DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Celebrate the new year outdoors in Wisconsin by participating in a First Day Hike. / Photo Credit: iStock/Imgorthand
OutWiGo To Wisconsin State Parks
On New Year's Day
2024 is right around the corner! Join us at one of several First Day Hikes scheduled at state properties on New Year's Day.
Participating in a First Day Hike is a healthy, refreshing way to kick off the new year.
From Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kenosha County to Straight Lake State Park in Polk County, First Day Hikes are scheduled near most corners of Wisconsin.
Several properties offer 1 to 3-mile guided hikes led by property naturalists or local experts. These hikes have a specific start time and gathering spot, providing a great introduction to winter adventuring for beginner hikers or those new to exploring Wisconsin’s natural areas. Experienced hikers are invited to share their knowledge and help build the state’s outdoor community. Some guided hikes are pet-free, so please check with the property before bringing your furry friends.
Self-guided hikes allow participants to choose their own pace or difficulty level, from gently sloping nature trails to advanced routes. Drop by anytime during the event window, and property staff may offer maps and recommendations for self-guided adventuring.
Remember, it will be January in Wisconsin. Warm clothing, hats, gloves, warm boots or insulated hiking shoes are highly recommended. Some properties will also have bonfires or warming shelters to help you fight off the cold.
First Day Hikes are free, but a Wisconsin state park admission sticker or state trail pass may be required. For those who need a state park daily admission pass, a free one may be available at your local library. Learn more about participating libraries.
Most events include options beyond hiking, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, refreshments and winter activities. Those interested in snowshoe rentals or reserving an outdoor wheelchair should contact the property beforehand. Additionally, check with the property for universally accessible trail conditions.
If a First Day Hike is unavailable in your area, you are still invited to visit a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area. Properties are open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
First Day Hikes Scheduled:
- Buckhorn State Park
- Copper Falls State Park
- Council Grounds State Park
- Devil's Lake State Park
- Havenwoods State Forest
- Interstate Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
- MacKenzie Center
- Newport State Park
- Peninsula State Park
- Perrot State Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
- Point Beach State Forest
- Red Cedar State Trail
- Rib Mountain State Park
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area
- Roche-A-Cri State Park
- Straight Lake State Park
- Whitefish Dunes State Park
For details on First Day Hike events, visit the DNR’s event calendar. Note that events may be canceled in cases of inclement weather.
More events may be added; check the event calendar for the latest information.
DNR Approves Master Plan Variances For Nothern Highland - American Legion State Forest And Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area
The DNR has approved master plan variances at two state properties that will create additional ATV/UTV routes and trails within the areas. The variances apply to the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest Master Plan and the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan.
A master plan variance is a change in the use or management of an area that is consistent with the area’s land management classification and objectives.
The variance to the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest Master Plan approves approximately 7 miles of ATV/UTV route and trail in four segments. The approved routes and trails contribute to regional ATV/UTV network connectivity and rider safety. This variance approval accompanies an October 2017 amendment to the recreation portion of the State Forest’s 2005 Master Plan and subsequent variances approved in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
The variance to the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan approves an additional 2.5 miles of ATV/UTV routes and trails in two segments. Most of the approved mileage is on DNR roads currently open to highway-legal vehicle use during the summer months and snowmobiles during winter months.
The public can review the approved variances and associated maps by visiting the DNR's Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest Master Plan and the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan webpages.
Property Highlight: Pattison State Park
 Big Manitou Falls is the largest waterfall in Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Pattison State Park features the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin and the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Big Manitou Falls is 165 feet high and Twin Little Manitou Falls is 31 feet high. This 1,400-acre park also has a lake with a beach, a nature center, camping and scenic hiking trails.
The park offers 5.5 miles of classic cross-country ski trails for use in the winter months. The park maintains three trail loops for cross-country skiing. Trail difficulty levels range from beginner to moderate. The loops begin at the campground.
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Red loop: This beginner-rated trail and can be accessed from the ski trail parking lot in the southwest end of the outside campground loop and offers the flattest terrain.
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Blue loop: This trail is more advanced and follows the Black River. It will take you past an old Martin Pattison logging campsite situated along the Black River near Little Manitou Falls. The trail can be accessed from the ski trail parking lot in the southwest end of the outside campground loop and offers several hills.
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Orange loop: This is the most advanced trail and follows the blue loop for most of the way with a small loop that goes past the ski trail shelter. The trail can be accessed from the ski trail parking lot in the southwest end of the outside campground loop and offers several hills.
Pattison State Park also has a number of informal trails available for snowshoeing in winter.
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