DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 The National Park Service just announced that three national scenic trails have become the country’s newest national parks, and two of them are right here in our own big backyard. / Photo Credit: Lindsey Moore
Ice Age, North Country Scenic Trails Designated As Units Of The National Park System
Editor's Note: The previous version of this newsletter incorrectly stated that Jan. 20, the date for the OutWiGo Snow event, is a Wednesday. Jan. 20 is a Saturday. This has been corrected below.
If you haven’t heard, we have something pretty unique here in Wisconsin. And it turns out the National Park Service agrees!
The National Park Service just announced that three national scenic trails have become the country’s newest national parks, and two of them are right here in our own big backyard.
“The new status for the Ice Age, New England, and North Country national scenic trails will increase public awareness and use of these amazing pathways,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Their combined 5,500-plus miles travel through parts of 10 states and hundreds of communities, from large cities to rural towns, providing countless close-to-home opportunities for people to easily access green space and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.”
If you’ve ever spent time on the Ice Age or the North Country national scenic trails, you know they’re lined with natural beauty and history, showcasing the unique resources of Wisconsin.
At nearly 1,200 miles in length, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds across most of the state, peppered with lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills and more to remind users of the fact that much if it existed under a glacier 15,000 years ago.
Expected to stretch a continuous 4,600 miles across Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin when complete, the North Country National Scenic Trail showcases a vast array of landscapes and includes historic sites that tell how America grew as a nation. As it clips across northern Wisconsin’s Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties, adventure abounds through 220 beautiful miles. Although Wisconsin has the second shortest trail distance among the eight states it passes through, our state is responsible for providing its name. The original 60-mile Northern Country Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest was responsible for getting the project started when the idea of the multi-state trail was first envisioned.
The designation will not result in any immediate changes to the size or structure of the trails which already have access points, signage, operating budgets, superintendents, staff, and dedicated volunteers. Last year, thousands of volunteers contributed more than 150,000 hours to support trail preservation, maintenance and education projects.
Save The Date: OutWiGo Snow Jan. 20
 Visit Willow River State Park Jan. 20 and try out fat tire biking. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Get those scarves and mittens ready, OutWiGo Snow is back!
OutWiGo encourages people to get out, be active and enjoy all the great winter recreation opportunities Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas have to offer.
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, from noon - 4 p.m. at Willow River State Park for a fun-filled day! This is an opportunity to try out all things winter and meet local outdoor community groups.
We encourage you to come out and test provided gear for free, watch in-person demonstrations of equipment and skills and meet the experts of their craft. What activity will you and your family fall in love with this winter? Come find out on our freshly groomed trails!
Activities include:
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
- Sledding
- Fat tire biking
- Ice fishing
- Hiking and more
Hot food and drinks will be available for purchase, along with OutWiGo merchandise. Public restrooms are available throughout the property, as well as a heated lodge and campfires for warming up.
The event will take place throughout the park and is accessible by vehicles along the main road. Vehicle admission will be waived for the event.
DNR Offers Free Tree Seedlings To
Wisconsin Fourth Graders
The DNR is offering free tree seedlings to every fourth-grade student in Wisconsin as part of the department’s annual Arbor Day tree planting program.
Wisconsin fourth grade principals, teachers and those who homeschool can now place seedling orders and coordinate delivery by completing the 2024 Arbor Day application by March 15, 2024.
Planting seedlings from state nurseries is a great way to celebrate Arbor Day (April 26, 2024), which is dedicated to increasing the number of trees across the country to help improve the environment. By ordering seedlings, you can help.
Through its fourth grade Arbor Day tree planting program, the DNR provides interactive education to Wisconsin students about the importance of trees in our environment. Annually, the DNR provides approximately 50,000 free tree seedlings to fourth-grade students throughout the state.
Seedlings come protected to keep backpacks clean, and shipments include educational information on planting and caring for the trees.
“Trees provide a variety of benefits to both people and the planet. They give off oxygen, trap carbon dioxide, feed and provide shelter for furry forest creatures and provide materials to build a variety of essential household items,” said Heather Berklund, DNR Chief State Forester. “This program enables us to bring forest education directly to the hands of students and teach them about the importance of trees and managing and restoring our forests.”
In 2021, Gov. Tony Evers signed an Executive Order pledging to protect and restore Wisconsin’s forestland by planting 75 million trees by 2030 as part of the U.S. Chapter of the Global Trillion Trees Initiative.
Arbor Day is a holiday during which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. The holiday originated in Nebraska in 1872 and is now celebrated nationally. Wisconsin’s Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April and is usually linked with Earth Day.
