DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Ready, set, aim your way to the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Dousman! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
This weekend - don't miss out! OutWiGo Green is finally here.
You're invited to OutWiGo Green, a spring celebration set in the Kettle Moraine State Forest's Southern Unit on May 13.
Whether you're a seasoned thru-hiker, an unlikely birder, curious about making the switch from road to trail running, a lapsed fisherperson or wondering how to improve your camping game, this event is for you!
We've assembled a diverse group of recreation and conservation experts and enthusiasts to help you find your outside adventure.
For this event, we challenge you to invite someone new to come with you to the state forest. Maybe that's a child's friend, a relative, a new American or a coworker who has never been to a state park property. Bring them along and allow them to explore a range of activities and topics.
We'll have adaptive equipment and universal activities, kid's activities and crafts, seated discussions and hands-on learning.
What to expect
OutWiGo Green is an immersive day of learning and doing. Come to learn, watch, try, question and engage.
There is a $5 admission fee for adults aged 18+ and a $5 vehicle admission fee unless you have an annual vehicle admission sticker or a day pass from your local library.
This event is green! We encourage carpooling, and we won't have paper copies of the event schedule for you to pick up. Download a copy or grab a photo with a smartphone. State parks and forests are pack in, pack out - anything that comes with you, goes home with you.
OutWiGo Green takes place at four different locations in the Southern Unit. Check out the schedules and maps in advance to plan your day. A free shuttle will go between event locations, so no need to get in the car until the end of the day.
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What to bring
Bring what you need to be comfortable for the day. Here's what we have packed:
- The weather looks like it will make for a great recreation day - the water bottle is a must!
- Trails may be muddy from rain this week. We are bringing closed-toed shoes and getting ready to have fun in all conditions!
- A change of shoes to switch from trail running to walking.
- A few layers of clothing to better control our body temperature when being active - and be ready for afternoon sun.
- A bag to collect crafts and swag and store our extra layers.
- A sack lunch or a little cash to graze from one of several local food trucks.
- A bike to learn how to fix-a-flat or to join the VIP mountain bike ride at 3 p.m.
- The whole family minus our furry members. Pets are staying home today!
- A sense of adventure!
Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR
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World Migratory Bird Day Is May 13
In the U.S., World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of May. It is a worldwide campaign organized around the planet’s major migratory bird corridors, the African-Eurasian flyway, the East Asian-Australasian flyway, and the Americas flyway. By promoting the same event name, annual conservation theme, and messaging, multiple organizations combine their voices into a global chorus to boost the urgent need for migratory bird conservation.
This year's theme is “Water: Sustaining Bird Life.” Water is fundamental to sustaining life on our planet. Migratory birds rely on water and its associated habitats—lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, swamps, marshes, and coastal wetlands—for breeding, resting and refueling during migration, and wintering. Yet increasing human demand for water, along with climate change, pollution, and other factors are threatening these precious aquatic ecosystems.
Across Wisconsin, find birding events on the DNR Events Calendar and through organizations like the BIPOC Birding Club, the Feminist Bird Club and Audubon Society chapters, as well as other bird organizations. The Nature Conservancy has some tips for must-see migratory birds and where to look for them.
Photo Credit: Timothy Hansel
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Memorial Day Is Coming Soon!
Before you know it, the three-day weekend that is the unofficial kick-off to summer will be here. To help plan your long weekend adventure, we encourage you to check out our hidden gems map and our summer exploration maps (scroll halfway down the page) to discover the lesser-traveled places across Wisconsin's state properties.
To help make visits stress-free for everyone, consider buying your vehicle admission sticker and state trail passes before you get to the state park, forest, trail or recreation area of choice.
Take a minute to review park, forest and recreation area maps so you can learn about different trails that are available. Checking out the maps can help you find trails that are truly "off the beaten path": see the parts of wild Wisconsin that aren't the most visited trails in your favorite park.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Free Fun Weekend June 3 - 4
Save the date for Free Fun Weekend on June 3 - 4. Admission fees to Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are waived. Fishing license fees are also waived. This is the perfect weekend to explore new areas! If you've never been to a state park property, or if you have a friend or family member you've been trying to get to a state park, invite them out this weekend!
Fishing Licenses Now Available
Fishing season is here! Get your fishing license and trout stamp now. Fishing licenses are needed when fishing in Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.
In Wisconsin, kids 15 and under, and those born before 1927, can fish without a license. For everybody else, a variety of license options are available to get you out on the water quickly and easily. Get your license to relax and enjoy what Wisconsin has to offer!
