DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Plowed paved trails offer excellent opportunities to get outside. / Photo Credit: Melissa Jarecki/Friends of Lapham Peak
Lots Of Snow? Access Not A Problem At These Wisconsin DNR Properties
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Open the Outdoors program is committed to providing universal access opportunities for all Wisconsinites year-round.
Several Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas offer a variety of options for people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.
Here are just a few places offering accessible fun:
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Pattison State Park: the parking lot and paved path on the south side of the Big Manitou Falls are cleared of snow, offering a great opportunity to view the majestic frosty falls in the winter.
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Devil’s Lake State Park: the paved walkway at the North Shore Day Use Area is plowed with accessible fire rings cleared of snow.
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Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak: the Plantation Path is plowed providing a 1.8-mile paved loop with a few options for choosing a shorter or longer trek.
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Lakeshore State Park: take the eastern path (runs north and south). The south-end parking lot and the road leading to Erie Street are also plowed.
There are several state trails throughout the state that are either fully or partially plowed. Please check with the property or county for exact plowing markers before visiting.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 First Day Hikers get some fresh air at Buckhorn State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
First Day Hikes 2024
We broke a record for First Day Hike event attendance at 21 Wisconsin state parks. Over 2,100 people participated – most did a designated hike, but some were there more for a warming fire, refreshments or comradery. Hikers trekked a total of 3,797 miles.
The largest showing took place at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, where 350 people hiked a total of 805 miles. Some properties reported this as their best attended First Day Hike ever, including Whitefish Dunes State Park, which had 125 participants. At Roche-A-Cri State Park, an estimated two-thirds of the 39 participants had never visited the park before.
First Day Hikes began about 30 years ago at a state park in Massachusetts. This year, there were 1,339 First Day Hikes held across 49 states.
 Snowmobilers cross a bridge on the Pecatonica State Trail. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Property Highlight: Pecatonica State Trail
Running 10 miles through the picturesque Bonner Branch valley, this county-operated trail links Belmont with the 47-mile Cheese Country Trail in Calamine. The Pecatonica State Trail follows the old Milwaukee Road railroad corridor that at one time hauled lead through this valley, reminiscent of the mining era which once dominated this region of Wisconsin. The western terminus of the trail ends in Belmont where it connects to the Mound View State Trail.
All-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles are allowed year-round on the Pecatonica State Trail when there is less than one inch of snow coverage on the trail.
Snowmobiles are permitted 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
Winter Bird Hike
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Devil's Lake State Park
10 a.m. – noon
Head out into a wintery landscape in search of birds!
Regardless of the weather, the birds are still out there, and we’ll see what we can find. Bring your binoculars and field guides; we’ll have some binoculars to share, and be sure to dress for the weather. This program is best for kids age 9+ and adults.
We ask you leave your dogs home for this hike.
Meet at the Steinke Basin Parking Lot.
Cabin Fever Series: Wildlife Of the Dunes and Shore
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Kohler Andrae State Park
11 a.m. - noon
Join Master Naturalist Laurie Hylen to learn how animals of the dunes and shore adapt to winter. Then, venture out on the trails near the nature center to see what signs you can find. Come back to the nature center to test your skills in matching furs to tracks and scat. Dress for the weather. The cordwalk can be slick in winter, and it’s often windy near the shore. No pets are allowed.
Meet at the Sanderling Nature Center in parking lot P3. The Sanderling Nature Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wilderness Academy: Fire and Shelter Building
Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 at Horicon Marsh Education Center
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Wilderness Academy is a science and project-based education designed for students age 7 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.
Test your winter survival skills as we learn some fire and shelter-building basics!
This program is FREE, and no registration is required.
Please meet at Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center at N7725 State Highway 28, Horicon, WI 53032.
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