DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Find your slackline adventure or take a relaxing hammock break this summer. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Officially, hammocking is the act of hanging a bed or couch made of canvas, netted cord or similar material with cords attached with supports at each end.
Officially, slacklining is the activity or sport of balancing on a strip of webbing that is fixed above the ground but not stretched tight.
Unofficially, hammocking and slacklining are loads of fun and a trend that we see more and more across Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas.
Hammocks are small and lightweight, making them great for backpacking, canoe camping and chilling out by the fire. Born from the rock climbing community in Yosemite National Park in the 1970s, slacklining is now an internationally recognized sport. It's an easy, light and very portable activity to do while traveling.
Here are some tips and reminders for using hammocks and slacklines at Wisconsin state properties while being careful of the trees:
- Trees must be greater than 1 foot in diameter at point of attachment and taller than 5 feet.
- Trees should be alive.
- Help prevent the spread of oak wilt – no attaching hammocks or slacklines to oak trees.
- Trees may not be altered in any way (e.g., no trimming branches, no anchors and no bracing).
- Padding must be used around the trunk of the tree where the material is attached.
- Anchoring straps (webbing) must be at least 1 inch wide and lay flat against the padding. Don't use rope or paracord.
- Only 1 hammock per tree is allowed.
When hammock camping, remember that hammocks are only permitted in designated campsites and dispersed camping areas. And, keep your hammock on your campsite. Be courteous and keep your hammock over the gravel pad of the campsite or maintained portion of your site.
Please, no affixing hammocks or slacklines to picnic tables, grills or other state park objects at campsites.
This summer, grab your favorite book and enjoy the sway of a hammock beneath the trees!
Pollinator Week Is June 19 - 25
Welcome to Pollinator Week! This week is for the bees – and the butterflies and all the bugs that keep our food system, our flowers and our biodiversity healthy.
Pollinators in the Parks is a collaboration between the Wisconsin DNR and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
You can visit pollinator gardens in over a dozen state parks and forests to witness the beautiful native Wisconsin flora that provides food, habitat, shelter and breeding ground for pollinators.
Learn more about pollinators on the DNR's website.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Braatz
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Wisconsin Trails Network Plan Public Input Sought
The DNR is updating the state’s Trails Network Plan and we want your feedback.
The 2023 update is an interactive web map that allows users to see potential and current corridors that have been developed into state and local trails.
As part of the public input period, the web map contains an input form that allows you to share which developed trail corridors you presently use, and which trail corridors you may be interested in utilizing in the future.
The public input period will remain open until Aug. 7, 2023.
The Trails Network Plan has been a valuable resource over the years as the DNR and our partners have worked to successfully preserve, manage and expand the Wisconsin outdoor trail system to benefit residents and visitors alike.
Find the plan on the DNR's website.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 Stick around Big Foot Beach State Park for a serene sunset this summer. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Big Foot Beach State Park is the best of both worlds, with both beach and forest. Big Foot Beach offers 5 miles of hiking trails, a family campground, RV camping, a swimming beach, picnic and playground areas and an amazing sunset view across this clear, clean lake.
Lake Geneva is a popular tourist destination and a great place to get away in the summer. Big Foot Beach has a 100-foot marked swimming area and white sandy beach. Please use caution: no lifeguards are on duty.
When you enter the state park, you'll notice Ceylon Lagoon. Accessible parking is located here, as well as an accessible fishing pier. Fishing is available at Ceylon Lagoon. At the office, you can pick up fishing equipment loaned free of charge. A bait machine is located at the front of the park next to the bathroom building.
Big Foot Beach State Park offers 40 acres of picnic area with about 150 tables and a limited number of charcoal grills. Playground equipment and volleyball courts are available. Volleyballs are loaned for free at the office.
Pets are not allowed in the general picnic areas. If you wish to picnic with your pet, please ask at the entrance station for the designated area.
A 21-mile path encircles the lake - spend the day meandering along all or part of the lakeshore! Lake Geneva is full of things to do for all members of the family. Cool off with a dip in the lake after you're done exploring.
Boating
Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available in Ceylon Lagoon and Lake Geneva. There are no rentals at the park, but you may rent equipment from a local vendor just south of the park entrance.
There is no boat launch in the park. Two public launches are available just south of the park, in downtown Lake Geneva and in Linn Township. The park's northern shoreline is a good spot to anchor and recreate for the day.
Big Foot Beach State Park is located in Lake Geneva.
Shakespeare In The State Parks: Macbeth
Wyalusing State Park
Saturday, June 17
5:30 – 9 p.m.
A web of secrets, trickery and danger entangles Macbeth, his wife Lady Macbeth, his rival Macduff and countless others as he claws his way to the top. See the classic Shakespeare play, Macbeth, at Wisconsin State Parks.
The Summit Players Theater is a traveling theatre company that presents free, accessible Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences at Wisconsin State Parks.
The workshop is at 5:30 p.m., recommended for ages 8 and up. Show at 7 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chairs.
Performances are free. Vehicle admission is required. See the full schedule of performances and learn more about the Summit Players.
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Let's Go Kayaking
Willow River State Park
Sunday, June 18
10 a.m. – noon
Join the naturalist on a scenic kayaking trip across Little Falls Lake and up to the beautiful Willow Falls before peacefully floating back down along the river. This is a great activity to enjoy individually, with a friend or as a family. Children who are ages 8 and up, accompanied by a parent/guardian, and are capable of operating their own kayak for the entirety of the trip are welcome to join. Please dress for the weather and bring along a lifejacket, waterproof shoes, drinking water, sunscreen and bug spray.
Spots are limited for this event. We have ten single-person kayaks and two 3-4 person canoes which can be available for families/groups with children or individuals who are unable to operate their own kayak. Registration is required, grab your spot before.
This event costs $25 per person in support of our nonprofit's mission. Vehicle admission into the park is required. All outdoor events are weather dependent.
Please Note: There are several kayaking dates on the registration page. Make sure to register for the correct date you are interested in!
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History Of Lizard Mound
Lizard Mound State Park
Wednesday, June 21
noon – 2 p.m.
Come and join us as we take you back in time to learn about the mysterious burial mounds at Lizard Mound State Park. Where we will dive into the history of the mounds and of the Native American population that inhabited the area. All are welcome to come and join us on the longest day of the year.
Find more DNR events on the event calendar.
What's the best spot in any state park, forest or recreation area to hang your hammock?
Share and tag us at #OutWiGo and #OutWiGohammocking on social media!
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