DNR Parks And Recreation News

What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas

The Smelter House at Tower Hill State Park in Spring Green is an historic building. Historical markers, interpretive displays, historic buildings and artifacts highlight the history, and beauty, of this park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

History In The Parks

Wisconsin’s State Park System is rooted in protecting areas for recreation and public study in conservation and nature. Tied into that is a connection to our state’s rich history.

Many state properties tell stories of Wisconsin’s history, from days of glaciers and pre-human habitation to locations significant to Indigenous peoples and pioneer settlements.

Visitors to park properties can learn about the ecology of the land and, at many locations, about events that happened before the property was part of the park system.

Historical markers, interpretive panels and displays, effigy mounds, nature centers, buildings, guided tours and other identifiers teach us about the places you visit. Among the history are other amenities, including recreation, quiet, camping, conservation and socializing.

While archaeological studies, deeds, newspaper articles and word-of-mouth can provide a glimpse into the past, there are also many things unknown about park properties.

Start exploring Wisconsin's history through state park properties by visiting the Middle-Mississippian culture at Aztalan, pioneer re-enactment villages at Heritage Hill, lighthouse tours and Icelandic boathouse at Rock Island or the lead shot tower and smelter house at Tower Hill state parks.

At your next park visit, can you imagine what or who was on the land before you?

^{Did you know: The first Wisconsin state park was established in 1909 but tourists have been visiting Devil's Lake since it became a resort area in the 1860's.} 

Outdoor News & Announcements Wisconsin State Fair Starts Aug. 4 The Wisconsin State Fair starts next week, and the Wisconsin DNR is excited to announce the agency will be there to engage with fairgoers Aug. 4-14. This year's theme is once again “OutWiGo” with a focus on outdoor recreation across the state. With 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, and roughly 15,000 lakes, Wisconsin offers residents and visitors countless opportunities to Find Your Adventure and Go Wild In Wisconsin. State Fair is the perfect place for fairgoers to meet with DNR experts to learn about Wisconsin’s world-class fishing, wildlife, state parks and get the inside scoop on all things outdoor recreation. The DNR display is located in the north building at Exploratory Park located on the south side of Main Street across from the Original Cream Puff Pavilion. Fairgoers can join DNR staff in fun and educational experiences, including interactive exhibits for all ages. Visitors are also invited to check out our dynamic displays and learn all about our abundant natural resources. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

Lost Dauphin State Park

Lost Dauphin is one of the state's smallest state parks, at just about 19 acres. Located along the Fox River, the park offers rolling hiking trails and picnicking opportunities.

A pavilion and a playground are available here, and a "curious case". Long before it was a park, this land was left to Madeline Jourdan, the daughter of a French-Canadian father and Menominee-French mother. Madeline was married to Eleazer Williams, a French-Canadian businessman. Lore has it that Williams was the long lost son (the "lost dauphin") of France's Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, heir to the French Royal Crown. While that story was debunked, a historical marker at the site commemorates this tale.

Lost Dauphin State Park is operated locally by the Town of Lawrence and does not require admission to enter.

Lost Dauphin became a state park in 1947. Happy 75th birthday to Lost Dauphin State Park.

Visit the Lost Dauphin webpage to learn more or visit the park on Lost Dauphin Road in De Pere.

Upcoming Events Firefly: A Nature Storytelling Hours Copper Falls State Park 7 -8 p.m. July 30 Host Jeffrey Wilson shares some amazing tales from his Wisconsin DNR wildlife career: beaver, bears, eagles, wolves, loons and other critter encounters. Audience members can join the fun, sharing stories, marshmallow treats and campfire fun. Marsh Walk Kohler-Andrae State Park 9 - 10 a.m. Aug. 3 The marsh is a unique habitat. Please join our master naturalist, Andrew Morris, for a walk on the Black River Marsh Boardwalk to explore the community of plants and animals that call the marsh home. Plan to bring along bug repellent, sun block and a bottle of water for the 45-minute hike. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Head to the DNR Events Calendar to find more nature programs and events. Watch for upcoming public meetings and hearings on our Hearings & Meetings Calendar. Photo: Copper Falls State Park / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Leave No Trace

Help us preserve and protect the natural beauty of Wisconsin by following Leave No Trace ethics when you are out at Wisconsin State Park properties. These seven principles help decrease the damaging impact we have so everyone may enjoy parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas at their best. Thanks to the National Park Service and Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Principle #6: Respect Wildlife

• Store food and trash securely to avoid rodents or bears. Do not eat in or around your sleeping area. Hang your food properly in bear country.
• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach animals. Do not damage their habitat.
• Never bait or feed wild animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young or wintering.

What is your favorite historical artifact at a state park, forest or trail?
What do you learn when you #OutWiGo?
Tag #OutWiGo on social media to share your explorations!