The 45-foot observation tower sits at an elevation of 1,233 feet above sea level.
The park was named in honor of Increase A. Lapham, Wisconsin's first state scientist and a pioneer in meteorology.
The lighted ski trail is one of the few in the Midwest offering night skiing opportunities.
The terrain was shaped by the Green Bay Lobe of the continental glacier roughly 10,000 years ago.
The park serves as a hub for the Ice Age Trail, a thousand-mile footpath tracing the edge of the last glacier.
Lapham Peak, the highest point in Waukesha County, serves as the centerpiece of this state forest unit. The site features a 45-foot observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding Kettle Moraine landscape. Visitors access a diverse trail network spanning over 17 miles, including segments suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park hosts a dedicated lighted ski trail system that is groomed during winter months. Geological features here were formed by the retreat of the Wisconsin glaciation, resulting in the region's characteristic kettle and moraine topography. The park provides various picnic areas equipped with charcoal grills and reservable shelters. It is integrated into the larger Ice Age National Scenic Trail system. Visitors can observe restored prairie habitats alongside dense hardwood forests. An indoor nature center provides educational exhibits regarding the local ecosystem.
The top platform of the observation tower.
Bring binoculars to the top of the observation tower to spot the Milwaukee skyline on clear days.
Check the official Wisconsin DNR website for current trail grooming reports before heading out for winter skiing.
Wear insect repellent during summer months as the wooded sections can be prone to ticks and mosquitoes.
Do not attempt to traverse the expert-rated mountain bike trails without appropriate equipment and skill levels.
The observation tower may be closed during severe weather or high-wind warnings; ski trails require a specific permit.
Leash pets at all times; stay on marked trails to protect native prairie vegetation.
