DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Getting outside is more fun with friends, especially furry, four-legged ones. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin
Enjoy A Picnic With Your Pet
What more could you ask for than to spend time with your four-legged friend, fantastic food and the great outdoors. Below are some tips and ideas to ensure a "pawsitive" picnic experience with your pet.
- Plan your menu and get creative for both you and your pet.
- Pack the essentials, like water, a collapsible bowl, leash, waste bags and a comfortable blanket or mat for relaxing on.
- Check park guidelines to ensure pets are allowed and familiarize yourself with locations that feature specific pet picnic areas.
- Choose a suitable spot. Look for a quiet shaded area, away from other picnickers where your pet can relax comfortably.
- Keep your pet on leash. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times.
- Supervise your pet to ensure they do not disturb wildlife or other park visitors.
- Dispose of any pet waste properly into dumpsters or trash receptacles.
Wisconsin state parks are more fun with friends, especially furry, four-legged ones. Find a pet swimming or picnic area for your next outdoor adventure and enjoy some exploration with your canine companion(s)!
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Devil's Lake has long been a popular spot for rowing, like when this Regatta was held there in 1877. / Photo Credit: Sauk County Historical Society
2024 Big Ten Rowing Championships
The University of Wisconsin will host the 2024 Big Ten Women's Rowing Championships on Devil's Lake at Devil's Lake State Park on Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Setup and team practice will take place starting Wednesday, May 15, through Saturday, May 18. No areas of the park will be restricted; however, visitors should be aware of increased activity on and around the lake.
On Championship Sunday, May 19, the South Shore will only be accessible to Big Ten Rowing event permit holders and championship vehicle admission ticket holders (sold online in advance). Other areas of the park will be open and accessible to visitors, but the property is expected to experience significant increases in visitation before 2 p.m. on Sunday. Those planning to attend the event should register at the Big Ten Women's Rowing Championship website. There is no cost to register. However, an admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests, recreation areas and trail parking areas.
Property Highlight: Brunet Island State Park
 A view from shore at Brunet Island State Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
On the Chippewa and Fisher rivers, Brunet Island State Park offers more than 1,300 acres of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Quiet lagoons and channels are excellent for canoeing and wildlife watching. The rolling landscape in Chippewa County is a product of the most recent Ice Age, and the park connects to the Old Abe State Trail, which runs from Cornell to Chippewa Falls.
Brunet Island has nearly 20 acres of picnic area available to visitors. The picnic area is on the south and west sides of Brunet Island and offers a scenic view of the Chippewa River and surrounding countryside. A playground and ball diamond are at the southeast end of the picnic area. This park also has a designated pet picnic area!
Remember to use care, confine fires to designated rings, grills and fireplaces and extinguish them before leaving. DNR-managed properties have a carry-in, carry-out policy for day-use, so be prepared to take your trash with you. Litterbags can be found in dispensers at the pavilion and flush toilets/changing stalls in the picnic area.
A rustic log pavilion is available for rent. The pavilion and picnic area overlook a 200-foot beach and a large, gently sloping sunning lawn. Benches are available along the beach as well as plenty of space for sunbathing.
The channels between undeveloped islands in the northern portion of the park is excellent for paddling. However, flow fluctuations can significantly impact water levels, so you have to watch out for rocks, particularly on the south end towards town.
The park's boat ramp is on the island, close to the entrance road. There is a boat mooring area near the South Campground, and boats or canoes can be moored at many of the North Campground sites. If you don't have a watercraft, canoes and kayaks can be rented from various places in Cornell and Holcombe.
While you're at Brunet, hike the Jean Brunet Nature Trail. This 0.8-mile trail features signs describing the park's history and dramatically demonstrates the incredible variety in nature that we sometimes take for granted. A 500-foot segment of the trail is universally accessible, with a cul-de-sac and table provided at the end for fishing and picnicking.
Upcoming Events
Sunset Paddle
Friday, May 10, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join the naturalist for a leisurely paddle around the beautiful Pike Lake.
Evenings teem with life; bats begin to emerge, sandhill cranes call in the distance, and you’ll witness the forest come to life all from the peace of the water.
If you have your own paddle craft, there is no cost, and you are welcome to join. You can also rent a kayak for $10; call 262-670-3400 to reserve one in advance.
Meet at the beach.
Birding Basics
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Havenwoods State Forest
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Come learn what birding is all about in this birding 101 class and hike. Jessica Knackert, Southeast Region Wildlife Educator, will teach birding basics and lead a 90-minute birding hike through Havenwoods.
Binoculars will be available to borrow.
Fungi In Our Forests
Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Willow River State Park
10 – 11 a.m.
Some of the tastiest mushrooms can be found in St. Croix County if you know where to look!
Join us for a presentation where you’ll learn when, where and how to pick them yourself. Then, join the naturalist on a short optional hike afterward (weather permitting) to see how many we can find in the park. Be sure to wear closed-toe hiking shoes and long pants if you plan to join the hike afterward.
This event costs $5 per person, and vehicle admission into the park is required.
Seats are limited for this event, so please register to attend.
Mom And Me Hike
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Kinnickinnic State Park
10 a.m. – noon
This one's for all you mothers out there! Grab that special someone, whether it's your mom, grandma, sister, aunt or daughter and join Naturalist Rae on a peaceful 3-mile round trip hike along the Kinnickinnic River.
The red trail offers a wonderful, easy-going hike on a narrow track through prairie and forested landscapes, with sneak peeks of the Kinnickinnic River down below.
Please come dressed for the weather. We recommend bringing water and good hiking boots.
This event is free, but vehicle admission into the park is required.
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