DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Fall brings many benefits for campers. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Plan Your Fall Camping Trip
Fall is a wonderful time in Wisconsin: temperatures taper off and summer crowds simmer down as fall colors repaint the landscape. What better time to reserve a campsite at a park or forest!
Reservations can be made through our online reservation system. Here you select your reservation type from campsites, group sites, equestrian sites, yurts, boat-in and backpack. There are even marina and moorage options. After the initial reservation type selection, it is a simple as selecting a location, timeframe, party size and equipment type (tents, trailers, etc.) and off you go.
Tips For Fall Camping:
- Consider regional fall colors by viewing Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report.
- Be mindful of lower temperatures and wet weather.
- Plan for a hike with a view over the turning leaves.
- Go fishing and enjoy the open water.
- Stargaze on clear cool nights.
- Watch for wildlife preparing for winter.
- Gather around the campfire.
- Forage for seasonal items.
- Read a book.
- Attend a fall event.
There is something for everyone! Consider visiting a new property to explore the fall beauty.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 ATVs and UTVs are popular on many of our trails. Always wear a seatbelt and helmet, stay sober and follow posted stop and speed limit signs. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Pecatonica State Trail 50th Anniversary
In October 1974, the Natural Resources Board of the state of Wisconsin approved a resolution to establish the Calamine-Platteville State Park Trail, renamed in 1978 as the Pecatonica State Trail, and authorize the DNR to assume ownership of the trail.
Now the Pecatonica is cooperatively managed by the DNR and Tri-County Trail Commission. The Pecatonica passes through beautiful unglaciated landscapes and is an invaluable asset to Wisconsin recreation. Now the Pecatonica State Trail celebrates its 50th anniversary with an event this Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. This is one of many property anniversaries this year. Watch our events calendar and news for more coming up.
Pecatonica State Trail 50th Anniversary
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, Pecatonica State Trail
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The DNR and our partners invite you to the Tri-County ATV Club Fall Ride to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Pecatonica State Trail. The route for the ride is to be determined on the day of the event. If it is raining, it will most likely be a road route ride and not a trail ride.
There is a $10 registration fee that covers the cost of sack lunch provided by Tri-County ATV Club. Meet at the Cheese Country trailhead parking area in Calamine.
Schedule of events:
9:30 –11 a.m. – Fall Ride Registration
11 a.m. – Ride Start Time With Opening Remarks By The DNR
4 – 7 p.m. – Live Music And Raffle Drawing
Property Highlight: Council Grounds State Park
 Check out the lake life at Council Grounds. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
Located along the beautiful Wisconsin River near the site of Native American encampments, Council Grounds State Park is a favorite for water enthusiasts. The park offers many recreational opportunities, including family and group campsites, wooded trails, a beach area and an accessible fishing pier. A boat landing offers access to Lake Alexander and the Wisconsin River.
A large picnic area is near the beach on Lake Alexander. There are also picnic areas near the Big Pines Nature Trail and the shelter building.
The enclosed log shelter at Council Grounds is available to rent.
Council Grounds State Park offers accessible opportunities including accessible campsites, an accessible fishing pier and accessible picnic shelters. Also, the park has an adaptive kayak available through its rental program. Call the property for more information on the adaptive kayak.
A dam on the Wisconsin River at Council Grounds forms Lake Alexander. Boating and water skiing are popular on the lake. The park has a boat landing near the accessible fishing pier and beach.
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available at the park office. There is an adaptive kayak available through the rental program.
A rack for visitors to store their paddle watercraft during their stay is available near the lower portage below the dam. Paddlers traveling the Great Pineries Heritage Waterway and paddlers already camping in the park will find that the family campground is a short 1/4-mile walk from the portage.
Upcoming Events
Fish Fry & Live Music
Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join the Friends of Pike Lake for the perfect Wisconsin evening, hot fish fry, live music and a great view. The food will be cooked onsite by Uncle Larry’s Kitchen for $15 a plate from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Entertainment for the evening is courtesy of local musician Jesus Villa, playing from 5:30 to 7:30 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 out on.
Meet at the Amphitheater, 3250 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 5302
Backyard Nature Expo
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, Mirror Lake State Park
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Join the newly trained master naturalists as they share what they learned during their training through exciting interactive stations and hands-on activities.
The event is free and open to the public, but a valid state park sticker is required.
The event will be held down at the beach shelter.
Monarch Tagging
Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, Devil's Lake State Park
1 – 3 p.m.
Monarch butterflies are starting to migrate south for the winter, and it’s the perfect time for us to capture them, tag them and record our results with MonarchWatch.org. This program is also part of the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend.
We will provide the nets and monarch tags. This program is great for all ages.
Meet at the Steinke Basin parking lot.
Beer And Bonfire Night With Friends Of Lakeshore State Park
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, Lakeshore State Park
5 – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the end of summer at Lakeshore State Park! This month, the Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile program will join us to host open paddling.
Participants will be with an experienced canoe captain and can expect to be out on the water for 20 to 30 minutes. This will be a first-come, first-served activity, and a rotating fleet of canoes will be out, so show up anytime.
After your paddle, enjoy a s’more and some yard games at the bonfire.
Meet at Pebble Beach; all ages and abilities are welcome.
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