Mirror Lake State Park is a beautiful state park near Wisconsin Dells. There are tons of family-friendly things to do at Mirror Lake. Visitors will enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, picnics, camping, boating, and more. The park really has it all!
You’ll find 50 ft. sandstone cliff surrounding half of the 139-acre Mirror Lake with depths up to 19 feet deep. The sparkling lake recreation area is a great way to get your family out into nature.
It’s located only minutes from downtown Wisconsin Dells but you’ll feel like your in another world. Follow along and find out what you can’t miss on your visit to Wisconsin’s Mirror Lake State Park
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Fun Things to do in Mirror Lake State Park Wisconsin
Table of Contents
Mirror Lake Location
The state park is located only 3 miles south of Wisconsin Dells. It’s a quick and easy side trip to your Wisconsin Dells vacation. There is parking once you arrive at the park.
Amenities
There are several amenities at the Mirror Lake for visitors but they are pretty basic.
- Bathroom facilities
- Picnic Tables
- Grills
- Concession Stand (by boat launch only)
- Playground
Park Fees
To park at Mirror Lake State Park you will need a Wisconsin State Vehicle Admission Sticker. During COVID-19 there are no staff members at the park to sell stickers so you must purchase your vehicle sticker in advance.
To find out prices and purchasing one in advance go to this Wisconsin State Park link.
Things to Do at Mirror Lake State Park
Beach
There is a cute little beach at Mirror Lake. The water is calm and perfect for younger kids and older kids to swim. We saw many people brought small floats to use in the water too.
Next to the beach area, you will find a beach volleyball court and a playground. There are bathroom facilities close to the beach but no showers. Parking is located right by the beach.
Pack any food or drinks you’ll need as there is no concession stand at the beach area. Dogs are not allowed at the beach.
There are no lifeguards at this beach so keep an eye on your kids.
Playground
There is a nice playground located right next to the beach and bathroom facilities. When we were there it was closed for Covid-19 so check if it is open when you get there.
Boating and Kayaking
Visitors can rent from the Concession stand small pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. There is a boat launch to get the kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards into the water easily.
If you’re a beginner you might want to read these kayaking tips so you’re prepared for a fun day on the water.
The water is so calm in this area it is easy for families to paddle around Mirror Lake making it great for beginners and seasoned kayakers.
Fishing
Fishing is a fun activity in Mirror Lake State Park. Fisherman can find Northern Pike, Stocked Walleye, Largemouth Bass, bluegill, and a variety of panfish. The weedy areas on the side of the lake are good for fishing but you can also take boats out into the lake to fish.
The lake averages about 10 – 19 feet deep other than the weedy edges of the lake. They also offer Ice fishing in the winter.
Hiking
There are 28.4 miles of hiking trails at Mirror Lake State Park. You can hike on 15 different trails ranging from easy to Moderate. They are not any really difficult trails in this park.
We hiked two trails while we were at the park Lakeshore Trail and Echo Rock Trail.
Lakeview Trail
Is an easy walk along the lake and through a wooded area. To get to the trail you will see signs north of the beach and parking lot to follow. It ends at the boat launch area.
The trail is made of wood chips so not great for strollers or wheelchairs. Although you could probably push a jogging stroller.
Make sure to look in the water as you walk we saw a beaver swimming in this area. Check out his head popping out of the water in the picture above.
Echo Rock Trail
This path is a mix of wood chips and paved areas to walk. The start and end of the trail is paved but the middle is woodchips. There is a parking lot and bathroom facilities near the entrance.
Echo Rock Trail is a great path if your kids like to climb rocks. There is a cool outcropping of rock formations you can walk around and climb. You will also find nice views of the water.
The path through the woods is pretty and a nice family hike. It ends at a large bridge overlooking the water. If you continue over the bridge you will take the Inshnala loop trail. If you don’t then the Echo loop trail will take you back to the parking lot.
This was our kids favorite trail they really loved climbing all the boulders and the walk through the woods.
Here is the Mirror Lake trail map link to get a better idea of all the hiking trails.
Camping
There are several options for camping at Mirror Lake from May to October. You can pitch a tent or park your RV. They also have ADA compatiable cabins to rent.
Toilet and Shower facilities area also available seasonally.
Another great place to camp in the area is the KOA Wisconsin Dells. It’s only 15 minutes away and has great amenities and offers campsites, RV’s sites, and a variety of cabins.
We loved the KOA! It’s only one mile from Downtown Wisconsin Dells gives you easy access to all the best Wisconsin Dell’s attractions and beautiful state parks.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Located close by Mirror Lake is Devil’s Lake State Park. This park is larger and offers two beach areas, a nature center, and larger cliffs to hike. It also tends to be more crowded than Mirror Lake but it’s absolutely beautiful.
If you’re in the area I would suggest trying both parks. Families could easily do both in one day. Find out more in our review of Devil’s Lake State Park.
Your family is going to love hiking Mirror Lake State Park and exploring the many trails, swimming at the beach, boating, fishing, kayaking, and camping. The park really offers a lot of things to do and the smaller size park allows you to explore it all.
More Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells Area
Wisconsin Dells is considered the Waterpark Capitol of the world and is filled with fun family activities. Plan ahead with our list of the Top 30 Thing to Do in Wisconsin Dells all Year Long. Everything from best waterparks, amusement parks, duck boat rides, miniature golf, shows, and more.
Downtown Wisconsin Dells is a hotbed of activity. Here you’ll find tons of family-friendly restaurants and shops. Kids will love the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Laser tag, arcades, and more throughout the downtown stretch.
There is even a pretty Riverwalk to stroll and see a close up of the famous Dell’s sandstone bluffs.
If you deiced you would rather stay at a local Waterpark Resort two of our favorites are the Wilderness Resort and Great Wolf Lodge. Both offer fabulous indoor and outdoor pools and tons of activities for the kids.
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