DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 The Flambeau River State Forest provides excellent backcountry opportunities, including wooded hiking trails, ATV trails, family campgrounds and rustic river sites, hunting and fishing. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Hay There, Hayward!
As promised, here come the regional recommendations for the best hidden gems in each region. This week, we celebrate Hayward and explore the greatest recreation options for our current conditions!
Before getting into specific parks and places, here are some general opportunities to take advantage of right now:
- Reservable shelters
- Nature centers
- Ice Age Trail centers
- Day use fire rings
- Picnic areas
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Waterfalls
- Ice formations
- Stargazing opportunities
- DNR events
Flambeau River State Forest
The Flambeau River State Forest provides excellent backcountry opportunities, including wooded hiking trails, ATV trails, family campgrounds and rustic river sites, hunting and fishing. Canoeing is the most popular activity at the forest.
Did you know this forest is a wildlife hotspot too? With deer, elk, beavers, foxes, wolves, rabbits, otters, porcupines, bobcats, racoons, muskrats, mink, skunks, fisher and bears calling Flambeau River State Forest home, there are always a wealth of tracks out there to try to identify while hiking or driving around the Flambeau.
Flambeau River State Forest features miles of scenic hiking. The 26 miles of cross-country ski, snowshoe and hiking trails also become biking trails during dry and snow-free conditions. Here are some of the best trails to hike right now:
- Little Falls and Slough Gundy, 1 mile
- Bass Lake, 0.4 miles
- Sobieski Flowage, 1 mile
- Looking for a longer route? Check out the newly rejuvenated,11-mile Oxbow Loop.
Wanting to camp? Backpack camping is allowed year-round anywhere in the forest except Native Community Management Areas. Backpackers must camp at least one mile away from their vehicle and 100 feet from any designated trail or road. Vehicles can be parked at any trailhead. Printed trail maps, required free special camp permits and parking locations are available at the forest headquarters.
Tuscobia State Trail
This 74-mile trail runs along a former rail corridor and is one of the longest rail trails in the state, connecting Park Falls to the Wild Rivers State Trail, just north of Rice Lake. The trail passes through part of the Flambeau River State Forest and the rugged wilderness of Wisconsin's Blue Hills. The trail connects seven small communities in Barron, Washburn, Sawyer and Price counties, each providing year-round accommodations and services.
- Check out the Winter Depot Welcome Center to warm up and find information on current winter recreation, tourism and local history.
- Along the way get photos with the massive bluegill statue in Birchwood, the Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin!
Straight Lake State Park
Lake views and glacial features provide great vistas on the trails within this 2,000-acre park. Ten walk-in campsites, carry-in boat launches and a picnic area with a reservable shelter are situated on the south side of the park's two wild lakes. A premier segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail also meanders through the park.
- Straight Lake State Park offers excellent of Geocaching opportunities.
- Try out primitive hike-in camping and look for eagles along the way!
- Drop by at the Rainbow Lake day use fire ring for a picnic.
Interstate Park
Interstate is Wisconsin's very first state park, established in 1900. Located along the picturesque St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the park provides stunning views of the river and the steep-sided gorge known as the Dalles of the St. Croix. The Ice Age Interpretive Center features photographs, murals, information and even a film about Wisconsin's glacial history.
- Take the Pothole Trail to view unique glacial potholes along the St. Croix - 0.4 mile loop.
- Eagles can be seen along the Lake of the Dells.
- Check out the Ice Age Interpretive Center, open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Day use fire rings are available along the beach area.
- Looking for events? Nature Storytime is hosted on Fridays for children ages 3-5.
Governor Knowles State Forest
This 55-mile-long forest in northwestern Wisconsin parallels the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and offers camping, paddling, hiking, horseback riding, biking, hunting and fishing. Three campgrounds (St. Croix, Trade River Equestrian and Sioux Portage Group) and nine primitive backpack campsites are found within 32,500 wooded acres.
- This location features nine primitive backpack camping sites and over 40 miles of equestrian trails!
- We recommend hiking Brandt Pines Recreation Trails - 7 miles.
There may not be snow in your backyard, but snow can still be found around the state. Check out the Travel Wisconsin Snow Report for downhill and cross-country ski conditions. Be sure to visit Travel Wisconsin's website to pair your outdoor adventure with a great meal and some downtime in a nearby town.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Each winter, many athletes train on DNR lands for the annual American Birkebeiner. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
American Birkebeiner Celebrates 50 Years
The American Birkebeiner ski marathon, affectionately known as the Birkie, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and despite the lack of fresh snow in the Hayward area, the races are a go!
The introduction of a lapped course, new for this year, has allowed the races to continue and comes with an added benefit. This format will enable spectators to see participants multiple times throughout each race.
The Birkie has brought the world to Northern Wisconsin for 50 years and helped share the state's beauty. If you have not had a chance to see Birkie Week before, stop by this week and celebrate this Wisconsin tradition with exciting finishes, competition and community.
Now for the best news: the Birkie cross-country ski trails will be open to the public after the big event, so plan your trip today.
While in the area, view the DNR's Find a Park webpage to explore further.
Upcoming Events
Frosty Falls Hike
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at Willow River State Park
10 a.m. - noon
Join us on a wintery walk to Willow Falls. This is a spectacular time of year for viewing the frost-covered falls. But don’t just take our word for it; get out there and see for yourself!
This will be a 4-mile round-trip hike. Depending on the weather and depth of snow, it can be considered moderately strenuous with some hilly/rugged terrain. Be sure to dress in warm layers, bring plenty of water and waterproof hiking boots with ice cleats or snowshoes.
If you’d like to rent snowshoes ($7/per pair) for this event, call 715-869-3695 or email wrsnowshoe@gmail.com at least two days prior to your visit to check availability.
This event is free, but vehicle admission into the park is required. Donations are welcome and make our programming possible.
Candlelight Ski And Hike
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at Brule River State Forest
5 - 8 p.m.
Join us for our annual Candlelight Event at Afterhours Trail. We will be lighting 1km of hike/snowshoe only, 1.5 km short ski and 5 km long ski trail sections this year. Coffee, cocoa and cider refreshments will be provided. A grill will be available if attendees would like to cook out on their own.
Nature Storytime: Box Turtles
Friday, March 1, 2024 at Interstate Park
10 - 11 a.m.
Let's follow the journey of a box turtle in William T. George's book, "Box Turtle at Long Pond."
Volunteer Kathy Scharfenberg leads Nature Storytime, which 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 Center.
Survival Without A Smartphone 101
Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at Willow River State Park
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Smartphones are great. They do a lot for us, no doubt, but they won’t help you if you get lost in the wild. Reception and battery power are not guaranteed, but your ability to survive without it can be.
Join us at the Nature Center and learn about compass and map reading, fire-making, shelter building and more in a friendly, relaxed environment! Children ages 12 and up are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. The program will last between 2.5-3 hours.
Please register online.
**This event costs $5/person (cash or card) in support of our nonprofit's mission.
Vehicle admission into the park is required. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.
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