Places in Southern Wisconsin You might want to visit for photography

Usually most of the beautiful photos in Wisconsin come from the Northern Part of the State such as Door County or the area around Bayfield or perhaps near the National Forests up North. All the major waterfalls in Wisconsin also reside in the North as well. However, Southern Wisconsin does Harbor many places where great photography of Nature can be taken as well. If you live in Madison or in Southern Wisconsin and don't want to/don't have time to drive four hours up North, here are a few spots you should consider for outdoors photography.

1. Pewit's Nest -- This is a small hidden Gorge near Baraboo that has been cut out by Skillet Creek. It features some cascading waters as well as great scenery in all seasons of the year(although it may be frozen in the winter). Fall would be the best time to get at a time close to sunset, you can get some great shots. Bring a ND filter for getting smooth rapids/waterfalls. You may have to do a little bit of scrambling on the cliffs to get to the best photography spots. 

2. Gibralter Rock -- Located Near the Wisconsin River, this bluff and hike offers great views of the Wisconsin River Valley. This spot offers you great opportunities for panoramic shots of the Farmland and is especially good if you go close to sunset and stand on the high bluff while taking photos.

3. Devil's Lake - I almost didn't put this one on here because everyone who lives in Southern Wisconsin already knows about Devil's lake. It is the go-to place for picnics. However, sunset on the South Shore and on the Bluff itself is great and it does connect onto the ice-age trail. On a clear moonless night, you can see an abundance of Stars there although the light pollution from nearby Baraboo and Sauk City is still in effect. Looking across the lake at night also gives some opportunities at night-time photos.

4. Hogback Prairie  -- Located in the middle of Nowhere in some farmland and about 2 hours away from Madison, Hogback Prairie is probably the best place for stargazing in Southern Wisconsin. Unfortunately, I went on a night with a near full moon so the stars were not in full view. But, it was one of the brightest moons I've seen in Southern Wisconsin. Miles away from the nearest notable town, this place is about as far away from Civilization as you can get in Southern Wisconsin. You would have to go up to the Flambeau River area in the north to get better stargazing Opportunities.

5. Wildcat Mountain --  Wildcat Mountain State Park is also a great place to stargaze in Southern Wisconsin. Its not quite as good as Hogback Prairie but light pollution is small relatively Speaking for Southern Wisconsin. Also, there are incredible sunset photo opportunities from the Obeservation spot.

6. Port Washington -- Few cities/town ever make it onto my lists, however, port Washington, its Marina, and its lighthouses give great chances at sunrise photos. You must get there at dawn before sunrise to take advantage of this though.

7. Kettle Moraine South -- The Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine is a beautiful place, especially in the fall with all its lakes and hiking trails. However, there is one specific place where there is a large hill to capture great shots of the sunset. It will take a while to find as the Southern Unit of the forest is quite large.