Town of Dayton

Parks & Trails

There are a variety of areas in the Town of Dayton for outdoor and leisure activities. Some of the most popular are listed below.

Hartman Creek State Park

Hartman Creek State Park is about 1500 acres containing a lake with a sand-bottom swimming beach, picnic areas, horse riding trails, bike trails, cross country skiing trails, fishing areas, hiking trails, 101 family campsites and five group camping areas. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail (hiking trail), a thousand mile footpath through Wisconsin that highlights Ice Age landscape features, passes through Hartman Creek State Park. Usage fees apply. Please refer to the internet for more information.

Nelson Park

Nelson Park is located on the Crystal River on Hwy K near the Red Mill in the unincorporated village of Little Hope. The park is only one-half acre, but contains restroom facilities, picnic tables and grills. There is a small footbridge to a small island in the center of the Crystal River. Consider Nelson park for fishing or a family picnic. No reservations are required.

Snowmobile Trails

Snowmobile Trail maps and trail status can be found at the Waupaca County Parks & Recreation web site. The Town of Dayton is located in the southwest corner of zone 7.

Wau-King Trail

The Wau-King trail is a 3.9 mile asphalt covered trail that briefly passes through the northeast corner of the Town of Dayton as it travels from the Grand Army Home in King, WI to the City of Waupaca. The trail is very scenic as it travels through the forested property of the Grand Army Home. The trail is very suitable for both hiking and biking. There are a couple of hills that make the trail a moderate challenge for the casual biker.