Kettle Moraine State Forest—Lapham Peak Unit

Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level). Lapham Peak Unit's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing on lighted trails.

In the fall, Lapham Peak offers fall color both close up and in panoramic views.
DNR Photo

The Kettle Moraine and Lapham Peak were formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. More than 1,000 acres of this hilly terrain are within the Lapham Peak boundaries. Lapham Peak has a variety of sights and activities to offer.

• 21.2 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail with a reservable backpack campsite
• 17.2 miles of cross-country ski trails (including 2.5 miles of lighted trails for night skiing). Snowmaking supplements the natural snow.
  

  Trails are groomed for both traditional and skate-style skiing.
  Photo © Tom Davenport

• 5 miles of mountain bike trails
• easily accessible from the 115-mile Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

The trails wind through wooded hills and open meadows. Abundant bird life and wildlife can be observed from all trails, and guided bird hikes are held each spring. There are several prairie restoration sites and a butterfly garden.

There are picnic areas with three reservable shelter buildings.

All vehicles stopping in Lapham Peak must have a state park admission sticker. These stickers are available at the contact booth near the park entrance either from park staff or through the use of a self-registration deposit box. In addition to the park admission fees, mountain bike, cross-country ski, in-line skate and horse trail users 16 years and older must have a state trail pass. The park sticker and state trail pass are valid at all Wisconsin State Parks and Forests.

It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.spring, summer, and fall and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the winter.

Nearby Attractions and Lodging

Delafield [exit DNR]
Delafield & Oconomowoc Area [exit DNR]—Accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more
Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Waukesha [exit DNR]

How to Get There

Lapham Peak is 25 miles west of Milwaukee and 1 mile south of Interstate 94 near Delafield, on County Highway C.

For more information, ask:

Ed Muzik, Property Manager
Kettle Moraine State Forest—Lapham Peak Unit
W329 N846 Co. C
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 646-3025