Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 08/05/2022 12:00 PM CDT
DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
Kayaking can be a great way to see park properties from a different perspective, like from the Brule River shown above. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Featured Activity: Kayaking
Today, kayaks are ubiquitous on car racks, beaches, lakes and rivers, at summer camps and every store from L.L. Bean to Costco. They serve a variety of activities, including fishing for dinner, photographing local wildlife and, in unique cases, commuting to work. Yes, it seems just about everyone has a kayak or a friend with a kayak. But did you know, this particular form of paddling was invented over 4,000 years ago by the Inuit and other tribes of the Arctic?
Kayaks are a covered boat, ideally made for one person. When the Inuit invented them, they were intended for fishing and hunting. Their durability, ease of use, lightweight material and ability to navigate a wide variety of waterways have made kayaks a popular feature of contemporary recreation.
Across Wisconsin state parks, lakes, rivers and recreation areas, kayaking is an activity adored by solo and group adventurers alike. Check out our handy "Find a Park" map to locate paddling opportunities near you.
Beginner kayaking events like this one at Peninsula State Park can introduce new kayakers to the sport. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
If kayaking is new to you, keep an eye out for introductory courses to kayaking held at some park properties. Guided kayak tours, like the one on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Devil's Lake State Park, gives you an inside scoop to the geology, history and wildlife of properties. If you don't have your own kayak, or cannot travel with one, several properties rent out kayaks and adaptive kayaks (adaptations made to the boat or paddle to ensure the stability of the kayaker within the boat).
Kayaking is a great way to explore Wisconsin's shorelines, lakes, rivers and other water bodies. Don't forget your suit for a post-paddle swim!
Kayak Adventures In Wisconsin State Parks Do you need inspiration for where to kayak in Wisconsin? Here are a few places to start:
Wisconsin Water Trails are mapped or marked water trail routes
Travel Wisconsin search tool lets you search by city, mile range, and/or region for your canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboard trip
Did you know: Traditionally, kayaks were made out of driftwood or whale bone skeletons and covered with seal or walrus skin, making full use of the marine mammals that provided food, fuel, transportation and warmth for indigenous Arctic communities.
Outdoor News & Announcements
Aug. 7 is National Lighthouse Day This Sunday commemorates the establishment of the U.S. Lighthouse Service by President George Washington in 1789. There are several lighthouses across Wisconsin state parks, including at Rock Island, Point Beach, Peninsula and Lakeshore state parks.
Celebrate by visiting a state park lighthouse, or take a stroll through Lakeshore State Park to learn about the history of Milwaukee's lighthouses and of shipping on Lake Michigan. All ages and abilities welcome. The bilingual hike starts at 6 p.m. starting at the Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse on Sunday, Aug. 7.
Listen To At The Edge Of A Glacier: A Walk Down The Ice Age Trail Madison community radio station 89.9 WORT recently aired a story about Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail. Hear from DNR staff, Ice Age Trail Alliance staff, scientists and others as they explore the history of the trail, volunteerism along the trail and trail thru-hikers. Access the story here.
Photo: Rawley Point Lighthouse at Point Beach State Park / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Spotlight On: Merrick State Park
Water is the star attraction at Merrick State Park, located in Buffalo County in the Mississippi River Valley. Surrounded by the bluffs of Wisconsin's Coulee Region, Merrick caters to all types of water recreation: fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are some of most popular. Some campsites have direct river access for mooring boats or fishing from shore.
To aid in a consistent depth channel for commercial trade within the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers constructed a number of locks and dams on the upper Mississippi in the early 19th century. With this, the river habitat changed into “pools,” sections of river 15 – 30 miles long between dam systems. Merrick is in what is known as Pool 5A with Dam 5 just to the north of the property and Dam 5A several miles below Fountain City, a pool that is well known for excellent fishing, quiet backwaters and sandbars for get-togethers with friends and family.
With a brand-new expanded boat landing and accessible canoe/kayak launch (with ample parking and drive space), it can be hard to tell that Merrick State Park has existed as a park for 90 years, with a history entwined with that of the upper Mississippi River from Minneapolis to St. Louis.
Merrick is named after a famous (circa 1880s famous) steamboat pilot and Mississippi River historian, George Byron Merrick. At the request of John Latsch, the original donor of 266 acres of Merrick State Park’s current 320 acres.
In addition to water-based activities, Merrick offers hiking, hunting, picnicking and playground opportunities. The park is home to great blue herons, egrets, muskrats, ducks, kingfishers and an occasional otter. Being on the Mississippi Flyway it is a migratory birder’s haven in spring and fall. Campers fall asleep to the sounds of the river with choruses of frogs, crickets and owls.
Merrick State Park changes depending on the season and rise and fall of the river. During spring the southern half of the park may be underwater and closed as winter melt across the northern and western part of the state sends its water to the Mississippi. In most years it recedes in time for camping by mid-May. Cold winters bring a great opportunity to icefish as guests trade in their boats for shanties and augers; panfish being the primary target.
Don't worry if you forgot your fishing pole to take advantage of the river fishing opportunities - you can borrow free fishing equipment from the Tackle Loaner Program. No boat? No problem as the Merrick Friends of Wisconsin State Parks group the T.U.R.T.L.E.S have canoes and kayaks for rent.
If you're looking for that secret state park spot to explore, check out Merrick. This Sunday, Summit Players Theatre brings their performance of Much Ado About Nothing to Merrick State Park. A paddle and a play sounds like a perfect summer Sunday!
Shakespeare in the State Parks is traveling across Wisconsin for a unique outdoor workshop and performance! Summit Players Theatre is performing a stripped-down, fast-paced version of Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Prior to each performance, join us for a fun, play-specific educational workshop on Shakespearean history, language and characters.
The performance and workshop are offered free of charge to all visitors. Park admission is required. This event is recommended for anyone ages 8 and up.
Merrick State Park is located in Fountain City near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. Read more about it here.
Photo: Some of the beautiful water at Merrick State Park, as seen from South Campground. Photo: Justin Wershofen, Merrick State Park Manager, Wisconsin DNR
Merrick State Park has an ADA compliant canoe/kayak boat launch and dock, plus new driveway and parking access. / Photo credit: Justin Wershofen, Merrick State Park Manager, Wisconsin DNR
Dinner and Concert with Fox and Branch Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6
Purchase a scrumptious al fresco meal from a food truck vendor followed by the lively folk music of Fox and Branch. Bring extra cash to purchase a sweet treat for dessert. A free-will offering will be taken for the concert. This is an outdoor concert, so remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. In case of inclement weather, the evening activities will be moved to the Ice Age Visitor Center.
Photo: Fox and Branch bring their American roots music to the state forest! Credit: FoxandBranch.com
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 Parks Service.
Principle #7: Be Considerate Of Other Visitors
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Saturday Is National Campfire Day
Deep fried oatmeal? Mashed trout? How about some maple glazed pizza?
In celebration of National Campfire Day, we hope you’re able to reminisce on some of your favorite camping memories and make some new ones at one of over 6,500 campsites available in Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas.
In the meantime, use our handy guide to find out which campfire confection you are and let us know by tagging us on social media using #OutWiGo! Any lemon pepper muffins out there?!
