Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 10/07/2022 12:00 PM CDT
DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
Archaeological finds at Natural Bridge State Park indicate this naturally-occurring rock shelter was used 11,000 years ago by First Americans during the glacial retreat. / Photo Credit: Christopher Tall, Wisconsin DNR
Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous Peoples Day is a way to honor, remember and celebrate Indigenous peoples and Native Nations. In 2019, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared the second Monday of October a state holiday for Indigenous Peoples Day, and this year, the holiday falls on Oct. 10.
Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Oneida Nation
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Saint Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians
Each Nation has its own unique culture, history, governance structure and community. While the history of Indigenous Americans in Wisconsin and America is filled with violence, many of today's current state park system properties provide places to reflect on Wisconsin's history and its first residents.
For more resources on supporting Native American tourism, visit Native Wisconsin. Read more about educational resources on Wisconsin's Tribal Nations.
When visiting effigy mounds, please remember to show respect by not walking or playing on the mounds.
Did You Know? "Wisconsin" (originally "Meskonsing") is the English spelling of a French version of a Miami Indian name for a river that runs 430 miles through the center of our state, currently known as the Wisconsin River. Recent scholarship has concluded that in Miami, it meant, "this stream meanders through something red." Source: Wisconsin Historical Society
Outdoor News & Announcements
State Parks Receive Native Plant Donation
White Pelican Woodland Farm in Lodi donated over two hundred native plants to several Wisconsin state park properties this fall. Plant varieties included big bluestem, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, New England aster and nodding onion. More plants will be available in the spring. Native plants help attract pollinator insects, provide habitat for bees and provide other environmental benefits such as water retention. This is the second year White Pelican has donated plants to park properties through their "buy a plant, give a plant" program. Thank you, Erin and Jack!
Photo Credit: Brian Jaquette, Wisconsin DNR
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Gandy Dancer State Trail – Southern Segment
Built on a former railroad corridor, the Gandy Dancer State Trail is named for the work crews who laid the railroad tracks. The crews used tools made by the Gandy Tool Company of Chicago and were known to work by keeping their voices, feet and tools in harmony, leading them to be called "Gandy Dancers." The trail is over 90 miles long and starts in Minnesota, but the southern segment is 47 miles long and runs from St. Croix Falls to Danbury.
The southern segment of the trail is open to non-motorized uses and is made of hard-packed crushed limestone. The trail includes several bridge and tunnel crossings, including the 520-foot trestle that crosses the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway into Minnesota. Throughout the nine rural communities the trail crosses, you can find several eateries, parks, lodging accommodations, restrooms and bike repair shops.
The trail's level grade and limestone surface make it wheelchair accessible. Ice Age Trail hikers follow the Gandy Dancer Southern Segment for 15.5 miles starting just south of Centuria, Wis. Along the trail, you can stop at one of several lakes. Straight Lake State Park and Interstate State Park are located nearby the trail, too.
The Friends of Gandy Dancer sponsors events, games and competitions, as well as help visitors navigate the communities along the trail and organize volunteer and stewardship opportunities. Find out more about the Gandy Dancer community and events along the Gandy by visiting the Friends of Gandy Dancer.
Photo Credit: Karen Pederson, Friends of Gandy Dancer
Your Fall Bucket List Is Here
The fall issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine has what you need to savor the season with a Wisconsin Fall Bucket List of activities, including everything from scenic drives and leaf peeping to apple picking, camping in the colors and more.
Celebrate Aztalan State Park's rich history with the Friends of Aztalan, including cake and free park admission.
Schedule 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. – Opening comments from Friends of Aztalan State Park board member and State Archaeologist James Skibo and more.
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. – Rob Nurre (impersonating Increase Lapham, an American author, scientist and naturalist) will take participants on a tour of the more significant areas on the map Lapham created of Aztalan in 1850.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. – Bill Quackenbush of the Ho-Chunk Nation will talk about the history of the Ho-Chunk in the area.
The event is free and weather dependent.
Indigenous Peoples Day Hike Lakeshore State Park Monday, Oct. 10 5:30 - 7 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Arts and Culture invites all Americans to #HonorNativeLand.
Milwaukee County is the traditional territory of the Menominee, Fox, Mascouten, Sauk, Potawatomi, Ojibwe and Ho-Chunk tribes. Honor Milwaukee’s Indigenous residents past and present on a walk through the park to learn about native uses for the plants found at Lakeshore and how the Lake Michigan ecosystem has changed since European occupation.
Meet at the park’s North Entrance, just next to Discovery World.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Part of the Wisconsin Science Festival!
Sugar River State Trail 50th Anniversary Celebration Sugar River State Trail Trailhead Friday, Oct. 14 2 - 4:30 p.m.
The Sugar River State Trail turns 50! Help the DNR celebrate with the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce and special guests. An anniversary celebration is planned for Friday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. Meet at the Trailhead at the New Glarus Depot.
Come to ride, stay to celebrate. Bring your helmet. A State Trail Pass is encouraged, but not required. Monty the Ice Age Trail Alliance Mammoth will also be attending.
