Covered Bridge County Park
About
Covered Bridge County Park offers a perfect blend of history and nature that captivates kids and parents alike. The centerpiece is Wisconsin's last remaining covered bridge, which kids love exploring, while Cedar Creek provides endless opportunities for wading, skipping stones, and spotting wildlife. With a playground, picnic facilities, and easy walking trails through wooded areas, it's an ideal spot for a half-day family adventure.
Highlights
- ✓Walking through Wisconsin's last covered bridge, built in 1876
- ✓Wading and playing in Cedar Creek's shallow waters
- ✓Playground equipment for various ages
- ✓Scenic walking trails perfect for family nature walks
- ✓Abundant wildlife spotting opportunities including ducks, frogs, and fish
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring water shoes or old sneakers for creek play,the rocky creek bed is perfect for wading but can be slippery
- 2.Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded areas near the bridge; there are plenty of tables but no concessions on-site
- 3.Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience, as weekends can get busy with wedding photos at the picturesque bridge
- 4.Don't miss the short trail that loops around the park,it's stroller-friendly and takes about 20 minutes with kids
- 5.Bring a camera! The covered bridge makes for amazing family photos, especially in fall when leaves are changing
Best Time to Visit
Early fall (September-October) offers the best experience with comfortable temperatures, stunning foliage, and lower water levels perfect for creek exploration. Weekday mornings provide the most peaceful visits, while late afternoon offers beautiful lighting for photos.
What to Know
Parking and admission are free. The park has restrooms and picnic tables but no food vendors, so pack snacks and drinks. Trails and main areas are accessible, though creek access involves uneven terrain.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours in summer (6 AM-9 PM). Spring brings high water levels and blooming wildflowers. Fall foliage (late September-October) is spectacular. Winter offers snow-covered scenery and occasional cross-country skiing, though the playground may be inaccessible.
Nearby Eats
Downtown Cedarburg (5 minutes away) offers several family-friendly options including Amy's Café for casual American fare and Ferch's Malt Shoppe & Grille for burgers and ice cream that kids love.
More Activities Near Cedarburg
Cedar Creek Park
Cedar Creek Park is a sprawling family paradise in charming Cedarburg that delivers everything active families need for a full day of outdoor fun. With top-notch playground equipment that keeps kids entertained for hours, plus baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and plenty of open green space for impromptu soccer games or kite flying, this highly-rated park consistently earns praise from local families.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail offers 30 miles of smooth, paved pathways perfect for families looking to explore Cedarburg and beyond on bikes, scooters, or foot. This scenic trail winds through charming communities and natural landscapes, making it ideal for everything from short family bike rides to longer adventures with older kids who love covering distance.
Cedar Creek Settlement Shops
Cedar Creek Settlement Shops offers a unique blend of history and shopping that surprisingly engages kids with its scenic creek-side setting and charming stone mill buildings dating back to the 1800s. Children love exploring the winding pathways between buildings, watching the creek flow below, and discovering quirky treasures in the eclectic mix of specialty shops and galleries.
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve offers families an exciting Lake Michigan adventure with dramatic ravines, towering bluffs, and real fossil hunting along the shoreline. Kids love scrambling down the wooden stairs to the beach, searching for ancient fossils in the rocks, and exploring the winding trails through forested gorges that feel like a wilderness expedition right near Milwaukee.