I've only visited a couple of times and still have a lot of exploring to do, but...

My first impressions of HNWR are positive. The park is clean. Large visitor center. Trails are well-marked and well-maintained. The roads need a little work, but they're passable, even in the old Family Truckster.

This is not a "things to do" park, as far as I can tell, so don't expect an amusement park when you arrive. This is a quiet, mostly pristine space that accommodates human visitation.

Dogs are welcome. Leash required on the trail. There's room to walk your dog off-leash away from the designated walking trails. (Please clean up after your sweet babies. 😉)

Lots of lakefront shallows to fish. It's nearly always super windy there, so come prepared. Bring water!

Yesterday I saw about 300 geese land on the lake at sunset. It was breathtaking. I saw a 6-7 lb. catfish swimming in the shallows, his back totally exposed above the water, silver and shining in the late afternoon sun.

There is a day area that's been full every time I've been there. Even in January, when the lake was frozen over, the day use area was in use. But if you're interested in solitude, there is plenty of open space in the park where you can find a quiet spot to sit and breathe. The open part of the park is never crowded. That's where we spend most of our time.

There are multiple active oil leases in the park, but the pumpjacks are quiet, and on especially foggy days, they actually add something a little spooky to the visit. It's kind of cool.

Highly recommend this park.