hang my hammock!

Gideon