DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Canoe rentals are available in Wisconsin state parks on a first come, first served basis. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Boat Rentals Available At Many DNR Properties
Are you looking to try a new activity but don't know where to start? Paddling offers a unique way to connect with nature, enjoy beautiful landscapes and experience our wonderful Wisconsin waterways. Many of our concessionaires and staff offer rental equipment at state parks. Below is some important information for boat rentals.
- While equipment varies per park, most paddle craft renting locations offer kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards.
- All rentals are first come, first served, and availability is seasonal and subject to change. Contact the property for pricing and more information.
- Always wear a personal flotation device while on the water.
- Check weather conditions before heading out.
- Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
- Use water-safe sunscreen and/or protective UV clothing.
- Let someone know your paddling plans and estimated return time.
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Learn about accessible/adaptive rental equipment.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful paddle or an adventurous trip, Wisconsin state parks have the perfect paddling experience waiting for you. Share your paddling adventures with us by using #OutWiGo on social media.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Vehicle admission stickers are required at most state parks. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Save Time, Buy Online
As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, remember that vehicle admission stickers can be purchased online, giving you a head start on your trip. Vehicle admission stickers are required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas.
New this spring, state trail passes can be purchased online. The receipt can be printed and carried or downloaded to a Google or Apple digital wallet. Paper passes will not be mailed to customers for online orders.
Trail passes can also still be purchased in-person through trail pass vendors and at properties. If purchased in person, customers will receive a paper trail pass.
Big Bay State Park Is Hiring!
Are you longing to spend your summer in the great outdoors or thinking about pursuing a career in natural resources? If so, this opportunity is for you. Get outdoors, support our state parks and gain valuable work experience with the Wisconsin DNR.
The Wisconsin DNR is recruiting LTE (limited term employee) parks and recreation specialists for our Big Bay State Park in La Pointe.
This recruitment may be used to fill similar positions at Copper Falls State Park as they become available.
Position Summary
These positions are responsible for a combination of outdoor maintenance and/or groundskeeping work in addition to providing customer service for property visitors and/or campers. Parks and recreation specialists often operate machinery, such as UTVs, ATVs, chainsaws, snowmobiles, hand tools, power tools, mowers, tractors and other motorized vehicles.
Required Qualifications For Parks And Recreation Specialists:
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public
- Customer service and cash handling experience
- Knowledge, skills and experience of general maintenance operation
- Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and be punctual
- Ability to work a modified schedule with nights, weekends, holidays, etc.
For more details and information on how to apply, please visit the DNR's careers webpage.
Storm Damage and Property Conditions
Due to recent storm damage and debris on trails, portions of some properties, including linear state trails, may be temporarily unavailable for use. Please see the DNR's Property Condition Notices page for current closure information.
Property Highlight: Mirror Lake
 Mirror Lake State Park is a must-see this summer. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Mirror Lake State Park is named for its centerpiece, a lake that is often so calm that not a ripple marks its surface. The lake reflects a wooded shoreline with cliffs up to 50 feet high, a swimming beach and wetlands that are home to a variety of wildlife. The park's 2,200 acres include several picnic areas, wooded campsites and summer rentals.
Mirror Lake is slow-no-wake for the entire lake. There are two boat landings on Mirror Lake. One is located within the state park and hosts our concessions and boat rentals. The other is the town of Delton launch, which is located on Lakeview Road off State Highway 23 at the west end of the lake.
Boat, canoe and kayak rentals are available in summer from the park concession stand. There is also an adaptive kayak available through the rental program. Call the park office for more information and availability.
The beach picnic area surrounding Mirror Lake State Park's swimming beach has picnic tables and grills. The swimming beach is popular during summer (with no lifeguards on duty). There are vault toilets nearby. There is also a sand volleyball court—nets are provided but bring your own volleyball. Other amenities include a playground, drinking fountains and a reservable picnic shelter.
A designated pet picnic area is located across the road from the beach shelter. Please remember that pets are prohibited in all other areas, including the swimming beach.
There are over 19 miles of hiking trails, including a 150-foot clear-span bridge over the Mirror Lake Gorge.
Upcoming Events
Celebrate World Turtle Day
Friday, May 24, 2024 at Paradise Springs Nature Trail
4 – 6 p.m.
Celebrate World Turtle Day at Paradise Springs. Paradise Springs is teeming with native life, including many species of turtles. Join us as we search to identify various turtle species, with the occasional frog.
Beach Yoga
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
9 – 10 a.m.
Join certified yoga instructor Cherie Hart for a nature immersed and inspired session. Her calming voice and demeanor are sure to help you feel relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the day. She is sure to help you start your weekend off right.
This event is beginner friendly, and all levels and skills are welcome.
Meet at 3250 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
10 – 11 a.m.
Join us for the return of Wildflower Walks to the Southern Unit. Meet at the Forest Headquarters to find out the location of the best blooming native flowers, and then caravan behind staff who will identify plants for you. Expect muddy conditions and approximately a 15-minute drive to the location. The walk will last 45 - 60 minutes.
All walks will start at the Forest Headquarters (S91W39091 Hwy 59, Eagle, WI 53119). Participants will caravan in their own vehicles to the best blooming flowers for that week.
Lakeshore Shipwreck Sipfest
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Point Beach State Forest
Noon – 3 p.m.
The Friends of Point Beach State Forest are pleased to announce the first-ever Lakeshore Shipwreck Sipfest. Enjoy an early afternoon with local craft brew stations, wine stations, a silent auction, live music by Winter Wine and concession food. Bring a lawn chair to hang out on the beach after sampling.
This event is for people 21 years of age and older.
Local breweries include Cool City Brewing Company, Petskull, Craft Creek and Sabbatical. Wineries include Cold Country, Silarian, Duck Creek and Parallel 44. While here, view the Nature Center exhibits, including our new Shipwrecks of Rawley Point exhibit. Our recently fundraised all-terrain track chair will also be available by reservation at no cost.
Some of our silent auction items include a signed football donated by the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers tickets, gift cards and baskets donated by generous businesses. The London Dairy Alpacas will also be at Sipfest.
The Friends of Point Beach have a special beer collaboration with Cool City Brewing Company called Shipwrecks of Rawley Point IPA. This special edition brew has a commemorative map of all the shipwrecks around Rawley Point, including the Rouse Simmons, Vernon, Continental and Major Anderson. It will be available in two- and four-packs and by the can.
Wine and beer sampling tickets start at $25 for 10 tastings, plus a souvenir wine glass. A $35 ticket includes tastings, a wine glass and a two-pack of the Shipwrecks of Rawley Point IPA. A ticket purchase includes one free sample of our Shipwrecks of Rawley Point IPA. Designated driver tickets are $10.00. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of Point Beach and help with park upkeep, educational activities and universal access.
Advance tickets are available for purchase on the Friends of Point Beach State Forest Facebook page and Point Beach State Forest office. Tickets are also available for purchase at Cool City Brewing Company.
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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