Exploring Timm’s Hill: Wisconsin’s Highest Point and a Family Adventure

When you live in Wisconsin, outdoor adventures aren’t hard to come by. Over Labor Day weekend, my kids and I decided to check something off our family bucket list: a visit to Timm’s Hill, the highest point in Wisconsin. Nestled in northern Wisconsin near the little town of Ogema, Timm’s Hill might not be as well-known as places like Rib Mountain in Wausau, but it offers its own kind of magic—peaceful lakes, quiet trails, and views that make the climb worth it.

View of Timm's Hill from across the lake

Looking down from the top of the tower

One of the hiking trails on the way to Timm's Hill

Looking up at the observation tower at Timm's Hill

The incredible view from the Timm's Hill observation tower

The trail map near the parking lot at Timm's Hill County Park

First Impressions of Timm’s Hill

One of the fun facts that drew us to Timm’s Hill is that it’s officially the highest natural point in Wisconsin, standing at 1,951 feet above sea level. Technically, that makes it taller than Rib Mountain back home in Wausau. But here’s the funny thing: because the surrounding land is already pretty high, it doesn’t feel like you’re standing on top of a massive peak. Instead, it feels more like a gentle hill rising above rolling forests.

That said, the view from the top is still spectacular. There is an observation tower at the summit. From the top, we looked out over endless trees dotted with small lakes, their surfaces sparkling in the sun. The horizon stretched on and on—one of those views that reminds you just how much natural beauty Wisconsin has to offer.

Hiking Trails and Woodland Wonders

Getting to the summit isn’t much of a hike—maybe a few hundred yards from the parking area—but the real fun comes if you take the trails that weave through the park. Timm’s Hill is part of the Ice Age Trail system, which means you can choose your adventure: short walks perfect for kids or longer hikes that give you a real workout.

We stuck with family-friendly trails, winding through dense woods where the late summer light filtered through the leaves. The kids loved exploring, pointing out different types of trees, and listening for birds. At one point, we stopped and just stood still, taking in how quiet it was. No traffic, no phones buzzing—just the sound of the wind moving through the trees.

Lakes Around Timm’s Hill

One of the most underrated features of Timm’s Hill Park is its little lakes. Bass Lake and Timm’s Lake sit right at the base of the hill, and they’re the kind of spots you almost don’t want to tell people about because they feel like hidden gems.

From the tower, we watched families fish along the shore. Later, my kids walked down to the water's edge to search for turtles. They found some. The reflections of the trees on the lake were picture-perfect, and I couldn’t help but think how beautiful this place must be when the leaves change in fall.

If you’re into paddling, you can even launch a canoe or kayak and get right up close to the calm water. For us, just sitting near the shore was enough—sometimes simple moments make the best memories.

Lunch at Hill of Beans

Of course, no family outing is complete without food, and we had heard that the nearby Hill of Beans Restaurant was the perfect stop after exploring Timm’s Hill. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea because we arrived smack in the middle of the lunch rush. We had to wait a bit for a table, but it was more than worth it.

Hill of Beans is one of those cozy, small-town restaurants where you immediately feel at home. The menu had a little bit of everything, from sandwiches to hearty breakfasts, and the portions were generous enough to satisfy both me and two hungry kids. My daughter gave two thumbs up to her sandwich, and my son is still talking about his gyro. As for me, I also had the gyro, and it was absolutely wonderful!

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, sipping coffee and chatting, even though you know there are still adventures waiting outside.

Why Timm’s Hill, Wisconsin is Worth the Trip

So, is Timm’s Hill as dramatic as Rib Mountain? Honestly, no. Rib Mountain towers above the Wisconsin River Valley with a kind of rugged presence you can’t miss. But Timm’s Hill has a quieter charm. It’s more about serenity than grandeur—less about conquering a mountain and more about connecting with nature.

For families, it’s ideal. The trails aren’t intimidating, the lakes are beautiful, and the views from the tower are rewarding without requiring a full-day hike. Add in a stop at Hill of Beans, and you’ve got yourself the recipe for a perfect northern Wisconsin day trip.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re considering a trip to Timm’s Hill, here are a few quick tips:

• Location: Timm’s Hill County Park, Ogema, Wisconsin.

• Best time to visit: Late summer and fall for hiking; winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, from what I hear.

• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water bottles, and maybe a picnic to enjoy by the lakes.

• Don’t miss: Climbing the observation tower. You'll want the photos and the bragging rights.

Final Thoughts

Our Labor Day weekend adventure to Timm’s Hill reminded me that sometimes the best family trips don’t require long drives or expensive tickets. They’re found on winding county roads, up a wooden tower, beside a quiet lake, or in a friendly little restaurant.

Timm’s Hill might be Wisconsin’s highest point, but for us, it was about something more important: time together. And that’s a summit I’ll happily climb again.