DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Many faster flowing rivers and spring fed creeks do not freeze over during winter months. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
OutWiGo Despite No Snow
While most of the snow has melted away in many parts of the state, that doesn't mean winter is wasted! Make the most of these warmer-than-usual temps and find a new adventure outdoors.
Over the next few weeks, our OutWiGo newsletter will be highlighting properties, activities and experiences that are not to be missed. Let these opportunities inspire your next trip and make memories for a lifetime.
We will be covering recommendations such as:
- The best hiking and biking trails for right now
- Available shelters for recreational relaxation
- Picnic areas and fire rings
- Vistas and scenic spots
- Night sky viewing for stargazing and northern lights
- Wildlife sightings to watch for
- Water opportunities
- Upcoming special events
For instance, did you know that boat landing #13 within Governor Thompson State Park is a spectacular night sky viewing area?
Be sure to visit Travel Wisconsin's website to pair your outdoor adventure with leisure time in a town nearby. View the DNR's Find a Park webpage to find your next nearby adventure and beyond!
 This shelter at Woods Lake in Governor Thompson can be reserved! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Property Highlight: Governor Thompson & Governor Earl Peshtigo State Forest
Governor Thompson State Park features over 2,800 acres of forest, a family campground, a picnic and beach area on Woods Lake, hiking and skiing trails and 6 miles of shoreline on Caldron Falls Flowage. Visitors will find an atmosphere perfect for relaxation and recreation.
Governor Thompson State Park has more than 16 miles of hiking trails, all currently open and which take hikers past unique rock formations. The Forest View Trail is a wonderful 3.5-mile loop beginning near Woods Lake.
The Woods Lake shelter building is a popular warming area in winter and is available for families and social gatherings. This building is reservable through the Wisconsin State Park System's camping reservation webpage but is also available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The shelter has electricity, a wood stove and a fire pit to entertain for every occasion.
Next door is Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, which borders some of the most beautiful and exciting sections of the Peshtigo River. This stretch of river includes the Midwest's longest continuous whitewater rapids, excellent fly fishing opportunities and 15 boat launches where boaters can access over 3,000 acres of flowage. The forest offers a family campground and several remote boat-in campsites along the Peshtigo.
The state forest provides two systems of trails. The 5-mile Spring Rapids Trail can be accessed west of Crivitz on County Road W to Kirby Lake Lane. This hiking and skiing trail system includes various loops that provide some extremely steep hills, breathtaking views and quiet serenity broken only by the rush of the Peshtigo River. The Seymour Rapids Trail is shorter but still provides steep and beautiful scenery. Additionally, numerous rustic roads and volunteer-maintained hunter-walking trails in the forest are open to hikers.
Nearby are also many of northern Wisconsin's waterfalls and rapids. Check out Travel Wisconsin's 6 Top Spots For Wisconsin Waterfalls In Northern Wisconsin or embark on a self-guided tour in the state's "waterfall capital" with the Marinette County Waterfall Tour.
Upcoming Events
Winter Trails Day
Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 at Potawatomi State Park
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Friends of Potawatomi State Park invite you to come and enjoy all the park has to offer in the winter. Bring your own winter gear to explore the park on your own, then stop by the picnic shelter to warm up by the fire and enjoy some refreshments.
Please, no pets in the shelter. A park admission sticker is required. Trail maps, park information and park admission sales will be available through the park office. The shelter is handicapped accessible, and the paved trail through the picnic area (which may be snow-covered) and plowed or unplowed roads are suggested accessible routes for exploring the park.
Candlelight Ski & Hike
Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 at Willow River State Park
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Join us under a moonlit sky as we host this ever-enchanting annual candlelight event.
Enjoy over 2 miles of illuminated trails for skiing, hiking and snowshoeing. There will also be bonfires and refreshments for you and your favorite sweetheart to warm up with. Pets are prohibited at this event due to the high volume of skiers, hikers and snowshoers sharing the trail. This event is free, but vehicle admission into the park is required. Donations are welcome and are what make our programming possible!
Lets Go Ice Fishing
Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 at Willow River State Park
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Join us and Wild Rivers Conservancy as we drill into the ice on Little Falls Lake. We’ll have all the necessities to help you or your child catch your first fish. You'll also learn Ice safety tips, how to use various ice fishing equipment, fish identification skills and more!
All you need to bring is excitement to learn and water-proof winter gear to help you stay warm on the ice. *If you are 16 or older, you must bring a valid WI fishing license or purchase one before fishing.
Register for this ice fishing event.
This event is free, but vehicle admission into the park is required. Donations are welcome and make our programming possible. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.
Nature Storytime: Snakes
Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at Interstate Park
10 - 11 a.m.
Are snakes slimy? What do they eat? What are baby snakes like, and how do they grow? Let's explore the real truth about snakes.
Nature Storytime is led by volunteer Kathy Scharfenberg and includes a short story and fun activities. Recommended for children ages 3 - 5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as some activities might be outside.
This event will be held in the Ice Age Interpretive Center.
Love this newsletter? Forward it to a friend! Help your friends and family stay up-to-date with news, highlights and events from the Wisconsin State Park System with our weekly OutWiGo Newsletter. To sign-up for weekly newsletters, visit the OutWiGo webpage.
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