DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Take part in the Mammoth Hike Challenge in October. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
This October, our friends at the Ice Age Trail Alliance invite you to take the Mammoth Hike Challenge. Hike, run, walk or backpack 43 miles on the Ice Age Trail and visit three Trail Communities to earn a limited-edition patch and certificate.
Unsure about hiking all 43 miles? Gaining bonus miles is an option, with tasks ranging between five to 10 miles each for involvement with the Ice Age Trail Alliance. New 2023 Mammoth Challenge Ice Age Trail segments include White Cedar, Evansville, Cornell, Gibbs Lake and soon, the latest Rib Lake segment. Registration is free.
Did you know that the Ice Age State and National Scenic Trail crosses through several state park properties, and begins AND ends at two state parks? No matter which way you start or finish, you're at a state park.
The western terminus of the 1,200-mile trail is in Interstate State Park in Polk County, while the eastern terminus is at Potawatomi State Park in Door County. The trail traces the edge of the glaciers’ advance about 10,000 years ago due to the repeated glacial freezing and melting that occurred during that time. The basic features defining the route of the Ice Age Trail are the Kettle Moraine of eastern Wisconsin and extending westward along the most recent terminal moraine.
The Ice Age Trail provides recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year and expands the interpretation of Wisconsin’s unique glacial geology to dozens of communities along its route. In fact, the trail passes through 142 Wisconsin communities in 30 counties. Some communities have elected to become official "Trail Communities." Look for an Ice Age Trail Community sign on your way into town.
The Ice Age Trail is managed cooperatively by the DNR, the National Park Service and the Ice Age Trail Alliance. The trail passes through public and private land; please be respectful and stay on the trail, especially when on private land. The trail is a work in progress. More than 600 miles are marked segments, while another 500 miles are unmarked routes.
Wildcat Mountain State Park Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
Surround yourself in fall colors by visiting Wildcat Mountain State Park, who just had their 75th anniversary on Sept. 16. The event featured guided hikes, food and drink, wagon rides, music and more with free park admission for the day.
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This park only gets more beautiful as fall progresses. With wonderful color changes, more than 20 miles of hiking trails, a canoe landing on the Kickapoo River and plenty of other events to come, this park is definitely a can’t-miss.
Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR
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Boat Launch And Dock Removal
As fall continues, our surroundings are changing, and it’s not just the leaves. Starting Oct. 1, DNR staff will be removing fishing piers and boat boarding docks from DNR-maintained northern area lakes (generally north of Hwy 64).
Bodies of water can still be accessed; however, piers and docks may not be available. Please keep this in mind as you venture out for fall fishing and water-based recreation. Piers/docks will be removed in no particular order and will be done as weather, equipment and staff resources are available.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 Enjoy the view overlooking the backwaters of the Wisconsin River from Tower Hill State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Tower Hill State Park has it all. Gaze down the impressive bluff overseeing the backwaters of the Wisconsin River and Spring Green, then hike below to see the rock dugout for the park's restored 1800s shot tower. Here, you get to see a piece of Wisconsin history and breathtaking views.
Visitors can see how lead shot was made in the mid-1800s, hike bluff trails and visit a picnic area and shelter.
Tower Hill is in the part of southwest Wisconsin known as the Driftless Area that was never covered by the glaciers that swept across the northern U.S. Consequently, the region's dramatic topography was formed by 400 million years of natural erosion by wind and water. The Wisconsin River and its tributaries have carved their way through hundreds of feet of sandstone and limestone, forming ridges and valleys.
Learn more about Tower Hill State Park’s history. Tower Hill State Park does not have a boat launch but does have a canoe landing. The park borders the Wisconsin River and backwaters and is a popular place to explore by canoe or kayak. Tower Hill State Park has picnic areas, a large play field and a reservable shelter. This park does feature 10 seasonal tent campsites; reserve a site.
There are two miles of trails that meander through the park. Tower Hill is an excellent area for amateur bird watchers, offering a variety of habitat with riverbanks, deep woods and clearings.
- The segment from campsite 8 to the shot tower (0.3 miles) includes a gradual climb and two stairways.
- The segment from the shelter building to the shot tower (0.2 miles) is a steep uphill climb.
- The segment from the shot tower to the tunnel at the river bottom (0.2 miles) has long, steep stairways.
- The trail segment from the shelter to the gazebo is 0.25 miles.
- The Old Ox Nature Trail is 0.5 miles.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Home & Habitat Fest
Saturday, Sept. 30
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join the DNR and the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) for the second annual Home and Habitat Fest at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee.
Local organizations will be in attendance to share steps to becoming a homeowner, resources to navigate rental issues, small steps everyone can take to improve habitat and more.
The vision for a state forest in Milwaukee started with the neighboring community. In hosting events such as Home & Habitat Fest, Havenwoods remains a community asset and serves to connect residents with resources and opportunities for learning and recreation.
Schedule Of Events
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Informational booths
- Animal meet & greet
- Scavenger hunt
- Drum circle
Noon
- Guest speakers: DNR Secretary Adam Payne, WHEDA CEO/Executive Director Elmer Moore, Jr. and Milwaukee Housing Authority Executive Director Willie Hines, Jr
1 – 1:30 p.m.
- Dance Circus closing performance
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Story Time: Trees Of Many Colors
Friday, Oct. 6
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Discover why trees lose their colorful leaves before winter comes. Meet at the Ice Age Visitor Center (N2875 Hwy 67, Campbellsport – half mile west of Dundee).
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Run Wild
Saturday, Oct. 7
7:30 – 11:30 a.m.
You do not want to miss the annual Run Wild event at Potawatomi State Park presented by the Friends of Potawatomi State Park.
Events include a ¼ marathon run, 5K run/walk and Smokey Bear Fun Run for kids. Events start at 9:30 a.m. sharp (please arrive early to ensure time for parking).
The Smokey Bear Fun Run immediately follows the 5K and ¼ marathon. The ¼ marathon and 5K may be completed virtually or in person. Participants may register in advance or at the park from 7:30 to 9 a.m. the day of the event.
The park entrance fee is waived until 11 a.m. on the day of the event. Roads will be closed to motor vehicles during the event. For more information or to register, visit the event website.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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S'more Fun Trail Run
Saturday, Oct. 7
8:30 a.m. – noon
This fun trail run at Mirror Lake State Park includes a Mini Marshmallow 1-mile kids run age 11 & under, 5K run & walk and 10K trail and a half marathon run along the park's scenic trails.
The goal of this event is to introduce people to the state park and to raise funds to support ongoing and future Friends' projects at the park. You will run along scenic Mirror Lake, near sandstone cliffs, up and down steep hills (did we mention the hills?) and to the finish line where you can enjoy post-race food and beverages including s'mores around a campfire, making for a truly unique running experience! Sign up at S'more Fun Trail Run.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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