DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Candlelight events such as Governor Thompson State Park's Candlelight Ski help you enjoy the outdoors in a new light. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Experience Winter In A New Light With
DNR Candlelight Events
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to celebrate the outdoors this winter at any of the several candlelight events happening across Wisconsin. These events kick off on Jan. 6, 2024 and are scheduled at different locations through March 2024.
"Winter candlelight events are some of the most popular activities at Wisconsin state parks, forests and trails," said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management Director. "Many events have become a long-standing tradition at some of our properties, with hundreds or even thousands of attendees.”
These free-to-low cost events typically begin around sunset and offer a variety of ways to enjoy the winter scenery after dark, including hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Many will include activities such as bonfires, hot chocolate, cider and other refreshments available for sale or by donation, and some will have open warming shelters.
Share your candlelight adventures using the hashtag #OutWiGo on social media.
Those who would like to participate by hiking and snowshoeing do not need to have any experience. These events offer no-commitment opportunities for first-timers and can help build connections with other outdoor enthusiasts, those you can learn from, during the time of year when many people stay indoors.
Although the amount of gear needed varies, warm clothing with layers is recommended for all events. Trekking poles are optional. A headlamp or flashlight is recommended. Some properties may have other equipment, such as snowshoes or an outdoor track chair, available to check out. Contact the property to see what is available and to make reservations.
Most properties will require a 2024 Wisconsin state park admission fee and/or a state trail pass unless otherwise noted. A state park daily admission pass may be available to check out for free at participating libraries.
Thanks to the Friends groups of the parks, who organize many of the events and provide many of the volunteers to make these events possible.
2024 Candlelight Events
Additional events may be added.
Jan. 6
- Mirror Lake State Park Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe
Jan. 13
- Wildcat Mountain State Park Candlelight Hike/Snowshoe/Ski
- Rib Mountain State Park Candlelight Snowshoe Hike
Jan. 14
- Havenwoods State Forest Candlelight Hike
Jan. 20
- Point Beach State Forest Candlelight Ski and Hike
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit Candlelight Hike and Ski
Jan. 26
- Red Cedar State Trail Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe
Jan. 27
- Whitefish Dunes State Park Candlelight Ski and Hike
Jan. 28
- Lake Wissota Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe
Feb. 2
- MacKenzie Center Candlelight Snowshoe Hike
Feb. 3
- Peninsula State Park Candlelight Hike/Snowshoe/Ski
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit Candlelight Ski/Hike
- Black Rover State Forest Candlelight Ski and Hike
- Mirror Lake State Park Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe
Feb. 10
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit Candlelight Hike
- Interstate Park Candlelight Night
- Governor Thompson State Park Candlelight Hike and Ski
Feb. 17
- Rib Mountain State Park Candlelight Snowshoe Hike
Feb. 24
- Hartman Creek State Park Candlelight Hike and Snowshoe
- Hank Aaron State Trail Urban Candlelight Hike
- Wyalusing State Park Candlelight Hike
March 9
- Big Foot Beach State Park Candlelight Hike
Find the full and additional details on the DNR's Event Calendar.
Some events are weather dependent; visitors are encouraged to check the DNR Events Calendar or call properties directly to confirm if an event will be held.
 State Parks require vehicle admission stickers for entry unless otherwise noted. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Get Your 2024 Park Stickers For The New Year
2024 Wisconsin State Park and Forest annual vehicle admission stickers are available! Get yours online today and be ready for new adventures in the new year.
Online orders are generally shipped within a week. If you plan to visit a park before your sticker arrives, print the receipt or write "Your Pass Now" along with the order number and pass details on paper, and place it on the driver's side dash while at the property.
The fun doesn't stop when the temperatures drop. DNR properties are open 365 days a year. From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to naturalist programs and candlelight hikes, there are plenty of opportunities for winter recreation at Wisconsin's state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails. Search keywords "Candlelight Events" or "First Day Hike" in the DNR Events Calendar to find winter events around the state.
Buying as a gift? When checking out online, we recommend entering your information for the "Visitor Info" rather than the intended gift recipient to avoid delays and have the sticker shipped straight to you. To ensure you don't spoil the surprise, we also recommend using your own email address.
To place bulk orders of less than 20 stickers, stop by your local park or order them via phone by calling any park property. To order 20 or more stickers, email us.
A vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas. 2024 annual passes are valid at properties from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2024.
