Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area
A 60-Foot Tower Above 700 Acres of Restored Prairie and Forest
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area in Dunn County, Wisconsin, offers something rare in the Upper Midwest: a 60-foot observation tower perched on one of the highest points in the county, delivering panoramic views across a patchwork of restored tallgrass prairie, rolling hardwood hills, and wetlands that stretch to the horizon in every direction.
The 700-acre park near Menomonie — about 20 minutes from Eau Claire — is a landscape recovery story. What was once degraded farmland has been transformed through deliberate restoration into a mosaic of the habitats that defined pre-settlement Wisconsin: 15 acres of tallgrass prairie, mature oak-hickory forest, and wetland corridors that support diverse wildlife communities.
The Observation Tower
The park’s signature feature is its 60-foot observation tower, reached via a moderate uphill hike through the forest. From the top, the 360-degree view encompasses the rolling hills of western Wisconsin’s Driftless-adjacent terrain — a landscape shaped by glaciers that stopped just short of this area, leaving behind the rolling topography that makes Hoffman Hills so visually compelling.
The tower is particularly spectacular during fall foliage season, when the surrounding hardwood canopy erupts in color and the elevated vantage point transforms the view into an endless carpet of red, orange, and gold.
9 Miles of Trails Through Diverse Habitats
Over 9 miles of hiking trails wind through the recreation area, passing through distinctly different habitats within a relatively compact space:
- Prairie trails through restored tallgrass meadows where big bluestem, Indian grass, and wildflowers create a living museum of Wisconsin’s pre-settlement landscape
- Forest trails through mature oak, maple, and hickory woods
- Wetland boardwalks crossing boggy lowlands
- Ridge trails offering long-distance views across the rolling terrain
Note: No pets are allowed at Hoffman Hills — a rare restriction that keeps the trails quiet and allows wildlife to use the restored habitats without disturbance. Bicycles, motor vehicles, and horses are also prohibited on trails.
Winter: Groomed Cross-Country Skiing
In winter, the trail system transforms into 9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails — one of the best Nordic skiing destinations in the Chippewa Valley. A state trail pass is required for skiers 16 and older. Snowshoeing is permitted in a dedicated off-trail area on the western portion of the property, but sleds and snowboards are not allowed on groomed trails.
The recreation area is free to enter (no vehicle admission sticker required) and open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM.
Park Location
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