DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Take in incredible views of the winter night sky from Newport State Park. / Photo Credit: Denny Moutray Photography
Look Up: Wisconsin State Parks Offer Stellar Views Of The Night Sky
There are few places in the U.S. where you can see not just the stars but the bright glow of other planets and the dazzling colors of the Milky Way. Dark Sky Parks present an opportunity for us to see beyond our world and enjoy the darker evening hours.
Our very own Newport State Park in Door County is one of those places, with a coveted title of International Dark Sky Place from the International Dark-Sky Association. This lake-side and secluded state park is fantastic for avoiding light pollution while being right in our own backyard.
The designation puts Newport on an exclusive list of places like Arches National Park and Death Valley National Park. The darkness makes it the perfect destination for astrophotography, especially in the winter.
Wildcat Mountain State Park in Vernon County is another popular destination for dark sky viewing in Wisconsin. Both the Upper Picnic Area Observation Point and the Starlight Trail offer great access to starlight views.
Devil's Lake State Park also features some of the best star-filled skies in Wisconsin along with Big Bay State Park, Harrington Beach State Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit, Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area and Blue Mound State Park.
Journey to the dark sky with this story from the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Maple Program volunteers hand drilling a tree. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Maple Volunteers Needed
Join our team of Maple volunteers to celebrate the sweetest time of year during MacKenzie’s Maple Education Program!
The MacKenzie Center’s annual education program runs all of March and your help is needed in many areas.
Volunteers will be trained to conduct student tours, collect sap, process maple syrup, and/or assist with other behind-the-scenes sugarbush duties.
Volunteers can sign up for just a few days or for the entire month. No previous experience is necessary. This is a great opportunity for high school students and adults to get outside and learn new hands-on skills.
Our training session will be held at the MacKenzie Center Lodge on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering, please email AbigailR.Janey@wisconsin.gov or call 608-635-8112 anytime before Jan. 19.
The MacKenzie Center is located 2 miles east of Poynette on County Road CS.
Property Highlight: Tuscobia State Trail
This 74-mile trail on a former rail corridor is one of the longest rail trails in the state, running from Park Falls to the Wild Rivers State Trail just north of Rice Lake. The trail passes through part of the Flambeau River State Forest and the rugged wilderness of Wisconsin's Blue Hills. The trail connects seven small communities in Barron, Washburn, Sawyer and Price counties, each providing year-round accommodations and services.
The trail offers opportunities for ATVs, snowmobiling, horseback riding, off-road bicycling and walking. Trail activities vary by time of year and by county. The western end of the trail is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.
The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.
Upcoming Events
Owl Decoration Creation
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at Horicon Marsh Education Center
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Hoo hoo who wants to create a set of awesome owls for decorations at your house, indoors or out?
Using natural birch, pinecones and feathers, we’ll create three owls that measure about 20 inches, 17 inches and 10 inches tall.
Come join us for this cuteness overload and learn a bit about owls in and around our area.
There is a fee of $20 per person for supplies and a limit of 25 participants. Register and pay on the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center's website.
Please meet at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center located at N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI.
For additional information please contact Liz Herzmann at 920-210-9054 or Elizabeth.Herzmann@wisconsin.gov.
Winter Adventure Hike
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at Devil's Lake State Park
10 a.m. - noon
It's that magical time of the year again and a perfect time to get out and enjoy nature.
Grab your scarves, mittens and your sense of adventure and go on a hike lead by Ranger Andy on the Uplands Trail.
This 4-mile hike on one of the park’s wooded trails is a great way to get out and enjoy a winter adventure. Dress warmly and make sure to wear appropriate footwear for the trail conditions. If there’s snow, we’ll have snowshoes for you to borrow. This hike is best for kids age 12+ and adults.
Meet at the Steinke Basin Parking Lot.
Nature's Still Life
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at Mead Wildlife Area Center
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
This free event is a fun excuse to sit down and exercise your creative self. This gathering of artists of all skill-levels will enjoy the challenge of making art from the subject of a crazy collection of nature objects in an incredible still life. Artists bring their medium of choice. Guidance will be provided for budding artists. Registration is required.
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