Delafield, WI: Southern Wisconsin Chapter, Lapham Peak State Park Hike

MORE ABOUT THE PARK: The park is formally known as ‘Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit.”
The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest was formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. Lapham Peak’s glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level).
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/laphampeak

GETTING THERE: Take I-94, and as you approach Delafield, take Exit 285 for County Road C (Hwy C) and proceed south about a mile. Lapham Peak will be on the left side.

We will meet in a pavilion called the Mike Fort Open Air Shelter located off the Homestead Parking lot. Link to map (https://tinyurl.com/52k64k3e)
From the Park Entrance, proceed to the Park Office (you can grab a paper map here, they are free), then follow directions to Homestead Parking (drive approximately 1/2 mile, then turn left into the parking lot). You will see the pavilion a short walking distance away.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Park Admission: Since it’s a state park, a vehicle sticker from the State of Wisconsin Park System is required. Fee: Annual $28 or Daily $8. You can purchase at the Park Office or online.

Facilities: Bathrooms are located right by the Homestead Parking lot. The shelter has many picnic tables as well as electric outlets.

Potential Guest Speaker: Mr. John Hillmer, president of Friends of Lapham Peak, is tentatively scheduled to meet us at 1pm to welcome us and give us a short presentation on the peak before we start our hike.

The hike will be approximately 4-5 miles. The terrain is not too bad, but there are some ups and downs so trekking poles could be useful.

WHAT TO BRING: Trekking poles could be good. Tapas or wine to share. We will provide the plates, forks, cups, and napkins.