DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 You never know where love will happen! This bench is at Shelter #1 on the Ice Age Trail through Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Can you feel the love in the air? There's a lot of love for Wisconsin's state parks. Over the years, scores of people at Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas have experienced first dates, engagements, marriages, anniversaries and more.
Back in 2020, we asked for your state park love stories, and got you to tell us in your own words on our Wild Wisconsin - Off The Record Podcast. Listen in to this episode from the archives to hear how parks hold a special place in the hearts of just a few Wisconsinites forever.
Once you've listened in, email us to tell us your state park love story – we'd love to hear about it (and see it through photos). We might just feature yours on DNR social media and in next week's edition of this newsletter.
Inspired to write your own state park love story? For the newly engaged, consider tying the knot at a state park property, with or without the overnight camping. Scenic overlooks and sharing a warm drink near a crackling fire provide perfect moments for popping the question.
New Glarus Woods State Park
New Glarus Woods was established as a state park in 1934, but the land has been used and changed by nature and people over the centuries.
More than 10,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, much of North America was under colossal ice sheets that built up from heavy snows and repeatedly flowed south, then receded. Glaciers – sheets of ice, more than a mile thick – pushed down over the land that would become Wisconsin. They scoured the earth as they moved, deposited rock and soil debris and washed it with meltwater as they retreated. Areas that the glaciers traveled over, like central Wisconsin, were made into rolling plains. Lands that the glaciers moved around, as in Southwestern Wisconsin, remained steeply hilly, as rugged as they had been since ancient times.
The glaciers left many interesting landforms on the plains, such as moraines, kames, eskers, drumlins and gorges. The broad plains allowed wildfire to sweep across them, removing most woody vegetation regularly. Grasses were able to survive, allowing vast grasslands to form. These prairies were rich with plant and animal life and built and enriched the soil beneath them, resulting in the fertile farmland we benefit from today.
The hillier land formed natural firebreaks and areas protected from fire grew into dense forests, providing cover and food for animals and later wood for fuel, lumber and goods.
New Glarus Woods lies on the boundary between these areas. To the north and west, Wisconsin is rugged, with steep hills, ravines and outcroppings of ancient stone. This is known as the Driftless Region. To the south and east, there are great prairies and savannas, which are grasslands dotted with trees, that evolved to withstand the regular prairie fires.
Activities At The Park
In the winter, cross-country skiing is permitted on all trails, but the trails are ungroomed. Snowshoeing and winter hiking are allowed on all trails. Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times.
The Sugar River State Trail runs through New Glarus and a short spur connects riders to New Glarus Woods State Park.
In the summer, enjoy a hike or trail run through the woods, or spend an evening or two camping at individual or group sites. Some sites are walk-in and others are primitive. Enjoy the proximity to downtown New Glarus, which features locally owned restaurants and shops, locally produced spirits and picturesque Swiss architecture, complemented by the peace of this state park.
New Glarus Woods State Park is located in Green County.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Candlelight and Nighttime Events
There are several candlelight hike/ ski/ snowshoe events this weekend, plus other evening adventures. See the full event calendar for details.
Check out events this weekend at:
- Devil's Lake State Park
- Governor Thomspon State Park
- Interstate Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake
- MacKenzie Center
- Newport State Park
- Pattison State Park
- Willow River State Park
Return To Romance
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Saturday, Feb. 11
7 - 9 p.m.
Celebrate love with Richard Bong State Recreation Area! Bring someone special who makes you feel loved and enjoy a winter hike, campfire, music and some tasty goodies! This event will have indoor and outdoor components, so please dress for the weather! Meet in the Visitor Center.
Event Fee: $8 per person/$15 per couple. Registration required: (262) 878-5609.
Photo credit: Morgan Yoder, Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park
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We're Hiring!
Seasonal positions are available with the Wisconsin DNR. Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are hiring for positions starting this spring, through Labor Day or later. A wide variety of positions are available. Positions include providing frontline customer service, groundskeeping, campsite maintenance, equipment upkeep, trail maintenance, natural resources education and more. Whether you are starting out your natural resources career or looking for that perfect summer gig at any stage of life, visit the DNR page of wisc.jobs and search 'parks' to learn more!
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Mother Nature has a picture perfect weekend in store for Wisconsin. How are you getting out to explore?
Share your adventures with us on social media using #OutWiGo.
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