DNR Parks And Recreation News

What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas

Winter is a great time to get outside with your family. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Enjoy The Outdoors With Your Family
In Any Weather

Getting outside with your family can be challenging with ever-changing weather, wet conditions and limited daylight, but being active and getting outside is important for everyone's physical and mental well-being.

Here are some essentials to help prepare for a smooth trip: plan the hike together to build excitement, bring an old pair of shoes that can get messy, layer clothing for temperature flexibility and pack water and snacks.

Here are some fun activities worth a try:

• Find hiking sticks along the trail, but please leave them at the park.
• Do tree identification with bark rubbing and paper and crayons.
• Make a scavenger hunt checklist or play I Spy. (Tip: offer rewards of treats or stickers.)
• Try trail photography.
• Learn plant identification, animal identification, tracking and birding.
• Bring friends and make it a group adventure.
• Make maps fun and learn to use navigation tools.
• Give kids their own gear to carry, such as small backpacks, snacks, binoculars and trekking poles.
• Track trips to encourage exploration.
• Practice "Leave No Trace."

If you're looking for somewhere to hike with your family, head north to these properties:

• Willow River State Park: The 1-mile Willow Falls Trail extends from the campground to Willow Falls, while traveling along the shores of Little Falls Lake and Willow River. View the Willow River State Park trails webpage.

• Brule River State Forest: The Brule-St. Croix Portage Trail is 1.9 miles long and dates back to when the voyageurs used the trail to travel from Lake Superior to the Mississippi River via the St. Croix. View the Brule State Forest trails webpage.

• Amnicon Falls: This park has 1.8 miles of trails, with several short trails along both sides of the Amnicon River, offering views of the falls and surrounding scenery. View the Amnicon Falls State Park trails webpage. 

• Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest: There are several hikes with great forest and lake views, and you can do them with or without snowshoes. (Tip: We love Fallison and Star Lake nature trails.)

• Newport State Park: Take a wintry walk on the beach, and unless you get a photo of your gloves, you’ll never know it's February. The water is clear and a beautiful blue because of the cold temperatures. View the Newport State Park trails webpage.

Today is the day to get outside and #OutWiGo!

Outdoor News And Announcements

A new DNR property was purchased along the Nemadji River. / Photo Credit: Matt Davis, North Country Trail Association

Property Purchase

At the end of 2023, the Wisconsin DNR completed the purchase of a 22.9-acre property to protect 2,800 feet of the Nemadji River, connect a gap between public lands and allow future construction of a new 4-mile segment of the North Country Trail. This is the DNR’s first land acquisition along the North Country Trail since 2014. It's located 4 miles northwest of Pattison State Park.

The falls at Willow River State Park are spectacular in any season. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Property Highlight: Willow River State Park

This popular park in northwest Wisconsin features spectacular views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge. Prairie remnants, miles of scenic hiking trails, family and group campgrounds, lakeside picnic areas and a nature center are all found within 2,800 acres of rolling countryside. Visitors also enjoy paddling, fishing and swimming on Little Falls Lake.

Willow River State Park offers an accessible fishing pier, and accessible campsites are available in the “100” and “300” campgrounds. The Hidden Ponds Nature Trail is also universally accessible.

This park has 2 miles of hard-packed trails that are available for pet owners and activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding and hiking. The park’s 9 miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed and tracked by volunteers for skate and traditional stride-style skiing. The Nature Center classroom is open to use as a warming house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Other winter activities include sledding, ice fishing and camping.

Upcoming Events

Winter Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 at Willow River State Park
10 a.m. - noon

Join us at the park for a winter-themed scavenger hunt along the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Please dress for the weather with good waterproof boots and pants and bring water.

Vehicle admission into the park is required. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.

**This event costs $5/person or $10/family (cash or card) to support the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks' mission. Events are free for Friends members.

Open Crafting
Starting Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 at Havenwoods State Forest
10 a.m. - noon

Grab your project and meet up with fellow crafters at the Havenwoods State Forest Nature Center on the second Saturday of every month. This event is free and open to adult members of the public. All portable crafts are welcome, and coffee and tea are provided. Please feel free to arrive anytime between 10 and noon.

Limited parking is available, and bus 30 stops at Sherman and Douglas.

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