DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 It's never too cold to visit your favorite Wisconsin state park! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Tips For Staying Active Outdoors This Winter
Long, dark days across Wisconsin can make it challenging to get out and explore. Staying wrapped up in a cozy blanket with a fire at home might be tempting with the chilly weather outside. With the right layers and a little motivation, you can have just as much fun getting out to enjoy some fresh air.
Staying active during the winter months is important for our mental and physical health. Here are some tips to make it a bit more enjoyable.
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Challenge yourself. Set a goal to explore a certain number of park properties this winter or miles of trail each month.
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Try something new. Check out events at state park properties or rent some equipment to try a new activity once there is at least 6" of snow, like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
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Party in the parks. Pick up a couple of bundles of wood, get the s'more sticks out, call your friends and have a winter fire. Many campsites are available to rent year-round, and several park properties have fire pits available to use.
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Dress for success. Layering makes a big difference in your ability to stay outside for longer and can affect your health. A base layer wicks away the heat and perspiration from your body. A middle layer keeps you warm and an outer layer, like a jacket or snow pants, shields you from the wind or snow. Hats, mittens, scarves and other accessories can provide added warmth or cooling relief if you start to overheat. If the weather looks rainy, be sure to wear water-resistant outerwear.
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Bring a pack. You don't need much but carrying water, a map, a snack, an extra pair of gloves or mittens, hand or foot warmers (even the most avid winter enthusiasts use them, too) or an extra layer can feel like a lot without one. And it becomes much easier to shed layers if needed while you're out and about. A headlamp is a good thing to have on hand as well – that sun tends to set earlier than we think.
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Stay hydrated. Our bodies need water any time we're active. Thirst is only one indicator of when you need a drink.
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Volunteer. Volunteer opportunities don't stop when summer stops! Check out opportunities or reach out to your favorite property for opportunities.
If it's been a few years since you've ice skated or gone sledding, or if you have kiddos in your life who haven't done those before, make this the year you rekindle that winter fun.
For universal access during winter, rent a set of sit-skis or check out nature trails or paved areas of parks.
For more ideas about staying active in the cold, use the find-a-park feature on our webpage for activity ideas.
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Reminder: State Trail Passes Needed For Skiing
A state trail pass is required for all people age 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking. Wisconsin state trail pass fees are the same for residents and non-residents. The annual pass is valid for the calendar year.
There are several ways to buy a trail pass.
- In-person at a property drive-up window during office hours
- At a self-registration station or an electronic sales kiosk at a park property
- Via phone by calling any park property's office
- During a visit to a DNR service center
Learn more about state trail passes and where they are required.
Photo Credit: Tom Davenport
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Belmont Mound State Park
Belmont Mound State Park is one of the smallest state parks in Wisconsin. It is located in Lafayette County, eight miles northeast of the city of Platteville. Belmont, from the French belle monte, meaning "beautiful mountain," is named for its centerpiece mound which offers outstanding vistas of the surrounding countryside, especially in the late fall and winter after the leaves have fallen.
Belmont Mound is an outlying exposure of Niagara dolomite, one of several such formations in the Driftless Area. Interesting rock formations are also present on the north slope including the pictured Dining Table.
Others to look for include the tabletop (about 40 feet across on a narrow pedestal of rock), the devil's chair, a smaller formation of similar shape a few feet from the table and the cave, a few yards north of the devil's dining table. This is a dark passage through an enormous rock.
The property got its start with a letter writing campaign by local boosters in early 1958. Three years later, the legislature designated it a recreation area. Belmont Mound State Park was officially established in 1967. The proposed size of the park has varied over the years, from over 1,900 acres in the early 1970s to the present 274 acres.
The park offers hiking trails, a picnic area, a shelter and toilets. Snowshoeing is allowed in the winter. Trails are not groomed for skiing but skiing is allowed. Hunting and trapping are allowed in the open areas of the park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping time frame. No hunting or trapping are allowed in the mowed picnic area.
Eighty acres in the northwest corner of the park are designated as a state natural area.
Belmont Mound State Park is operated by the Belmont Lions Club. Paid admission is not required at this park. Learn more about it.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR/Drew Hanson
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Winter Greenery Swag Class
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Saturday, Dec. 3
8:30 a.m. - noon
Greenery I: 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Greenery II: 10:30 a.m. - noon
Enjoy this spectacular season by making a unique greenery display using fresh seasonal cuttings from the park. Registration is required for this class; please call 262-878-5609. There is a class fee of $20 that must be pre-paid. Meet at the BNA Volunteer Shed (Rhodes Road).
Wisconsin's Winter Birds And How To Attract Them: An Evening With Nature
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
Thursday, Dec. 8
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Birds bring excitement to a barren winter day. Join Bill Volkert, Naturalist, to learn what birds spend their winters in Wisconsin and ways to attract them to your yard. This program is most appropriate for those more than 12 years old.
Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center (N2875 Hwy 67, Campbellsport – half mile west of Dundee).
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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How do you stay warm and active during winter?
Let us know on social media using #OutWiGo!
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