Heritage Hill State Park is a unique Wisconsin living history park. While it is categorized as a state park, it is not your typical Wisconsin State Park. This park has some hiking but no campgrounds, boating, biking, or swimming. It is a special place where Wisconsin history comes to life. If you love history and state parks, check out nearby Copper Culture or Aztalan State Park.
Admission to Heritage Hill State Park
Heritage Hill is a state historical park that does not participate in the admission sticker that gets you into most other state parks. Admission prices vary from free for those 5 years and under, to $12 for an adult day pass. There are discounts for seniors and youth.
The park hours change seasonally, but it is open in some capacity all year round. Check the hours for the season you plan to visit here.
What to Expect
This park is a fun place to stroll around and learn about history. Historical interpreters are in the park and in various buildings. When you buy your admission tickets, they will tell you which buildings are staffed. Be sure to mark which buildings they are in on your map so you don’t miss any cool sights.
The buildings vary in time period and function. Most of the buildings are from the 1800s. They are separated into four areas. the Agriculture area, Fort Howard, the Growing Community, and La Baye Fur Trade. The buildings include a fur trade home, several chapels, a cheese factory, a hospital, a prison, a library, a blacksmith, a firehouse, and more.
The buildings we liked best were those that were staffed. Seeing people in costume helps make it more real, and they are great at answering questions and providing interesting facts.
Tips and Tricks
A coffee house and gift shop sells a few treats at the main entrance. This includes cold brew, coffee, granola bars, and trail mix. Consider packing a picnic and enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are picnic tables throughout the park.
There are several paths to wind through the park. If you want to see all the exhibits, expect to walk approximately 2 miles on the rolling grounds.
Several flush toilets in the park, in addition to a port-potty, make rest stops convenient.
With two young kids, we spent perhaps 2 hours in the park.
Kids at Heritage Hill
Most of the paths in the park are crushed stone, and a sturdy stroller would not have a problem rolling around. A large play fort in the center includes rock climbing, a tire swing, slides, and tunnels. There are also some great educational displays under the play area.
Sprinkled throughout the park are interactive games and exhibits. This includes egg and spoon, checkers, and horseshoes. Stop and have a try at one of these classic games. There are also other areas where interaction is encouraged, such as being able to try braiding a rug or wearing historical dress-up clothes.
This isn’t the children’s museum, but there are still lots of opportunities for kids to get involved, and there is so much history to learn and appreciate.
Nearby State Parks
Copper Culture is 35 minutes north of Heritage Hill. This state park focuses on an old burial ground and the copper people. If you love history, try Aztalan State Park, which is about 2 hours south and the site of an ancient Indian village.
Less than 20 minutes south of Heritage Hill State Park is Lost Dauphin, a small Wisconsin State Park. Potawatomi State Park is at the entrance of Door County and is 45 minutes northeast. Finally, High Cliff State Park is 40 minutes south, adjacent to Appleton.
Nearby Activities
Green Bay has a ton of fun to explore. To stay outside and enjoy nature, check out the Bay Beach Wildlife Refugee. There is a free zoo, ducks to feed, and an outdoor educational exhibit. If you want a more traditional zoo, try the New Zoo. For extra fun, try a wild encounter or the canopy suspension bridge. They also have a ropes course and a zip line course.
It’s fun to take a short hike to either Fonferek’s Falls or Wequiock Falls in both summer and winter.
For a less nature-based experience, try the BayBeach Amusement Park, which is packed with permanent carnival rides for cheap. Try the Children’s Museum, the National Railroad Museum, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and Museum, or the Neville Public Museum to find an indoor activity.
For adult shenanigans, try the Foxy Pedlar Party Bike or Segway the Fox tour.
Nearby Food
For a morning pick-me-up, check out Kavarna coffee. They also have a vegetarian deli, but if you specifically want a traditional breakfast go to Black Stone Family Restaurant. We love the sourdough bread at Voyageur’s Bakehouse. If you are visiting Lambeau Field, check out 1919 Kitchen. Check out Sushi Lover for all-you-can-eat Japanese fare. If you prefer southern-style comfort food, stop by T. Bacon’s BBQ. If you would rather have a sports bar atmosphere, try Mackinaw Grill. The menu is broad, and everyone should be able to find something they like. Cheesesteak Rebellion has amazing sandwiches! The Rebellion wording is part of a Star Wars-type theme with lots of memorabilia.
In Conclusion…
Heritage Hill State Historical Park is a great place to see history come alive. This is not your typical state park, but we really enjoyed our visit. Strolling through the grounds, you can imagine yourself in another time, and there is something for everyone to learn. After your time in Heritage Hill, Green Bay has plenty to offer, from parks and waterfalls to museums and restaurants.
