Parnell Tower
Ascend Parnell Tower for stunning 360° views of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, especially vibrant during autumn.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors!
Parnell Tower
Best Time
Peak fall colors!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Parnell Tower for stunning 360° views of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, especially vibrant during autumn.
"The view from the top made the climb totally worth it."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills quickly, especially on fall weekends. Aim for early morning to secure a spot .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs to the tower and a moderate hike loop. Good footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 600 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Parnell Tower Observation Deck
Top of the tower
Ascend 90 steps for breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Autumn Foliage
Kettle Moraine State Forest surrounding the tower
Witness a stunning display of fiery reds, glowing golds, and deep amber hues during the fall season.
Parnell Tower Trail Loop
Trailhead near the tower
Enjoy a moderate 3.4-mile loop hike with roughly 700 ft of elevation gain through scenic woods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Colors
Prepare for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills quickly, especially on fall weekends. Aim for early morning to secure a spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs to the tower and a moderate hike loop. Good footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
🍂 Chase the Fall Colors
Mid-October is prime time for vibrant foliage. Check local reports for peak color timing.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the hike. Potable water is available, but carrying your own is convenient.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills quickly, especially on fall weekends. Aim for early morning to secure a spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs to the tower and a moderate hike loop. Good footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
🍂 Chase the Fall Colors
Mid-October is prime time for vibrant foliage. Check local reports for peak color timing.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially for the hike. Potable water is available, but carrying your own is convenient.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great outing for furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parnell Tower for its breathtaking panoramic views, especially during the vibrant autumn season. The hike and the climb up the tower are considered rewarding, offering a great nature experience. While parking can be challenging on busy days and the stairs require some effort, the overall consensus is that it's a beautiful and worthwhile destination.
"We visited Parnell Tower last Sunday and had a great time. The hike in was peaceful, and the tower itself offered some really nice views. The trees hadn’t fully changed colors yet, but you could tell fall was on its way — it still looked beautiful.
The trail was easy to follow with a few hills and roots here and there, but nothing too difficult. The tower felt sturdy and well maintained, and the view from the top made the climb totally worth it. It wasn’t very crowded, which made it even better.
Overall, a really nice spot to enjoy nature and get a great view of the Kettle Moraine area. I’d definitely go back, especially once the fall colors are in full swing."
Luke Pater
"Love Parnell tower , another great state park, very popular spot gets full quick (parking lot gets crazy) it is a state park so there is a fee. Bathrooms are available as well as potable water ,pet are welcome on a leash if I remember correctly. Great spot to admire the 🍂 fall 🍁 colors ."
Erik Sanchez
"Great hiking spot. Lovely view for the tower. Good 5 mile loop hike or shorter if you choose. In the woods and great nature experience. Vault toilets. Limited parking on busy days. Initial hike to tower is many steps. Dog friendly."
Sarah Weber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parnell Tower is located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, about an hour north of Milwaukee.
Public transportation options to Parnell Tower are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with others.
The Parnell Tower Trail is a popular moderate loop, often linked with the Ice Age Trail.
Parnell Tower is approximately 1 hour north of Milwaukee, making it a popular day trip destination for city dwellers.
Yes, vault toilets are available at the trailhead and near the tower area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parnell Tower is located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which requires a Wisconsin State Park admission sticker or daily fee. This fee helps maintain the park's facilities and trails.
The Kettle Moraine State Forest is generally open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. The tower itself is accessible during these hours, but it's best to visit during daylight for safety and optimal views.
No, advance booking is not required for Parnell Tower. However, due to its popularity, especially during fall, arriving early is highly recommended to ensure parking.
Yes, Parnell Tower is accessible in winter, offering a different but equally beautiful perspective of the landscape. Be prepared for potentially snowy or icy conditions on the trails and stairs.
There are no age restrictions for visiting Parnell Tower, but visitors should be able to manage the stairs and the hike. Children should be supervised by an adult.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are approximately 90 steps to reach the top of the Parnell Tower observation deck, in addition to the stairs leading up to the tower's base from the parking lot.
The view from the top is a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. During fall, it's renowned for its vibrant autumn colors.
The Parnell Tower Trail is a moderate loop, often connected to the Ice Age Trail, offering a great nature experience with hills and roots.
Absolutely! The panoramic views, especially during fall, make Parnell Tower a photographer's dream.
A quick visit to the tower itself might take 30-60 minutes. However, if you plan to hike the surrounding trails, allow 2-4 hours for a more comprehensive experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Parnell Tower or within the immediate trailhead area. It's recommended to pack a picnic or plan to eat in a nearby town like Sheboygan or Plymouth.
Yes, picnicking is a great option! There are scenic spots within the Kettle Moraine State Forest where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Nearby towns like Plymouth and Sheboygan offer various dining options, from casual cafes to local restaurants. These are typically a 15-30 minute drive from the tower.
Alcohol consumption is generally prohibited in Wisconsin State Parks, including the Kettle Moraine State Forest, to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
Vending machines are not typically available at Parnell Tower or its trailhead. It's best to bring all your snacks and drinks with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Parnell Tower.
The panoramic views from the tower, especially during fall foliage, are stunning. Don't forget to capture the tower itself, the surrounding forest, and the winding trails.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan to conduct commercial photography or videography, you may need to obtain a permit from the Wisconsin DNR.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the landscape. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Wisconsin State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest regulations with the Wisconsin DNR before flying a drone.
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