Reduced-rate stickers are available to households with additional vehicles registered to the same address; one reduced-rate sticker can be purchased online at the same time as a full-price sticker. For those purchasing more than one, reduced-rate stickers are also sold at parks.
Wisconsin State Trail Passes are also available for 2024. A state trail pass is required on certain trails that allow biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and in-line skating. These trails are in state parks, forests and recreation areas and are also stand-alone state trails. Signs are posted at trailheads on trails that require a state trail pass. A state trail pass is issued to the person and is non-transferable.
At this time, trail passes are not available online. State trail passes can be purchased in-person at DNR service centers, individual properties via drive-up window service and at designated trail pass vendors across the state. Annual trail passes can also be purchased through self-registration kiosks at trailheads and will be mailed.
Property Highlight: Peninsula State Park
 Peninsula State Park offers spectacular views of the Door County shoreline. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Peninsula State Park in Door County offers plenty of opportunities to find your winter adventure.
Peninsula has 16 miles of groomed, mostly double-tracked ski trails. These trails are designed to run one way, are color-coded and vary from easy to difficult. Pets, hiking and snowshoeing are not allowed on ski trails.
Peninsula offers 6 miles of designated snowshoe and hiking trails in the winter. These trails traverse some of the most peaceful and remote regions of the park. Snowshoe trails are not groomed. Snowshoeing and hiking are not allowed on any of the ski or snowmobile trails. All snowshoe trails are marked with a green sign with a pink reflective dot.
Anglers hook perch, walleye and trout while ice fishing near Peninsula State Park. Ice conditions vary and change rapidly. Exercise extreme caution while ice fishing. Wisconsin fishing licenses are required.
Peninsula has 17 miles of scenic snowmobile trails. Snowmobiles are allowed only on marked trails. The maximum speed limit is 25 mph on park property. Snowmobiles must be registered and have registration decals displayed. Any snowmobiles registered outside the state of Wisconsin must have a nonresident snowmobile pass. All snowmobile laws are strictly enforced.
The number 17 fairway at the park golf course is a favorite sledding spot. The hill is steep. Adults must supervise children at all times. Toboggans are not allowed.
Peninsula has a total of 20 miles of hiking trails. Peninsula's 8-mile shore often yields views of bufflehead ducks, mergansers and bald eagles. Ask for a bird checklist at the park headquarters or the nature center.
An outdoor track wheelchair can be checked out for use on certain days of the week by park visitors. The wheelchair can be checked out through the Friends of Peninsula website.
 The accessible cabin at Kohler-Andrae State Park will soon be open for reservations. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Accessible Cabin Reservations Open Jan. 10
Interested in reserving our accessible cabins in 2024? The first day to make a reservation is coming up! Applications can be postmarked or dropped off at the state park or forest you wish to reserve starting Wednesday, Jan. 10.
The Wisconsin State Park System offers 10 accessible cabins for those unable to use outdoor campsites. Eight larger cabins and two smaller rustic cabins are located throughout the state, from Copper Falls State Park to Richard Bong State Recreation Area. These cabins are available only to people with disabilities and their guests and must be reserved ahead of time. In general, the cabins are available from May to October every year.
Reservations fill up fast, so drop off your application to the state park or forest you wish to reserve or mail it in starting no earlier than Wednesday, Jan. 10. Reservations can also be made during the camping season, based on availability, by calling the park.
Learn more about the accessible cabins and find the reservation forms on the Accessible Cabins webpage.
Upcoming Events
Walk It Off With Winter Wildlife
Saturday Jan. 6, 2024 at Horicon Marsh
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Burn off those pesky holiday calories while getting an up-close view of the survival strategies used by Horicon Marsh’s year-round residents and winter visitors.
Snowshoes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis if conditions are suitable. No registration is required.
Meet at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 State Highway 28, Horicon, WI 53032.
Knee-High Naturalist: A Snowy Day
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Bring your 3 to 5-year-old to Richard Bong State Recreation Area and learn about the unique substance that falls from the sky in the winter! How and why does snow fall? How do animals use the snow to help them? Explore together with your children!
Siblings are welcome, but please let us know to expect them!
Please pre-register before Tuesday, Jan. 9, by calling 262-878-5613 and leaving the number and ages of the children attending.
Storytime: Wind
Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 at Interstate Park
10 - 11 a.m.
The wind is very powerful. We can't see the wind, but we can see what it does. Sometimes the wind blows over trees and even houses but the wind can help us. We will study windmills and make our own pinwheels to see how the wind works at Interstate Park.
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.
|
