DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Swim smart, swim safe this summer. / Photo credit: Travel Wisconsin
From swimming holes to lake beaches to the Great Lakes, Wisconsin has plenty of ways to enjoy the water each summer. However you have fun, make sure to keep safety top of mind, especially for little ones. Drowning is a leading cause of death in children ages 1 – 4 years old.
So, as you and your family embrace your inner dolphin, here are a few things to keep in mind from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) since you are not, in fact, a dolphin.
Know before you go
- Before you head out, check online to find out if the swim area is currently monitored, is under advisory, or has been closed for health or safety reasons. This is especially important after heavy rain.
- If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in lakes, rivers and other natural bodies of water.
Stay out of the water if
- Signs say the swim area is closed.
- The water looks cloudier than usual, is discolored, or smells bad. Cloudy water can be a warning that there are more germs in the water than normal. Discolored or smelly water could mean there is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the water.
- You are sick with diarrhea. Germs in diarrhea can get in the water and make other swimmers sick if they swallow the contaminated water.
- You have an open cut or wound. If you do go in the water while a cut or wound is still healing, use waterproof bandages to completely cover.
Swimming safely
- Supervise children closely. Assign an adult in your group to stay free from distraction to supervise swimmers.
- Remind children that swimming in open water is different from a pool.
- Avoid drinking alcohol when swimming.
- Use the buddy system.
- Avoid swimming if you take medications that impair your balance, coordination or judgment.
- Know if your medical condition might increase your risk of drowning, and take extra care.
- Lakes and rivers have hidden hazards such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation and limited visibility. Check the forecast before participating in activities in, on or near water. Local weather conditions can change quickly and cause dangerous flash floods, strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning strikes.
Learn more safety tips from the CDC.
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. Sign up to join this annual ride 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 are 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.
Volunteers are needed to help support RAW participants with food, water and encouragement at rest stops along the 235-mile course. See the Ride Across Wisconsin volunteer registration page for more information.
Don't miss out on this challenging, fun event. 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.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Bicycle Federation
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Pollinators In The Parks Recipients Announced
#PollinatorWeek is this week, June 19 - 25. The Wisconsin DNR and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) are pleased to announce that several state park properties are receiving funding for the Pollinators in the Parks program.
Aztalan State Park, Brunet Island State Park, Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, Hank Aaron State Trail, Harrington Beach State Park, Pattison State Park and Peninsula State Park will receive funding from the NRF to enhance pollinator habitat in 2023. These seven properties join over a dozen other state parks, forests and recreation areas in enhancing pollinator habitat.
Learn more about the NRF and pollinators.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 The new accessible fishing pier over Loon Lake is great for fishing or viewing. / Photo credit: Chris Bender, Wisconsin DNR
Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin's most scenic parks, and log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park's charm. The park offers camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing and swimming opportunities in Loon Lake.
Loon Lake is a 32-acre, 23-foot-deep lake with a mostly sand bottom. There's a 300-foot sand beach for swimming at Loon Lake. The beach features a paved accessible trail to the water’s edge. No lifeguards are on duty.
An accessible fishing pier is available on Loon Lake. Visitors can park at the beach parking lot and walk to the pier by taking the Red Granite Falls Trail and then walking a short distance down Loon Lake Drive. Two accessible parking spaces are located off of Loon Lake Drive, with a paved path leading to the pier.
Visitors can catch largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish in Loon Lake. Small car-top boats and canoes and kayaks can be launched via the carry-in boat access at Loon Lake. Only electric motors are allowed. Several other lakes within 10 miles of the park offer boat launch facilities and opportunities for larger watercraft. Make sure you have your Wisconsin fishing license.
Don't forget to take in the 1.7-mile Doughboy's Nature Trail along the Bad River. This hike is oft-touted as one of the best hikes in Wisconsin.
Head up to Ashland County this summer to cool off at Copper Falls and in Loon Lake.
Copper Falls State Park is located in Mellen.
Beach Yoga
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
Saturday, June 24
9 – 10 a.m.
Join Certified Yoga Instructor Cherie Hart for a nature-immersed and inspired session. Her calming voice and demeanor will help you feel relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the day. Beginner friendly, and all levels and skills are welcome. Meet at the North Shelter.
Pollinator Week Events
Native Bees
Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Saturday, June 24
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Learn about the amazing bees native to our area, how to identify them and what plants these special creatures need to survive. This program will have an indoor presentation followed by an outdoor walk to search for bees and bee plants.
This class is suggested for ages 10 and older. All children should be accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
Pollinator Appreciation Day
Havenwoods State Forest
Saturday, June 24
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
A day to appreciate the many animals that move pollen to help plants make fruit or seeds. Learn how to support and protect the pollinators in our world. We will have events and activities for the whole family.
Bees And Beekeeping
Devil's Lake State Park
Saturday, June 24
noon – 1 p.m.
Check out the Nature Center’s beehive. Visit the beekeepers, watch as they take care of the hive, and learn more about bees and beekeeping. There will also be some fun activities to help you know more about native Wisconsin bees. This program is great for all ages. Meet outside the Nature Center.
Prairie Planting With Johnny Nativeseed
High Cliff State Park
Saturday, June 24
1 – 2 p.m.
Take a plant identification walk through the prairie fields to learn about prescribed burns and the importance of planting native prairie seeds. Participants will be able to buy a variety of native prairie seeds and spread them during the walk or even afterward in their own yard.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
Sunday, June 25
9 – 10 a.m.
Join the naturalist in celebrating the close of 2023’s Pollinator Week. You’ll take a leisurely hike on the red loop and learn about some of Wisconsin’s popular, underrecognized and unique pollinators and what you can do at home to support them. See what all the buzz is about.
Meet at the south shelter.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Braatz/ Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
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We're Hiring
Still looking for that perfect summer job? Positions are still available at several state parks, forests and recreation areas across Wisconsin.
Apply online today or contact properties directly to check availability.
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