🌤 Weather at Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–68 °F | 55–82 °F | 24–72 °F | 4–29 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Menomonie, 4 mi away, elevation 780 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
707-Acre Hilltop Recreation Area — 60-Foot Observation Tower with Panoramic Dunn County Views, Hiking Trails Through Restored Prairie and Wetlands, Groomed Cross-Country Skiing, Free Admission, Menomonie Wisconsin
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area is a 707-acre state recreation area northeast of Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin. The recreation area features a 60-foot observation tower on one of the highest points in Dunn County providing sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, farmland, and distant ridgelines, a well-maintained network of hiking trails through restored wooded hills, wetlands, wildflower meadows, and native prairie, groomed cross-country skiing trails in winter (Wisconsin State Trail Pass required for skiing), year-round access from 6 AM to 11 PM with free admission and no vehicle sticker required, and diverse landscapes showcasing Wisconsin’s glacial topography, prairie restoration ecology, and wetland habitats.
Hoffman Hills is Wisconsin’s hilltop viewpoint — the 60-foot observation tower on one of Dunn County’s highest points delivers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, farmland, and distant ridgelines. The tower is the main landmark drawing visitors to this 707-acre recreation area.
The trail network traverses restored wooded hills, wetlands, wildflower meadows, and native prairie — a showcase of Wisconsin’s glacial topography and prairie restoration ecology.
Things to Do
- Observation tower — 60 ft, sweeping panoramic views
- Hiking — hills, wetlands, prairie, meadow trails
- XC skiing — groomed winter trails (trail pass req.)
- Nature study — restored prairie + wetland ecology
- Wildlife — diverse habitats, grassland birds
- Photography — tower panoramas, landscape views
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | NE of Menomonie, Dunn County, WI |
| Size | 707 acres — hills, wetlands, native prairie |
| Tower | 60 ft — one of highest points in Dunn County |
| Hours | 6 AM – 11 PM, year-round |
| Admission | Free — no vehicle sticker required |
| Managed By | Wisconsin DNR |
| Coordinates | 44.9750° N, 91.8038° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area free?
Yes — Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area near Menomonie, Wisconsin, does not require a vehicle admission sticker and is completely free to visit. The 707-acre park is open year-round from 6 AM to 11 PM. Features include a 60-foot observation tower on one of Dunn County’s highest points with sweeping panoramic views, hiking trails through restored hills, wetlands, wildflower meadows, and native prairie. Cross-country skiing is available on groomed winter trails (Wisconsin State Trail Pass required for skiing only).
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Wissota State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most Wisconsin state park campgrounds, trails, roads and outlying areas, but must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum physical leash required at all times (except in designated pet swim areas while the pet is in the water)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on public beaches, but over 30 properties (e.g. Devil's Lake, Governor Dodge, Point Beach) have designated pet swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in buildings, picnic shelters or other structures unless specifically signed as open to pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited entirely at Copper Culture, Heritage Hill and Hoffman Hills State Recreation Areas; designated pet picnic areas exist at many properties
Are dogs allowed at Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area?
Pets are welcome in most Wisconsin state park campgrounds, trails, roads and outlying areas, but must be leashed and under control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.wisconsin.gov. More: Wisconsin state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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