Glacier Hills County Park in Richfield placed third in Milwaukee Magazine’s Best of the Burbs survey for parks in the northern suburbs. The results were announced in their April issue. The annual survey reveals area favorites in a variety of categories. This year, they asked readers to pick the Best of the Burbs, and Glacier Hills County Park made the winners’ list.

Glacier Hills County Park opened in 1977 and features 140 acres of predominantly forest with approximately 1200 feet of frontage on Friess Lake. The park is located in the village of Richfield at 1664 Friess Lake Road, just two miles south of Holy Hill Basilica in the heart of the Kettle Moraine. The park has its own chapel, large reception hall, and nine cabins available to rent.

“It’s not surprising that Glacier Hills County Park continues to add accolades and build its reputation as best in class,” said Jamie Ludovic, Chief Community Development Officer. “Visitors continue to be amazed that Washington County’s scenic kettle moraine is just minutes away from all the amenities of Milwaukee.”

Glacier Hills County Park is the flagship park of the Washington County Parks & Trails System. What sets this park apart is not only the iconic topography and serene nature, but its deep history and the impact it has had on thousands of orphans from the 1930's-1970's.

Today there is no longer an orphanage, but the footprint of the past still remains. Beginning in 2017, Glacier Hills County Park has been undergoing a revitalization to pay homage to the past while making way for the future.  Many of the original structures from the camp still remain. The Mess Hall, Nun’s House, Little Flower Mission Chapel, and Cabins have all been converted to host families, friends, and community events.

https://www.washcowisco.gov/departments/natural_resources/parks___trails/parks/glacier_hills/reservations