DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 The NHFRA offers camping opportunities off the beaten path. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Unique Camping Experiences Await At Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest And Northern Highland Fishery Research Area
Few locations in Wisconsin can boast so many lakes with so many campsites. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (NHAL) and the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area (NHFRA) are camping paradises. This area is perfect for multi-species anglers and quiet water kayakers who appreciate crystal-clear waters and nightly loon calls.
The NHAL provides modern, rustic, group and primitive camping opportunities. Due to the property's large size and numerous campgrounds, this is truly a multi-trip experience. Variety and quantity are strengths of the NHAL campgrounds, each one different from the next, providing a new flavor of adventure.
As for modern sites, the NHAL has four modern family campgrounds. Crystal Lake, Musky Lake, Firefly Lake and Clear Lake campgrounds have a total of 355 sites. These campgrounds have paved roadways, flush toilets and showers but no electrical hookups. Generator use is allowed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when occupants are present at their campsite. There are also hand-pumped water and vault toilets throughout these campgrounds. Clear Lake and Crystal Lake campgrounds have dump stations.
If quiet and simple amenities are appealing, explore the many rustic lake campgrounds in the forest. Detailed profiles about each campground can be found through our property profiles. In summary, the NHAL offers a unique opportunity to choose campgrounds that truly your interest and preference.
Looking for more camping exclusivity in the area? Looking to fish research lakes that track your catches for science? The Northern Highland Fishery Research Area (NHFRA) is the place for you.
The five lakes selected for the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area include Escanaba, Nebish, Pallette, Spruce and Mystery lakes. The undeveloped shorelines and limited accessibility make these areas unique for fishing and camping, lending themselves to the primitive camping adventurer.
Reminder – all anglers must check in at Escanaba Lake Check Station and obtain their free permit before fishing. Here are a few secret tips:
- The camping on Nebish Lake is known for amazing stargazing, and gorgeous autumn colors.
- Camping Pallette Lake is even more exclusive and does not take reservations and is one-night only.
- Most sites in the NHFRA will require a hike in or can only be accessed by boat.
Look through the mapped locations on the Wisconsin State Parks Reservation System and find more information at Northern Highland Fishery Research Area website!
Outdoor News And Announcements
Two Creeks Buried Forest SNA
An important but little-known site in the history of science was in the news recently. The site along Lake Michigan, near the Kewaunee-Manitowoc county line, was for a time a kind of geologic Rosetta Stone.
Ancient, buried wood at the Two Creeks Buried Forest became renowned in the 1950s-1960s as the best place in North America to approximate the age of a late stage of the Ice Age.
Two Creeks Buried Forest is today a State Natural Area (SNA) and one of nine units of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. Find out more about the National Scientific Reserve on our Ice Age National Scientific Reserve page. There are no developed trails at Two Creeks Buried Forest. If you visit, note that collecting any natural material is prohibited except by a scientific research permit.
Read the recent article about the Two Creeks Buried Forest by the Herald Times Reporter.
Property Highlight: Harrington Beach State Park
 Harrington Beach sits along our Midwesterner's ocean, and feels even better without the salty residue. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Harrington Beach State Park has more than a mile of beach along Lake Michigan. This 715-acre park also features a white cedar and hardwood swamp, old field grasslands with restored wetland ponds and a scenic limestone quarry lake. Camp, sunbathe, picnic, hike, bird watch, fish or practice astronomy at one of the observatory's monthly public viewings.
Harrington Beach State Park offers several accessible opportunities including an accessible cabin, an accessible campsite, accessible picnic shelters, a universal playground and a paved path to the beach. Also, the park has a beach wheelchair available that can be checked out at no charge. Call the property for more information on the beach wheelchair or visit the Accessible Recreation webpage.
Check out the 1-mile hiking trail that circles Quarry Lake. The deep, serene waters of the 26-acre lake are surrounded by limestone ledges lined with white cedar trees. This trail is one of the highlights of the park. The trail is considered universally accessible with its crushed limestone surface and flat terrain. The trail also features an accessible fishing pier. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter. Bikes are not allowed on the Quarry Lake Trail.
Two open shelters at Harrington Beach State Park can be reserved for group activities. Reserve a shelter online through our online reservation system. In addition, the Ansay Welcome Center can be reserved by contacting the park office. For more information, see the Friends of Harrington Beach website.
Upcoming Events
Fish Fry & Live Music
Friday, July 19, 2024 at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
4:30 – 8 p.m.
Join the Friends of Pike Lake for the perfect Wisconsin evening: a hot fish fry, live music and a great view! The food will be cooked on-site by Uncle Larry’s Kitchen for $15/plate from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Entertainment for the evening courtesy of local musicians Jamie & Laurie Biermann (Bella Musik) from 6-8 p.m. For a sweet end to the night, the Friends of Pike Lake will have ice cream available for purchase. This is an event you won't want to miss!
Meet at the Amphitheater (3250 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53027).
Hike With a Naturalist - Pine Cliff Trail
Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Governor Dodge State Park
9 – 11 a.m.
Join a naturalist for a 1.5-mile guided hike on the Pine Cliff Trail to learn about the natural wonders of Governor Dodge State Park. Sturdy shoes or boots, water, sunscreen and bug spray are all highly recommended.
Meet at the Enee Point Picnic Area.
Shakespeare In The State Parks: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Roche-A-Cri State Park
1 – 4:30 p.m.
Kings, queens, fairies, lovers and sprites all collide in an enchanted forest one midsummer night, proving that “the course of true love never did run smooth.” One of Shakespeare's most popular comedies takes us on a beguiling odyssey full of mistaken identities, misguided passions, love potions and magic spells.
The Summit Players Theater is a traveling theatre company that presents free, accessible Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences at Wisconsin state parks.
The workshop is at 1 p.m., recommended for ages 8 and up. The show is at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Picnic Shelter
Bring a blanket or chairs!
Performances are free. Vehicle admission is required.
Trails of Newport Challenge Hikes
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Newport State Park
9 – 10 a.m.
Join the park naturalist on this weekly hike. All are welcome to participate, enjoying the health benefits of hiking and you’re encouraged to hike at your own pace. This week’s hike will be Newport/Ridge Trail (east), a moderate 3-mile loop. Meet at Lot 3.
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.
|
