DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Always remember to extinguish fires completely before leaving, and be aware when swimming or boating this holiday weekend. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
This Fourth of July weekend, you can help reduce human-caused fires by fostering fire safe practices at state park campgrounds and beyond.
The Wisconsin DNR is rolling out the ‘Fire Safety Flag’ project this summer to help promote visitors taking a little extra effort to ensure their fire is completely out before leaving their campsite. The campaign aims to recognize that fire danger changes quickly and to never leave a fire unattended.
When you visit your campsite, don't be surprised if you see a yellow flag in your fire ring. Read the flag, take note of the current fire situation and place the flag aside for a cozy yet safe campfire. Then, when ready to leave, the flag helps you remember to use plenty of water and make sure the fire is completely out and cold before placing that flag right back where you found it.
This flag is a safety message right in front of you. Before moving any flags, take a second to consider responsible fire use. If camping with little ones, take a minute to share fire safety responsibility with them. Early conversations about fire danger and safety can have long-lasting impacts.
Making sure campfires are completely out is a simple step that helps prevent wildfires.
With many parts of Wisconsin experiencing dry weather conditions, remember to keep yourself and our natural areas protected from fires.
Here are a few more reminders:
- Fire danger changes quickly, especially this time of year.
- Never leave a fire unattended, not even for a minute.
- Never throw coals or embers into the woods – keep firewood inside the fire ring and charcoal in your grill.
- Properly extinguish your campfire when you are finished by dousing with water and stirring dirt in with a shovel.
- Use lots of water, stir, repeat.
- Know the current fire danger.
- Use the back of your hand to detect if heat is still coming from the fire or ring. If you can feel heat, the fire is not out. Douse and stir again.
Fireworks Safety At State Parks
Fireworks are prohibited on DNR-managed lands. Restricted areas include state parks, forests and state-owned public hunting and fishing areas.
Anyone using fireworks should take precautions to prevent wildfires. Exploding fireworks, such as firecrackers, m-70s, bottle rockets and Roman candles, cause the most fireworks-related wildfires.
Although holiday favorites such as sparklers and fountains are not defined as fireworks per state law, they do pose a significant fire threat, especially near grassy areas in hot and dry weather.
A citation for illegal fireworks in a state park or forest can cost up to $200.50. Violators, or parents of violators, could be responsible for the total costs of extinguishing a fire and up to twice the cost of damages.
Anyone planning on camping in a Wisconsin state park or forest during the Fourth of July weekend should enjoy fireworks displays in nearby communities – not at picnic areas, campsites or other areas within state parks, forests and trails.
More information on preventing wildfires from fireworks or other causes is available on the DNR’s website.
Upcoming Trails Council Meetings
The Nonmotorized Recreation and Transportation Trails Council will meet on Wednesday, July 12.
The State Trails Council quarterly meeting will be on Friday, July 21.
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 The Rawley Point Lighthouse is spectacular any time of day. / Photo Credit: Princely Nesadurai, Wisconsin DNR
There's a reason many people say their favorite state park or forest is Point Beach State Forest. It has both forest and beach, with 6 miles of sandy beachfront along Lake Michigan for swimming. Point Beach offers several types of campsites, a concession stand with a Friday fish fry, a lighthouse, horse trails and biking and hiking trails. The Rawley Point Bike Trail is a popular ride between the state forest and Two Rivers.
Indoor and outdoor group campsites, abundant electric hook-ups, a kayak campsite accessible from Lake Michigan and family campsites are all available here. The Ice Age Trail brings thru-hikers to Point Beach, many enjoying the Trail along the beach. Ice Age hikers can backpack to a rustic site with a pit toilet.
A major feature of Point Beach is Rawley Point and the lighthouse operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has operated a lighthouse here since 1853. Tours are not available, but a Travel Wisconsin selfie stand is perfectly poised to capture you and the lighthouse.
Enjoy the sandy beach and open waters of Lake Michigan but note that lifeguards are not provided and strong wind conditions can occur on Lake Michigan. No fires are permitted on the beach, and as in all state parks and forests, fireworks are not permitted.
While your four-legged friends are not able to join you on the beach or the nature trail, there is a separate beach for dogs located near the park office.
All picnic and shelter areas include picnic tables, grills, drinking water and restrooms. The concession stand in the lodge sells picnic supplies and items in season. There are picnic areas near the lodge itself, as well as picnic areas where you can sit back and enjoy Lake Michigan. There is also a playground, volleyball courts and a baseball diamond. Two shelters are reservable – consider having your next family gathering at the group campsite and shelter.
Point Beach State Forest is located in Two Rivers.
July is the season for music in the state parks! Check out some upcoming music events.
Music On The Mound, Featuring Just Dave
Blue Mound State Park
Saturday, July 1
6 – 8 p.m.
Join the Friends of Blue Mound State Park for Music on the Mound at the Blue Mound State Park Amphitheater, featuring Just Dave. Dave plays all of the instruments, one at a time, through recording pedals, so it sounds like a full band. This event is free. Vehicle admission is required.
Ryan Meisel: Spiritual Currents World Sound Explorations
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Saturday, July 1
7 – 8 p.m.
Join musician, Ryan Meisel, as he performs music from his new album, original compositions performed to field recording soundscapes of his favorite Midwest nature areas.
Ryan's music honors his deep spiritual connection to the earth and nature while providing a context for his personal expression through organic sound. Ryan performs live saxophones, Native flutes, indigenous woodwinds, whistles and electronic wind instruments.
This event is sponsored by Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park. Vehicle admission is required.
Concert In The Park
Buckhorn State Park
Saturday, July 1
7 – 9 p.m.
The Friends of Buckhorn are sponsoring an evening of music with a concert by “Old Soul Society.” Free concert, vehicle admission required.
Music In The Park: Trapper Schoepp
Mirror Lake State Park
Friday, July 7
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Trapper Schoepp is a Wisconsin native who prides himself on music that reaches the soul. He sings various folk and country songs that the crowd is sure to know and most recently did a co-write with Bob Dylan. Make sure to come and see Trapper yourself.
The show will be performed at the amphitheater.
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