DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Thanks to a variety of online resources, getting to Wisconsin's state parks has never been easier. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Getting To Wisconsin's State Parks
Hi there, seasoned explorers and first-time visitors! We're thrilled to guide you to our state's natural wonders. Getting to Wisconsin's state parks has never been easier.
To find your next adventure, follow these steps:
- Head to our Find a Park webpage.
- Use the filters on the left side, look around the map or scroll through the park tiles below the map to find the right property for your visit. You can also search for a particular park using the search field in the top right corner of the map.
- Each individual park webpage features an "Info" and "Maps" section.
- If a park has any specialized direction is needed to reach it, find this in the "Info" section. There are hyperlinks to the addresses of many properties, making directions one click away.
- The Maps webpages contain various resources of the parks' roads, facilities, parking and stand-out sites.
These state park webpages can also be reached though general internet search engines by searching for the park name along with "WI DNR."
Want to know about possible closed roads and trails before you arrive? Check out the Property Condition Notices webpage.
Our Parks webpage also includes information on fees, detailing vehicle admission sticker options and requirements. Once you are at the park with your admission, you may find endless trails to hike, shimmering lakes to paddle and breathtaking views all around.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 This water exhibit is a must see! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Great Lakes Small Streams
Visit Whitefish Dunes State Park to see the Great Lakes Small Streams exhibit hosted there until June 20, 2024. This 16-panel traveling exhibit from the Wisconsin Historical Society explores how important water is to Wisconsin – especially Lake Michigan and our rivers and streams. It covers topics like geological and ecological history, Native American and European uses of Wisconsin waterways and how the people and water have shaped each other.
This exhibit complements Whitefish Dunes State Park’s resources and history and is a great way to showcase some of the ways the park's landscape has become so significant over the millennia.
Find more information on the exhibit on the Wisconsin Historical Society's website along with the exhibit's panels.
Property Highlight: Mill Bluff State Park
 Mill Bluff State Park makes visitors work for the view. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Head to Mill Bluff State Park, part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve for spectacular view of picturesque rock formations. Additionally, the park offers campsites, picnic areas, a shelter, hiking trails and a swimming pond.
There are more than two miles of hiking trails at Mill Bluff with great views of the park's mesas, buttes and pinnacles. Pets are permitted on the hiking trails and in campsites when on an 8-foot leash.
About a mile north of Interstate 90/94 on Funnel Road is Camel's Bluff Trail, a 1.25-mile hiking trail loop. A 223-step stone staircase, built in the 1930s by the Work Progress Administration, leads to an observation deck atop the bluff, providing an excellent view of the park, nearby Camp Douglas and the surrounding area. A small parking lot is available.
The nature trail begins at the far end of the east picnic area. This 0.4-mile trail is self-guiding, offering hikers will learn about wildlife, trees, wildflowers and geology. Part of this trail is accessible for people with disabilities. A historical marker describes the geological features of the area. Pets are not permitted on the nature trail.
There are no bike trails at the park, but you can reach Juneau County's 15-mile Omaha Bike Trail from the park via County Highway W to County Highway C into Camp Douglas. The Omaha Bike Trail also connects to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and 400 State Trail in Elroy.
Mill Bluff State Park has two picnic areas, east and west of Funnel Road. Each area has a shelter, picnic tables, grills, water, toilets and parking. Pets are not permitted in the picnic areas.
Take a swim at the pond, which has 2.5 acres of clear, cool water from underground springs and 250 feet of white sand beach, all open for public swimming. Changing stalls are available.
Remember, don't swim alone or at night. Lifeguards are not provided at any time. No fishing or pets are allowed in the pond.
Upcoming Events
Window To The Universe
Friday, June 14, 2024 at Harrington Beach State Park
9 – 11 p.m.
Learn about and view the universe you call home with the Northern Cross Science Foundation! The provided telescopes and educators are sure to excite you and leave you even more curious.
Be sure to bring your questions and your bug spray.
Meet at Puckett's Pond Picnic Area. Park admission is required.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Mirror Lake State Park
10 a.m. – noon
Join the naturalist at the Echo Rock trailhead at the top of the boat landing parking lot to explore the wildflowers that are native to Wisconsin and have homes inside the park!
The stroll will be around 1.5 miles.
Reed Canary Grass-A-Thon
Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
9 a.m. – noon
Spruce Lake Bog State Natural Area is one of the southernmost bogs in Wisconsin. The site is rich in plants more characteristic of northern Wisconsin sphagnum bogs. It was designated a state natural area in 1968. It contains a variety of sedges, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and there is a boardwalk that leads to the 35-acre lake.
For many years, reed canary grass has been spreading into the bog. After four years of volunteer efforts, we are seeing a return of many more orchids, ferns and other unique plants along the boardwalk.
Please contact Connie Ramthun, Friends of the Kettle Moraine Invasives Coordinator, at ConnieRamthun@gmail.com or 920-533-8939 with any questions.
Meet at the Spruce Lake Bog parking lot on Airport Road.
829 Airport Rd., Campbellsport, WI 53010
Summer Solstice Hike
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Lakeshore State Park
7 – 8 p.m.
The summer solstice occurs when the earth’s tilt towards the sun is at a maximum. It is also a time of new beginnings, signaling the changing of seasons.
Soak up the views of emerging prairie on a hike through the park to reflex and relax in nature.
All ages and abilities welcome! No reservations necessary. Meet at the park’s north entrance, near Discovery World.
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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