Getting your first license or just visiting? Discounted license options are available. Find out more and learn where to get your fishing license on the DNR's website.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 Parts of this short trail offer great shade on warm, sunny days. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
A sweet little four-mile trail, the Hillsboro State Trail in the Driftless Area is a connector: it connects the communities of Hillsboro and Union Center and connects to the 400 State Trail. This connection then takes you to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, and after the Elroy-Sparta, bikers can connect to the La Crosse River State Trail and the Great River State Trail for a total of 101 miles. Connect to the Omaha County Trail from the Hillsboro State Trail and get to Camp Douglas.
In Hillsboro, visitors to the area can access the Kickapoo River; if you've never canoed or tubed down the Kickapoo, you're missing out! Wildcat Mountain State Park is also nearby, with horse trails, hiking, birdwatching, camping and other activities. Trout fishing at Hillsboro Lake is another draw, and if you're looking for more hiking and wildlife viewing, check out the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. In town, find locally run shops and a farmer's market. Head north to get to Mill Bluff State Park on your way north.
Walking and biking are the most popular summer activities on this trail, with easy access to local parks, creeks, a brewery and more amenities. You'll pass through ag fields and woods and over the Baraboo River. A state trail pass is required for biking.
This former railroad line trail is made of crushed stone and gravel. It's a fairly level grade. Along the trail, you'll find parking, restrooms and water.
The Hillsboro State Trail is located in Vernon and Juneau counties.
Mom And Me Hike
Kinnickinnic State Park
Sunday, May 14
10 - 11 a.m.
This one's for all you mothers, mothers-to-be and mother-figures out there! Grab that special someone, whether it’s your mom, grandma, sister, aunt or daughter, and join Naturalist Rae on a peaceful 3-mile round trip hike along the Kinnickinnic River! The red trail offers a wonderful easy-going hike on a narrow trail through both prairie and forested landscapes with sneak peaks of the Kinnickinnic River down below.
Please come dressed for the weather, bring water and wear good hiking boots. This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. $5-$10 donations are welcome and make our programming possible. All outdoor events are weather dependent. Meet at the gravel parking lot off of 770th avenue.
Questions? Email naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org or Call 715-386-9340
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Signs Of Spring Guided Hike
Newport State Park
Thursday, May 18
1 - 2 p.m.
Is spring finally here? Join the park naturalist on this beginner-level 1-mile hike to look for signs of spring. Meet at Lot 1.
Let’s Ride In Wisconsin – Forest County ATV/UTV Tour
Saturday, May 20
10 a.m.
Join the Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA) and friends for an introduction to ATVing and UTVing in northern Wisconsin! Are you new to the sport? Did you just pick up an ATV or UTV and are curious about the rules and trail ethics? Do you ride in the same area because you aren't comfortable riding by yourself or unsure where you are or aren't supposed to be? Are you a snowmobiler and just dipped your toes into the summer side of the trails?
WATVA is proud to partner with the Forest County ATV Association to host their very first Let's Ride In Wisconsin event. Let's Ride In Wisconsin is all about getting new riders involved in the sport in a fun, relaxed atmosphere while learning a little about what it takes to make the trails happen and a few laws and ethics while on the trail, and making some new friends along the way!
The Forest County ATV Association along with some members of the WATVA Trail Ambassador program and DNR Safety Instructors will lead a guided tour through some of the finest ATV trails and routes. It will be a slower paced, family friendly day covering 40 miles of forest road, paved route and wooded trails. The day will begin at the Wabeno Trailhead, located behind the Town Hall at 4473 N Branch St, Wabeno, WI 54566. We will have a quick pre-ride Q&A session and Riders Meeting and then the ride begins.
Prepare for this ride and EVERY ride:
- Make sure your machine is fueled up before leaving
- Always wear a helmet and seatbelt if provided, whether you’re legally required to or not. All ATV/UTV operators and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a minimum DOT standard ATV or motorcycle helmet with the chin strap properly fastened.
- Be on time and ready to ride!
- Machines must be registered and have a license plate
Work For Wisconsin State Parks
Applications are still being accepted for summer seasonal positions.
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 via the Wisc.Jobs website. To find all openings, search by agency and select Dept. of Natural Resources.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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We'll have a custom-made photo booth at OutWiGo Green! We can't wait to see your pictures.
Tag us with #OutWiGoGreen!
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