DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 The Bittersweet Lakes are a quartet of small, wild lakes within the Northern Highland-American Legion
State Forest, each with its own distinct character. / Photo Credit: Thomas Meyer, Wisconsin DNR
Editor's Note: The previous version of this newsletter included an event at Interstate State Park that has been canceled. That event listing has been removed from this newsletter.
Looking for new or different places to paddle? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)'s Natural Heritage Conservation program put together a resource of 12 water-based trips to State Natural Areas (SNAs) that offer a few hours of peaceful paddling in places that celebrate Wisconsin's natural heritage.
SNAs protect Wisconsin’s native landscapes; our original prairies, old-growth forests and pristine wetlands. They have unique ecological features, wonderful geological formations and outstanding scenery. Some preserve wild lakes and stream stretches that you can explore by canoe or kayak.
SNAs currently encompass 406,000 acres of land owned by the state and its many partners, including land trusts, local and county governments and private landowners. Wisconsin's natural areas are valuable for research and educational use, the preservation of genetic and biological diversity and for providing benchmarks for determining the impact of use on managed lands. They also provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals.
The Paddling Wisconsin State Natural Areas guide provides 12 ideas for paddling trips across Wisconsin. You may find them next to a state park or forest, or contained within one. Some SNAs require state park and forest vehicle admission stickers and may have different rules than state parks; check the SNA before your trip.
Always wear your life jacket, and don't forget the sunscreen.
Find your paddling adventure this summer and fall at State Natural Areas!
Accessibility Map Updated
We recently updated our Accessibility Map, a guide to adaptive equipment, accessibility and accessible features of Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.
New additions to the map include universal play areas and updated adaptive equipment. Check back often as equipment and amenities are added!
Accessible cabin at Ottawa Lake. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Spruce Up The Eastern Terminus Of The Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail, the only National Scenic Trail located wholly in Wisconsin, begins at Interstate Park and ends at Potawatomi State Park.
The massive limestone cliffs rising from the waters of Sturgeon Bay are part of a geologic formation known as the Niagara Escarpment. They are part of the same 1,000-mile rock formation that forms the Door County peninsula and over which the Niagara River plummets in New York state. The escarpment edge that divided the glacier is home to the beginning (or end) of a thousand-mile journey at the Eastern Terminus.
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is re-routing a segment of the Ice Age Trail away from shared-use ski and bike trails inside Potawatomi State Park.
The Ice Age Trail Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with this trail and terminus project starting Wednesday, Sept. 6 and ending Sunday, Sept. 10. Volunteers can come for part or all of the time.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, such as:
- Create 3,500 feet of tread along the escarpment at the Eastern Terminus rock.
- Build a 35-step stone staircase with dolomitic limestone to replace well-worn wooden steps.
- Freshen up the Trail throughout Potawatomi State Park.
- Help blaze the new section of Trail.
- Help with base camp support prepping and cooking the evening meals and cleaning up afterward.
This is a great way to give back to the Ice Age Trail and enjoy a beautiful early fall in Door County! To learn more or to sign-up, visit the Ice Age Trail Alliance's webpage.
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 Take in the views from Brunet Island State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
As the name suggests, Brunet Island State Park provides abundant opportunities for water recreation. Situated on the Chippewa and Fisher rivers, this island property is the perfect spot to cast a rod, paddle downstream or dip your toes in the water to cool down from the summer heat. No kayak? No problem! Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the park office.
The island sits on a stretch of water extending about 3.5 to 4 miles from the Cornell Dam to the Holcombe Dam. There is excellent flat water paddling through numerous channels among undeveloped islands in the northern portion of the park. The waters surrounding the island are home to a wide variety of fish, including northern pike, walleye, small mouth bass, catfish, crappie, muskie and yellow perch. Basic fishing equipment is also available free of charge to anglers of all ages, thanks to the DNR’s Tackle Loaner program.
If you'd rather spend time on land, the park’s eight miles of hiking trails are a great way to explore both the island and mainland. The 0.8-mile Jean Brunet Nature Trail, a self-guided walking trail, features signs describing the history and nature of the area. If you are looking for a longer walk, the Nordic Trail starts at the park office and loops 4.3 miles on the mainland. The trail includes orientation signs to guide you and benches along the way where you can rest and enjoy the quiet.
Brunet Island State Park also offers a unique camping experience. The property’s South Campground has 24 sites with electricity, plus a campsite accessible for people with disabilities and a shower building with flush toilets. The North Campground has no electric service, but many of the 45 campsites are on the shoreline of the Chippewa River or its bays and provide direct access to the water.
In the evening, take a break from the state park and check out downtown Cornell, one of the newest Ice Age Trail Communities.
Brunet Island State Park is located in Cornell.
Brule Family Fun Day
Brule River State Forest
Saturday, Aug. 19
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for Brule Family Fun Day! Admission is free.
At The Hatchery:
- Catch and release fishing
- Fly tying and casting
- Kids archery and nature hike
- Fish filleting demonstration
- T-shirt fish printing
- Hatchery tours
- Aquatic invasive species display, Lamprey display
- Fire suppression equipment on display
At The Canoe Landing:
- Canoe the Brule River from Bois Brule canoe landing to Hwy 2 (sign up at the registration stand at hatchery)
- Stream shocking demonstrations
All children will receive gift bags. Come visit with the staff!
Mellen Community Choir
Copper Falls State Park
Saturday, Aug. 19
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a popular mix of age-old favorite songs with Mellen’s Community Choir, and get ready for some sing-along options. Meet at the Picnic Area Pavilion. No pets, please.
Universe In The Park
Roche-A-Cri State Park
Sunday, Aug. 20
9 p.m.
Join Rachel McClure 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.
Archery Workshop
Devil's Lake State Park
Tuesday, Aug. 22
4 - 8 p.m.
This beginner crossbow and compound bow class is a great for those new to the sport and those with previous experience that are seeking additional training. During this introductory class, you’ll be able to use cross and compound bows, learn how to safely handle/operate a crossbow and how to perform proper routine maintenance.
The class is limited to 15 people, and you will need to pre-register to participate in the course. To pre-register, email Park Naturalist Sue. This class is for adults. All equipment will be provided.
Meet outside the Nature Center.
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What are your favorite spots to paddle in Wisconsin's state parks, forests and recreation areas?
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