DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 by volunteering at one of Wisconsin's state parks. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Celebrate Earth Day On April 22
Started by former Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day has reached global recognition and expanded to more than a day. It began with millions of Americans participatin in rallies, marches and teach-ins for environmental education across the country.
"Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures," Nelson said on the inaugural day.
Now, millions of people around the world celebrate April as Earth Month, using the time to clean up communities, encourage different daily habits to reduce environmental impact, plant trees and a host of other activities to benefit our planet.
So why is Earth Day so important, and what does it mean for Wisconsin's state parks?
Earth Day catalyzed a grassroots movement in the United States leading to the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, Endangered Species and Marine Mammal Protection Acts; founded the Environmental Protection Agency; and ignited a spirit of stewardship that has driven progress for five decades.
Earth Day is now observed around the world and remains an annual reminder of the constant need for environmental activism, cooperation and stewardship commitments and sustainability efforts.
At the Wisconsin DNR, every day is Earth Day. At our state park properties, we strive to reduce our impact on the Earth and encourage all of our visitors to do the same. What actions can you take this year to minimize your impact at our state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas?
How Can You Celebrate?
We encourage you to get outdoors this weekend and celebrate in whatever way makes sense to you – big or small, the actions add up. We have a few events happening at our parks if you're in need of inspiration.
Lace up your sneakers or skates and hit the trails for the Happy Little 5K, which starts this weekend. This virtual "race for the trees" has three rules for your race: it must be outside, completed between April 22 and 28 (Earth Day and Arbor Day), and have fun! If you didn't sign up in advance, there are still ways to participate. Get out and do your 3.1 miles and send a message of appreciation to the trees. If you're looking for some suggested 5K routes, check out the map on our webpage or head to Mirror Lake State Park, where there will be a 5K loop flagged and a life-sized cutout of Bob Ross, the inspiration for the Happy Little 5K! The 5K route at Mirror Lake will be up through April 28 and it's the same route as the S'more Fun Trail Run in October.
And don't forget to share your 5K photos with us.
You could also give back by participating in a Work*Play*Earth Day event or an Arbor Day planting, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
We also recognize Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday, April 22, which was started by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Several Wisconsin state trails utilize converted railroad lines for multi-purpose trails, including the nation's first rails-to-trails project, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. Exploring a trail this weekend is a great way to catch some fresh air and give some gratitude to nature.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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State Park & Forest Admission Sticker Design Contest
Calling all high school aged artists! You have until April 30 to submit your design for the 2024 Wisconsin state park and forest annual vehicle admission sticker design contest. Every year, a Wisconsin high schooler (public, parochial, or homeschooled) designs the state park sticker that goes on our windshields. Your design must highlight recreation in Wisconsin, or follow a native plant or animal theme. See the full list of contest rules on the DNR website.
Take a look at this 2003 throwback design!
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Paddle, Hike And Explore Wisconsin With A Natural Resources Foundation Field Trip
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is a nonprofit that supports the wonders of Wisconsin’s lands, waters and wildlife through conservation, education, engagement and giving.
This year is the 30th season of Natural Resource Foundation Field Trips, and more than 260 trips are scheduled from April through early November. Field trips are expert-led adventures that explore Wisconsin in a variety of ways, from easy paddling in Door County to steep, off-trail hiking in Green County. These trips often offer a behind-the-scenes look at resources not open to the public.
Field trip opportunities include:
- Insects After Dark: Baraboo Hills
- Canyons & Savannas of Rocky Run State Natural Area
- Behind the Scenes Tour of a Wildlife Hospital
- Climate Smart Forestry in Action
The entire field trip list is available in the Field Trip Guidebook. Each trip is labeled to indicate the physical demand and if it is family-friendly. The annual tradition is open for all ages and abilities, including 26 trips accessible for standard wheelchairs.
Registration is only available online and is only open to for Natural Resources Foundation members. Those interested are encouraged to sign-up soon, as trips can fill up quickly. Field Trips are non-refundable and expected to run rain or shine. No dogs are allowed on trips.
Come meet the Natural Resources Foundation at OutWiGo Green on May 13. They will have a table set up with more information about how to get involved. Join staff from the Natural Resources Foundation at 10:30 a.m. for a beginner birding hike along the Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail. Read more about OutWiGo Green on the DNR's website.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Sign-up Is Open For The 2023 Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW)
This summer, Aug. 19 – 20, the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation is once again hosting the Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW) on several iconic state trails in its route across the state from La Crosse to Milwaukee. The annual Ride Across Wisconsin was created to promote the great riding opportunities across the state while raising funds for the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation.
