DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 The splash pad at Blue Mound State Park is fun for all ages and abilities. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Every July, we recognize and celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Wisconsin DNR is committed to ensuring people of all abilities have access to our amazing recreation areas, from state parks to forests, on land and in water.
Playtime. We all need it, whether toddlers, young adults, middle-aged or in our silver years. For kids, play is an important part of brain development and social interaction. It inspires creativity, spurs emotional skills, keeps them active and allows connection with the world. Studies have shown that adults, too, need play to keep their brains active, ward off depression, stay engaged, stay active, fuel their imaginations and, of course, have fun.
Playtime opportunities are abundant at Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. In addition to unstructured play on trails, at beaches and on recreation facilities like volleyball courts and tennis courts, here are a few ways we're working to encourage universal play.
Playgrounds
Over the past few years, some playgrounds at state park properties have been getting a makeover. Playgrounds at Harrington Beach State Park, High Cliff State Park and Peninsula State Park are now universally accessible. This means they have accessible surfaces and play equipment, for example, a flush-mounted merry-go-round and universal swings. Universal interactive ground elements like a rain wheel and music activities may also be available.
Swimming Pool
At Blue Mound State Park, cool off with the universal splash pad or take a dip in the swimming pool. The 1,950-square-foot swimming pool has a minimum depth of 3 feet and a maximum depth of 4 feet. It is equipped with an ADA lift chair for those in need of assistance. The lift is powered by water pressure and designed for self- or assisted use. The chair automatically turns 180 degrees for easy deck and wheelchair accessibility.
Nature Classroom
The outdoor nature classroom at Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a welcoming, interactive space for learners of all abilities and ages. This outdoor space invites active, sensory and social recreation and play through climbing, gardening, water exploration, nature art, dirt and digging.
Where will you play today?
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.
Rock Climbing Etiquette For Non-Climbers
Rock climbing is a sport that has been around for hundreds of years and has been gaining popularity over the last few decades. Climbers use a rope, harness and other gear, called protection, to get from the bottom to the top of a rock face. It takes training and practice to learn how to do this safely. It can be dangerous or deadly if not done correctly.
Likewise, it can be dangerous or deadly if non-climbers mess with equipment. If you’re hiking along a trail and you see metal things sticking out of a rock or ropes tied to natural features like rocks or trees at the top of a cliff, don’t touch them. Climbers have placed this equipment intentionally. Removing it or moving it can be dangerous to the climber.
As a hiker, intentionally throwing or kicking rocks off cliffs is also very dangerous. It’s never a good idea to throw rocks from the top of a trail or bluff, but it can be deadly if done at places where people are climbing below. Adults and guardians, please discourage this type of behavior.
Rock climbing is practiced at several state park properties, including Devil’s Lake, Willow River, Governor Dodge and Interstate state parks. Climbers are expected to use trail etiquette with other users. Hikers, birders, mountain bikers and trail runners can also do their part to be courteous to fellow park visitors. Litter and trash like food wrappers, cans and bottles or diapers are great things to pick up and pack out when you see them on the trail - not climbing equipment. Please, be aware of rock climbing equipment and its importance to the safety of the climber.
Photo Credit: Taylar Foster
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 This Peninsula State Park playground provides universal opportunities for fun at any age. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Peninsula State Park is one of the oldest state parks in Wisconsin. It's also one of the most developed and offers a wide range of activities for people of all abilities. Peninsula has abundant camping, off-road biking, hiking, fishing and other water-based activities, nature programs, theater, concessions and so much more.
Improvements to this park have expanded access for more people to take in all that Peninsula State Park offers. Here are some of the universal features you can find at Peninsula:
Water Activities
Water is a defining feature of this park. There's a boat launch and accessible fishing pier at North Nicolet Bay. Hook a smallmouth or rock bass or even a brown trout.
Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment free of charge at the park office. This equipment was donated by the Tackle Loaner Program. Call the park office to find out what equipment is available.
The park also has a beach access mat at Nicolet Beach that provides a stable surface for people in wheelchairs or those with difficulty walking to get to the water.
Shelters
Three shelters, Nicolet Beach, Weborg Point and Welker's Point, are all universally accessible. These shelters are great for picnicking, taking a sun break, family gatherings and other events.
These shelters have picnic tables, vault toilets and a large group grill. Water and flush toilets are available at Nicolet Beach and Weborg Point in season (typically mid-May to mid-October). Garbage and recycling containers are not provided, so please remember to practice carry-in/carry-out.
