DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Sledding hills are available at many Wisconsin state parks, including Lake Kegonsa State Park's beach area. / Photo credit: Bonnie Gruber, Wisconsin DNR
Hit The (Sledding) Hills
The wind on your cheeks, the rush heading downwards, the bumps, the spins, the race back to the top! Taking a sled down a sledding hill is a Wisconsin childhood thrill like no other. The snowy scene across most of Wisconsin is your invitation to grab that saucer, toboggan or even an inner tube and get to the top of the hill, for kids and adults.
There is an expansive variety of sleds available on the market. From one-person, two-person or family-sized sleds, there is an option for everyone. There are also options for how to ride: on your belly, on your bum, backward or forwards.
For the safest way to sled, sit facing forwards and keep all your body parts inside the sled.
Pulling little ones on a sled while either hiking or cross-country skiing is another great way to keep the whole family venturing out together.
When going out sledding, look for the glittery snow for the best conditions. Wear water-resistant clothing if possible, or bring a change of clothes with you, just in case you have a few tips off the sled and into the snowbank - a soggy car ride home might ensue otherwise.
Warm boots, hats, mittens or gloves and even a scarf can be good outwear to have with you. Snowpants are helpful or consider a base layer and an outer layer for the lower half. Wear breathable tops, and if you get too hot, delayer so you don't overheat. As always, when recreating, bring water to keep hydrated.
Staying active in the cold is key to bearing through frigid temperatures! Warming up with hot chocolate, hot tea or a bowl of hot soup post-sled is a great treat for all the work going uphill.
While just about any hill can be a sledding hill, check out the sledding hill options at several state park properties, including Big Foot Beach State Park, Governor Thomspon State Park, Kinnickinnic State Park, Lake Kegonsa State Park and the number 17 fairway at the golf course at Peninsula State Park.
Governor Dodge State Park says it best: Sledding and tobogganing are great family sports. All you really need is a hill and a friend to pull your toboggan back up. There are plenty of hills in the park—pick one and enjoy!
Supplies Needed At MacKenzie Center
The MacKenzie Center in Poynette has interpretive trails, exhibits, museums and programming available for school and youth groups. The Center currently has a wishlist of education and wildlife supplies. Drop off any items at the Center, which is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The grounds and trails are open daily, dawn to dusk.
Education Supplies
- 10x10 tarps for teambuilding activities and covering built fires or materials
- Basketballs, soccer balls and volleyballs
- Kids’ winter clothes, used or new, all sizes. Kids visit all winter, and if they’re not prepared, proper clothing ensures they can participate more fully (hats, scarves and gloves/mittens are especially handy)
Wildlife Supplies
- Astroturf, clothing scraps (especially jeans) or other perch materials
- Cardboard egg cartons: cognitive enrichment when feeding
- Old/low quality mounts: social and environmental enrichment
- Dog toys: general enrichment for canines and some birds
- Sisal rope: general use
- Old perfumes/hunting scents: environmental and sensory enrichment
- Fake plants: environmental enrichment for turtles and smaller animals
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Reminder: Sled safe, practice ice safety and stay sober on the snowmobile trails this season
Wisconsin is home to more than 25,000 miles of snowmobile trails, some of which pass through state park properties. Be sure to check each state park, forest, trail and recreation area for snowmobile access.
Snowmobilers are reminded to ride responsibly so that everyone is able to safely enjoy the winter outdoors.
“Excessive speed, alcohol use and inexperience contribute to snowmobile crashes. Remember to ride responsibly and look out for yourself and others. Sober riding is always the best policy,” said Lt. Jake Holsclaw, DNR Off-highway Vehicle Administrator.
Also, remember that no ice is safe ice. Before you venture out, contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions locally on the lake or river you want to cross.
Find safety tips and snowmobile regulations on the DNR website.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Snapshot on: Fishers
This type of fisher doesn’t require a pole and net to catch its food. Fishers instead use their retractable claws, sharp teeth and agile body when on the hunt for a meal. They rarely eat fish, as their name might imply. They most commonly prey on other terrestrial mammals, including snowshoe hares, squirrels and even porcupines. This species, a member of the weasel family, is omnivorous, so they will also consume nuts, fruits and mushrooms when available. They are also notoriously elusive. Have you seen one in the wild?
To see how fisher, like the one above caught on a Snapshot camera in Iron County, are captured on trail cameras across the state, check out Snapshot Wisconsin Data Dashboard.
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Lapham Peak Unit
Kettle Moraine State Forest
The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. Lapham Peak's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing on lighted trails.
Hikers and snowshoers may explore several miles of trails that are not groomed for skiing. The forest trails open for snowshoeing include the Plantation Path and the Prairie Trail, and about 4 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail through the property. The Ice Age Trail exits the property on the north at Cushing Park Road and, on the southern end, connects to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
There are 17 miles of cross-country ski trails at Lapham Peak. With many thanks to the Friends of Lapham Peak, Lapham Peak has snow-making equipment, which makes it possible to improve the quality of the snow base and extend the season for skiers.
Trail lights for the groomed classic and skate ski trails are on until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There are no trail lights Sunday evenings.
For snow conditions, call the 24-hour trail grooming hotline at 262-646-4421 or see Lapham Peak cross-country ski trail conditions.
Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the property. For more information and prices, contact Nordic Specialists or call 262-261-3800.
Hikers, pets and snowshoers must stay off the ski trails when they are snow-covered. A state trail pass is required for skiers 16 years of age and older.
The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located in Delafield. Learn more about it.
Photo Credit: Tom Davenport
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First Day Hikes
Various properties
Sunday, Jan. 1
Pack up your family and friends and head out to your favorite Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area for a First Day Hike! Scheduled events are available at the below properties, but all are welcome at any state property to start off the new year with a hiking, skiing, biking or mobility device-powered adventure. Stick around for warm refreshments and a bonfire post-trek.
- Buckhorn State Park
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Interstate Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
- MacKenzie Center
- Mirror Lake State Park
- Newport State Park
- Peninsula State Park
- Point Beach State Forest
- Red Cedar State Trail
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area
- Roche-A-Cri State Park
- Straight Lake State Park
- Whitefish Dunes State Park
Laham Loppet
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit
Saturday, Jan. 14
*Pre-register by Jan. 6
When you race the long hills of the 11K course, you will experience why the Lapham Peak ski trails have won an award for best-groomed trails. Ski the race and then enjoy “cooling down” on the entire Lapham Peak system. In case of poor snow conditions, a lap race will be held on the human-made snow loops. Registration is limited. Pre-registration required by Jan. 6. Presented by the Friends of Lapham Peak.
Photo credit: Sue Johansen-Mayoleth, Wisconsin DNR
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Share your First Day Hikes with us!
Let us know on social media using #OutWiGo and #FirstDayHike!
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