DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
See The Outdoors In A Different Light With Fall Candlelight Events
Crisp night air and warm candlelight glows go hand in hand. This fall, get excited for numerous candlelight hikes and fall festivals at our Wisconsin properties. At each event, you may find additional activities such as bonfires and pumpkin carving, with plenty offering food and beverage refreshments for purchase. Explore with family, meet new friends and see the outdoors in a different light.
A few upcoming candlelight events include:
Fall Harvest Festival – Saturday. Sept. 28
3 – 8 p.m.
Wyalusing State Park
The Fall Harvest Festival starts off at 3 p.m. with carving pumpkins at the Peterson Shelter, followed by a short pumpkin candlelight hike and live music.
Fall Candlelight Hike – Saturday, Oct. 12
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
Listen to the autumn night sounds as you enjoy a self-guided walk on torch-lit trails. After your hike, enjoy entertainment and activities for all ages around the campfire.
Start and finish at the indoor shelter above parking lot P7.
Candlelight Walk – Saturday, Oct. 12
6 – 8 p.m.
Council Grounds State Park
Join us for a fall candlelight walk on the Big Pines Trail.
The walk begins and ends at the beach parking lot. Small lights will illuminate your way on the trail that winds through woods with some hills and boardwalks. There is also a segment of the boat landing loop road closed off for the walk to accommodate those who wish to walk on a paved surface. The walk is about one mile and will take about 20 to 30 minutes. The Friends of Council Grounds will have warming fires at the beach shelter area for gathering with friends.
Consider bringing a flashlight and s'more's fixings.
Candlelight Hike – Saturday, Oct. 19
6 – 8 p.m.
Copper Falls State Park
Stroll a one-mile illuminated loop of the Red Granite Trail and stay for more family-friendly fun. Special guests, wildlife educator Chris Cold and his owl will be there to share their wisdom.
Gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows, experience the friendly Dancing Witches and enjoy a lovely fall evening. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Halloween Candlelight Mystery Hike – Saturday, Oct. 19
6 – 8 p.m.
Mirror Lake State Park
Meet us at the Picnic Area for our family-friendly mystery hike. From there, follow the torch-lit trail and look for clues to help us solve the mystery of our guest, who is with Park Naturalist Meghan at the Discovery Station. After you solve the mystery, join us around the bonfires and enjoy some goodies and hot chocolate offered by the Friends of Mirror Lake. The event is free. A valid Wisconsin State Park admission pass is required on all vehicles. Passes can be purchased that day online or at the park office when you arrive.
A full list of fall candlelight hikes can be found on the DNR's Events Calendar.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Vote for next year's T-shirt design. / Photo Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Run For The Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
The Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K returns for 2025! Now you can help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources choose the 2025 T-shirt design. Please take a moment to vote for your favorite and be a part of history. The winning design will be revealed in early October. Visit the Run for the Trees website to vote.
Know Before You Go
Get a jump on weather conditions! Online, we provide information about current conditions that may impact visitor experiences across the state. Please see the DNR's property condition notices page for up-to-date information.
Upcoming Events
Campfire With The Forest Staff
Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Come and meet some of the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit staff and ask them what it is like working for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Northern Unit. We will have s'mores-making materials for you to enjoy, along with equipment used by our rangers.
All are welcome to join us for this fun-filled event.
A vehicle admission sticker or daily pass is required for parking.
Meet at the Mauthe Lake Shelter (N1490 Co Rd GGG, Campbellsport, WI 53010).
Roche-A-Cri Fall Fest
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, Roche-A-Cri State Park
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join the Friends of Roche-A-Cri to celebrate fall at the park. Enjoy a horse-drawn hayride around the park, play some fall games at the park office picnic area, make s'mores by the fire, learn about local wildlife and more.
Free admission day. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
The road will be closed to vehicles during the event for the hayrides. Parking is available at the office and just inside the entrance or at the winter lot for hiking.
Fall Colors Hike
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, Interstate Park
12:30 – 2 p.m.
Join the naturalist on a hike around the lake and over the river bluffs. We will learn why leaves change colors and take some moments of mindfulness while taking in the beauty of the St. Croix. We will meet at the beach house at 12:30 p.m. Expect about one and a half miles of hiking with some elevation and uneven terrain.
Dress appropriately for weather and bugs.
All ages are welcome.
Discovery Bird Walk
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, Kohler-Andrae State Park
8 – 10 a.m.
Meet Master Naturalists Janet and Andy Raddatz to observe birds and nature in the park. Walks may take 2 to 3 hours depending on what is seen. Participants can leave at any time. Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.
Bring insect repellant, sunscreen and binoculars. Age 12 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets, please. Bird walks meet weekly.
Meet at the Black River Trail parking lot P1.
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.
|