Pets are not allowed at any picnic areas or in the shelters.
Welcker's Point and Weborg Point picnic areas each have a reservable indoor shelter with a fireplace (wood not provided). Each shelter accommodates 50 people. They may be reserved for a fee and, if not reserved, are open to the public.
Facilities
The White Cedar Nature Center has been recently renovated and is a great way place for visitors of all abilities. Visit the Nature Center to learn about the flora and fauna of Door County, ask questions to help understand the natural resources at the park, participate in interpretive programs, pick up a Wisconsin Explorer book, have quiet time in the reading corner and much more.
Northern Sky Theater is a professional group of actors and musicians that perform from mid-June to late August at the park. Their whimsical musical comedies are geared toward families. At the Northern Sky outdoor amphitheater, visitors can find accessible parking and an accessible route of travel as well as accessible seating areas and restrooms.
In 2022, the Friends of Peninsula State Park opened a universal playground at Nicolet Beach. This means the equipment and the surface are open to people of all ages and abilities and their mobility devices.
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Hiking And Camping
Accessible campsites are available at Peninsula State Park. Accessible sites typically have a paved driveway, stable camping pad, electricity, raised fire ring and accessible picnic table. They are also located near the campground restroom building.
The Sentinel Trail and Sunset Bike Route both have a crushed limestone surface that are great trail options. A portion of the Sentinel Trail near Eagle Tower has crushed limestone surface for universal access. The popular Sunset Trail is another neat way to explore the park. Starting near the Fish Creek entrance to the park, the fine gravel on the relatively flat Sunset Trail accommodates bicycles, wheelchairs and hikers. Portions of the trail feature hills and road crossings, so use caution. Both trails feature a firm or stable surface with no obvious obstacles; however, not all trails are suitable for all users. There may be more trails suitable for use depending on individual abilities. Please see the property trail page for detailed descriptions or call the property for conditions and usability.
Later this summer, an outdoor wheelchair will be available for use at the White Cedar Nature Center. This wheelchair has tracks that can handle rough, rocky, and unstable surfaces (even snow!) so everyone can explore beautiful Wisconsin outdoors!
The wheelchair will be free to use and can be requested for checkout from the Friends of Peninsula State Park. Contact the Friends of Peninsula for more information.
Eagle Tower
High above the Niagara Escarpment on Peninsula's northeast shore stands one of the most popular attractions in Door County. Eagle Tower, located on top of Eagle Bluff, offers panoramic views of the park, surrounding islands, the Upper Michigan shoreline and the village of Ephraim.
The tower is 60 feet high, with the top observation deck sitting 253 feet above Green Bay. Visitors can enjoy an 850-foot, fully-accessible canopy walk that winds above the tree line to the top of the tower; stairs are also available. The angle of the accessible ramp never exceeds a five percent slope and visitors can take advantage of level spots and benches to rest along the way.
We do recommend calling the property before your visit to ensure the equipment or accessible features you're interested in using are readily available.
Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR
Peninsula State Park is located in Fish Creek, Door County.
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Explore Horseshoe Island
Peninsula State Park
Saturday, July 22
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Make your own way to Horseshoe Island and join Ranger Johnson and Educator Lutzke for a 1-mile hike and learn.
Together they will share the ecology and history of Horseshoe Island.
Kayak rentals available at Nicolet Beach Camp Store & Rentals; standard rental rates apply. No amenities are available on the island.
It is 1 mile to the island from Nicolet Beach. Please dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and weather (i.e., sun protection, bug spray, hats, raincoats, footwear, etc.).
This program may be canceled due to inclement weather.
Pothole Trail Guided hike
Interstate Park
Saturday, July 22
11 a.m. – noon
Join the naturalist on a tour of Interstate Park’s most famous trail as it takes you past the Dalles of the St. Croix and glacially carved potholes on a 0.4-mile loop. The trail has stone stairs and an uneven surface in parts.
Butterflies And Other Pollinators
Harrington Beach State Park
Saturday, July 22
1 – 2 p.m.
As the days begin to warm up along the shore of Lake Michigan, join Park Naturalist, Phyllis McKenzie, to search for and catch pollinators and other insects in the park.
Great for families and kids of all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring sunscreen and a bottle of water. Meet at the Puckett’s Pond Shelter. Park admission is required.
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