DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Parking along roadways when visiting our state properties damages vegetation and creates unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Only park in designated parking spots at state parks, forests, trailheads and recreation areas. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
With Labor Day coming up, big crowds will be out at our state properties for the last big outdoor holiday of the summer. Here are a few tips to help you and our park staff have an enjoyable weekend.
Avoid The Line, Buy Online
Purchase your 2023 state park and forest vehicle admission sticker before heading to a state park, forest or recreation area. You can purchase it online.
Stick To The Parking Lots, Carpool Or Find A Plan B
Please remember that parking is allowed only in designated parking spots. If you can't find a spot:
- Do not park along roadways. It ruins vegetation and creates dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
- Do not block traffic flow by waiting for a parking spot to open. Move on and try again later.
- If you're camping at a state park or forest, consider leaving your vehicle at your campsite.
Consider carpooling! Parking lots may fill up during the busiest times. Consider carpooling with other members of your party at an outside location and entering the state property together.
If a park or forest seems too full, try visiting another property or come back another day.
Don't Be A Litterbug
Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are carry-in, carry-out, meaning anything you take in with you needs to leave with you. This includes food and packaging, diapers, equipment, bottles and cans and dog waste bags.
Double check your picnic areas and campsites before you leave and don't leave anything in the fire ring. Consider keeping a trash bag with you while you're hiking to collect trash. Trash bins are available for overnight campers. Please, don't leave your trash around our beautiful parks!
Plan Ahead
Double-check that you have everything you need for your visit. It may be difficult to re-enter a property or find parking if you leave and need to come back. Make sure you have garbage bags, ice, swimming toys, fuel and other items for your visit. Pack water and snacks in case you get stuck in line.
Stay Cool
Beaches may be crowded, shelters may be reserved and picnic tables may be taken when you arrive. Remember to be kind and stay calm. Be prepared to adapt your plans. Take a look at property maps before you leave the house. Check park property rules before you visit or refresh yourself when you arrive. Information on pets, motorized activities, camping check-in and out and other details are worth the time spent reviewing before your visit.
And remember, everyone is there to enjoy the same resources you're there enjoying. Have fun, be smart, be safe and enjoy our state properties!
2024 Vehicle Admission Sticker Winner
Congrats to Slinger High School sophomore Samantha Williams for the winning design on the 2024 Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission sticker! Williams’ winning design featuring a parent and child loon will be printed on vehicle admission stickers displayed on more than 500,000 vehicles. She will receive an engraved plaque and a 2024 annual vehicle admission sticker featuring the design. The 2024 stickers will go on sale starting Nov. 24.
Image Credit: Samantha Williams
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Dog Appreciation Day Is Aug. 26
Happy Dog Appreciation Day to the four-legged friends who provide companionship, slobbery smiles and a whole lot of cute photos on our outdoor adventures.
A special shout-out goes to everyone who keeps our public lands safe, clean and enjoyable by:
- Picking up after their pets and disposing of waste properly
- Keeping pets under control and on leashes no longer than 8 feet (in the photo above, the person is near to the leash to grab it, but please, always keep control of leashes)
- Avoiding areas off-limits to pets (i.e., buildings, picnic areas, designated nature trails, etc.)
- Keeping their pets company and not leaving them unattended
Learn more about pets in parks for your next trip.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 A view of the Chippewa River State Trail from the Tyrone Lookout. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Beginning in downtown Eau Claire, the 30-mile Chippewa River State Trail extends from Phoenix Park at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers and travels south alongside the Chippewa River through a wide variety of habitat including river bottoms, prairies, sandstone bluffs and wetlands. The trail joins the Red Cedar State Trail in the Dunnville Wildlife Area near the confluence of the Red Cedar and Chippewa rivers and ends at the town of Durand.
The Chippewa River State Trail is part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System. When completed, the trail system will feature an 80-mile network of trail stretching from Cornell, through Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire to Durand and Menomonie. Other trails in the system include the Red Cedar and Old Abe state trails.
The trail is ideal for a bike and paddle trip. Sections of this former rail corridor parallel the Chippewa River. You can paddle downstream and then bike back to your starting point or vice versa. In season, vendors in Eau Claire offer a pedal and paddle option along the trail.
The trail is paved with asphalt from downtown Eau Claire to near Caryville (about 11 miles) to provide for in-line skating as well as biking. From there to its junction with the Red Cedar State Trail, the trail is surfaced with asphalt emulsion suitable for bicycling. The section of the Chippewa River trail in Pepin County (about 6.5 miles) between Durand and the Red Cedar junction is also paved with asphalt. Bridges are wood decked and railed.
No trail passes are required for the Eau Claire city trail or the Pepin County/Durand section, but on the rest of the trail, each bicyclist and in-line skater age 16 and older must have a state trail pass. There is a self-registration box and information kiosk at Short Street in Eau Claire, the dividing line between city and state trails.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail from Porterville Road to Durand. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.
The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.
Head up to Eau Claire to experience this urban and rural multi-use trail!
Chippewa River State Trail is located in Eau Claire, Dunn and Pepin counties.
Mushroom Hike With Charlotte Lukes
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Saturday, Aug. 26
10 - 11 a.m.
Join Charlotte Lukes, Door County’s mushroom expert, on this guided hike through Whitefish Dunes State Park. Charlotte has been studying wild mushrooms for over 40 years and she loves to share her knowledge through classes and programs throughout Door County.
Meet at the Nature Center.
The Traveling Snake Show
Hartman Creek State Park
Saturday, Aug. 26
1 - 3 p.m.
Come learn about the wonderful world of snakes – one of the most misunderstood creatures. We’ll talk about different snakes of the world, including ones you can find right here in Wisconsin. After presenting our live snakes, you get a chance to interact with them in a safe, controlled environment. All ages are welcome. No dogs will be allowed at this program because of the live snakes. Thank you for understanding.
Meet at the enclosed picnic shelter at Hartman Lake.
Spanish In Nature! Learn About Opposites
Havenwoods State Forest
Monday, Aug. 28
10 - 11 a.m.
Learn about opposites in animals through team-building games, stories and outdoor exploration! This program is intended for children aged 2-9 and their guardian(s).
Pre-registration is required, as the program is limited to a maximum of 10 children. To register, email DNRHavenwoods@wisconsin.gov.
Dress for the weather, as the program will occur rain or shine! Please, bring a water bottle.
This program is made possible by the Friends of Havenwoods State Forest through a Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Incentive Grant.
Stories Of The Full Moon Around The Campfire
Newport State Park
Wednesday, Aug. 30
8 - 10 p.m.
Join park staff around the campfire on this night of the Full Sturgeon Moon. Listen to stories and tales, or share your own. Bring your own chair. Park in Lot 3; follow the blacktop path to the shelter building fire ring.
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