DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Explore natural and human history at our parks! / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
History In The Parks
Wisconsin’s State Park System is rooted in protecting areas for recreation and public study in conservation and nature. Tied into that is a connection to our state’s rich history. Many of our parks, forests and trails are celebrating anniversaries this year, but the geological and human history goes back much further.
Many state properties tell stories of Wisconsin’s history, from days of glaciers and prehuman habitation to locations significant to Indigenous peoples and pioneer settlements.
Visitors to park properties can learn about the ecology of the land and, at many locations, about events that happened before the property was part of the park system.
Historical markers, interpretive panels and displays, effigy mounds, nature centers, buildings, guided tours and other identifiers teach us about the places you visit. Among the history are other amenities, including recreation, camping and conservation.
While archaeological studies, deeds, newspaper articles and word-of-mouth can provide a glimpse into the past, many things at park properties remain unknown.
Start exploring Wisconsin's history through state park properties by visiting the Middle-Mississippian culture at Aztalan, pioneer reenactment villages at Heritage Hill, lighthouse tours and the Icelandic boathouse at Rock Island or the lead shot tower and smelter house at Tower Hill.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 We love seeing your photos of state parks! Submit yours to win. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
State Parks Photo Contest
If you’ve been enjoying the outdoors at Wisconsin state parks and have the photos to prove it, we’d love to see them! We might even share them with others as part of the annual Friends of Wisconsin State Parks calendar, included in the winter issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Simply gather your best images from state parks, trails, forests and recreation areas – or get out and take new ones – to enter the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks photo contest. The best photos will be included in the 2025 calendar. The deadline to submit photos using the online link is midnight on Labor Day, Sept. 2. We’re especially on the hunt for beautiful fall and winter photos, and we know they're out there!
Photos must be from amateur photographers ages 14 and over and shot within the past three years. Up to four entries per person are permitted, one from each season of the year. High-resolution (at least 300 DPI) images are required for entry. Check online for complete contest details and rules.
Property Highlight: Capital City State Trail
 Urban life meets outdoor recreation at the Capital City Trail. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
The Capital City State Trail links Madison with the Military Ridge State Trail, Badger State Trail and, eventually, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Nine miles of the trail pass through the scenic Capital Springs State Recreation Area south of Madison, between Verona Road and Industrial Drive near Nob Hill.
In the city of Madison, the Capital City Trail follows 7 miles of city bikeways from Industrial Drive near Nob Hill, under the Beltline Highway, along John Nolen Drive, past the Monona Terrace Convention Center downtown and through the east side of Madison.
A 1-mile link along Verona Road in Fitchburg connects the Capital City Trail to the Military Ridge State Trail. The Capital City Trail also connects to Madison's Southwest Path and the Badger State Trail to the Illinois border.
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
The Capital City State Trail's asphalt surface is good for bicycling, walking, jogging and in-line skating. A state trail pass is required for anyone 16 and older who bikes, skates or roller-skis on the 9 miles of the trail that go through the Capital Springs E-way south of Madison between Verona Road and Nob Hill near Industrial Drive.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Upcoming Events
Sunset Hike
Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Join our natural resources educator on a beautiful sunset hike!
Meet at the Visitor Center, but be prepared to drive to a different location for the hike.
Yoga In The Park
Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 at Devil's Lake State Park
9 – 10 a.m.
Enjoy free, gentle yoga on the South Shore Beach every Saturday morning at Devil’s Lake State Park starting the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (May 25) through the Saturday of Labor Day (Aug. 31).
Please bring your own mat if you have one. Registration is not necessary. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park.
This event will take place at the South Shore - north of Tamarack Shelter.
Bumblebee Brigade Drop-In
Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 at Mirror Lake State Park
1 – 3 p.m.
Join master naturalist Ellen right outside the park office anytime from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn about one of our local pollinators, the bumblebee! There will be various information available, as well as different hands-on activities to participate in.
Adopt A Highway
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024 at Richard Bong State Recreation Area
5 – 7 p.m.
Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot and assist with roadside clean up at the park! Be sure to dress for the weather.
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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