DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Plan ahead and feel confident hitting the trail on your next outdoor adventure.
Create A Game Plan For Your Next Adventure
Planning is one of the biggest keys to a successful trip. Creating a game plan is vital, whether simply going out for a day or spending extended time in Wisconsin's wilderness. One or two factors can often be the difference between outdoor comfort and hardship. Remember these tips to ease the burden of trip planning and leave the worries behind!
Create A Game Plan
- Use the DNR's Find A Park webpage to research state parks and other public properties to find one that matches your interests/needs.
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Familiarize yourself with public land rules and regulations through our Recreation Rules and Permits webpage. This is a great way to feel prepared, knowledgeable and ready to explore!
- Review relevant maps to familiarize yourself with the area, including trail routes and approximate distances to destinations. Always allow more time than you think—it's a safety net for making your dinner reservation!
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Check the DNR's Property Condition Notices webpage for trail conditions and property notices, and monitor the weather.
- Know the difficulty of the routes you plan to take. The worst time to learn a hike is too challenging is when you're already halfway down the trail.
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Consider accessibility. Look at the DNR's Open Outdoors webpage or call the park you plan to visit to make sure everyone traveling with you can enjoy the experience!
Don't Forget The Essentials
- Hydration and electrolytes are a must, especially as we head into the heat and humidity of Wisconsin's summer months.
- Salty and energy-dense snacks can help keep you recreating longer and replenish the resources your body needs.
- Appropriate clothing and footwear are location, weather and activity-dependent. Make sure to plan accordingly.
- Always end your outings with a tick check.
Always plan ahead to make the most of your time outdoors, especially when adventuring in a new area. With a solid game plan, you spend less time at the property worrying about what to do next and can focus on being outdoors and living in the moment.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Many waterlines and wells were added at Point Beach State Forest.
Point Beach State Forest Campground Water Lines
The Point Beach State Forest Campground waterline and paving project included three existing wells and water systems serving 127 campsites, the shower/toilet buildings, the nature center, the ranger station, the potable water supply and the dump station.
Construction started last October and finished on May 23 of this year. Last year's work included mobilization, clearing/grubbing, replacing water lines and wells and installing water fixtures. Spring 2024 work included roadway replacement and paving, final site restoration and landscaping. The campground officially reopened on May 24, and the property had about 27 early arrivals on May 23!
Property Highlight:
Northern Highland Fishery Research Area
 Fishing Escanaba Lake helps contribute to DNR fish research.
Northern Highland Fishery Research Area
Quiet, calm and peaceful, the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area, formerly known as the Five Lakes Research Project, is one of Wisconsin's hidden gems. The calm waters of these research lakes other excellent kayaking, canoeing, hiking and fishing.
The DNR (then the Wisconsin Conservation Commission) established the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area in 1946 as a group of experimental research lakes. Located near Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, the research lakes are nestled in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, among a classic Wisconsin Northwoods landscape.
The five lakes selected for the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area include Escanaba, Nebish, Pallette, Spruce and Mystery. These lakes represent the different types of lakes and fisheries found in Wisconsin, ranging from deep, cold and clear Pallette Lake to shallow, boggy and warm Spruce Lake. The undeveloped shorelines and limited accessibility to some of the lakes have made them ideal for research and for anglers to find a peaceful area to fish.
Before fishing, all anglers are required to obtain a free permit at the DNR check-in station by Escanaba Lake and return the permit after their trip or by the end of fishing hours. Permits are required to fish the five lakes in the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area, and anglers must check out at the end of the day—this ensures accurate data collection for the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area dataset.
At check-out, staff will chat with you about your trip, collecting information such as time spent fishing, fishing methodology and targeted species. They will also record all catch-and-release and harvested fish information.
The Northern Highland Fishery Research Area also serves as a training ground for developing fisheries professionals who continue this research legacy. The Northern Highland Fishery Research Area field program of fyke netting, electrofishing, gill netting, standard limnological sampling and overall field fisheries techniques offers unique hands-on experiences for early-career professionals that may not be possible in larger-group classroom settings. Diverse research opportunities set students and young professionals on a pathway to success early in their fisheries research careers.
Upcoming Events
Hike With The Superintendent
Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit
11 a.m. – noon
Join the Pike Lake Unit’s superintendent for a 1-mile scenic hike to the observation tower. You can propose ideas for the property, make suggestions for future events, and of course, share your favorite outdoor adventures and memories!
Meet at the Nature Trail parking lot (450 Powder Hill Road).
Pothole Trail Guided Hike
Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Interstate Park
11 a.m. – noon
What did the St. Croix River look like 10,000 years ago? One million years ago? One billion years ago? Join the naturalist on a hike back in time to learn about the geology of Interstate Park and how the unique terrain and characteristics of the St. Croix Valley came to be.
Expect uneven terrain and stone stairs. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the Pothole Trailhead.
Monarch Monitoring Project
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Newport State Park
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Spend time with the park naturalist and volunteers to learn about monitoring a monarch waystation for the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.
This citizen science program can be easily done in your yard, and you'll take home some milkweed seeds for planting.
Meet at The Nature Center, Lot 1.
Solstice Pollinator Hike
Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Learn to love the bees and other exceptional pollinators, and celebrate the summer solstice by working on your pollinator identification.
Meet at the Visitor Center.
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