Wisconsin’s state parks system is full of gems to explore, from the bluffs at Devil’s Lake and the dunes at Kohler Andrae to the gorge at Parfrey’s Glen and the views at Maiden Rock Bluff.

But many state properties can be crowded, especially in the summer, and they’re not the only parks worth visiting in Wisconsin.

Consider a local or county park for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Some aren’t secrets anymore, but you're still likely to find less people, especially during the week.

You're not going to find dozens of miles of hiking trails like at some state properties, but you will find landscapes that are just as beautiful. Plus, many are free.

Here are 12 of the best local and county parks in Wisconsin.

Cave Point County Park, Door County

This falls into the not-much-of-a-secret category, but the park, within Whitefish Dunes State Park south of Jacksonport, is worth a visit for its white limestone bluffs and turquoise water. A short trail follows the bluff top through the park, with access to a white-stone beach. Some swimmers brave the chilly Lake Michigan waters in summer, while others opt to explore the cliffs and their caves by kayak. Launch your own from the sandy beach at Whitefish Dunes, or join a tour with an outfitter like Door County Kayak Tours or Door County Adventure Center.

Find the park at 5360 Schauer Road, Sturgeon Bay. It’s free to visit, but you need a state parks admission sticker to get into Whitefish Dunes next door.

Dells of the Eau Claire, Marathon County

East of Wausau, this park protects a scenic gorge on the Eau Claire River. A 2.5-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail travels through the park, along the 40-foot red-gray cliffs on the river and through woods filled with hemlock, sugar maple, yellow birch and ash. As the river cuts through the dells, it tumbles over the rocks in a series of waterfalls and rapids.

The park includes a stone bridge built in 1927, plus buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the ‘30s, which helped land it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

For longer trips, there’s a rustic, 28-site campground (17 sites have electricity; vault toilets only, no showers) that’s open May 1 through Oct. 31. Reservations are $17 for nonelectric sites and $20 for electric.

Find the park at P2150 County Highway Y, Aniwa, about 15 miles east of Wausau.

Marinette County parks

The waterfall capital of Wisconsin has a handful of terrific county parks that protect half of the county’s 14 waterfalls. Pick up a copy of the waterfall tour map at the visitor center, 1926 Hall Ave., Marinette, or online at therealnorth.com.

If you only have time for a few, be sure to visit the 50-foot Long Slide Falls, one of the best of the bunch, about 7 miles north of Pembine. Then hike about 1.5 miles upstream (or get back in your car for a short drive) to see Smalley Falls.

Also check out Goodman County Park, where a series of bridges cross the Peshtigo River near 20-foot Strong Falls. The park has 15 rustic campsites (no electric, $15/night, half are reservable) and a cabin available for rent ($75/night).

Twelve Foot Falls Park, south of Dunbar, is home to its namesake falls plus the smaller Eight Foot Falls. This park has one of the most accessible cascades in the county — Twelve Foot Falls is visible from the parking lot.

Admission to Marinette County parks is $5 per day per car, or $20 for an annual pass.

Pier County Park, Richland County

If you're in the area, this small Driftless Region park is worth a visit to see one of the largest natural bridges in the state. The 20-foot rock formation stretches for half a mile through the park. The west branch of the Pine River has pushed its way through the formation, and humans have made their own way, too, via a tunnel and bridge at its base. Stairs near the parking lot lead to the top of the bluff and a trail that offers views of the surrounding hills.

The park is free to visit. Find it at 17520 Highway 80, Rockbridge. There are six first-come, first-served campsites (get a permit at the Natural Bridge store next door) and vault toilets.

While you’re in the area, head 35 miles east to see the state’s largest natural bridge at Natural Bridge State Park, E7792 County Road C, North Freedom.

Door Bluff Headlands, Door County

Ditch the crowds at Peninsula State Park and head north to this rustic county park on its own peninsula north of Ellison Bay. A few miles of rustic trails loop along wooded bluffs, providing views of Lake Michigan. The trails are not marked, so bring a phone and don’t wander to a point where you’re not sure how to get back to your car. The turnaround parking lot has a porta-potty but no other facilities.