For more ways to celebrate this important holiday, visit the DNR’s Arbor Day webpage.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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Property Highlight: Brule River State Forest
 The Brule River State Forest offers miles of trails for winter recreation. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
The Brule River State Forest offers exceptional recreational opportunities, including river paddling, world-class trout fishing, wildlife viewing, a 23-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail and 9 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. All 44 miles of the Bois Brule River are contained in the forest. Two campgrounds offer family campsites and access to canoe landings on the Bois Brule River. Brule River State Forest is a long, long linear property in northwestern Wisconsin. The property is about 30 miles north to south.
Cross-Country Skiing
Afterhours Ski Trail includes an extensive network of some of the region's finest and best-maintained cross-country ski trails for both classical and skate skiing. Various loops provide a variety of terrain suitable for both beginning skiers and those with advanced skills. The scenic Bois Brule River can be seen from the River and White Pine trails. At the trailhead, visitors will find restroom facilities and a warming shelter jointly maintained by the forest and the Brule Valley Ski Club. Either an annual or daily trail pass is required.
Some ski etiquette and rules to keep in mind:
- Skiers should ski within their abilities and alert others when passing, control speed on downhill runs and follow the proper direction of the trail;
- Snowmobiles, ATVs, horses and dogs are prohibited on the trail; and
- Do not walk or snowshoe on ski trails.
The Brule River State Forest works in partnership with the Brule Valley Ski Club on trail improvements and ski events such as the Brule River Timber Cruise and River View Loppet Ski Races, the annual Candlelight Ski and Learn to Ski days.
Snowmobiles And ATVs Welcome
Snowmobiling is a popular activity in the state forest, with over 30 miles of designated trail. These trails are important links in the regional snowmobile trail system, connecting communities in Douglas and Bayfield counties. The Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club maintains the forest trails with fees collected from snowmobile registration and trail passes.
The Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail (Trail 27 and 27A) connects the parking area on State Highway 27 to St. Croix Lake. Connecting trails link to the trail systems of Bayfield and Douglas counties. Snowmobile registration and trail passes are required; visit the snowmobile trail pass and regulations webpage for more info.
ATVs may operate on the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail when it is snow-covered and open to snowmobile use. ATVs are prohibited on all other state-owned lands within the forest, including logging roads. Many town roads within Brule, Highland, Cloverland, Lake Nebagamon and Solon Springs villages and townships are designated ATV routes. Check with local townships and villages for current ordinances.
State law requires those who use Wisconsin ATV trails to display either proof of Wisconsin registration or an ATV trail pass. For more information about operating an ATV in Wisconsin, please review DNR ATV laws.
Don't Miss Out!
Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities abound in the forest. Wildlife diversity is influenced by the variety of northern hardwood habitats that exist in the forest, including wetlands, pine barrens, grasslands, shrublands and boreal forests. The diverse terrain and soil types in the forest, as well as the Brule River itself, are responsible for this assortment of habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the Brule River State Forest. Rare birds like the black-backed woodpecker, white-winged crossbill, merlin, great gray owl and goshawk have been seen and likely nest on the property. Mammals such as the badger, bobcat, fisher and gray wolf can also be found.
Looking to visit this summer? This forest also offers opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking and swimming. Although there are no designated swimming beaches, many visit Rush Lake on the eastern forest edge or Lake Superior at the mouth of the Brule. Both locations have sandy beaches and clear water.
Upcoming Events
Tracking Hikes - Scuppernong Springs
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023
10 a.m. – noon
Tracks are everywhere at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit! On the ground, in the snow and even underwater – tracks show us where wildlife has traveled. Join us for a hike to find and identify tracks! What will you find?
This route includes moderate hills, 1.5 miles. Meet at County Rd. ZZ, Dousman, WI 53118. A valid state park sticker a required.
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Back To Camp At Governor Nelson State Park
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Camp Indianola closed in 1967 and was incorporated into Governor Nelson State Park. Thousands of boys spent their summers “at camp" swimming, sailing, horseback riding, playing tennis, baseball, soccer or football and learning about the outdoors and each other.
Lake Mendota historian Don Sanford will take us “Back to Camp" with film shot between 1932 and 1962 to show us a glimpse of life at camp then and see those same places as they are today.
Meet at the Town of Westport Kennedy Administration Building, 5387 Mary Lake Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597. This event is free to attend.
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Wilderness Academy: The Big Freeze
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Wilderness Academy is a science and project-based education designed for students aged seven and older. Each session combines educational activities and games with take-home learning extensions to help students do more in-depth exploration of related topics.
To survive the cold of winter here in Wisconsin, animals must hibernate, migrate, adapt or die. Together, we will explore the strategies used by native animals, plants and insects to survive in a frozen landscape. This program is free, and no registration is required.
Come to the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 State Highway 28, Horicon, WI 53032.
Photo Credits: Wisconsin DNR
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