DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 An all-terrain trackchair is used at Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Featured Activity: Open The Outdoors
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities around the state. Equipment, materials and building techniques have made accessibility improvements attainable in more park properties.
The DNR's Open the Outdoors webpage provides information on recreation options for individuals with disabilities, while our accessibility map and searchable filters on the DNR's Find A Park interactive map tool make it easy to find accessible amenities.
The DNR, Friends of State Parks groups and partner organizations are actively working to make park properties more accessible to more people. Some of the features available at park properties include:
- Accessible cabins and camp sites
- Accessible fishing piers
- Accessible playgrounds and trails
- Adaptive kayak rentals
- Adaptive beach wheelchair rentals
- Sit-skis for cross-country skiing
- Mobi-mats for beach access
- All-terrain wheelchair rentals
As new technologies, equipment and materials become available, we'll continue to expand our offerings. Thanks to Friends of Wisconsin State Parks for their support and funding of this vital equipment!
FLAG DAY VETERAN'S HIKE
Tuesday, June 14, 6 - 7:30 pm
This Flag Day, Lakeshore State Park invites veterans and their families, as well as the general public, on a guided tour of the park, with a focus on the Milwaukee lakefront area’s history. Meet at the Park’s north entrance, just west of Discovery World. All ages and abilities welcome!
Did You Know: On June 14, 1954 — Flag Day 67 years ago — the gates of a newly constructed dam on the Yellowstone River in southwest Wisconsin were closed. The resulting body of water that formed was the state's 8,677th lake, Yellowstone Lake, and eventually led to the creation of Yellowstone Lake State Park. Flag Day commemorates the day the U.S. Flag was adopted by Congress.
Below: The DNR's Accessibility at Wisconsin State Park System Properties map is available on the DNR's website. It lists accessibility features at park properties.
Outdoor News & Announcements
Accessibility Improvements At Copper Falls State Park
This May, several improvements were made at Copper Falls State Park for ADA accessibility. An accessible pad was installed at the ADA cabin in the south campground, and a fishing pier and walkway were recently installed at Loon Lake. These projects were made possible by funding from the Weizenicker Grant and a donation from the Friends of Copper Falls. The accessible parking area, walkway and fishing pier will be a great asset for all park visitors to enjoy!
Photos above right and below: Accessibility improvements at Copper Falls State Park. / Credit: Chris Bender for Friends of Copper Falls State Park
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Spotlight On: Interstate State Park
Wisconsin's first state park, Interstate State Park, was established in 1900. Located in St. Croix Falls on the Wisconsin - Minnesota border, Interstate State Park features unique features, like the "Old Man of the Dalles" rock formation and potholes on rock faces. A gorge known as Dalles of the St. Croix is a spectacular attraction at this park (dalles are the rapids in a river confined between the walls of a gorge or canyon).
The western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is located at Interstate Park. At the Ice Age Interpretive Center, you can learn about the frozen history of Wisconsin and the gifts of the Ice Age. Summer naturalist programs are offered Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Explore the trails, ponder the potholes or hear the colorful history of the St. Croix River valley during a guided hike or activity.
Activities at the park include swimming, non-motorized boating, camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and picnicking. The Pothole Trail, Lake 'o the Dalles Trail, Summit Rock Trail and Skyline Trail all offer stunning views of varied landscapes at the park. Interstate State Park is close to several linear trails for bicycling, including the Gandy Dancer State Trail.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway passes through Interstate State Park. For more about the state park, please click here.
Interstate State Park Photo: Wisconsin DNR
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Upcoming Events
Shakespeare In The State Parks Returns!
First show is Saturday, June 10 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Traveling theater troupe Summit Players Theatre returns to Wisconsin State Parks to present Much Ado About Nothing! Check out the DNR Events calendar for show venues, dates and times. Prior to each performance of this comedy, join the troupe for a fun, play-specific educational workshop on Shakespearean history, language and characters.
In this fast-paced adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, two couples find their romance interrupted by revenge plotting, mistaken identities and merry madness.
The Summit Players are a traveling theatre company that presents free, accessible Shakespeare workshops and performances offered free of charge to all visitors. Park admission is required. This event is recommended for anyone ages 8 and up.
Find more Nature Programs and DNR events here.
Image: Summit Players Theatre
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Where do you #OutWiGo? When you post pictures of your outdoor adventures, be sure to tag #OutWiGo to share with us!
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