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Lapham Peak State Park in Delafield is one of the best kid-friendly hiking destinations near Milwaukee. Just 25 miles west of the city, it offers easy trails, panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and family-friendly amenities that make outdoor time feel doable and fun.
With over 17 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate, families can choose the walk that best fits their kids’ ages and energy levels. Whether you’re looking for a short paved loop, a scenic nature walk, or a climb to one of southeastern Wisconsin’s best overlooks, this park has something for everyone.
Before you head out, here’s everything you need to know.
💡 Looking for more places to explore? Check out our full guide to State Parks Within One Hour of Milwaukee for even more kid-friendly trails and scenic spots close to home.
Quick Guide to Lapham Peak
- Best trail for kids: Plantation Path
- Difficulty: Easy
- Don’t miss: 45-foot observation tower
- Nature Center: Seasonal, with panoramic views
- Wildlife: Deer, groundhogs, turkeys, raptors, sandhill cranes, and more
- Hours: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. year-round
- Parking: Wisconsin State Park System sticker or day pass required
What to Bring
- Layers (weather changes quickly in southern Wisconsin)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Water bottles and simple snacks
- A trail map (or a screenshot)
- A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker or day pass
How to Get There
📍 Address:
W329 N846 County Trunk Hwy C, Delafield, WI 53018
Lapham Peak is located one mile south of I-94 on County Highway C. From Milwaukee, take I-94 west, exit on County Hwy C, and head south — the entrance is on the left.
💡 If you’re heading to Delafield, you can also make a quick stop at the Smiley Barn Toy & Candy Store, a nostalgic local favorite that’s perfect for a treat before or after your hike.
Best Kid-Friendly Trails
Plantation Path
This is the easiest and most family-friendly trail in the park.
What you’ll find:
- A paved, handicap-accessible path
- Prairie and woodland scenery
- A nearby butterfly garden
- Easy navigation for strollers and young walkers
Start at the Hausmann Nature Center for the simplest access point.
Don’t Miss: The Lapham Peak Observation Tower
The park’s standout feature is the 45-foot wooden tower at the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level).
From the top, kids can look for:
- I-94
- Delafield
- Holy Hill
- Pewaukee Lake
- Milwaukee skyline (U.S. Bank & Northwestern Mutual buildings)
- The Ice Age Trail
- Nemahbin Lakes
You can hike up from the Plantation Path or drive to the nearby parking lot if you’re short on time.
The tower is especially spectacular in the fall.
Hausmann Nature Center
Originally the 8,700-square-foot home of Bernice and Dr. Paul Hausmann, this building was donated to the state and transformed into an environmental education center.
Why it’s worth a stop:
- Huge windows with beautiful views
- Displays of native plants and animals
- Geologic history of the area
- Native American artifacts
- A quiet place to rest and explore
Hours vary by season, so it may not always be open.
Wildlife & What to Look For
Families can spot an impressive range of animals:
- Deer
- Groundhogs
- Turkeys
- Raptors
- Sandhill cranes
- Seasonal songbirds
Rare but possible:
- Foxes
- Skunks
- Raccoons
- Coyotes
- Mink
- Badgers
Seasonal wildflowers are also abundant throughout the park.
Seasonal Tips
Fall: The most spectacular tower views.
Winter: Popular for cross-country skiing.
Summer: Bring extra sunscreen and bug spray.
Spring: Muddy trails — pack backups for shoes.
Parking + Passes
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required.
You can buy:
- An annual sticker (valid statewide)
- A day pass (good for one day)
Purchase online or at the park entrance.
Related Posts
- State Parks Within One Hour of Milwaukee
- Gorgeous Fall Hikes Around Milwaukee
- Best Views in Southeastern Wisconsin
Final Thoughts
Lapham Peak offers an easy, accessible way for families to get outside together — whether you’re tackling a short paved loop, climbing the tower, or simply spotting wildlife along the way. It’s the kind of hike that works for a wide range of ages, and one you can return to in every season.
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.
