DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Standup paddleboarding can be a fun way to see what's above and below water. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Discover The Many Ways To Paddle Wisconsin
Is a standup paddleboard a Midwestern surfboard with a paddle? Maybe. A paddleboard is a big flotation device with different types of boards suitable for various water conditions, with its roots in Hawaiian surfing. These days they're a staple on most lakes across Wisconsin.
Paddleboarding offers a unique perspective above and below the water. Paddleboarders can stand up, as the name implies, or use it while kneeling. Advanced paddleboarders may buddy up on a board with their dogs or attempt to perfect their balance in shallow waters with some yoga poses.
When paddleboarding, be sure to use a life jacket or other personal flotation device and have a leash to attach the board to the person. Different leashes are made for different types of boarding, like flat surfaces (lakes), surf or river.
What are you waiting for? Slather on the sunscreen, grab a paddle and prepare to learn a new skill! If you're new to the sport, you can check out this helpful how-to guide or find a buddy with a board. Stand up paddleboards are also available to rent at these Wisconsin park properties:
Did you know: Paddleboarders must comply with all Wisconsin boating regulations. Refresh your recreational boating skills here.
Outdoor News & Announcements
Watch For Road Construction At Peninsula State Park
Roadside tree removal begins next week and construction begins soon after at Peninsula State Park. While active construction is anticipated weekly from Monday-Thursday through October, roads will be in varying conditions Friday-Sunday for the duration of the construction project.
Roads affected include Shore Road from the Fish Creek entrance to the intersection of Bluff Road (2.7 miles) and Shore Road from the Golf Course/Ephraim entrance to the intersection of Bluff Road (2.5 miles).
Camping, biking and other activities at the park are not expected to be impacted, but visitors may experience minor vehicle backups or delays as they navigate the park. Those with campsite reservations during this time frame will also receive an email notification of the construction.
This Weekend Is Ride Across Wisconsin
Heads up that certain sections of several state trails will be used as part of the Ride Across Wisconsin event held this weekend, Aug. 20 – 21. Trail users should be conscious of an increased number of bicyclists and spectators on the La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta, 400, Glacial Drumlin and Hank Aaron state trails.
Riders will be on a 235-mile journey from La Crosse to Milwaukee with stops at state trails anticipated to be:
- La Crosse River State Trail: Saturday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 9 a.m.
- Elroy-Sparta State Trail: Saturday, Aug. 20 from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
As a safety precaution, trail users should avoid the trail from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. to avoid heavy use conditions.
- 400 State Trail: Saturday, Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Glacial Drumlin State Trail (Lake Mills to Waukesha): Saturday, Aug. 20 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Hank Aaron State Trail: Saturday, Aug. 20 from about 4 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 21 from noon to 6 p.m.
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Congrats To Lizard Mound State Park
This month, Lizard Mound State Park was awarded $290,000 in grant funds from the National Park Service Semiquincentennial Grant Program. The grant funds will be used for preservation work on the property, including removing hazardous trees, controlling invasive plants and rerouting walking trails on the 32-acre property.
The park holds one of the most well-preserved Native American effigy mound sites in the nation, with 28 Native American burial and effigy mounds constructed between 750 and 1250 AD. Lizard Mound is the newest Wisconsin state park and is located in Washington County.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Check Out Potawatomi State Park
Door County is home to five state parks. While Potawatomi State Park may not be the county's most visited, it packs a lot of character into a small space. Potawatomi is 1,200 acres, with over two miles of shoreline providing many scenic views and recreational opportunities.
The park is a base for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, SCUBA diving and water skiing on Sturgeon Bay.
There is a boat launch in the park on Sawyer Harbor, a sheltered inlet at the mouth of Sturgeon Bay. Visitors pass through underhangs of trees in neat rock outcrops and ledges on their way. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available at the park. A fish cleaning station at the boat launch makes fish fry dinner prep that much easier.
Potawatomi is home to the eastern terminus of the Ice Age Trail, with a breathtaking view from high above the tree line and a selfie stand to document it. You might even catch some thru-hikers setting off on their journey or taking that last step off the trail. An accessible fishing pier, an amphitheater, a playground, an accessible cabin, flush toilets, biking, hiking, a nature center, group camping, scenic outlooks and cool geologic formations make this park a must-see on your adventures on the peninsula.
Look for signs throughout the park showing the park staff's recommendations for short hikes, child-friendly hikes, beach lounging, biking and more.
Potawatomi State Park is located in Sturgeon Bay. Read more about it here.
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 Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Upcoming Events
Fish Fry And Shakespeare
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake
Friday, Aug. 19, 2022
5 - 8 p.m.
It’s time for another fish fry, but this time for entertainment...the Summit Players Theatre! The fish fry will begin at 5 p.m., while the company-led fun workshop begins at 5:30 p.m., and the performance for Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing will begin at 7 p.m. at the amphitheater. The food will be cooked on-site by a local vendor. Vehicle admission is required. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Pike Lake.
Free Admission To And Celebrations At Wyalusing State Park
Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022
10 a.m. - Noon
Help the Friends of Wyalusing State Park celebrate! Join the Friends of Wyalusing and park staff as they celebrate the completion of enhancements made to the Peterson Shelter’s interpretive room and celebrate 25 years as a service organization to Wyalusing State Park. The Friends will be serving refreshments in the Interpretive Room of the Peterson Shelter. Vehicle admission will be free on this special day. All are welcome to visit and enjoy the day at Wyalusing State Park with friends and family.
The park naturalist will also be on hand to greet visitors and answer any questions. Other events at the park that day include hummingbird banding outside the concession stand both mid-morning and late afternoon and an astronomy presentation at 8:30 p.m. put on by the park’s StarSplitters group at the observatory.
Find more Nature Programs and DNR events here.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Where are your favorite paddleboard spots?
Have you learned a new activity this summer?
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