New this year, both mixed-surface and all-paved route options will be offered. The mixed-surface route will include sections of the La Crosse River State Trail, Elroy-Sparta State Trail, 400 State Trail, Glacial Drumlin State Trail and Hank Aaron State Trail.
As part of the event, a family-friendly slow roll ride will be held on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail on Saturday, Aug. 19. Report to the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce (RAW rest stop 1) for an 11-mile ride to the Norwalk rest stop. Double the adventure and ride back for an amazing 22-mile ride.
Ride Options
The 100-mile one-day finish and rest stop will be at Mirror Lake State Park, which will be a perfect spot for riders, friends and families to come together, take in the scenery and enjoy all that the park has to offer. Several fun, family-friendly and naturalist-led activities suitable for both young and old are planned for Saturday at the park as part of the event.
RAW participants and spectators are invited to camp at Mirror Lake State Park. The park has 151 family campsites and seven group sites. The park also has an accessible cabin for people with disabilities. Please note that for family campsites, advance reservations booked prior to May 15 for stays between May 15 and Oct. 31 require a minimum 2-night reservation. After May 15, family campsites (if available) may be reserved for one night. Backpack sites and group campsites are available for 1-night reservations. Reserve a campsite here.
The 235-mile, two-day ride finishes on the Hank Aaron State Trail in downtown Milwaukee.
Looking For Training Routes? Visit our state trails to build up your endurance for RAW. Wisconsin has over 40 state trails covering more than 1,700 miles, offering endless options for training routes throughout the state.
Volunteers are needed to help support RAW participants with food, water and encouragement at rest stops along the 235-mile course. To see all the volunteer opportunities, see the Ride Across Wisconsin volunteer registration page.
Sign up today! There are several route options to provide riders of many abilities to join in on the fun. A state trail pass is required for all riders aged 16 or older.
For more information, visit the RAW event page or DNR Events Calendar.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Bicycle Federation
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 Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Speaking of Earth Day and Governor Nelson ... today we're featuring Governor Nelson State Park, located in Dane County. This park is located right outside of Madison and on Lake Mendota. Here, recreation and nature mingle within sight of the State Capitol. Governor Nelson is a day-use park offering a sand beach, boat launch, fish cleaning facility, picnic areas and playground equipment and prairie restorations. Native American effigy mounds can be seen on the Woodland Trail.
In the summer and fall, the prairie blooms with native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs. Meander through the 8+ miles of available trails and look for hawks and other birds. There's an accessible boat launch for exploring either Lake Mendota or the Six-Mile Creek.
Starting on Memorial Day weekend, the 500-foot sand beach is marked for swimming. Fishing is available and during the summer season, a cleaning station makes taking your catches home even easier.
Two shelters, the Dragonfly Shelter and the Sandy Beach Shelter, in the beach and picnic area are available for reservation online.
If you've never been to Governor Nelson State Park, come explore this getaway from the bustle of Madison and find out why it's a favorite to many Madisonians.
Governor Nelson State Park is located in Waunakee.
Celebrate Earth Day At Wisconsin State Parks
Several state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are hosting volunteer events, group hikes and other activities to celebrate Earth Day. Check the DNR Events Calendar for more details about activities at these park properties:
- Badger State Trail
- Buckhorn State Park
- Devil's Lake State Park
- Governor Nelson State Park
- Havenwoods State Forest
- High Cliff State Park
- Interstate Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
- Kohler-Andrae State Park
- Lakeshore State Park
- Potawatomi State Park
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area
- Whitefish Dunes State Park
- Wildcat Mountain State Park
Governor Nelson, the originator of Earth Day and namesake of Governor Nelson State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Work For Wisconsin State Parks
Applications are still being accepted for summer seasonal positions. Hurry - positions start soon!
Several areas of the state have openings for summer seasonal employees. In particular, if you know anyone in the areas around the Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest, Yellowstone State Park, or in Door County, please spread the word.
Read more about open positions and the pay, hours and more information online. Applications are only accepted online. Search by agency, Dept. of Natural Resources.
You may also contact a property directly for more information.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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How did you honor Earth Day this year?
Share your photos on Instagram and Facebook and tag us with #OutWiGo!
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