DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 The Buttefly Trail at High Cliff State Park is paved and accessible for all ages and abilities. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
There are so many ways to find your summertime adventure in our great state, and the DNR is committed to ensuring people of all abilities have access to our amazing recreation areas from state parks and forests, on land and in water.
Adaptive Equipment
Several state parks, forests and recreation areas offer equipment for rent or to borrow, including adaptive kayaks, beach chairs and skis. Additional equipment is coming to state parks this summer, so check our Accessibility Program webpage often for updates.
Universal Amenities Available
The amenities available at state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas differs from property to property, but here are some of the universal features to check out on our properties:
- Fishing piers
- Beach access mats and beach wheelchairs
- Campsites and cabins
- Hunting blinds
- Trails
- Playgrounds
- Observation decks and towers
- Fire rings
- Picnic shelters
- ... and more!
Check out the Accessibility at Wisconsin State Park Properties map to find places to go. Equipment is being added and facilities updated, so for current availability, please contact a property directly before visiting.
We want to hear from you. Please share your ideas for how we can improve accessibility at Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. Or, tell us a success story, share some photos or let us know if there’s something we missed by email at dnr.accessibility@wisconsin.gov.
|
Volunteer At Governor Nelson State Park
Looking for a standing volunteer option in the Madison area? Governor Nelson State Park outside Madison has weekly volunteer opportunities every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. Activities typically include invasive species removal and prairie management. No need to register in advance.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
|
|
 |
Slow Roll With Us
On Saturday, Aug. 5, Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison will host the South Side Slow Roll, a bike ride designed for those who have never participated in a group bike ride before. The event focuses on inclusivity, helping people access trails they’ve never ridden before and providing a community of support and fun!
The ride is free and open to all human powered bicycles and their riders. It will be a tour of South Side bike trails and neighborhoods beginning at the Free Bikes 4 Kidz workshop at 354 Coyier Lane, Madison. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wear a costume or come as they are. Visit Wisconsin DNR staff at the end of the ride celebration at 2300 South Park Street for fun activities, healthy snacks, state trail info and OutWiGo giveaways.
Remember to bring your Wisconsin state trails pass. However, no pass; no problem – Dane County Parks is providing free trail passes for all riders on the Capital City State Trail.
Photo Credit: Mariah Zahn
|
 This Harrington Beach State Park playground provides universal opportunities for fun. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Located along Lake Michigan between Sheboygan and Milwaukee, Harrington Beach State Park has more than a mile of Great Lakes beach. This 715-acre park also features a white cedar and hardwood swamp, old field grasslands with restored wetland ponds and a scenic limestone quarry lake. You can camp, sunbathe, picnic, hike, bird watch, fish or take your horse for a meander along the 1.2-mile bridle trail. At the observatory, practice astronomy at one of its monthly public viewings.
The Quarry Lake Trail, with its crushed limestone surface, is great option for hikers of all abilities. The park also offers an accessible campsite, cabin, universal playground, fishing pier and a beach wheelchair.
Swimming in Lake Michigan is a sure way to cool off during a hot day, though please be cautious. The lake can be dangerously cold, so use good judgment in deciding whether to swim and, if you do, how long to stay in the water. No lifeguards are present.
Swimming and boating are not permitted in Quarry Lake or Puckett's Pond.
The Jim and Gwen Plunkett Observatory has a 20-inch telescope that weighs over 2000 pounds. The telescope is designed to provide an extremely stable platform for instrumentation. The telescope accommodates four foci: two Newtonian, one Cassegrain and one Coude.
The Northern Cross Science Foundation operates the observatory. From this peaceful location, the group can pursue a variety of astronomical studies and conduct several educational and outreach programs. Throughout the summer and early fall, the foundation holds several astronomy evenings that are open to the public.
Harrington Beach State Park is located in Belgium.
Shakespeare In The State Parks
Amnicon Falls State Park
Saturday, July 8
5:30 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.
Storyteller: Terry Visger
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Saturday, July 8
7 – 8 p.m.
Terry Visger is a professional storyteller who weaves stories for all ages. With her high energy performances, Terry engages her listeners, educates and takes them on a journey of the imagination.
Join Terry around the amphitheater campfire as she tells folktales and scary stories. This event is sponsored by Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park. Vehicle admission is required.
Universe In The Park
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Saturday, July 8
8 p.m.
Join Jim Lattis for a 30-40 minute presentation about astronomy and the wonders of the night sky.
After the presentation, weather permitting, attendees will be able to enjoy the astronomical view through a telescope.
Herb Hike
Newport State Park
Thursday, July 13
10 – 11 a.m.
Dave LaLuzerne was born with a green spark in his heart (interestingly, his last name is the French word for alfalfa). Nurtured through pharmacy school and many years as an herbal pharmacist in his own herb shop, he now finds his passion is educating people about the numerous and wondrous ways to use herbs for our health and well-being.
We have a wealth of beneficial herbs right here in Door County. This walk will explore the herbs in our local environment. Learn how the plants that flourish in this climate can help you flourish as well.
Meet at the Nature Center, Lot 1.
Photo Credit: Summit Players Theatre
|
What's your favorite universally accessible trail or beach?
Tag us with #OutWiGo on social media!
Do you like this newsletter? Be sure to share it with a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Parks System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. Visit the Wisconsin State Park System online or go to the Subscriber Preferences Page linked below.
|
