Hidden Gems: Timm’s Hill — The Highest Point in Wiscon

Hidden Gems: Timm’s Hill, The Highest Point in Wisconsin Is Right in Our Backyard

The highest point in Wisconsin is right in our backyard. Have you made the climb yet?

Most people driving through Price County on Highway 13 have no idea they’re passing within a few miles of the state’s highest point. Timm’s Hill, 1,951.5 feet above sea level. Sits in the Timm’s Hill County Park, roughly 20 minutes east of Phillips. It’s not Denali. It’s not even close. But in a state known for being flat, this modest hill matters. And the trail to the top is worth every step. Read more Price County stories from across the web.

The Climb: What to Expect

There are two ways to summit Timm’s Hill. The easy way and the better way.

The easy way: Drive to the parking area at the top of the county park road. Walk 200 feet to the observation tower. Take a photo. Leave. You’ve technically stood on the highest point in Wisconsin. You’ve also missed the entire point.

The better way: Park at the lower lot. Take the Timm’s Hill National Recreation Trail. A 1.8-mile loop that winds through old-growth hemlock, crosses a wooden bridge over a cascading creek, and gains roughly 300 feet of elevation before reaching the summit. The trail is well-maintained, well-marked, and surprisingly quiet for a place that holds a state record. Most mornings, you’ll have it to yourself.

The observation tower at the summit gives you a 360-degree view that, on a clear day, stretches across half of Price County. You can see the ribbons of the Flambeau River, the dark mass of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and. If you know where to look. The glint of Spirit Lake to the northwest.

Why Timm’s Hill Matters (Beyond Being Tall)

Timm’s Hill isn’t just a geographic curiosity. It’s a geological story. The hill is part of the Timm’s Hill Moraine. A ridge of rock and gravel left behind by the Laurentide Ice Sheet roughly 12,000 years ago. When the glaciers retreated, they scraped the land flat across most of Wisconsin. But here, in Price County, they left behind a field that rises and falls, creates watersheds, and shapes every river and lake in the region.

The result? The hill is why Price County has the fishing, the waterfalls, the swimming holes, and the cabin-dotted lakes that make this corner of Wisconsin worth visiting. The highest point in the state isn’t just a destination. It’s the reason the destinations around it exist.

What to Know Before You Go

Parking: Free. Two lots. Lower lot for the trail, upper lot for the tower.
Trail conditions: Well-maintained gravel and dirt. Dry by mid-May most years. Muddy after heavy rain.
Time: 45 minutes to summit from the lower lot at a casual pace. 90 minutes for the full loop.
Difficulty: Moderate. The 300-foot gain is steady, not steep. Anyone in reasonable shape can do it.
Best time: Early morning, May through October. Fall colors in late September are worth the drive alone.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. Your dog will love this trail. You will love that it tires them out.
Nearby: Duroy Lake is 10 minutes east and has a quiet beach and boat launch. Worth combining.

The Observation Tower

The wooden tower at the summit was rebuilt in 2024 after the previous structure aged beyond safe use. The new tower is sturdy, has a proper landing at the top, and can handle the wind. Which, at 1,951 feet, you will feel. Bring a windbreaker even on warm days.

There’s a plaque at the base marking the elevation. There’s also a geocache. If you’re into that, you know what to do. If you’re not, it’s a good spot for a photo that will make your flatland friends jealous.

Making a Day of It

Timm’s Hill is a morning activity. Here’s how to build a full day around it:

Morning (7-9 AM): Hike Timm’s Hill. Beat the heat and the handful of other hikers. Pack coffee in a thermos. There’s a bench at the top that was made for it.

Mid-Morning (9-11 AM): Drive 10 minutes east to Duroy Lake. Walk the shoreline, skip rocks, let the dog swim. There’s a DNR boat launch if you brought a kayak.

Lunch: Head back toward Phillips. Stop at Ripsaw Saloon in Prentice, 20 minutes from Timm’s Hill via county roads. The beef tallow fries are worth the detour.

Afternoon:

Getting There

Timm’s Hill County Park is located at N45°08.950′, W090°18.450′, or just search “Timm’s Hill County Park” in your maps app. From Phillips, take County Road H east for 12 miles, then turn right on Timm’s Hill Road. From Prentice, take County Road H west for 8 miles, then left on Timm’s Hill Road. The park entrance is well-marked.

No entrance fee. No reservation required. Open year-round, though the tower may be closed in icy conditions.

The Point of Going

Wisconsin’s highest point isn’t going to take your breath away the way the Rockies would. That’s not the point. The point is that you live in a state where the highest point is a quiet county park with a wooden tower, a gravel trail through hemlock trees, and a view of rivers and lakes that were shaped by ice 12,000 years ago. And it’s 20 minutes from Phillips.

The highest point in Wisconsin is right in our backyard. Go climb it.

See also: our weekend weather preview

Last updated: May 2026

Is there free camping in Price County Wisconsin?

Yes, Price County has several free camping options including Solon Springs County Park and select sites along the Flambeau River. Dispersed camping is also allowed in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

What is there to do in Price County Wisconsin?

Price County has ATV trails, fishing on the Phillips Chain and Flambeau River, camping, hiking at Timm’s Hill, and dining at local spots like Ripsaw Saloon in Prentice.

Where is Price County Wisconsin?

Price County is in north-central Wisconsin, about 3 hours north of Madison and 2.5 hours northwest of Green Bay. The county seat is Phillips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Timm’s Hill and why is it significant?

Timm’s Hill in Price County is the highest natural point in Wisconsin at 1,951.5 feet above sea level. Located in the Timm’s Hill County Park, it has an observation tower with panoramic views of the surrounding northwoods field.

Can you hike to the top of Timm’s Hill?

Yes, Timm’s Hill County Park has hiking trails leading to the summit, including a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The hike is moderate and the observation tower at the top provides 360-degree views.

Is there a fee to visit Timm’s Hill?

Timm’s Hill County Park has no entrance fee for day use. A Wisconsin State Parks vehicle sticker is not required since it’s a county park. Donations are accepted at the park for trail maintenance.