09/29/2026
You can go from lakefront to prairie to wetlands without ever leaving Southern Wisconsin.
Three counties. Three very different ways to get outside. One of the things I love about Southern Wisconsin is how quickly the landscape can change. Drive across Rock, Walworth and Kenosha Counties and youâll find lakefront, prairie, wetlands, woods and trails, all within a pretty easy drive of one another.
In Walworth County, Big Foot Beach State Park sits along Geneva Lake just south of Lake Geneva. Itâs one of those places that can be something different depending on the day. You can camp, hike, swim, paddle, fish or simply find a quiet spot near the water. In fall, the combination of lake and changing leaves makes it especially beautiful.
Head east into Kenosha County and the story changes completely. Richard B**g State Recreation Area covers thousands of acres of prairie, wetlands, woodland and open space. What makes it even more interesting is its history. The property was once intended to become an Air Force jet base before those plans were abandoned. Today, instead of fighter jets, youâll find hikers, campers, horseback riders, birdwatchers and people exploring one of the largest outdoor recreation areas in this part of Wisconsin.
Rock County tells a quieter version of the story. While it doesnât have a traditional Wisconsin property carrying the âState Parkâ name, the county has a collection of State Natural Areas protecting prairie, wetlands, woods and other pieces of the landscape that make this part of Wisconsin special.
Maybe thatâs the bigger story. When we talk about choosing where to live, we tend to talk about the house, the neighborhood, schools, restaurants and the commute. But sometimes itâs also about what you can reach on a Saturday morning. A lake, a trail, a campground or a patch of prairie you didnât even know was there. Thatâs part of what makes Southern Wisconsin such an interesting place to call home.
What park, trail or outdoor spot in Rock, Walworth or Kenosha County do you think everyone should experience at least once? If youâre enjoying these stories about the communities and places that make Southern Wisconsin special, follow along. There are a lot more stories to tell.
Thomas Pullen, Realtor
ReThink Realty
Helping people discover where they belong in Southern Wisconsin.