DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Grab a friend and hit the trails! Thanks to the WIKI Mountain Bike Club for fun photos and the great work expanding trails at these parks. / Photo credit: Frank Cook, WIKI Mountain Bike Club
Located where St. Croix and Kinnickinnic rivers meet, Kinnickinnic State Park offers experiences in two types of worlds. Enjoy the quiet solitude of the secluded Kinnickinnic River Valley and the many popular recreational pursuits the upland area provides.
Just an easy drive north of Kinnickinnic, Willow River State Park is situated on the falls of the Willow River. In addition to the beauty of the icy waterfalls and ice fishing on Little Falls Lake, Willow River also provides many miles of spectacular skiing, snowshoeing and winter/fat tire biking.
This year, the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks and their associated WIKI Mountain Bike Club completed the installation of approximately 5 miles of new single-track trail open to mountain bikes in the southern portion of Kinnickinnic State Park. This adds to the existing 6 miles of trails open to biking, with more trail building planned in the future. Conditions have been top-notch this winter. If you haven’t winter biked before, this is the year to get out and give it a try.
In addition to winter biking, head to Kinnickinnic for a range of snow activities. Approximately 4 miles of trail are groomed for skiing and restricted to classic-only cross-country skiing. Winter use and directional designations apply to these classic ski trails once the trails are snow-covered and groomed.
The eastern 2.5 miles of trail are packed and open for multi-use. Hiking, snowshoeing, skijoring and pets are allowed on these trails.
There is also a sledding hill conveniently accessed from the valley parking lot.
At Willow River, there are 2 miles of packed trails on the north side of the river available for pet owners and for activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding and hiking. The park’s 12 miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed and tracked by talented volunteers for skate and classic styles of cross-country skiing. The Nature Center classroom is opened for use as a warming house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition to one of the best ski trail systems in the region, Willow River has 12 miles of newly built single-track trail open to biking. These trails are groomed and ideal for snowshoes and fat tire bikes. Several snowshoe trails, totaling over 3 miles, provide alternative opportunities including a route to the waterfalls.
Have fun exploring these hidden gem parks this winter.
Willow River State Park is located in Hudson. Learn more about it here. Kinnickinnic State Park is in River Falls. Learn more about it here.
Photos above courtesy of: Frank Cook, WIKI Mountain Bike Club
|
Love Trees? Run For Them!
Help make sure Wisconsin state parks have more happy little trees by participating in the Happy Little 5k race for the trees. Show off your pride with this collectible finisher's medal!
Sign-up closes soon for the Happy Little 5k, a Bob Ross-inspired virtual race. Runners, walkers and rollers can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors, anytime between Earth Day and Arbor Day (April 22-28). You set the pace and the place. Participants receive a Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib and a finisher's medal.
A portion of the proceeds from the race will benefit tree plantings and forest protection efforts in Wisconsin state parks. Be sure to select Wisconsin when registering. If you're interested in signing up a group of 10 or more, contact us for bulk registration.
Check the DNR's OutWiGo webpage in the coming weeks for suggested race loops in Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.
Registration closes March 1.
Photo: Michigan DNR
|
Last Call For DNR Summer Interns
We're excited to announce that we're recruiting 40 paid internship positions across the DNR for summer 2023 through the State of Wisconsin Student Diversity Internship Program.
This program offers opportunities for students across the state in various agencies and career areas. The program specifically targets students across culturally diverse groups with various lived experiences, representing the global spectrum of ethnicity, gender and ability. The goal of the program is to provide those students with an opportunity to experience the professional work environment of the Wisconsin State Government.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning what working for the DNR is all about, apply by Feb. 20 at Wisc.jobs and search Job ID 8258.
Intern With The Ice Age Trail Alliance
The Ice Age Trail Alliance has a paid internship opportunity available for 2023 as a Field Engagement Intern. The position focuses on "planning and leading service learning opportunities, guided hikes and other educational experiences for the community groups with interest in engaging and collaborating with the Alliance."
The intern will help recruit new volunteers and supporters, develop engagement plans with partners and collaborate with groups to create engaging, welcoming and meaningful experience on the Ice Age Trail.
Find out more online.
|
Winter Trails Day
Potawatomi State Park
Saturday, Feb. 18
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The Friends of Potawatomi State Park invite you to come out and enjoy all the park has to offer in the winter. Visitors are encouraged to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or simply explore the winter wonders of the park on your own. Then join the Friends in the warming shelter in the picnic area on the park’s south shoreline for refreshments and to warm up by the fire. Trail maps, park information and admission sales will be available through the Park Office. Bring your own winter gear and equipment. Potawatomi’s ski trails are maintained through the generous support of the Friends of Potawatomi State Park and by dedicated volunteers.
Nature Tales: Black and Green History
Havenwoods State Forest
Saturday, Feb. 18
1 - 2 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month and join Havenwoods State Forest for a story time featuring some of our favorite local and international Black Environmentalists! Throughout history, Black people have been at the center of environmentalism, and Havenwoods loves to share some of their stories in February and all year long. This program is geared toward younger individuals, but all are welcome to attend to learn about the impact that Black individuals have had in protecting our natural resources and promoting environmental justice!
We will read stories, including Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch by Heidi Tyline King, Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli and I am Emily by Dineo Dowd as well as discussing local authors, activists and ways that you can become stewards and advocates of our natural environment. Following the stories, stick around to create a poster to promote environmental stewardship or justice to share your thoughts and knowledge with friends and family.
Learn more about the three individuals highlighted at the event by following these links: MaVynee Betsch, Wangari Maathai and Emily Ford.
Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
Saturday, Feb. 18
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Guest speaker Lizzie Spankowski will share stories from the trail, tips for successfully completing a solo through-hike, gear suggestions and more.
Lizzie is a local resident who completed her through-hike of the Appalachian Trail in September of 2022.
If you’ve ever dreamed of doing a through-hike on a national trail, join us for this program and learn what you need to know to be successful on your own journey!
The program is at the Forest Headquarters, S91W39091 Hwy 59, Eagle.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
Join Our Team
The Wisconsin DNR is now hiring for seasonal positions. Most positions run from spring until Labor Day, with some opportunities to start earlier or end later. A wide variety of positions are available, and every day brings a new challenge, a new adventure and a new opportunity to learn. Positions are available at state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas from the southern border to Lake Superior! Learn more at wisc.jobs.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
Share your photos on Instagram and Facebook and use #OutWiGo!
|
