A 125-acre area within the 1,147-acre park is designated as a state natural area, recognizing its excellent cliff environments, an undisturbed wet-mesic forest, and more than a mile of Lake Winnebago shoreline. Effigy mounds are important archaeological features.

Things to Do

• Picnicking: High Cliff has four picnic areas with tables, grills, water, and rest rooms. Three open-air shelters and an enclosed pavilion may be reserved for a fee.
• Nature programs: The general store museum/nature center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. High Cliff offers educational field trips for groups, by reservation, during the fall, winter, and spring.
• Watchable wildlife: The most common mammals observed here are fox and gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, deer, and woodchucks, 13-striped ground squirrels, chipmunks, mice, shrews, and bats. Present, but rarely seen, are red fox, weasels, and mink.
• High Cliff is a premier area to watch the warbler migration in the spring. A bird brochure is available at the park office.
• Play: High Cliff has a volleyball court, ball diamonds, and play equipment.