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Tucked away in Eagle, Wisconsin, Paradise Springs Nature Area is one of those quick, easy outdoor adventures that feels like you’ve stumbled into a fairytale. With crystal-clear spring water, paved paths, and fascinating local history, it’s an ideal stop for families who want something beautiful, low-effort, and stroller-friendly.
What Makes Paradise Springs Special
The Stunning Freshwater Spring
The main attraction is the natural spring itself — one of the clearest, purest bodies of water in Wisconsin, often reflecting the sky like a mirror. Kids love peering into the turquoise-colored water and watching the flow inside the springhouse.
An Easy Walk for All Ages
The paved, less-than-a-mile loop makes this one of the easiest nature walks you can do with kids:
- Stroller-friendly
- Short enough for toddlers
- Easy for grandparents
- Lots of “wow” moments packed into a tiny space
The path leads to an observation deck, a gentle waterfall, and historic stone structures that feel straight out of a storybook.
A Look Back in Time
From Luxury Resort to Bottling Plant
Paradise Springs was once a getaway spot for Milwaukee’s elite. You’ll still see remnants of:
- A horse track
- A shuffleboard court
- The impressive stone Springhouse built by Louis Petit (“The Salt King”)
His grandson, August Pabst, later inherited the land — a fun note for Milwaukee families familiar with the Pabst name.
Later, the site became a spring-water bottling plant known for “Lullaby Baby Drinking Water.”
Planning Your Visit
Location & Drive Time
Paradise Springs Nature Area
Eagle, Wisconsin
~50 minutes from Milwaukee
A typical visit lasts about 30 minutes, but it’s memorable, peaceful, and makes a great pairing with another nearby activity.
Accessibility Notes
- Fully paved trail
- Short distance (less than a mile)
- Mostly flat
- Great for strollers and wheelchairs
- Shaded areas throughout
What to Bring
- Bug spray
- Comfortable shoes (even though it’s paved)
- Water
- A camera — the spring is extremely photogenic
Easy Stops Nearby for Families
Fox River Park (20 Minutes Away)
If you want to make a half-day trip out of it, Fox River Park is an excellent add-on.
Kids especially love the nature playground with the 30-foot hillside slide.
Sweet Treat Stop
There’s a friendly Culver’s in Mukwonago along Rochester St. — perfect for a post-adventure treat or quick lunch.
Other Natural Springs in Wisconsin
- Big Spring (Adams County) – Large natural spring feeding into the Wisconsin River.
- Copper Falls State Park Springs – Smaller springs along scenic trails.
- Wyalusing State Park Springs – Seasonal springs near wooded hiking areas.
More Family-Friendly Day Trips
- Cedarburg
- East Troy Electric Railroad
- Shalom Wildlife Zoo
- Lapham Peak
- Holy Hill
- 100 Best Day Trips From Milwaukee For Families
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
