DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is breathtaking this centennial winter. / Photo Credit: Carly Lapin
Celebrate Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest's Centennial
The 2025 celebrations just keep coming! In addition to the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (NHAL) is celebrating 100 years of forest stewardship. NHAL even provided the 2024 Governor's Executive Residence Holiday Tree.
With over 236,000 acres and more than 900 lakes within its boundaries, NHAL provides wonderfully scenic opportunities for many types of outdoor recreation. From remote campsites accessible only by boat, to developed family and group campgrounds, beaches, boat launches and trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The forest is spread across three counties near the towns of Woodruff, Minocqua and Boulder Junction.
During the NHAL's 2025 centennial, we celebrate 100 years of managing this natural treasure for recreation, education and sustainable forestry, ensuring its legacy for generations to come. Help honor this historic occasion by getting involved and visiting the property this year.
Here are just a few ways you can get in on the fun:
For those looking to work in the Wisconsin State Park System and its fantastic properties like NHAL State Forest, visit Wisc.Jobs and search "Parks."
Share Your Wedding And Special Occasion Photos From Wisconsin State Park System Properties
We’re collecting photos of weddings, engagements and other special moments held in Wisconsin's state parks, forests and recreation areas to help us celebrate our State Park System's 125th anniversary in 2025.
We'll review the submissions and select photos to publish in the summer issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Share your Wisconsin State Park wedding photos with us through this submittal form.
 Sign up to support Wisconsin trees and forest health.
Get Outdoors And Support Trees This Spring
Want to get fit for spring and need a goal to work toward? Now is the time to sign up for Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K! This flexible run event does not have any specific location and can be done on your own or with friends anywhere and anytime between April 19 and 27.
We encourage you to choose Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, Recreation Areas and Trails to run, walk or roll the distance. Proceeds support tree planting and forest protection in the state you represent. Registration is encouraged by April 1. This popular event has recently expanded to 13 states, thanks to Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee joining the effort.
When registering, select to represent Wisconsin in this friendly competition as states rally together for the cause! (Be sure to mention this to your out-of-state family and friends so they can sign up, too.)
Register today and get ready to create happy moments on the trail. As a participant in this virtual event, you'll pick the pace and location any time between April 19 and 27, the week of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Don't wait to sign up – race packets start shipping March 1. Registration is $36 and includes your keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, finisher’s medal, commemorative bib number and shipping.
Sign up now for Wisconsin on their race registration website.
Upcoming Events
Snowshoe Candlelight Hike
Friday, Feb. 21, MacKenzie Center
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a night on the trails. The illuminated path will begin at the Lodge and include a campfire. Please park in the Lodge parking lot and dress for the weather. Drop in any time between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. This is a night hike with limited lighting, so please plan accordingly.
If there is no snow, snowshoes will not be available.
Winter Wonderland Quest
Saturday, Feb. 22, Willow River State Park
1 – 3 p.m.
Bundle up and bring the family out to the park for a fun-filled winter scavenger hunt. Follow our checklist-style scavenger hunt to spot winter wonders or take on the challenge of solving riddles along the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. After your adventure, return to the nature center to claim a participation prize. Be sure to dress warmly and bring water, waterproof boots and cozy layers for a memorable day of winter exploration.
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center. Vehicle admission into the park is required. All outdoor events are weather-dependent.
This event costs $5 per person or $10 per family (cash or card) in support of our nonprofit's mission. Events are free to Friends members. Become a member.
Hike With A Ranger
Saturday, Feb. 22, Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit
2 – 3 p.m.
Join the Pike Lake Unit's Ranger on a leisurely hike along the red trail. You can propose ideas for the property, suggest future events and, of course, share your favorite outdoor adventures and memories.
Meet at the South Shelter.
Candlelight Hike & Snowshoe
Saturday, Feb. 22, Hartman Creek State Park
5 – 8 p.m.
Join us for an evening of candlelit adventure during our annual snowshoe and hike event, co-sponsored by the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park.
More than 500 luminaries will light the trails in the park. Once you finish your hike, stop by the warming fires for hot chocolate, smores and a game of Hammerschlagen.
The trailhead starts at the Hartman Lake Shelter, and vehicle admission passes are required. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times.
Candlelight Hike Or Snowshoe And Winter Bonfire
Saturday, Feb. 22, New Glarus Woods State Park
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Join the Friends of the New Glarus Woods for a short hike through the woods, lighted by luminaria, followed by s’mores and cider around a campfire.
The hike will follow the Basswood Nature Trail, a wide trail over moderate uphill and downhill terrain, approximately .4 miles in length. A vault toilet (non-flush) is available close to the park shelter.
Plan: Meet at the park shelter. Parking is available on the east side of the park, north of the entrance station. Do not park in the area adjacent to the shelter on Cty Road NN.
Please leave pets at home. The event will take place regardless of whether there is snow.
Consider bringing snowshoes, warm clothing, hats and gloves.
Barrens Trail Hike
Tuesday, Feb. 25, Buckhorn State Park
1 – 2 p.m.
Join us on the Barrens Trail, a fairly flat surface with minor grade changes and curves. This 1.5-mile looped trail goes through woods and barrens and will take about an hour.
A flush toilet and frost-free water spigot are available at the park office.
Plan: Meet at the Barrens Trail parking, one mile south of the park office. A vehicle admission pass is required for entry and can be purchased online or at the Park Office upon arrival. One All-Terrain Wheelchair is available for use at this event, and can be reserved in advance. If there is enough snow, snowshoes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This event is recommended for all abilities and ages; please leave pets at home. This event will happen in any weather, rain or shine. Dress according to the weather and bring a water bottle, snacks, winter clothing and snowshoes if there is enough snow.
Horicon Marsh Nest Box Seminar
Saturday, March 1, Horicon Marsh Education Center
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Interested in birdhouses but don't know where to begin? Wondering what you can do to help cavity-nesting animals? Stop by Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center to bolster your nesting knowledge.
Throughout the day, speakers will discuss popular nest boxes, such as bluebirds and wood ducks. This year, we will feature Danielle Bell, who will discuss how to provide habitat and food by incorporating native plants. Come for a specific topic or stay for all three. Whatever you choose, these presentations will cover many topics to "brood" about for this upcoming nest season!
Doors will open at 8 a.m. so that early birds can peruse displays on cavity-nesting birds, talk with DNR experts about attracting birds to their yards or purchase their own nesting boxes.
4th Annual Women's Habitat Workday
Sunday, March 2, Hook Lake Wildlife Area
1 – 5 p.m.
Wisconsin Pheasants Forever is excited to partner again with the Wisconsin DNR for the 4th annual women's habitat work event. Join us at Hook Lake for a great opportunity to learn about small engines, herbicide use and other habitat-management techniques in grasslands and oak woodlands in a supportive environment, or to simply have a great time improving public lands habitat with a group of hardworking women.
We will have some snacks and drinks at an on-site, indoor location for some post-event networking and conservation conversations.
We welcome women, female-identifying and non-binary people to join us.
Registration in advance is preferred but not required.
Event location:
Hook Lake Wildlife Area
4564 Rutland Dunn Town Line Rd.
Oregon, WI 53575
Find more events at properties near you on the DNR events calendar.
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