DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Opt Outside with Big Manitou Falls Nov. 24. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Since 2015, outdoor retailer REI has closed their doors for Black Friday in an effort to encourage their employees, customers and everyone else to spend the busiest shopping day of the year outdoors. #OptOutside continues to grow, with more and more people choosing to spend the day wandering nature over shopping aisles.
Much like #OptOutside, OutWiGo encourages mental, physical and communal wellbeing by inspiring people to get outdoors and be active in nature. The Wisconsin DNR is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities so everyone can feel good in the great outdoors.
We are here to make it easy. From raging waterfalls and silent ponds to windy bluffs and calm meadows, Wisconsin state parks, forests and trails have it all. Want to know about hiking safety and hunting season at our parks? View our previous newsletter from Friday, Nov. 3 on the OutWiGo Newletter page for specifics on hunting-free properties and deer season dates. To learn more about parks nearby, visit the DNR Find a Park page and find cycling routes at the DNR's Bicycle Trails page. No matter where you go or how you get outside, you are doing it right. Break the norm and spend the day at a park. Where will you #OutWiGo?
2024 State Park Stickers Available Starting Nov. 24
2024 state park and forest annual admission stickers and trail passes are available for purchase starting next Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. These annual admission stickers and trail passes offer access to thousands of miles of trails, dozens of beaches and a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
2024 annual passes purchased on Nov. 24, 2023 and later are valid at properties from date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2024. Buy a pass this Black Friday and #OptOutside at any number of property gems across Wisconsin!
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Share Your State Park Stories
We are looking for your state park stories! Tell us what you love about our state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas; share a fun story, a memorable experience or your favorite spot to recreate.
DNR staff are pulling together a compilation of your stories, photos and comments that will be used for an internal program video to show appreciation for our parks staff.
Please email your comments, stories and/or photos to DNRWisconsinParks@wisconsin.gov by Dec. 1, 2023.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Black River State Forest features many unique rock formations. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Black River State Forest
Two forks of the Black River flow through this 68,000-acre forest comprised of pine and oak woods under high sandstone abutments. This central Wisconsin property offers many recreational opportunities, including camping, canoeing, hunting, hiking, skiing and ATV riding. Campers should check-in directly at the campgrounds where they are staying. Visitors may even see elk roaming the forest. Elk were released in 2015 and 2016 after being absent from the area for over 125 years.
The Black River State Forest is located in the heart of west-central Wisconsin near the city of Black River Falls. It is about two hours southeast of Minneapolis and two hours northwest of Madison near Interstate 94.
The forest is open year-round 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. A vehicle admission sticker is required.
Forest Headquarters is located at:
W10325 Hwy 12
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Badger Orienteering Club Map And Compass Navigation Event
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join the Badger Orienteering Club for a skill-building map-and-compass navigation event! Learn more about the sport and art of point-to-point navigation in unfamiliar terrain. Using a compass and map, find control points placed along a course. A beginner, intermediate and advanced option is available for all orienteers.
Beginner instruction is available with a clinic offered shortly after the start time.
Bring a compass if you have one, hydration, close-toed shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a whistle and map bag to keep your map dry.
Registration and an exact meeting location will be announced two weeks prior.
More info is available on the Badger Orienteering Club's website.
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Wellness Hike
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Uncover how the world of nature prepares for winter at Havenwoods State Forest and enjoy the serene beauty of the forest. Chai tea will be available from 10–10:30 a.m. followed by a hike from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
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Opt Outside Hike
Friday, Nov. 24, 2023
11 a.m. – noon
The #OptOutside movement was started by the outdoor retail company REI in 2015. #OptOutside provides an outdoor alternative to Black Friday shopping.
Join our naturalist at the north entrance to Lakeshore State Park and promote the #OptOutside hashtag on social media when sharing photos and videos of our walk through the park.
Opt out of shopping for this one day and opt into having some fun outdoors!
Dress for the weather. Meet at the Lakeshore State Park's north entrance, just west of Discovery World.
Find more information on these and other events on the DNR Events calendar.
Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR
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Love this newsletter? Forward it to a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Park System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. To sign-up for weekly newsletters, visit the OutWiGo webpage.
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