DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Winter forests offer unique perspectives on the outdoor experience. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Splish Splash Take A Forest Bath
Forest bathing is a practice where individuals saturate themselves in nature, focus on mindfulness and use their senses to connect with the great outdoors.
There are a few factors that make winter forest bathing more challenging, including needing to put on extra gear. The natural winter conditions can feel harsh if unprepared.
Despite the cold, getting outside to your nearby forest can be surprisingly rewarding. Viewing greenery has been shown to improve happiness and well-being, along with other physical, emotional, mental and social benefits.
Here are some ways to comfortably forest bathe this winter:
- Keep trips outside short and do them more often.
- Practice indoors. Use the senses to take in nature through a door or window.
- Watch videos of nature focused on serenity. Listen to the sounds of the forest. Smell the earth's minerals and organic matter from just outside.
- Try guided meditation and visualize the forests.
- If you can't get outside, indoor greenery and houseplants offer an alternative way to enjoy nature.
- Learn to aquascape by designing and growing aquatic plants within your home aquarium.
- Visit a nearby greenhouse or botanical garden.
Today is the day to get outside and #OutWiGo!
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Visit a candlelight event at Copper Falls State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Volunteer And Enjoy Outdoor Candlelight Events
Nighttime events at state parks offering hiking, skiing and snowshoeing by candlelight are popular among visitors in winter. They’re often hosted by park Friends Groups and volunteers as fun outings and fundraisers and can include bonfires, warming shelters and refreshments. Other state park events in winter include children’s activities, guided nature walks, craft workshops and more.
Check out the upcoming candlelight events. There are also volunteer opportunities at Wisconsin's state parks, forests and recreation areas this season. Head out and find your winter adventure.
Property Highlight: Eisenbahn State Trail
This 25-mile, county-operated trail extends from the historic city of West Bend into the scenic countryside of eastern Wisconsin, past the glacial landscape of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail's history is remembered in the title "Eisenbahn," a German word for railroad. The trail passes through West Bend, Kewaskum and Campbellsport, ending in Eden at the village park. Washington and Fond du Lac counties maintain and manage the Eisenbahn State Trail.
The Eisenbahn State Trail is open to winter ATV use between Dec. 15 and March 15, when the ground is frozen, and the temperature is 28 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Winter ATV riding is allowed on all 12 miles of the trail in Fond du Lac County and 7 miles in Washington County from the county line to Lighthouse Lane, just north of West Bend.
In Washington County, the section south of Lighthouse Lane is open in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as long as conditions permit. In Fond du Lac County, the trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles.
Upcoming Events
Winter Wonderland Painting
Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at Willow River State Park
10 a.m. - noon
Throw on a cozy winter sweater, grab a cup of hot cocoa and join the naturalists for a self-guided painting class. You’ll have the option of painting a winter scene masterpiece using picture references of the park or hitting the trail and choosing the scenery you desire. We'll provide canvases, acrylic paint and other painting supplies, but feel free to bring your own.There are only 15 spots available for this event.
Register for the event on the Friends of Will River and Kinnickinnic State Park's website.
**This event costs $15 (cash or card) to support our nonprofit's mission. Vehicle admission into the park is required. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.
Full Moon Hike
Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at Devil's Lake State Park
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Experience a guided 2-mile hike (or snowshoe) on the Steinke Basin trail on the night closest to the occurrence of a full moon. This hike allows hikers to experience the trails after dark and find out what animals are sharing the tracks with us. The program is intended for families, and we ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike.
Meet at the Steinke Basin Parking Lot.
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