DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Explore the beautiful Wisconsin outdoors this winter. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Conquer Winter With These Half-Hour Hikes
Some winter days are too cold to be out long. Thankfully, quick outdoor escapes can be completed in only half an hour.
These 30-minute hikes will revive spirits and chase out those winter blues. Visit any of the following beautiful Wisconsin State Parks to lift your mood and boost your wellness.
Big Manitou Falls Overlooks – Pattison State Park
This short trail offers several views of the falls in winter, traveling under Highway 35 via a pedestrian tunnel from the park's main picnic area.
Black Walnut Nature Trail – Perrot State Park
This half-mile self-guided interpretive loop has 20 stops on relatively flat terrain. Find out how Native Americans lived in this area, with guides available at the trailhead.
Boardwalks and Cordwalks – Kohler-Andrae State Park
Short trails are the name of the game at Kohler-Andrae, including Black River Marsh Boardwalk, a quarter-mile accessible trail; Creeping Juniper Nature Trail, a half-mile cordwalk; Fishing Pond Trail, about a quarter-mile long with benches for resting; Marsh Trail, a half-mile forested trail; and Woodland Dunes Nature Trail, a 1-mile trail loop from the picnic area.
East Trail – Lakeshore State Park
The east portion of the trail through Milwaukee’s urban state park is plowed in winter, with great views of the city skyline.
Get the complete list of 30-minute hikes and be inspired to explore this winter by checking out the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Be extra careful when crossing or fishing on ice in State Parks, forests and natural areas. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Changing Weather Brings Unsafe Ice Conditions
Think twice before going near cold water or ice, especially with the temperature swings, mixed precipitation and other factors making ice unsafe across the state.
It can be life-threatening if you fall into cold water and do not have protection from the temperature or a life jacket to help you stay afloat. You can experience cold shock, which can cause dramatic changes in your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, or incapacitation, where you lose the use of your hands and then your arms and legs.
These things can lead to hypothermia, a significant and potentially dangerous drop in body temperature.
Here are a few basic ice safety tips to remember:
- Carry a cell phone and tell people where you are going and when you’ll return home.
- Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat, to help you stay afloat and to help maintain body heat.
- Wear ice creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
- Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
- Carry a few spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
- If you fall in, remain as calm as possible. While attempting to get out of the water, call for help. Anyone who tries to rescue you should use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through themselves.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar areas or at night.
Always approach ice with caution, and remember, no ice is safe ice.
 The Great River State Trail is open to many winter activities. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Property Highlight: Great River State Trail
This 24-mile trail travels through prairies and backwaters of the upper Mississippi River valley. Built on an abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line, the trail has a finely crushed limestone surface suitable for walking and bicycling for much of the year and snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
The Great River trail is within a larger area called the Mississippi Flyway and passes through two National Wildlife Refuges. The Great River State Trail links to the La Crosse River State Trail via a road in La Crosse.
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 Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report, local club and county snowmobile webpages and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.
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 can use the trail without a trail pass.
Upcoming Events
Stewardship Saturday
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at Havenwoods State Forest
9 - 11 a.m.
Join our staff to help remove invasive plants and keep the property beautiful for all to enjoy.
Wear long pants and close-toed shoes and bring your water bottle. Gloves and tools are provided.
Meet at the Nature Center.
Live Snake Encounter
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area
2 - 3 p.m.
Learn all about snakes and how they eat. Then watch as our education fox snake, Mickey, is fed a mouse. If you want, you will even get the chance to touch or hold our education snakes.
Meet in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
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