DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Get outside and have fun for free June 1-2. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Have Fun For Free This Weekend
Wisconsin is home to 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. For the first weekend every June, you can explore it all with state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes waived. This means DNR properties are hosting all types of fun and free events. See upcoming Free Fun events on the DNR Events Calendar.
Here's what you can expect from Free Fun Weekend.
STATE PARKS
STATE TRAILS
Looking to start the weekend early? The Friends of Blue Mound State Park are hosting their Blue Mound Trail Run June 1 at 6:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you there.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Training on Wisconsin's rail trails provides scenery and distance. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin Bike Fed
Ride Across Wisconsin
This summer, Aug. 17-18, our partners at the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation are once again hosting the Ride Across Wisconsin on several iconic state trails in its route across the state from La Crosse to Milwaukee. The annual Ride Across Wisconsin was created to promote the great riding opportunities across the state while raising funds for the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation. Both mixed-surface and all-paved route options will be offered. The mixed-surface route will include sections of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, 400 State Trail, Glacial Drumlin State Trail and Hank Aaron State Trail.
Sign up today. There are several route options so riders of many abilities can join in on the fun. A state trail pass is required for all riders ages 16 or older.
Interested in spectating or prefer to avoid the crowds? The approximate date and times riders will be on the trails are:
- Elroy-Sparta State Trail – Saturday, Aug.17, 2024 from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. As a safety precaution, trail users should avoid the trail from 6 to 10 a.m. when it will be very crowded with riders.
- 400 State Trail – Saturday, Aug.17, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Glacial Drumlin State Trail (Lake Mills to Waukesha) – Sunday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Hank Aaron State Trail – Sunday, Aug. 18 from noon to 8 p.m.
Looking for training routes? Visit our state trails to build up your endurance for RAW. Wisconsin has over 40 state trails covering more than 1,700 miles, offering endless options for training routes throughout the state.
Volunteers are also needed to help assist riders at rest stops along the routes, load bikes for transportation, check in riders and much more. To see all the volunteer opportunities, see the Ride Across Wisconsin volunteer registration page.
For more information or to sign up for the ride, see the DNR's Events Calendar.
Property Highlight: Straight Lake State Park
 A view of Straight Lake. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
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 reservable shelter are found on the south side of the park's two wild lakes. A premier segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail meanders through the park.
Straight Lake State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities. In addition, the state park is adjacent to the state wildlife area, providing nearly 3,500 contiguous acres at Straight Lake.
Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft can be carried from the parking areas to the lakes. The carry-in boat launch for Rainbow Lake is a short, 100-yard hike. The east carry-in boat launch on Straight Lake is 300 yards from the parking lot. The west carry-in boat launch on Straight Lake is 750 yards from the campground parking lot. Courtesy boat/canoe/kayak carry-in carts are available at the campground parking lot from May 1 through November. Canoes, kayaks and rowboats are not allowed to be left at the boat launches overnight.
The park is open to the public for foot traffic only. No motorized vehicles, bikes or horses are allowed. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds through the middle of the park along the Straight River and Straight Lake. There are about 8.5 miles of trail at the park.
Check out the Rainbow Lake Trail. It is a challenging 1-mile loop trail providing excellent views of Rainbow Lake and the surrounding landscape. The trail starts at the picnic area parking lot and can be used to connect to the Ice Age Trail and the Glacial Trail. The trail has a natural surface with steep terrain.
Straight Lake State Park also offers an accessible campsite and an accessible fishing pier.
Upcoming Events
Campfire With The Forest Staff
Friday, May 31, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Come and meet some members of the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit staff and learn what it is like working for the Department of Natural Resources and the Northern Unit. We will have s'mores-making materials for you to enjoy, along with equipment used by our Rangers.
All are welcome to join us for this fun-filled event.
*A state park sticker or daily pass is required for parking.
Address:
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area – Mauthe Lake Shelter
N1490 Co Rd GGG, Campbellsport, WI 53010
Learn to Fly Fish Session 1: Tie One Up
Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Wildcat Mountain State Park
9 – 11 a.m.
Angling Skills Instructor Trainer and long-time fly fisher John Carrier will help you experience the basics of tying your own flies.
“There are few things as satisfying as tying up a fly that actually catches fish,” Carrier says.
Each participant will learn what trout are looking for and how to tie a fly that stimulates a bite. You will get hands-on experience in fly tying and go home with at least two flies that you can use. Equipment and materials are offered free of charge.
Come early. We will start and end right on time.
Location: Lower picnic area
This and the Fly Casting workshops are pre-requisites to A Coached Fly Fishing Experience.
This event is best for ages 16 and up. A parent or guardian must accompany participants younger than 16.
Discovery Day
Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join the Friends of Pike Lake as they celebrate the beginning of summer during the Wisconsin DNR’s Free Fun Weekend. There will be plenty of activities to choose from, including archery, crafts, educational animal pelts, fishing, live animals, telescopes and much more. This event is sure to be fun for all ages, so don’t miss it.
Please meet at the Amphitheater (3250 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53027)
Bike Week Commuter Station
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Military Ridge State Trail
3 – 5 p.m.
Take a break by the trailhead kiosk just south of Cottonwood Drive in Fitchburg for some ice-cold lemonade and healthy snacks to keep you pedaling toward your destination.
We will have state trail maps, information and cool giveaways available. You can also purchase a state trail pass while you're there.
This event is hosted by the Wisconsin DNR and Friends of Military Ridge State Trail.
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