Find the free park at 12900 Door Bluff Park Road, Ellison Bay.

Schoolhouse Beach Park, Washington Island

This small park on Washington Harbor on the north side of Washington Island has white rocks instead of white sand. Bring a chair to enjoy the view of the beautiful rocks as they cascade into the clear blue water of Lake Michigan. The calm, protected harbor makes for good swimming, and the park has a raft. There’s also a picnic area along the wooded shore.

Find the free park at 1824 Washington Harbor Road, about 4.7 miles from the ferry dock on the south side of the island. To get to Washington Island, take the ferry from Northport at the end of Highway 42 on the northern tip of the Door County peninsula. The year-round ferry costs $13.50 for adults, $7 for kids ages 6-11, $26 for vehicles (oversized are more, passengers not included), $15 for motorcycles and $4 for bicycles. Pets travel free.

Fonferek’s Glen, Brown County

The 30-foot waterfall that cascades over a dolomite cliff is the highlight of this small park in Ledgeview, although it might only be a trickle later in the summer. The waterfall is an easy 100-yard walk from the parking lot, but don’t stop there. Follow the creek farther into the park to see a large stone arch and other rock formations.

Find the free park at 2825 Dutchman Road, Ledgeview. The parking lot is next to a barn; a new electronic park gate closes at sunset — be sure you're gone before you get locked in.

Houghton Falls Nature Preserve, Bayfield County

A trail travels the length of a creek that has cut a scenic gorge into the red-brown sandstone that is characteristic of the Apostle Islands’ famous cliffs and sea caves farther north. The creek tumbles over a couple ledges along the way, before dumping into Lake Superior where you can see more sandstone in the form of 30-foot cliffs.

Find the preserve, which is maintained by the Town of Bayview, on Houghton Falls Road west of Highway 13, north of Washburn. It’s open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 through Sept. 15 and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 to March 31. The parking area gate is closed outside those hours and cars inside are subject to fines; hiking after hours can also result in fines.

Lost Creek Falls, Cornucopia

A 1.5-mile trail leads to a curtain cascade in a small glen on the Bayfield Peninsula. If the water is low enough, walk across the creek and stand behind the waterfall to feel its spray.

Find the trailhead on Trail Drive off County Highway C south of Cornucopia. You can also access the waterfall via ATV/snowmobile trails off Klemik Road to the west, but it’s a rougher and more difficult hike from there.

Buena Vista Park, Alma

Buena vista means “good view” in Spanish, which is an understatement for this park on a bluff 500 feet above the Mississippi River. The terrific views are a short, accessible walk from the parking lot on top of the bluff, or you can hike up from Second Street in Alma. Views include a look at Lock and Dam No. 4 on the river.

Find the free park off County Road E outside Alma.

Grandad Bluff, La Crosse

The city of La Crosse and the Mississippi River are spread out below this park, which is really just an overlook on top of a 600-foot bluff. The lookout is a short, accessible walk from the parking lot on top of the bluff. Visit in the evening to catch the sunset. For more hiking, try Hixon Forest nearby.

The free park is at 3020 Grandad Bluff Road. It has a reservable shelter and restrooms.

Grant Park, Milwaukee County

There’s an old saying that the best park is the one in your backyard. There are plenty to choose from in Milwaukee County, but Grant Park and its Seven Bridges Trail is a favorite. The trail travels up and down ravines along Lake Michigan before leading to its rocky shore. The park has another trail that travels along the bluffs for the length of the park, providing views of Lake Michigan. The paved Oak Leaf Trail also winds through the park.

Find the trailhead at the north end of the free park, which is at 100 Hawthorne Ave, South Milwaukee.

Contact Chelsey Lewis at (414) 224-2144 or clewis@journalsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter at @chelseylew and @TravelMJS and Facebook at Journal Sentinel Travel.