Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 05/27/2022 12:00 PM CDT
DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
DNR staff and volunteers are ready to welcome visitors at Perrot State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Featured Activity: Memorial Day Weekend
Whether it's for a day, an evening or a long weekend, Memorial Day offers activities to kick-off summer and simmer down from spring. Across Wisconsin, folks are getting out their boats, bikes and grills. We're dusting off our camping gear, airing out our RVs and tucking away all the snow supplies.
Just as we make the transition at home, state park properties are also gearing up for warmer weather. Summer staff are arriving, and concession stands restocked for another round of fun in the sun. DNR staff are ready to welcome you to another great summer exploring the beauty of Wisconsin.
Beaches, equestrian trails, ATV trails, campsites, rental centers, nature and interpretive centers and other amenities will be open at state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas over Memorial Day weekend, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Visitors at popular parks and forests should expect lines at entrance gates and crowded parking lots.
Make your trip smoother and avoid lines at entrances with these quick tips:
Double-check you have everything you need, including insect and tick repellent, snacks and activities for potentially long lines.
Bring cash for firewood sales, snacks, trail passes and other incidentals you might need (not all park sites are credit card compatible).
Familiarize yourself with campground maps, parking locations and trailheads before you go.
Pack water, wear sturdy shoes and wear sun protection.
Vehicles with admission stickers do not need to wait in line to enter parks or forests. Campers are automatically checked in when arriving to the property and can proceed directly to their campsite.
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times for Wisconsin state park properties. Please be patient and respect other visitors and property staff as we all enjoy the start of a new season.
Did you know: There are over 6,500 campsites in Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas, and over Memorial Day weekend, nearly ALL of those campsites fill up?
OutWiGo! Spring is in full swing! Now is a great time to #OutWIGo and check out the many things that make the Badger State a recreational paradise for millions of residents and visitors each year.
Daytrippin’ In Milwaukee: The Milwaukee area is an urban oasis for outdoor exploration. Make a day of it and explore one (or more!) of these six hidden gems in the area.
Explore accessible amenities and features across the state: The outdoors are open for you to explore and we are committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities. Whether at our parks and forests, on land and water, there is something for everyone.
Natural Resources Foundation Field Trips: Hundreds of trips are planned for May through October this year, presenting opportunities to be active, explore and learn in all parts of the state.
"Apple Pie" Hiking All 11 National Scenic Trails "Apple Pie" (a.k.a. Arlette Laan) is hiking her way across the Ice Age National and State Scenic Trail, her 11th trail in the National Scenic Trail system. When she's made it across Wisconsin, she will be the first (documented) woman to have hiked all 11 National Scenic Trails. Follow her adventures across this 1100+ mile trail from Interstate State Park to Potawatomi State Park by visiting her blog for daily updates!
Photo: Lakeshore State Park / Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Lake Wissota State Park, northeast of Chippewa Falls, screams summer in a state park! This park offers secluded campsites, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, picnic and playground areas and a swimming beach on a 6,300-acre human-made lake. Boating, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing are popular summer activities on the lake.
At Lake Wissota, bicycling is popular, with over 11 miles of park trails open to off-road bicycling and access to the Old Abe State Trail. This paved railroad grade trail is a 20- mile ride to Brunet Island State Park in Cornell.
There is a lot to make Lake Wissota a hidden gem off the beaten path. The fishing pier at Lake Wissota is ADA accessible. There's a kayak launch at the beach area, an interpretive trail, a hands-on nature center and rustic camping. In nearby Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire, you'll find plenty of local restaurants, festivals, shopping and more. And, for the ATV riders out there, Chippewa County is a top spot for ATV riding.
For directions, recreation opportunities, camping reservations and more info about Lake Wissota State Park, visit the DNR's webpage.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Upcoming Events
TREES AND SHRUBS OF DOOR COUNTY Meet in the Nature Center, Lot 1
Join arborist and horticulturist Tom Wolfe as he shares his vast knowledge about trees and shrubs. There will be plenty of time for questions. Weather permitting, we will spend some time in the woods.
