DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Fall is here! Visit a state forest, like the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, to take in the sights of the season.
Fall In Love With State Forests
Both state forests and state parks are dedicated to preserving natural beauty, emphasizing conservation and providing outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. State forests play an additional role in resource protection through long-term planning and sustainable management, which includes beneficial timber harvesting opportunities.
What better place to see fall color than on leaves in Wisconsin's expansive forests? Take a hike, bike, ride or paddle through these great properties to experience the season in all its colorful glory.
Be sure to check the DNR Events calendar for autumn-themed programs to enjoy.
Our state forests include:
- Black River State Forest
- Brule River State Forest
- Coulee State Forest
- Flambeau River State Forest
- Governor Knowles State Forest
- Havenwoods State Forest
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Loew Lake Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
- Kettle Moraine State Forest - Mukwonago River Unit
- Northern Highland American Legion State Forest
- Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest
- Point Beach State Forest
Learn more about Wisconsin's 17 million acres of forests, the many benefits of sustainable forest management, and the programs that showcase this valuable natural resource.
Plan your next state forest adventure using our Find a Park webpage and Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report.
Outdoor News And Announcements
 Capital Springs State Park welcomes a new trail segment.
West Waubesa Trail Ribbon Cutting
In 2011, the Waucheeta Trail connector was adopted into the Capital Springs Recreation Area Master Plan, a joint effort of Dane County and the DNR. On Oct. 17, Capital Springs State Park celebrated the completion of the West Waubesa Trail!
This mile-long segment connects the Waubesa Beach neighborhood, William G. Lunney Lake Farm Park, the Capital City Trail and the lower Yahara River Trail for bicycle and pedestrian travel.
The trail traverses scenic prairies, woodlands and wetlands along the western shore of Lake Waubesa. It is free to use and suitable for bicycles, skaters, strollers, walkers, joggers and wheelchairs. Dane County Parks will maintain it year-round.
Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library
Want to share your love of the outdoors with friends and family? Invite them to explore with you!
We've teamed up with great partners, like the Department of Public Instruction and Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, to offer the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program. Through this program, daily state park passes are available for 'check out' at many libraries across the state.
How does it work? All patrons who are library cardholders are eligible. Simply visit a participating Wisconsin public library to get a pass.
The day pass provides vehicle access to all properties within the Wisconsin State Park System, with the exception of State Trails, which require a separate State Trail Pass. Patrons may use the pass after checkout and do not need to return it.
This year, passes will be available for checkout at both public and specialized libraries throughout Wisconsin. In 2024, sixty-five new libraries, including three UW-System libraries and three technical college libraries, joined the program. The program expansion is an effort to extend access to Wisconsin's state parks to new park visitors.
Head to our Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library webpage for more info.
Upcoming Events
Spooktacular Bike & Hike
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 400 State Trail
1 – 4 p.m.
Join the Friends of the 400 State Trail for the 1st annual Spooktacular Bike & Hike in scenic Wonewoc, WI, the heart of the 400 State Trail. Bring the whole family for fall crafts, bike decorating, games, prize drawings, food and drinks. Wear your best costumes, decorate your bike and go for a hike or bike ride on the trail to discover games and trick-or-treat stations.
The event is free to attend. Anyone 16 or older who will be biking on the state trail must have a state trail pass.
In case of inclement weather, games and activities will be moved to the Wonewoc Legion Hall, 108 Center St, Wonewoc, WI 53968.
Not So Spooky Skelebration
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, Merrick State Park
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join Merrick State Park for their annual "Not So Spooky Skelebration!"
There will be a Halloween-themed nature walk, and games and food will be provided. Don't hesitate to dress up in your favorite Halloween costumes.
Watercolor Leaves Class
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, Richard Bong State Recreation Area
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Learn to use watercolors and leaves to paint and print them into colorful paintings. This class is free, but you must have a state park sticker or daily admission pass.
All materials will be provided; however, there is limited space available. Please call 262-878-5602 to register.
Recommended for ages 12 and older. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Fall Candlelight Hike
Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, Governor Nelson State Park
6 – 9 p.m.
Join us for a candlelight hike on the Woodland Trail at Governor Nelson State Park. The trail snakes through 1.2 miles of terrain, with moderate hills and uneven surfaces. About halfway through the hike, the Friends of Governor Nelson will have s'mores at the Hogan Building. The hike will conclude at the beach area around a bonfire with hot chocolate.
A vehicle admission sticker is required and can be purchased from the office on arrival.
This event is open to individuals of all abilities and ages, but pets are not allowed at the beach picnic area. No experience is necessary.
This event will happen in any weather, rain, shine or snow. Please dress accordingly.
Consider bringing a flashlight, water bottle, snacks and proper footwear.
Autumn Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, Havenwoods State Forest
1 – 7 p.m.
Join us at Havenwoods for a free, family-friendly Autumn Celebration!
Enjoy seasonal activities, drumming, candlelit walks through nature, crafts, hot cider and more as we celebrate the beauty of fall. Fun for all ages!
Schedule Of Events
Our Autumn Celebration follows along with the book The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything on a story walk through the forest.
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1 – 2:30 p.m. Animal Meet & Greet. Ever wanted to see a turtle eat? Or see a snake up close? Visit the animals as they eat their lunch.
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2 – 4 p.m. Dia de los Muertos Craft. During this program, we will learn about Día de los Muertos, the holiday to commemorate and celebrate the lives of departed loved ones and make decorations to celebrate.
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4 – 5 p.m. Learn new rhythms during the Drum Circle.
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5 – 7 p.m. Candlelight Hike with s’mores, hot cocoa, cider and a craft.
Remember to dress for the weather and wear boots in case of mud. Bring your own thermos or cup to help us stay environmentally friendly. This event is free to attend, but donations to the Friends of Havenwoods are welcome.
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 OutWiGo newsletter. To sign up for the newsletters, visit the OutWiGo webpage.
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